Patents by Inventor Timothy Jennings

Timothy Jennings 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).

  • Publication number: 20250093106
    Abstract: An infrared sensor positioned in a reflow oven includes a reflow oven and a first IR sensor turret suspended over a conveyor surface of the reflow oven, where a directional movement of the first IR sensor turret matches a directional movement of the conveyor surface. A method for managing the IR sensor turret positioned in a reflow oven includes locating, by a first IR sensor turret, a point of interest on a PCBA, where the PCBA is positioned on a conveyor in a reflow oven. The method further includes tracking, by the first IR sensor turret, the point of interest on the PCBA, where the PCBA is moving along the conveyor in the reflow oven. The method further includes capturing, by the first IR sensor turret, a first set of thermal data at the point of interest for a first subarea of the reflow oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Abdikarim Hussein, Theron Lee Lewis, Timothy Jennings, James D. Bielick, David J. Braun, Stephen Michael Hugo, John R. Dangler
  • Patent number: 12256494
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a multilayer circuit board is provided which includes forming a layer of a the multilayer circuit board with an internal clearance region having a modified voltage-to-ground clearance of conductive material adjacent to an aperture of the multilayer circuit board. The modified voltage-to-ground clearance of conductive material is based on a configuration of a connector pin to be press-fit connected within the aperture of the multilayer circuit board, and the internal clearance region is enlarged in a direction of greatest normal force outward from the aperture with insertion of the connector pin into the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James D. Bielick, Theron Lee Lewis, David J. Braun, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, Stephen Michael Hugo, Timothy Jennings
  • Publication number: 20250055001
    Abstract: A battery includes a first chamber with a first electrode and a second chamber with a second electrode. An intercalation membrane between the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to retain an electrolyte in the first chamber and to accept therein migrating ions of the electrolyte in the presence of an electrical field and lose mechanical integrity permitting the electrolyte to enter the second chamber in order to activate the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Danny Xin Liu, Timothy D. Hall, Maria E. Inman, Holly M. Garich, Earl Jennings Taylor
  • Publication number: 20250007196
    Abstract: An electrical connector structure is provided including a cantilever contact with a memory metal support that provides for improved cantilever contact mating. In one embodiment, the electrical contact structure includes cantilever beam having a contact portion for engaging a pin structure and a non-contact portion that is mechanical support with the contact portion. An insulated memory metal support beam is positioned adjacent to the non-contact portion of cantilever beam, wherein the insulated memory metal support beam transitions from a first geometry to a second geometry with the application of a transition element. The first geometry of the insulated memory metal support beam provides that the insulating memory metal support beam does not engage the non-contact portion of the cantilever beams. The second geometry of the insulated memory support beam contacts the non-contact portion of the cantilever beam producing a force that supports the contact portion of the cantilever contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Anjali Kalpesh Kumar, Theron Lee Lewis, Abdikarim Hussein, Timothy Jennings
  • Patent number: 12100910
    Abstract: A first apparatus includes an electrical connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The first apparatus further includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with an area on the inner wafer. A second apparatus includes an OTS connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The second apparatus further includes a plurality of SMT leads of the inner wafer configured to mount onto a plurality of landing pads on a PCBA. The second apparatus includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with the inner wafer preventing movement of the inner wafer within the outer shell of OTS connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Theron Lee Lewis, David J. Braun, James D. Bielick, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, Timothy Jennings, Jennifer I. Bennett, Stephen Michael Hugo
  • Publication number: 20240237210
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a multilayer circuit board is provided which includes forming a layer of a the multilayer circuit board with an internal clearance region having a modified voltage-to-ground clearance of conductive material adjacent to an aperture of the multilayer circuit board. The modified voltage-to-ground clearance of conductive material is based on a configuration of a connector pin to be press-fit connected within the aperture of the multilayer circuit board, and the internal clearance region is enlarged in a direction of greatest normal force outward from the aperture with insertion of the connector pin into the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: James D. BIELICK, Theron Lee LEWIS, David J. BRAUN, John R. DANGLER, Timothy P. YOUNGER, Stephen Michael HUGO, Timothy JENNINGS
  • Publication number: 20240170903
    Abstract: A controlled extraction of an electronic connector from an electronic circuit board includes a press mechanism of a device positioned in spaced relation over a base fixture of the device. The base fixture receiving an electronic circuit board which includes a connector. Shafts of a removal tool of the press mechanism can be inserted into a series of openings in the connector, respectively, in response to applying a downward force to the press mechanism. A capturing element on each of the shafts can be actuated where the capturing element couples to a wall defining the opening of each of the openings. The connector can be removed from the electronic circuit board by applying an upward force to the press mechanism which removes the connector with the capturing element of the shafts coupled to the wall of the opening, and releasing the press mechanism from the base fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Theron Lee Lewis, Timothy P. Younger, David J. Braun, James D. Bielick, John R. Dangler, Stephen Michael Hugo, Timothy Jennings
  • Publication number: 20240138064
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a multilayer circuit board is provided which includes forming a layer of a the multilayer circuit board with an internal clearance region having a modified voltage-to-ground clearance of conductive material adjacent to an aperture of the multilayer circuit board. The modified voltage-to-ground clearance of conductive material is based on a configuration of a connector pin to be press-fit connected within the aperture of the multilayer circuit board, and the internal clearance region is enlarged in a direction of greatest normal force outward from the aperture with insertion of the connector pin into the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: James D. BIELICK, Theron Lee LEWIS, David J. BRAUN, John R. DANGLER, Timothy P. YOUNGER, Stephen Michael HUGO, Timothy JENNINGS
  • Patent number: 11906574
    Abstract: Aspects include a hybrid socket dynamic warp indicator for socket connector systems and methods of using the same to measure the warpage of a printed circuit board assembly. The method can include providing a printed circuit board having a plurality of pads and a socket. A warp indicator having a plurality of solder joint connections and a resistor array is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board to build a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly is subjected to a thermal event. A resistance across the resistor array is measured after the thermal event. A number of separations between one or more pads of the printed circuit board and one or more solder joint connections of the warp indicator is determined based on a change in the resistance. A defective warpage condition for the socket is determined based on the number of separations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Hugo, Theron Lee Lewis, Timothy Jennings, Timothy P. Younger, David J. Braun, Jennifer I. Bennett, John R. Dangler, James D. Bielick
  • Patent number: 11699884
    Abstract: An apparatus for grounding a heatsink utilizing an EMC spring press-fit pin includes a printed circuit board, a logic chip, a heatsink, and a grounding member, where the grounding member includes an integrated spring and a first terminal pin at a first end of the grounding member. The logic chip is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board and the heatsink is disposed on a top surface of the logic chip. The first terminal pin at the first end of the grounding member is disposed in a plated-through hole of the printed circuit, where the grounding member is configured to electrically couple the heatsink to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Braun, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, James D. Bielick, Stephen Michael Hugo, Theron Lee Lewis, Jennifer I. Bennett, Timothy Jennings
  • Publication number: 20230178922
    Abstract: A first apparatus includes an electrical connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The first apparatus further includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with an area on the inner wafer. A second apparatus includes an OTS connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The second apparatus further includes a plurality of SMT leads of the inner wafer configured to mount onto a plurality of landing pads on a PCBA. The second apparatus includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with the inner wafer preventing movement of the inner wafer within the outer shell of OTS connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Theron Lee Lewis, David J. Braun, James D. Bielick, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, Timothy Jennings, Jennifer I. Bennett, Stephen Michael Hugo
  • Publication number: 20230009784
    Abstract: Aspects include a hybrid socket dynamic warp indicator for socket connector systems and methods of using the same to measure the warpage of a printed circuit board assembly. The method can include providing a printed circuit board having a plurality of pads and a socket. A warp indicator having a plurality of solder joint connections and a resistor array is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board to build a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly is subjected to a thermal event. A resistance across the resistor array is measured after the thermal event. A number of separations between one or more pads of the printed circuit board and one or more solder joint connections of the warp indicator is determined based on a change in the resistance. A defective warpage condition for the socket is determined based on the number of separations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Hugo, Theron Lee Lewis, Timothy Jennings, Timothy P. Younger, David J. Braun, Jennifer I. Bennett, John R. Dangler, James D. Bielick
  • Patent number: 11445650
    Abstract: Provided is a system for removing an electronic component from a printed circuit board (PCB). The system may comprise a heating well configured to hold a rework liquid. The system may further comprise a head system configured to create a liquid-tight seal around an electronic component. The system may further comprise a nozzle and a mechanical capture device disposed within the head system. The mechanical capture device may be configured to attach to the electronic component. The system may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to release the rework liquid through the nozzle and onto the electronic component and lift the electronic component off the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Theron Lee Lewis, Jennifer I. Bennett, James D. Bielick, David J. Braun, John R. Dangler, Stephen Michael Hugo, Timothy Jennings, Timothy P. Younger
  • Publication number: 20220029361
    Abstract: An apparatus for grounding a heatsink utilizing an EMC spring press-fit pin includes a printed circuit board, a logic chip, a heatsink, and a grounding member, where the grounding member includes an integrated spring and a first terminal pin at a first end of the grounding member. The logic chip is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board and the heatsink is disposed on a top surface of the logic chip. The first terminal pin at the first end of the grounding member is disposed in a plated-through hole of the printed circuit, where the grounding member is configured to electrically couple the heatsink to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: David J. Braun, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, James D. Bielick, Stephen Michael Hugo, Theron Lee Lewis, Jennifer I. Bennett, Timothy Jennings
  • Patent number: 11211760
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a stutter step press-fit connector insertion process. A non-limiting example of a method includes applying a force to at least one press-fit pin for causing the press-fit pin to move in a direction of a through-hole of a printed circuit board, wherein a value of the force increases as the press-fit pin moves in the direction of the through-hole. In response to detecting contact between the press-fit pin and a surface profile of the through-hole, a first pause of the force is introduced for a pre-determined time interval, wherein the value of the force remains generally static during the pre-determined time interval. The force is reapplied to the press-fit pin upon completion of the time interval, wherein the value of the force increases during the reapplying until the press-fit pin is inserted into the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Jennings, Theron Lee Lewis, Timothy Younger, David Braun, John R. Dangler, Jennifer I. Bennett, Stephen Hugo, James Bielick
  • Patent number: 11175100
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly can comprise a heat sink and a shaping element made of a shape memory material. The shaping element is incorporated into the heat sink assembly in an assembly shape. An actuation energy can cause the shape memory material to change the shaping element to an actuation shape, and the actuation shape can produce a thermal coupling shape in the heat sink. A method comprises forming a shaping element, of a shape memory material, into an actuation shape. The method includes re-forming the shaping element from the actuation shape into an assembly shape and incorporating the shaping element in a heat sink assembly that includes a heat sink. In the method, applying an actuation energy causes the shape memory material to change the shaping element from the assembly shape to the actuation shape to produce a thermal coupling shape in the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Theron L. Lewis, David J. Braun, Jennifer I. Bennett, James D. Bielick, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, Stephen M. Hugo, Timothy Jennings
  • Publication number: 20210130176
    Abstract: A colloidal silica solution which includes two or more colloidal silica compositions or suspensions having differing particle sizes and specific surface areas, the compositions or suspensions resulting in a multimodal particle size distribution in which the solution or suspension can be bimodal in nature and composed of, but not limited to, particles with a mode of 4 nm and 20 nm or composed of particles 7 nm and 12 nm. The solution or suspension can also be trimodal and composed of, but not limited to, 4 nm, 7 nm and 15 nm or 3 nm, 5 nm, and 20 nm. The solution or suspension can also include other multimodal systems which would give superior water drainage and fiber and ash retention on paper machines. The colloidal silica solution is a drainage and retention aid in the making of paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Applied Material Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Rebernak, Robert Ellis Wilson, Michael Timothy Jennings
  • Publication number: 20210120712
    Abstract: Provided is a system for removing an electronic component from a printed circuit board (PCB). The system may comprise a heating well configured to hold a rework liquid. The system may further comprise a head system configured to create a liquid-tight seal around an electronic component. The system may further comprise a nozzle and a mechanical capture device disposed within the head system. The mechanical capture device may be configured to attach to the electronic component. The system may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to release the rework liquid through the nozzle and onto the electronic component and lift the electronic component off the PCB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Theron Lee Lewis, Jennifer I. Bennett, James D. Bielick, David J. Braun, John R. Dangler, Stephen Michael Hugo, Timothy Jennings, Timothy P. Younger
  • Publication number: 20210075179
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a stutter step press-fit connector insertion process. A non-limiting example of a method includes applying a force to at least one press-fit pin for causing the press-fit pin to move in a direction of a through-hole of a printed circuit board, wherein a value of the force increases as the press-fit pin moves in the direction of the through-hole. In response to detecting contact between the press-fit pin and a surface profile of the through-hole, a first pause of the force is introduced for a pre-determined time interval, wherein the value of the force remains generally static during the pre-determined time interval. The force is reapplied to the press-fit pin upon completion of the time interval, wherein the value of the force increases during the reapplying until the press-fit pin is inserted into the through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy Jennings, Theron Lee Lewis, Timothy Younger, David Braun, John R. Dangler, Jennifer I. Bennett, Stephen Hugo, James Bielick
  • Publication number: 20200355442
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly can comprise a heat sink and a shaping element made of a shape memory material. The shaping element is incorporated into the heat sink assembly in an assembly shape. An actuation energy can cause the shape memory material to change the shaping element to an actuation shape, and the actuation shape can produce a thermal coupling shape in the heat sink. A method comprises forming a shaping element, of a shape memory material, into an actuation shape. The method includes re-forming the shaping element from the actuation shape into an assembly shape and incorporating the shaping element in a heat sink assembly that includes a heat sink. In the method, applying an actuation energy causes the shape memory material to change the shaping element from the assembly shape to the actuation shape to produce a thermal coupling shape in the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Theron L. Lewis, David J. Braun, Jennifer I. Bennett, James D. Bielick, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, Stephen M. Hugo, Timothy Jennings