Patents by Inventor Steven E. Howell

Steven E. Howell 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: 9521769
    Abstract: A latch apparatus is provided with a dual action mechanism that can either pivot a cam hook from a first side of the apparatus for securing a sub-chassis into a chassis of laterally extend a component lock from a second side of the apparatus for securing a component within the sub-chassis. A single rotary actuator may be rotated in a first rotational direction to pivot the cam hook to an extended position and move the component lock to a retracted position, and rotated in a second rotational direction to pivot the cam hook to a retracted position and move the component lock to an extended position. The latch apparatus may include one or more of the dual action mechanisms actuated by the single actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven E. Howell, Michael I. McGregor, Camillo Sassano, Jared E. Schott
  • Publication number: 20160050778
    Abstract: A latch apparatus is provided with a dual action mechanism that can either pivot a cam hook from a first side of the apparatus for securing a sub-chassis into a chassis of laterally extend a component lock from a second side of the apparatus for securing a component within the sub-chassis. A single rotary actuator may be rotated in a first rotational direction to pivot the cam hook to an extended position and move the component lock to a retracted position, and rotated in a second rotational direction to pivot the cam hook to a retracted position and move the component lock to an extended position. The latch apparatus may include one or more of the dual action mechanisms actuated by the single actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Steven E. Howell, Michael I. McGregor, Camillo Sassano, Jared E. Schott
  • Patent number: 9063705
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame forming a bay for receiving an electronic module having a blind mate connector for coupling with a chassis connector. An actuator is slidably secured to the frame and forms a push button, an intermediate actuation member, and a distal actuation member. A spring latch is biased to latch the module in place. An ejection lever is pivotally secured to one side of the bay, and has a first end aligned with the distal actuation member and a second end disposed to engage the module. Pushing the push button causes the intermediate actuation member to withdraw the spring latch from the bay and then causes the distal actuation member to pivot the ejection lever to unseat and eject the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven E. Howell, Joseph H. McKenzie, Camillo Sassano, Jared E. Schott
  • Publication number: 20150131227
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame forming a bay for receiving an electronic module having a blind mate connector for coupling with a chassis connector. An actuator is slidably secured to the frame and forms a push button, an intermediate actuation member, and a distal actuation member. A spring latch is biased to latch the module in place. An ejection lever is pivotally secured to one side of the bay, and has a first end aligned with the distal actuation member and a second end disposed to engage the module. Pushing the push button causes the intermediate actuation member to withdraw the spring latch from the bay and then causes the distal actuation member to pivot the ejection lever to unseat and eject the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Howell, Joseph H. McKenzie, Camillo Sassano, Jared E. Schott
  • Publication number: 20100258377
    Abstract: An acoustic cooling apparatus for a computing system, includes a cooling muffler comprising sidewalls and an endwall, the sidewalls being substantially parallel to each other, each sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the endwall at one end, the walls forming an enclosure having an open end opposing the endwall. Each sidewall includes an exhaust opening. At least a portion of the interior of each wall of the enclosure being covered by sound absorbing material for attenuating air cooling sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Cash, Steven E. Howell, Robert M. Lindsay, Tomothy A. Meserth, Gerard F. Muenkel
  • Patent number: 7257043
    Abstract: A memory device includes isolation devices located between-memory cells. A plurality of isolation lines connects the isolation devices to a positive voltage during normal operations but still keeps the isolation devices in the off state to provide isolation between the memory cells. A current control circuit is placed between the isolation lines and a power node for reducing a current flowing between the isolation lines and the power node in case a deflect occurs at any one of isolation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Luan C. Tran, Stephen R. Porter, Scot M. Graham, Steven E. Howell
  • Patent number: 7020039
    Abstract: A memory device includes isolation devices located between memory cells. A plurality of isolation lines connects the isolation devices to a positive voltage during normal operations but still keeps the isolation devices in the off state to provide isolation between the memory cells. A current control circuit is placed between the isolation lines and a power node for reducing a current flowing between the isolation lines and the power node in case a deflect occurs at any one of isolation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Luan C. Tran, Stephen R. Porter, Scot M. Graham, Steven E. Howell
  • Patent number: 6834019
    Abstract: A memory device includes isolation devices located between memory cells. A plurality of isolation lines connects the isolation devices to a positive voltage during normal operations but still keeps the isolation devices in the off state to provide isolation between the memory cells. A current control circuit is placed between the isolation lines and a power node for reducing a current flowing between the isolation lines and the power node in case a deflect occurs at any one of isolation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Luan C. Tran, Stephen R. Porter, Scot M. Graham, Steven E. Howell
  • Publication number: 20040042309
    Abstract: A memory device includes isolation devices located between memory cells. A plurality of isolation lines connects the isolation devices to a positive voltage during normal operations but still keeps the isolation devices in the off state to provide isolation between the memory cells. A current control circuit is placed between the isolation lines and a power node for reducing a current flowing between the isolation lines and the power node in case a deflect occurs at any one of isolation devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Luan C. Tran, Stephen R. Porter, Scot M. Graham, Steven E. Howell
  • Patent number: 6182173
    Abstract: A computer has at least one adapter card slot for receiving an optional adapter card. A cover plate is rotatable hinged and has open and closed positions. In the closed position, the cover plate covers the adapter card slot and inhibits the insertion or removal of an adapter card. When the cover plate is raised into the open position, a tab on the back of the cover plate is rotated out of the slot of an optical switch, and the optical switch then signals circuitry to remove power and bus signals from the adapter card slot; thereby permitting the adapter card to be removed from or inserted into the slot without removing power to the entire computer. When the cover plate is returned to the closed position, the tab is reinserted into the slot of the optical switch, which in turn signals the circuitry to return power and bus signals to the adapter card slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Grosser, Susan P. Wise, Michael Sven Miller, Brian Alan Trumbo, Michael J. Huck, Steven E. Howell, Courtney Long, Andrew Stern Heinzmann, Richard P. Southers
  • Patent number: 5420760
    Abstract: This invention relates to enclosures for microcomputers, and more particularly to such an enclosure which facilitates access to and shielding of the operative components of a personal computer. The enclosure includes a chassis, a cover for cooperating with the chassis for enclosing a volume to contain operating components of the microcomputer, and interrupted wedge members for coupling the chassis and cover upon relative movement therebetween in a predetermined direction. The interrupted wedge members include a plurality of hooks on one of the chassis and cover and a plurality of pockets on the other, with the hooks and pockets being disposed along two sides of the chassis and cover for entry of hooks into cooperating pockets on movement of the cover into position for cooperation with the chassis in enclosing a volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Ansell, Jeffrey W. Benck, James C. Harris, Steven E. Howell, Brian A. Trumbo, Robert D. Wysong
  • Patent number: 4862327
    Abstract: In a low profile microcomputer, adapter cards are mounted horizontally in order to be able to use adapter cards designed for earlier, higher, machines. The cards are coupled to the microcomputer planar board by an extender card which extends vertically from the planar and has sockets extending horizontally when the card is in position. The adapter cards have edge connections which couple to these sockets. A removable bridge device is coupled between the top of the extender card and a vertical wall of the microcomputer to minimize horizontal movement of the extender card. For adapter cards which do not extend fully between the front and rear walls of the microcomputer, a channelled support arm, which fits over an end of a card, and is removably mounted on a vertical wall of the computer for slidable engagement with the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel F. Ansell, James C. Harris, Steven E. Howell, Michael S. Miller, Robert D. Wysong
  • Patent number: 4561620
    Abstract: In a CRT display device system, an upper assembly, including the display device, is tiltable on a supporting base assembly. A gear segment at each end of the upper assembly rests on a pair of pinions on the base assembly. The radius of curvature of each gear segment is centered on a horizontal line passing across the display device and through or near the center of gravity of the upper assembly. As the upper assembly is tilted, it pivots about this line and therefore remains substantially in balance for all angles of tilt. To provide static rest pressure to prevent unwanted tilting movement and also to minimize backlash, the pinions in each pair are coupled together through an idler pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Fred E. Goetz, Jim C. Harris, Steven E. Howell
  • Patent number: D287974
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Myron F. Davis, Fred E. Goetz, James C. Harris, Steven E. Howell, David F. O'Connor
  • Patent number: D288094
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Myron F. Davis, Fred E. Goetz, James C. Harris, Steven E. Howell, Willis Y. Jordan, III, Robert W. Lloyd, Randall W. Martin, David F. O'Connor, Frederick Parker, Jr.
  • Patent number: D288876
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Fred E. Goetz, James C. Harris, Steven E. Howell, Willis Y. Jordan, III
  • Patent number: D289056
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Myron F. Davis, Fred E. Goetz, Steven E. Howell, Willis Y. Jordan, III, Robert W. Lloyd, Frederick Parker, Jr.
  • Patent number: D325378
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventors: Daniel F. Ansell, Vincent S. Garmon, Steven E. Howell, Michael S. Miller
  • Patent number: D339373
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Gassett, Steven E. Howell, Peter J. Mendel
  • Patent number: D410899
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Roland K. Alo, David W. Hill, Steven E. Howell