Patents by Inventor Stephen W. Schaefle

Stephen W. Schaefle 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).

  • Data structure for a relational database system for collecting component and specification level data related to products
    Patent number: 5675784
    Abstract: A relational database system allows users to search for specific products based on component criteria. The relational database system allows for unlimited number and type of components to be associated with products and employs a data architecture that enforces consistent product data including consistent description format among like products and consistent component descriptions whenever components are used in products. Product and component specification data is arranged in such a way as to allow users to search for specific products based on component criteria. The structure allows for an unlimited number and type of components to be associated with products and can accommodate future technologies that are not yet identified. The database system employs a series of tables having relationships that promote consistency, accuracy and ease of use by employing selection lists wherever data redundancy is possible. The database system automatically concatenates product descriptions using a component table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machnes Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Maxwell, Donald J. McDowell, II, Stephen W. Schaefle