Patents by Inventor Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
Sandra J. Shirk/Heath has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20180123294Abstract: A cable, system, and method for cooling a semiconductor chip on an active cable. The active cable includes a heat sink that is thermally coupled to the semiconductor chip and movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The heat sink is in the retracted position when the active cable is not installed in a card connector in a computer case. After the active cable is installed in the card connector, the heat sink is urged to the extended position in which the heat sink is exposed to air flow circulation within the computer case.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Tyler JANDT, Phillip V. MANN, Mark D. PLUCINSKI, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
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Patent number: 9954338Abstract: A method and system for a dynamic keying system is disclosed. The method and system can include a male connector device having a first plurality of settings for one or more key features, and a female connector device having a second plurality of settings for one or more key features. The female connector device can be configured to operate in an initial mode in which it is configured to, in response to the introduction of the male connector device, correspond a first setting of the first plurality of settings to a second setting of the second plurality of settings. The female connector device can also be configured to operate in a subsequent mode, in which it can permit coupling with at least one male connector device having the first setting and consistently deny access to at least one male connector device having a third setting different than the first setting.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Arvind K. Sinha
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Publication number: 20180097330Abstract: A method and system for a dynamic keying system is disclosed. The method and system can include a male connector device having a first plurality of settings for one or more key features, and a female connector device having a second plurality of settings for one or more key features. The female connector device can be configured to operate in an initial mode in which it is configured to, in response to the introduction of the male connector device, correspond a first setting of the first plurality of settings to a second setting of the second plurality of settings. The female connector device can also be configured to operate in a subsequent mode, in which it can permit coupling with at least one male connector device having the first setting and consistently deny access to at least one male connector device having a third setting different than the first setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Arvind K. Sinha
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Publication number: 20180097329Abstract: A method and system for a dynamic keying system is disclosed. The method and system can include a male connector device having a first plurality of settings for one or more key features, and a female connector device having a second plurality of settings for one or more key features. The female connector device can be configured to operate in an initial mode in which it is configured to, in response to the introduction of the male connector device, correspond a first setting of the first plurality of settings to a second setting of the second plurality of settings. The female connector device can also be configured to operate in a subsequent mode, in which it can permit coupling with at least one male connector device having the first setting and consistently deny access to at least one male connector device having a third setting different than the first setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Arvind K. Sinha
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Patent number: 9929485Abstract: Disclosed aspects include an apparatus having a card edge connector which has first and second positions. The apparatus may include a set of contacts to connect with a set of card edges in the second position. To adjust the set of contacts between the first position and the second position, the apparatus may include a set of electroactive polymers. Disclosed aspects include card edge connector management. It may be detected that a card edge connector is in a first position. A request for the card edge connector to be in a second position can be received. It is determined to adjust the card edge connector. The card edge connector is adjusted using a set of electroactive polymers. In embodiments, such adjustment can include introducing a voltage which causes the set of electroactive polymers to adjust a set of contacts between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Patent number: 9907185Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, an electronic component assembly may be provided. The electronic component assembly may include an electronic component body. The electronic component assembly may also include one or more elastic members affixed to the electronic component body. The electronic component assembly may also include a catch mechanism affixed to each elastic member adapted to allow insertion of the elastic member and the catch mechanism through a hole of a circuit board in an extended position, and upon release from the extended position, hold the electronic component body in a fixed position by the tension of the elastic member and the catch mechanism grasping an edge of a surface of the circuit board opposite a surface upon which the electronic component body rests.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Arvind K. Sinha
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Patent number: 9859666Abstract: A cable connector is provided. The cable connector includes a housing with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured for insertion into a data port of a computer chassis. The proximal end is configured to receive at least one data cable. The cable connector includes a pull tab comprising an optically transparent material. The pull tab includes a body with a distal end connected to the housing and a proximal end extending past the proximal end of the housing. The pull tab includes a shank protruding from the body. The shank includes a polished surface aligned with a light output of the computer chassis when the distal end of the housing is inserted into the data port such that light from the light output enters the shank through the polished surface and is distributed through the transparent material to illuminate the pull tab.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Patent number: 9851710Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Patent number: 9853375Abstract: A pin attach converter for coupling an electrical contact to a printed circuit board may include a compliant region having a first length adapted to traverse an aperture in a printed circuit board and provide mechanical and electrical registry with at least one wall of the aperture. The pin attach converter may also include an adapter region coupled to the compliant region, and having a cavity with a second length and adapted to receive the electrical contact, where the second length extends along a same longitudinal axis as the first length, and the cavity is adapted to provide mechanical and electrical registry with the electrical contact.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Arvind K. Sinha
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Patent number: 9843152Abstract: A method and system for a dynamic keying system is disclosed. The method and system can include a male connector device having a first plurality of settings for one or more key features, and a female connector device having a second plurality of settings for one or more key features. The female connector device can be configured to operate in an initial mode in which it is configured to, in response to the introduction of the male connector device, correspond a first setting of the first plurality of settings to a second setting of the second plurality of settings. The female connector device can also be configured to operate in a subsequent mode, in which it can permit coupling with at least one male connector device having the first setting and consistently deny access to at least one male connector device having a third setting different than the first setting.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Arvind K. Sinha
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Patent number: 9740192Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20170222365Abstract: A cable seating indication and retention system includes a cable connected to a latch that may be positioned in an engaged position or a disengaged position by a user manipulating a handling tab. To seat the cable to an electronic system, the handling tab is manipulated to position the latch in the disengaged position so that the cable may be seated to the electronic system. Once the cable is initially seated, the handling tab may be manipulated to position the latch in the engaged position to engage and retain the latch to a connector shell of the electronic system. The relative location of the handling tab, whether it be manipulated to position the latch in the engaged position or the disengaged position, provides a visible indication to a user whether the cable is properly seated.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2016Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Patent number: 9686885Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing enhanced rack design to improve component and cable access in a computer system. A server rack includes a side rack cable access area. An elongated bracket member includes multiple openings for receiving cable ties. The cables ties are used to secure predefined cables. The elongated bracket member is unlatched from an inside wall of the rack. The elongated bracket member together with the secured system cables is pivoted away from customer cables.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Meher A. Bharucha, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20170170595Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Patent number: 9681575Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing enhanced rack design to improve component and cable access in a computer system. A server rack includes a side rack cable access area. An elongated bracket member includes multiple openings for receiving cable ties. The cables ties are used to secure predefined cables. The elongated bracket member is unlatched from an inside wall of the rack. The elongated bracket member together with the secured system cables is pivoted away from customer cables routing area.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Meher A. Bharucha, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20170141497Abstract: Disclosed aspects include an apparatus having a card edge connector which has first and second positions. The apparatus may include a set of contacts to connect with a set of card edges in the second position. To adjust the set of contacts between the first position and the second position, the apparatus may include a set of electroactive polymers. Disclosed aspects include card edge connector management. It may be detected that a card edge connector is in a first position. A request for the card edge connector to be in a second position can be received. It is determined to adjust the card edge connector. The card edge connector is adjusted using a set of electroactive polymers. In embodiments, such adjustment can include introducing a voltage which causes the set of electroactive polymers to adjust a set of contacts between the first and second positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20170141501Abstract: Disclosed aspects include an apparatus having a card edge connector which has first and second positions. The apparatus may include a set of contacts to connect with a set of card edges in the second position. To adjust the set of contacts between the first position and the second position, the apparatus may include a set of electroactive polymers. Disclosed aspects include card edge connector management. It may be detected that a card edge connector is in a first position. A request for the card edge connector to be in a second position can be received. It is determined to adjust the card edge connector. The card edge connector is adjusted using a set of electroactive polymers. In embodiments, such adjustment can include introducing a voltage which causes the set of electroactive polymers to adjust a set of contacts between the first and second positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20170102687Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20170102688Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20170102686Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath