Patents by Inventor Sean Michael James

Sean Michael James 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: 11799105
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Keehn, Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11792962
    Abstract: A thermal management system for cooling electronic devices includes an immersion cooling system, a vapor buffer tank, and a liquid buffer tank. The immersion cooling system includes an immersion tank defining an immersion chamber, a working fluid in the immersion chamber, and a condenser. A liquid portion of the working fluid defines an immersion bath in the immersion chamber and a vapor portion defines a headspace above the immersion bath in the immersion chamber. The condenser condenses the vapor portion of the working fluid to the liquid portion of the working fluid. The vapor buffer tank is in fluid communication with the headspace, and a vapor valve selectively allows fluid communication between the vapor buffer tank and the headspace. The liquid buffer tank is in fluid communication with the immersion chamber, and a liquid valve selectively allows fluid communication between the liquid buffer tank and the immersion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Husam Atallah Alissa, Stephan Wayne Gilges, Eric C. Peterson, Sean Michael James, Christian L. Belady, Marcus Felipe Fontoura, Ioannis Manousakis, Bharath Ramakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20230261219
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas KEEHN, Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES
  • Patent number: 11600835
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems configured for efficient byproduct recovery and reuse are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a reformer configured to reform a fuel containing methane (CH4) with steam to produce a reformed fuel having methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2). The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell configured to perform an electrochemical reaction between a first portion of the reformed fuel and oxygen (O2) to produce electricity and an exhaust having carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a second portion of the reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes an oxygen enricher configured to generate an oxygen enriched gas and a combustion chamber configured to combust the second portion of the reformed fuel with the oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Publication number: 20220416274
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas KEEHN, Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES
  • Publication number: 20220361378
    Abstract: A thermal management system for cooling electronic devices includes an immersion cooling system, a vapor buffer tank, and a liquid buffer tank. The immersion cooling system includes an immersion tank defining an immersion chamber, a working fluid in the immersion chamber, and a condenser. A liquid portion of the working fluid defines an immersion bath in the immersion chamber and a vapor portion defines a headspace above the immersion bath in the immersion chamber. The condenser condenses the vapor portion of the working fluid to the liquid portion of the working fluid. The vapor buffer tank is in fluid communication with the headspace, and a vapor valve selectively allows fluid communication between the vapor buffer tank and the headspace. The liquid buffer tank is in fluid communication with the immersion chamber, and a liquid valve selectively allows fluid communication between the liquid buffer tank and the immersion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Husam Atallah ALISSA, Stephan Wayne GILGES, Eric C. PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Christian L. BELADY, Marcus Felipe FONTOURA, Ioannis MANOUSAKIS, Bharath RAMAKRISHNAN
  • Patent number: 11431008
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Keehn, Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11416786
    Abstract: Improving the operations of a computer system that is located within a power grid and that is associated with its own power sources. Past operational characteristics of the power grid are analyzed to derive learned characteristics for the power grid. Future operational characteristics of the power grid are also monitored. A prediction regarding a future load event associated with the power grid is then generated using the learned characteristics and the monitored characteristics. In response to this prediction, one or more operations are performed to balance the computer system with the power grid during the future load event, and to ensure a determined availability of services associated with the computer system during the future load event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licesning, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Rees Helsel, Vincent Joseph Blas, Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Sean Michael James, Brandon Middaugh
  • Publication number: 20210351423
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
  • Publication number: 20210296671
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems configured for efficient byproduct recovery and reuse are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a reformer configured to reform a fuel containing methane (CH4) with steam to produce a reformed fuel having methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2). The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell configured to perform an electrochemical reaction between a first portion of the reformed fuel and oxygen (O2) to produce electricity and an exhaust having carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a second portion of the reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes an oxygen enricher configured to generate an oxygen enriched gas and a combustion chamber configured to combust the second portion of the reformed fuel with the oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11108065
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
  • Patent number: 11056702
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems configured for efficient byproduct recovery and reuse are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a reformer configured to reform a fuel containing methane (CH4) with steam to produce a reformed fuel having methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2). The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell configured to perform an electrochemical reaction between a first portion of the reformed fuel and oxygen (O2) to produce electricity and an exhaust having carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a second portion of the reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes an oxygen enricher configured to generate an oxygen enriched gas and a combustion chamber configured to combust the second portion of the reformed fuel with the oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 11019753
    Abstract: In an example, a server system is provided. The server system includes a frame including a support structure and a server supported by the support structure. The server system includes an actuator configured to cause the server to transition from a first position to a second position to increase exposure of the server to airflow to transfer heat away from the server via convection. The actuator is also configured to cause the server to transition from the second position to the first position to decrease exposure of the server to the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Michael James, Eric C. Peterson, Michael Rees Helsel, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
  • Patent number: 10904160
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for implementing resource management for an infrastructure are provided. Resource management includes datacenter byproduct management interfaces, datacenter power management, datacenter operations optimization and infrastructure resource management. Resource management facilitates using and distributing physical resources, including incidental physical resources that are generated during operation of an infrastructure, based on a threshold reserve of the physical resource associated with the operating the infrastructure. Resource management can include controlling an amount of the physical resource that is generated and an amount the physical resource that is reserved. The threshold reserve in combination with the control over generating and reserving the physical resource help identify an allocable amount of the physical resource. Physical resources of an infrastructure are quantified to support resource management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Rawlings, Sean Michael James, David Thomas Gauthier, Ranveer Chandra, Mark B. Freeman, Lucas Neal Joppa, Brian A. Janous, Aneesh A. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20200381753
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
  • Publication number: 20200365920
    Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas Keehn, Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 10748224
    Abstract: A continuously growing physical structure may be generated by identifying a plurality of metrics associated with the physical structure. The plurality of metrics may include at least one of a shape of available physical space, a size of available physical space, a type of soil/earth of a location of the physical structure, a context of use of the physical structure, a climate of the location, or availability of resources associated with the location. The plurality of metrics may be analyzed to determine at least one of a rate of growth of the physical structure or a most suitable shape of the physical structure. Growth of the physical structure may then be generated according to at least one of the determined rate of growth of the physical structure or the determined most suitable shape of the physical structure. The identified plurality of metrics may then be monitored periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Christian L. Belady, Sean Michael James, Michael Rees Helsel, Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Eric C. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20200234202
    Abstract: Improving the operations of a computer system that is located within a power grid and that is associated with its own power sources. Past operational characteristics of the power grid are analyzed to derive learned characteristics for the power grid. Future operational characteristics of the power grid are also monitored. A prediction regarding a future load event associated with the power grid is then generated using the learned characteristics and the monitored characteristics. In response to this prediction, one or more operations are performed to balance the computer system with the power grid during the future load event, and to ensure a determined availability of services associated with the computer system during the future load event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Rees HELSEL, Vincent Joseph BLAS, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN, Sean Michael JAMES, Brandon MIDDAUGH
  • Publication number: 20200161683
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems configured for efficient byproduct recovery and reuse are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a reformer configured to reform a fuel containing methane (CH4) with steam to produce a reformed fuel having methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2). The fuel cell system also includes a fuel cell configured to perform an electrochemical reaction between a first portion of the reformed fuel and oxygen (O2) to produce electricity and an exhaust having carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and a second portion of the reformed fuel. The fuel cell system further includes an oxygen enricher configured to generate an oxygen enriched gas and a combustion chamber configured to combust the second portion of the reformed fuel with the oxygen enriched gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James
  • Patent number: 10628762
    Abstract: Improving the operations of a data center that is located within a power grid and that includes its own power sources. Past operational characteristics of the power grid are analyzed to derive learned characteristics for the power grid. Current and/or future operational characteristics of the power grid are also monitored. A prediction regarding an upcoming, anticipated load for the power grid is then generated using the learned characteristics and the monitored characteristics. In response to this prediction, one or more mitigation operations are selected and then performed at the data center to ensure that the data center is adequately available. Some of these mitigation operations include, but are not limited to, causing the data center to consume more power, causing the data center's power sources to store more power, or causing the data center to migrate services and/or data to a different data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Rees Helsel, Vincent Joseph Blas, Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Sean Michael James, Brandon Middaugh