Patents by Inventor Steven Mark Groff

Steven Mark Groff 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: 9081004
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting antigens on biosample tracks comprising a processor, an electromagnetic write head for magnetizing nanoparticles attached to the antigens via antibodies in response to a write signal from the processor, and a first amplifier for supplying power to the write head. The circuit further comprises a magneto-resistive read sensor for detecting the magnetized nanoparticles upon receiving a read signal from the processor, and a second amplifier for supplying power to the read sensor. The write head and read sensor may be part of a head module in a magnetic tape drive. Nanoparticles of differing magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Louie Arthur Dickens, Steven Mark Groff, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall, Stephen Leonard Schwartz, Anna W. Topol, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 8097978
    Abstract: A system for extending backup times using networks of direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) is provided. A first DC UPS has a first input and a first output. A second DC UPS has a second input coupled to the first output of the first DC UPS, a second output coupled to at least one electrical load, and a third output coupled to the first input of the first DC UPS. Battery current from the first and second DC UPS is shared with the at least one electrical load in the event of a power loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 8039990
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured as an intrinsic power transfer switch are provided. One method includes providing multiple inputs, multiple rectifiers coupled to the inputs, a common node coupled to the rectifiers, and at least one DC output coupled to the common node. The DC output(s) is/are adapted for connection to at least one electrical load and a first input is adapted for connection to a first electrical service. A second input is adapted for connection to a second electrical service, the DC UPS continuing to supply power to the at least one electrical load in the event of a loss of either the first or second electrical services. Also provided are methods of manufacturing an intrinsic power transfer switch for a high-power electrical load requiring at least two electrical service inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 8022579
    Abstract: A circuit for dynamically increasing the drop-out voltage of an electromechanical automatic transfer switch (ATS) into a brownout voltage range is provided. The automatic transfer switch includes a first input, a first coil connected to the first input, and a first, normally-open auxiliary contact in magnetic communication with the first coil. The circuit includes a first resistor adapted to connect to the first, normally-open auxiliary contact, and a first transformer having a primary winding connected to the first resistor, and a secondary winding adapted to connect to the first coil. An operating voltage across the first coil is reduced a proportional amount by a secondary voltage across the secondary winding when the first, normally-open auxiliary contact is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 7962776
    Abstract: A method to detect component removal while operating in a battery backup mode, comprising providing power from a battery backup unit (BBU) to a control card memory device, and measuring the current drawn by the control card memory device. If the current drawn by the control card memory device is less than or equals a pre-determined disconnect current, the method determines if a BBU release pin has been asserted. If the BBU release pin has been asserted, the method encodes in an event log a battery backup removal event. If the BBU release pin has not been asserted, the method encodes in the event log a control card removal event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Larry Juarez, Joseph Dean Ohrazda, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu
  • Publication number: 20110077869
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting antigens on biosample tracks comprising a processor, an electromagnetic write head for magnetizing nanoparticles attached to the antigens via antibodies in response to a write signal from the processor, and a first amplifier for supplying power to the write head. The circuit further comprises a magneto-resistive read sensor for detecting the magnetized nanoparticles upon receiving a read signal from the processor, and a second amplifier for supplying power to the read sensor. The write head and read sensor may be part of a head module in a magnetic tape drive. Nanoparticles of differing magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Louie Arthur Dickens, Steven Mark Groff, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall, Stephen Leonard Schwartz, Anna W. Topol, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 7898106
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured as an intrinsic power transfer switch is provided. The DC UPS includes first and second inputs. First and second rectifiers are coupled to the first and second inputs. A common node is coupled to the first and second rectifiers. At least one DC output is coupled to the common node. The at least one DC output is adapted for connection to at least one electrical load. The first input is adapted for connection to a first electrical service, and the second input is adapted for connection to a second electrical service. The DC UPS continues to supply power to the at least one electrical load in the event of a loss of either the first or second electrical services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Publication number: 20110041323
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured as an intrinsic power transfer switch are provided. One method includes providing multiple inputs, multiple rectifiers coupled to the inputs, a common node coupled to the rectifiers, and at least one DC output coupled to the common node. The DC output(s) is/are adapted for connection to at least one electrical load and a first input is adapted for connection to a first electrical service. A second input is adapted for connection to a second electrical service, the DC UPS continuing to supply power to the at least one electrical load in the event of a loss of either the first or second electrical services. Also provided are methods of manufacturing an intrinsic power transfer switch for a high-power electrical load requiring at least two electrical service inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Mark GROFF, Trung LE
  • Patent number: 7868484
    Abstract: A multi-coil automatic transfer switch (ATS) adapted for automatically switching an appropriately rated component to render the ATS operational over a worldwide voltage range is provided. A low voltage contactor includes a low voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open low voltage main contact. A high voltage contactor is coupled in parallel with the low voltage contactor. The high voltage contactor includes a high voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open high voltage main contact. A normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact is magnetically linked with the high voltage coil. The normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact has a phase opposite the normally open high voltage main contact. The high voltage contactor opens the normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact to disconnect the low voltage coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 7847435
    Abstract: An intrinsically phase-balanced direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is provided. The DC UPS includes first, second, and third alternating current (AC) phase inputs. First, second, and third rectifiers are coupled to the first, second, and third AC phase inputs. A common node is coupled to the first, second, and third rectifiers. At least one DC output is coupled to the common node. The at least one DC output is adapted for connection to at least one electrical load. A battery is coupled to the common node. A blocking diode is coupled between the battery and the common node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 7763993
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having auto-ranging battery backup voltage capability is provided. At least one input is configured. A rectifier is connected to the at least one input. A common node is connected to the rectifier. At least one output is connected to the common node. A battery backup circuit is connected to the common node. The battery backup circuit includes first and second strings of batteries, a switch connected between a positive terminal of the first string of batteries and a negative terminal of the second string of batteries, and a plurality of steering diodes connected to the first and second strings of batteries and the switch to maintain current flow in a first direction. The switch is operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in series when closed, and operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in parallel when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
  • Publication number: 20100033274
    Abstract: A circuit for dynamically increasing the drop-out voltage of an electromechanical automatic transfer switch (ATS) into a brownout voltage range is provided. The automatic transfer switch includes a first input, a first coil connected to the first input, and a first, normally-open auxiliary contact in magnetic communication with the first coil. The circuit includes a first resistor adapted to connect to the first, normally-open auxiliary contact, and a first transformer having a primary winding connected to the first resistor, and a secondary winding adapted to connect to the first coil. An operating voltage across the first coil is reduced a proportional amount by a secondary voltage across the secondary winding when the first, normally-open auxiliary contact is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Mark GROFF, Trung LE
  • Publication number: 20100033275
    Abstract: A multi-coil automatic transfer switch (ATS) adapted for automatically switching an appropriately rated component to render the ATS operational over a worldwide voltage range is provided. A low voltage contactor includes a low voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open low voltage main contact. A high voltage contactor is coupled in parallel with the low voltage contactor. The high voltage contactor includes a high voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open high voltage main contact. A normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact is magnetically linked with the high voltage coil. The normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact has a phase opposite the normally open high voltage main contact. The high voltage contactor opens the normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact to disconnect the low voltage coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Mark GROFF, Trung LE
  • Publication number: 20100013312
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having auto-ranging battery backup voltage capability is provided. At least one input is configured. A rectifier is connected to the at least one input. A common node is connected to the rectifier. At least one output is connected to the common node. A battery backup circuit is connected to the common node. The battery backup circuit includes first and second strings of batteries, a switch connected between a positive terminal of the first string of batteries and a negative terminal of the second string of batteries, and a plurality of steering diodes connected to the first and second strings of batteries and the switch to maintain current flow in a first direction. The switch is operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in series when closed, and operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in parallel when open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Mark GROFF, Trung LE
  • Publication number: 20100013313
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured as an intrinsic power transfer switch is provided. The DC UPS includes first and second inputs. First and second rectifiers are coupled to the first and second inputs. A common node is coupled to the first and second rectifiers. At least one DC output is coupled to the common node. The at least one DC output is adapted for connection to at least one electrical load. The first input is adapted for connection to a first electrical service, and the second input is adapted for connection to a second electrical service. The DC UPS continues to supply power to the at least one electrical load in the event of a loss of either the first or second electrical services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Mark GROFF, Trung LE
  • Publication number: 20100013314
    Abstract: A system for extending backup times using networks of direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) is provided. A first DC UPS has a first input and a first output. A second DC UPS has a second input coupled to the first output of the first DC UPS, a second output coupled to at least one electrical load, and a third output coupled to the first input of the first DC UPS. Battery current from the first and second DC UPS is shared with the at least one electrical load in the event of a power loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Mark GROFF, Trung LE
  • Publication number: 20100013311
    Abstract: An intrinsically phase-balanced direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is provided. The DC UPS includes first, second, and third alternating current (AC) phase inputs. First, second, and third rectifiers are coupled to the first, second, and third AC phase inputs. A common node is coupled to the first, second, and third rectifiers. At least one DC output is coupled to the common node. The at least one DC output is adapted for connection to at least one electrical load. A battery is coupled to the common node. A blocking diode is coupled between the battery and the common node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Mark GROFF, Trung LE
  • Publication number: 20090100282
    Abstract: A method to detect component removal while operating in a battery backup mode, comprising providing power from a battery backup unit (“BBU”) to a control card memory device, and measuring the current drawn by the control card memory device. If the current drawn by the control card memory device is less than or equals a pre-determined disconnect current, the method determines if a BBU release pin has been asserted. If the BBU release pin has been asserted, the method encodes in an event log a battery backup removal event. If the BBU release pin has not been asserted, the method encodes in the event log a control card removal event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN MARK GROFF, LARRY JUAREZ, JOSEPH DEAN OHRAZDA, KENNY NIAN GAN QIU