Patents by Inventor Scott Michael Branch

Scott Michael Branch 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).

  • Patent number: 9945379
    Abstract: An improved discharge port of a rotary screw compressor is described. A discharge port of a screw compressor generally includes a restrictive portion to help prevent a leakage of working fluid back to a suction side of the compressor. The improved discharge port is configured to have a restrictive portion with a reduced size compared to a restrictive portion of a conventional discharge port, resulting in an enlarged opening of the discharge port compared to a conventional discharge port. The improved discharge port can help discharge the compressed working fluid more quickly than a conventional discharge port, reducing and/or avoiding over-compression of the working fluid. The efficiency gained due to the enlargement of the opening may be more than the efficiency loss due to leakage of working fluid back to the suction side, resulting in a net efficiency gain of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scott Michael Branch, Gordon Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9784376
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a compressor includes a flow passage defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat located proximate the inlet. The valve assembly also has a valve member that includes a head portion engageable with the valve seat. The head portion has a front face, a rear face located closer to the outlet than the front face, and a side face extending between the front and rear faces. The head portion further has a first convex curvature formed between the front face and the side face. The valve member also includes a collar portion extending toward the outlet from the rear face of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yahia Abdelhamid, Scott Joseph Smerud, Scott Michael Branch, John Robert Sauls
  • Publication number: 20160265529
    Abstract: An improved discharge port of a rotary screw compressor is described. A discharge port of a screw compressor generally includes a restrictive portion to help prevent a leakage of working fluid back to a suction side of the compressor. The improved discharge port is configured to have a restrictive portion with a reduced size compared to a restrictive portion of a conventional discharge port, resulting in an enlarged opening of the discharge port compared to a conventional discharge port. The improved discharge port can help discharge the compressed working fluid more quickly than a conventional discharge port, reducing and/or avoiding over-compression of the working fluid. The efficiency gained due to the enlargement of the opening may be more than the efficiency loss due to leakage of working fluid back to the suction side, resulting in a net efficiency gain of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Michael BRANCH, Gordon POWELL, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150020885
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a compressor includes a flow passage defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat located proximate the inlet. The valve assembly also has a valve member that includes a head portion engageable with the valve seat. The head portion has a front face, a rear face located closer to the outlet than the front face, and a side face extending between the front and rear faces. The head portion further has a first convex curvature formed between the front face and the side face. The valve member also includes a collar portion extending toward the outlet from the rear face of the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Yahia Abdelhamid, Scott Joseph Smerud, Scott Michael Branch, John Robert Sauls
  • Publication number: 20090087188
    Abstract: An optical transceiver includes structures that define an electrical connector port for allowing connection of an electrical connector to an optical subassembly of the transceiver, and structures that define a vent surrounding at least portions of the connector port, whereby the vent allows bidirectional passage of air therethrough. Included in the transceiver are structures that define electromagnetic interference shielding and selectively transfer heat of heat generating electronic components by conduction to a transceiver housing. Methods of cooling the transceiver by ventilation and internal heat conduction are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William James Anderl, Scott Michael Branch, David Peter Gaio, Michael Francis Hanley, William K. Hogan, Howard Victor Mahaney, JR.
  • Patent number: 7458733
    Abstract: A method of cooling an optical transceiver that is mountable in a wall opening and a method of cooling a data transfer system in combination with an optical transceiver is described. An optical transceiver is provided that has a form factor and one end portion that is insertable within a wall opening in a wall. Ambient air is ventilated over a major surface portion of the optical transceiver by mounting said end portion to the wall opening so that at least one vent is formed within confines of the wall opening. The vent allows air to pass between the exterior and interior of the enclosure, and over the major surface portion of the optical transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William James Anderl, Scott Michael Branch, David Peter Gaio, Michael Francis Hanley, William K. Hogan, Howard Victor Mahaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7314318
    Abstract: An optical transceiver includes structures that define an electrical connector port for allowing connection of an electrical connector to an optical subassembly of the transceiver, and structures that define a vent surrounding at least portions of the connector port, whereby the vent allows bidirectional passage of air therethrough. Included in the transceiver are structures that define electromagnetic interference shielding and selectively transfer heat of heat generating electronic components by conduction to a transceiver housing. Methods of cooling the transceiver by ventilation and internal heat conduction are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William James Anderl, Scott Michael Branch, David Peter Gaio, Michael Francis Hanley, William K. Hogan, Howard Victor Mahaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7073960
    Abstract: An optical transceiver includes structures that define an electrical connector port for allowing connection of an electrical connector to an optical subassembly of the transceiver, and structures that define a vent surrounding at least portions of the connector port, whereby the vent allows bidirectional passage of air therethrough. Included in the transceiver are structures that define electromagnetic interference shielding and selectively transfer heat of heat generating electronic components by conduction to a transceiver housing. Methods of cooling the transceiver by ventilation and internal heat conduction are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William James Anderl, Scott Michael Branch, David Peter Gaio, Michael Francis Hanley, William K. Hogan, Howard Victor Mahaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7003230
    Abstract: An optical transceiver providing a carrier; a cover couplable to a portion of the carrier to define a transceiver enclosure; and, an electro-optical assembly supported in the enclosure is provided. A coupling mechanism and cooperating structure are particularly adapted to define pivoting motion of the cover relative to the carrier, whereby interference of the cover and the electro-optical assembly is avoided. Methods of assembling the transceiver components are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Michael Branch, Michael Francis Hanley
  • Patent number: 6916122
    Abstract: The invention relates to modular heat-dissipating housing covers for opto-electronic modules, e.g. transceivers. The housing covers according to the present invention are constructed out of various different parts, which provide different levels of heat dissipation depending on the desired implementation, while maintaining a seal against EMI leakage. Extra heat sinking portions are provided to dissipate heat generated from specific heat generating sources. The extra heat sinking portions are configured into a shape and/or out of a material that provides more thermal dissipation than the standard cover provided. Independent control over the different heat sinking portions enables a better fit and appropriate dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Michael Branch, Eugene E. Distad, Ladd W. Freitag, Michael Francis Hanley, David Peter Gaio
  • Patent number: 6916123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical transceiver unlatching device for disengaging the optical transceiver from a mounting cage found in a host computer device. The unlatching device converts rotational motion from a bail handle into reciprocating motion for a sliding latch member, which disengages spring fingers extending from the mounting cage from abutment surfaces formed in the sides of the optical transceiver. A return spring, extending between the sliding latch member and the optical transceiver housing, is provided to bias the unlatching device into the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce P. Kruger, Gary Heitkamp, Michael Francis Hanley, David Peter Gaio, Scott Michael Branch
  • Patent number: 6890206
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latching system for an optical transceiver module that eliminates the use of compound latching mechanisms by providing a single latching lever for unplugging the module from its mounting cage. The latching lever includes a pair of arms with a bail handle on one end to facilitate actuation of the latching lever and manipulation of the module. The other end of the latching lever applies a force to the cage to separate first and second mating latching members on the module and the cage, respectively. The fulcrum of the lever is provided by a bend in each arm, which acts like a journal, mounted in a bearing depression formed in the module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene E. Distad, David Peter Gaio, David Motschman, Scott Michael Branch, Paul John Sendelbach
  • Publication number: 20040207988
    Abstract: An optical transceiver providing a carrier; a cover couplable to a portion of the carrier to define a transceiver enclosure; and, an electro-optical assembly supported in the enclosure is provided. A coupling mechanism and cooperating structure are particularly adapted to define pivoting motion of the cover relative to the carrier, whereby interference of the cover and the electro-optical assembly is avoided. Methods of assembling the transceiver components are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Michael Branch, Michael Francis Hanley
  • Patent number: 6788540
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cage for holding an optical transceiver module in electrical contact with a host circuit board. The cage includes front, middle and rear sections, and facilitates the insertion of the optical transceiver into the cage, as well as providing electromagnetic shielding and facilitating thermal dissipation. Typically, the cage is for use with an optical transceiver module including an integral heat sink cover or with an optical transceiver module including an external heat sink mounted over top of the cage. Various embodiments illustrate different schemes for maximizing heat dissipation by providing large openings in the middle section of the cage, as well as mounting surfaces on the front and rear sections for mounting external heat sinks. One or more crossbars are provided for guiding the transceiver module during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce P. Kruger, Gary Heitkamp, Scott Michael Branch
  • Patent number: 6744639
    Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation shield useful to attenuate or prevent the escape of electromagnetic radiation from the front of transceiver opto-electronic subassemblies resident in an opening or port in the housing of an electronic system is formed with both an aperture for each barrel of the opto-electronic subassemblies and a plurality of extensions projecting outwardly from the shield. The distal ends of the extensions are bent or shaped to form smoothly curved contact surfaces that project outside the transceiver module to make contact with a grounded member of the housing or other electrically grounded portion of the electronic system of which the transceiver module is a part. The electromagnetic radiation shield is assembled with the transceiver subassemblies and disposed within a transceiver module to be inserted into a communications port of a computer or server. The transceiver module contains elements that may generate and radiate electromagnetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Michael Branch, David Peter Gaio, Michael Francis Hanley, William K. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20040101257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical transceiver unlatching device for disengaging the optical transceiver from a mounting cage found in a host computer device. The unlatching device converts rotational motion from a bail handle into reciprocating motion for a sliding latch member, which disengages spring fingers extending from the mounting cage from abutment surfaces formed in the sides of the optical transceiver. A return spring, extending between the sliding latch member and the optical transceiver housing, is provided to bias the unlatching device into the latched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce P. Kruger, Gary Heitkamp, Michael Francis Hanley, David Peter Gaio, Scott Michael Branch
  • Patent number: 6666484
    Abstract: A push-to-release latching mechanism for retaining a transceiver module in a communication port of a computer or server is provided with a beam spring structure for positional restoration of the latch member, and the latch is supported and moveable relative to the host transceiver module. The latch member may be formed to include camming surfaces that facilitate the insertion of the transceiver module into a communication port and mate with a guide rail and connector resident in a communication port. The latch member may be adapted to latch with a rigid latch bar or a cantilevered spring. Additionally, the latch may be formed with a camming surface which insures that the latch is displaced to a latching position whenever network cables are connected to the transceiver module by camming the latch into the secure, latched position and subsequently preventing the latch from moving to an insecure or unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Michael Branch, Leland L. Day, David Peter Gaio, Michael Francis Hanley, William K. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6648693
    Abstract: An electrical connector system has two connectors, one of which is included in a module mateable with the other connector in a pluggable manner. The other connector includes a body and two or more electrical contacts. The body of that electrical connector includes a spring that provides a combined lock-down force and kick-out force. The lock-down force biases the module against the other connector, thereby providing a secure electrical and mechanical connection. The kick-out force biases the module away from the other connector to separate or eject the module when a user actuates a release mechanism. The module also includes a slot that engages a projection on the other connector to promote alignment of the mating electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William K. Hogan, David Peter Gaio, Frank Ovanessians, Scott Michael Branch
  • Publication number: 20030169983
    Abstract: The invention relates. to modular heat-dissipating housing covers for opto-electronic modules, e.g. transceivers. The housing covers according to the present invention are constructed out of various different parts, which provide different levels of heat dissipation depending on the desired implementation, while maintaining a seal against EMI leakage. Extra heat sinking portions are provided to dissipate heat generated from specific heat generating sources. The extra heat sinking portions are configured into a shape and/or out of a material that provides more thermal dissipation than the standard cover provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Michael Branch, Eugene E. Distad, Ladd W. Freitag, Michael Francis Hanley, David Peter Gaio
  • Publication number: 20030171022
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latching system for an optical transceiver module that eliminates the use of compound latching mechanisms by providing a single latching lever for unplugging the module from its mounting cage. The latching lever includes a pair of arms with a bail handle on one end to facilitate actuation of the latching lever and manipulation of the module. The other end of the latching lever applies a force to the cage to separate first and second mating latching members on the module and the cage, respectively. The fulcrum of the lever is provided by a bend in each arm, which acts like a journal, mounted in a bearing depression formed in the module housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene E. Distad, David Peter Gaio, David Motschman, Scott Michael Branch, Paul John Sendelbach