Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Miller

Christopher J. Miller 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: 9804778
    Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for pre-allocating storage space for an application operation in a space efficient volume where a host system transmits writes to the space efficient volume. Physical storage space is allocated to the space efficient volume when the host system submits a write request. An amount of space needed by the write request is allocated to the volume in response to receiving the write request. A space allocation request is received from the host system for an application operation indicating a requested amount of space to allocate in the space efficient volume for the application operation. The requested amount of space is pre-allocated in the space efficient volume for the application operation in advance of the application operation needing the requested amount of space for a series of write operations that will be generated during the execution of the application operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, Jr., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Patent number: 9798494
    Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for pre-allocating storage space for an application operation in a space efficient volume. To transmit application requests to a storage controller managing a space efficient volume, a determination is made of an amount of space required for an application operation requiring a series of write operations over a period of time to the space efficient volume. A space pre-allocation request for the application operation is transmitted to the storage controller. The space pre-allocation request indicates a requested amount of physical space to pre-allocate to the application operation to cause the storage controller to pre-allocate the requested amount of space in advance of the application operation needing the requested amount of space in the volume for the series of write operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, Jr., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Publication number: 20170263118
    Abstract: Various embodiments for logging traffic collision data at a traffic signal, by a processor device, are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises recording a media loop of a predetermined time and an associated traffic light sequence by a recording device placed in substantially close proximity to a traffic signal; and upon registering a media event above a predetermined threshold level, saving instant media loop information and the associated traffic light sequence to a storage device for aiding in determining fault in a traffic accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zaid M. ALATTAR, Albert E. DENNES, Ernesto E. FIGUEROA, Thomas T. JESUKAITIS, Christopher J. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20170220263
    Abstract: A storage controller maintains an allocation space for extent space efficient storage volumes, in response to a request from a host application for storage space, wherein an extent pool is configured to allocate available extents to the host application. In response to a request from the host application to delete data stored in selected extents that are already allocated to the host application, the storage controller deletes the data but continues to maintain the selected extents as being allocated to the host application. In response to a request to write new data, the storage controller writes the new data to the selected extents that are already allocated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, JR., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Publication number: 20170185314
    Abstract: A storage controller maintains extent space efficient storage volumes in a primary allocation space and a secondary allocation space. An indicator is used to indicate that extents of the secondary allocation space are available for an extent pool, without releasing the extents from the secondary allocation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, JR., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Patent number: 9658773
    Abstract: A storage controller maintains an allocation space for extent space efficient storage volumes, in response to a request from a host application for storage space, wherein an extent pool is configured to allocate available extents to the host application. In response to a request from the host application to delete data stored in selected extents that are already allocated to the host application, the storage controller deletes the data but continues to maintain the selected extents as being allocated to the host application. In response to a request to write new data, the storage controller writes the new data to the selected extents that are already allocated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, Jr., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Patent number: 9632704
    Abstract: A storage controller maintains extent space efficient storage volumes in a primary allocation space and a secondary allocation space. An indicator is used to indicate that extents of the secondary allocation space are available for an extent pool, without releasing the extents from the secondary allocation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, Jr., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Patent number: 9581444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a rotational orientation of an object is provided. Embodiments of the present invention utilize an electrically conductive fluid enclosed within a shell attached to the object such that the conductive fluid contacts different portions of electrically conductive nodes, located on the inner wall of the shell, depending on the rotational orientation of the shell. The electrically activated nodes in contact with the conductive fluid act as sensors and individually transmit electric signals to a microcontroller for transformation into an indicator of a rotational orientation of the object. The indicator of the rotational orientation is then output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zaid M. Alattar, Albert E. Dennes, Ernesto E. Figueroa, Thomas T. Jesukaitis, Christopher J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170021976
    Abstract: Provided is a method for making barrier tube shoulders. The method includes forming a parison from a multi-layer laminated structure having an inner layer that faces an interior of the parison, an outer layer comprising an exterior surface of the parison, and an interdisposed layer between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the interdisposed layer is a flavor barrier layer. The method also includes providing an extrusion blow molding (EBM) mold comprising at least one cavity shaped as a barrier tube shoulder, positioning the parison in the EBM mold, and blow molding the parison such that the parison substantially conforms to the EBM mold to form a barrier tube shoulder having the barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Christopher J. Miller, Scott Beckerman, Sunil Shah
  • Publication number: 20160377432
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a rotational orientation of an object is provided. Embodiments of the present invention utilize an electrically conductive fluid enclosed within a shell attached to the object such that the conductive fluid contacts different portions of electrically conductive nodes, located on the inner wall of the shell, depending on the rotational orientation of the shell. The electrically activated nodes in contact with the conductive fluid act as sensors and individually transmit electric signals to a microcontroller for transformation into an indicator of a rotational orientation of the object. The indicator of the rotational orientation is then output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Zaid M. Alattar, Albert E. Dennes, Ernesto E. Figueroa, Thomas T. Jesukaitis, Christopher J. Miller
  • Patent number: 9470524
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a rotational orientation of an object is provided. Embodiments of the present invention utilize an electrically conductive fluid enclosed within a shell attached to the object such that the conductive fluid contacts different portions of electrically conductive nodes, located on the inner wall of the shell, depending on the rotational orientation of the shell. The electrically activated nodes in contact with the conductive fluid act as sensors and individually transmit electric signals to a microcontroller for transformation into an indicator of a rotational orientation of the object. The indicator of the rotational orientation is then output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zaid M. Alattar, Albert E. Dennes, Ernesto E. Figueroa, Thomas T. Jesukaitis, Christopher J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160231946
    Abstract: A storage controller maintains extent space efficient storage volumes in a primary allocation space and a secondary allocation space. An indicator is used to indicate that extents of the secondary allocation space are available for an extent pool, without releasing the extents from the secondary allocation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, JR., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Publication number: 20160231934
    Abstract: A storage controller maintains an allocation space for extent space efficient storage volumes, in response to a request from a host application for storage space, wherein an extent pool is configured to allocate available extents to the host application. In response to a request from the host application to delete data stored in selected extents that are already allocated to the host application, the storage controller deletes the data but continues to maintain the selected extents as being allocated to the host application. In response to a request to write new data, the storage controller writes the new data to the selected extents that are already allocated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, JR., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Publication number: 20160224278
    Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for pre-allocating storage space for an application operation in a space efficient volume. To transmit application requests to a storage controller managing a space efficient volume, a determination is made of an amount of space required for an application operation requiring a series of write operations over a period of time to the space efficient volume. A space pre-allocation request for the application operation is transmitted to the storage controller. The space pre-allocation request indicates a requested amount of physical space to pre-allocate to the application operation to cause the storage controller to pre-allocate the requested amount of space in advance of the application operation needing the requested amount of space in the volume for the series of write operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, JR., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Publication number: 20160224244
    Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for pre-allocating storage space for an application operation in a space efficient volume where a host system transmits writes to the space efficient volume. Physical storage space is allocated to the space efficient volume when the host system submits a write request. An amount of space needed by the write request is allocated to the volume in response to receiving the write request. A space allocation request is received from the host system for an application operation indicating a requested amount of space to allocate in the space efficient volume for the application operation. The requested amount of space is pre-allocated in the space efficient volume for the application operation in advance of the application operation needing the requested amount of space for a series of write operations that will be generated during the execution of the application operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert S. Gensler, JR., Lisa J. Gundy, Christopher J. Miller, Jeffrey R. Suarez
  • Publication number: 20150269604
    Abstract: A method and system platform for conducting mobile device market research into advertising effectiveness across varying media including mobile devices are disclosed. The method can include providing a previously defined data set comprising a list of mobile device respondents and related data. The method can include obtaining first party data for a subset of one or more mobile respondents from the list of mobile device respondents that participated in a predetermined activity. The method can include obtaining third party data for the subset of one or more mobile respondents that participated in the predetermined activity. The method can include correlating the first party data and the third party data. The method can include refining the previously defined data set based on the correlated first party data and third party data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Eric SANDBERG, Erik NEKEMAN, Arthur E. STIVISON, Christopher J. MILLER, Palanivel KUPPUSAMY, Maria DOMOSLAWSKA
  • Patent number: 8906187
    Abstract: The method comprises an automated technique for making and inserting flexible laminate film barrier liners into the shoulder/nozzles of product tube packaging. The shoulder/nozzles are made and oriented with the shoulder opening to be facing the laminate film. The film is fed to a station that forms the nozzle aperture, die cuts the laminate film to fit into the shoulder of the shoulder/nozzle, and inserts this laminate film into the shoulder/nozzle. The laminate film can be heat bonded to the shoulder nozzle at this station or in a subsequent sealing station. After the shoulder/nozzle leaves the station that forms and inserts the laminate film into the shoulder/nozzle there can be a detection station to determine if the laminate film is properly aligned in the shoulder/nozzle. There also can be a detection station after a subsequent sealing station. Shoulder/nozzles with sealed laminate film liner are then sent to tube making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Miller, David C. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8810420
    Abstract: An open fuse block is provided having a visual indicator or light assembly connected in parallel with a replaceable fuse mounted in the fuse block. When the fuse is blown, the corresponding visual indicator is illuminated to identify the blown fuse, thereby facilitating quick and easy replacement of the fuse. Since the visual indicator is connected in parallel with the fuse element, when the fuse is blown, the fuse results in an open circuit and the flow of electricity is rerouted through the visual indicator. The visual indicator is thereby illuminated and the corresponding blown fuse can be easily identified. The visual indicator or light assembly can include, for example, a neon bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulb, or any other visual indicator that emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Stanek, Nathan C. Siegwald, Thomas M. Novak, Christopher J. Miller, Daniel R. Gilman, William F. Gonzalez, Jesse D. Rednour
  • Patent number: 8435129
    Abstract: A golf practice device replicates in large part a golf club, provided, however the weighting in the device facilitates maintaining a golfer's arms in close proximity in a ā€œVā€ configuration and facilitates during a golf swing the return of a golf club to its starting position just prior to contacting and hitting a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher J Miller
  • Publication number: 20120277019
    Abstract: A golf practice device replicates in large part a golf club, provided, however the weighting in the device facilitates maintaining a golfer's arms in close proximity in a ā€œVā€ configuration and facilitates during a golf swing the return of a golf club to its starting position just prior to contacting and hitting a golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher J. Miller