Patents by Inventor Steven J. Ahladas
Steven J. Ahladas 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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Patent number: 11264829Abstract: A system comprises sets of batteries, each set having a power capacity less than a standup power capacity. The system is configured to couple the sets of batteries to power supplies to configure each of the power supplies with battery power less than the standup capacity. Responsive to a disruption of a first power supply, the system couples a first set of batteries, coupled to the first power supply, to a second power supply to couple to the second power supply battery power to not less than the standup power capacity. A method comprises coupling sets of batteries to power supplies to configure each of the power supplies to have less than a standup capacity. The method includes coupling sets batteries of one power supply to a second power supply to provide the second power supply with a battery capacity not less than the standup capacity.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Noah Singer, Robert K. Mullady, Steven J. Ahladas
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Patent number: 11145931Abstract: A battery comprises a plurality of battery modules. A method determines a load-state of the battery and selects a set of the battery modules to configure, to produce a load-state capacity of the battery based on the load-state. A load-state capacity of the battery can be a sub-capacity of the battery less than a rated capacity of the battery and the method can configure the set of battery modules to produce the sub-capacity based on the load-state comprising the battery disconnected from a load. A battery system can comprise a battery having a plurality of battery modules and a controller configured to perform the method. A battery system can comprise a battery having a plurality of battery modules, and an actuator and a module retainer that can position a battery module in or out of contact with a module interconnect.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Noah Singer, Steven J. Ahladas, Marc H. Coq, Richard J. Fishbune, Mark Maresh, Eric B. Swenson
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Publication number: 20210273479Abstract: A power system comprises a battery connected to a first power supply. The power system determines that the power supply has transitioned to a first state and, in response, disconnects the battery from the first power supply and connects the battery to a second power supply. The power system determines that the first power supply has transitioned to a second state and, in response, the power system disconnects the battery from the second power supply and reconnects the battery to the first power supply. The power system can include a second battery and can connect and disconnect the second battery and the power supplies in response to a change in state of the power supplies. A method can dynamically connect and disconnect batteries and power supplies of a power system based on states of the power supplies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2020Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Noah Singer, Robert K. Mullady, Steven J. Ahladas
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Patent number: 10903534Abstract: Managing of battery pack cell capacity is provided. The managing includes monitoring temperature of one or more cells within the battery pack, and based on temperature of a cell of the one or more cells being at or below a low temperature threshold, initiating discharging of cells with the battery pack at a specified discharge power level to heat the cells within the battery pack. The managing also includes, based on temperature of a cell of the one or more cells rising to or above an upper temperature threshold after initiating discharging of the cells within the battery pack, discontinuing the discharging of cells within the battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Noah Singer, Steven J. Ahladas, Xiaojin Wei, Robert K. Mullady, Michael T. Peets
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Patent number: 10891703Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for preventing unauthorized use of protected equipment in violation of export regulations are provided. Aspects include periodically obtaining a location of the protected equipment and storing the location in a location log in a non-volatile memory. Upon receiving a request to operate the protected equipment, aspects also include obtaining the location log from the non-volatile memory and parsing data from the location log to determine whether the protected equipment entered a restricted geographic area. Based on a determination that the protected equipment did not enter a restricted geographic area, aspects include granting the request to operate the protected equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel J. Kearney, Thomas C. Long, Budy Notohardjono, Steven J. Ahladas, David Kumhyr
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Publication number: 20200411811Abstract: A battery comprises a plurality of battery modules. A method determines a load-state of the battery and selects a set of the battery modules to configure, to produce a load-state capacity of the battery based on the load-state. A load-state capacity of the battery can be a sub-capacity of the battery less than a rated capacity of the battery and the method can configure the set of battery modules to produce the sub-capacity based on the load-state comprising the battery disconnected from a load. A battery system can comprise a battery having a plurality of battery modules and a controller configured to perform the method. A battery system can comprise a battery having a plurality of battery modules, and an actuator and a module retainer that can position a battery module in or out of contact with a module interconnect.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2019Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Noah Singer, Steven J. Ahladas, Marc H. Coq, Richard J. Fishbune, Mark Maresh, Eric B. Swenson
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Patent number: 10707759Abstract: Systems and methods for boosting battery voltage with boost converters are provided. Aspects include coupling a discharge path of a battery to an input side of a power converter in a power supply, wherein the power supply comprises a rectifier and the power converter. A charge path of the battery is coupled to an output side of the power converter and a processor monitors an output voltage of the power converter. The processor also monitors an input voltage of the power converter and responsive to the output voltage of the power converter dropping below a threshold voltage, the processor enables the discharge path.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Noah B. Singer, Steven J. Ahladas, Brian C. Tucker
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Patent number: 10615710Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Kevin R. Covi, Luke L. Jenkins, Robert B. Schlak
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Patent number: 10600543Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Robert K. Mullady
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Patent number: 10587204Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Kevin R. Covi, Luke L. Jenkins, Robert B. Schlak
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Publication number: 20190378231Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for preventing unauthorized use of protected equipment in violation of export regulations are provided. Aspects include periodically obtaining a location of the protected equipment and storing the location in a location log in a non-volatile memory. Upon receiving a request to operate the protected equipment, aspects also include obtaining the location log from the non-volatile memory and parsing data from the location log to determine whether the protected equipment entered a restricted geographic area. Based on a determination that the protected equipment did not enter a restricted geographic area, aspects include granting the request to operate the protected equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2018Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: DANIEL J. KEARNEY, THOMAS C. LONG, BUDY NOTOHARDJONO, STEVEN J. AHLADAS, DAVID KUMHYR
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Publication number: 20190372179Abstract: Managing of battery pack cell capacity is provided. The managing includes monitoring temperature of one or more cells within the battery pack, and based on temperature of a cell of the one or more cells being at or below a low temperature threshold, initiating discharging of cells with the battery pack at a specified discharge power level to heat the cells within the battery pack. The managing also includes, based on temperature of a cell of the one or more cells rising to or above an upper temperature threshold after initiating discharging of the cells within the battery pack, discontinuing the discharging of cells within the battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2018Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Noah SINGER, Steven J. AHLADAS, Xiaojin WEI, Robert K. MULLADY, Michael T. PEETS
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Publication number: 20190214909Abstract: Systems and methods for boosting battery voltage with boost converters are provided. Aspects include coupling a discharge path of a battery to an input side of a power converter in a power supply, wherein the power supply comprises a rectifier and the power converter. A charge path of the battery is coupled to an output side of the power converter and a processor monitors an output voltage of the power converter. The processor also monitors an input voltage of the power converter and responsive to the output voltage of the power converter dropping below a threshold voltage, the processor enables the discharge path.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Noah B. Singer, Steven J. Ahladas, Brian C. Tucker
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Publication number: 20190181772Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Kevin R. COVI, Luke L. JENKINS, Robert B. SCHLAK
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Publication number: 20190181771Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Kevin R. COVI, Luke L. JENKINS, Robert B. SCHLAK
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Patent number: 10277142Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Kevin R. Covi, Luke L. Jenkins, Robert B. Schlak
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Publication number: 20180342340Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Robert K. MULLADY
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Patent number: 10128032Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Robert K. Mullady
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Publication number: 20180138820Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Kevin R. COVI, Luke L. JENKINS, Robert B. SCHLAK
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Patent number: 9941041Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Robert K. Mullady