Patents by Inventor Tom Butler
Tom Butler 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: 8095504Abstract: A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Access Co., Ltd.Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
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Patent number: 8064628Abstract: A telescoping box includes a lid. The upper section of the box includes lids which are frictionally engagable therewith. The lids include speaker assemblies as part of each lid. The lids are removable and include connection points for audio signal sources such as MP3 players.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Robert Bailis, Tom Butler, Brian Flynn, Alan Kinlaw, Ian Jester, Carl Taylor
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Publication number: 20100332450Abstract: A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ACCESS SYSTEMS AMERICAS, INC.Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
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Patent number: 7836015Abstract: A method and system for fast synchronization of computer databases using coverage status. First coverage information of a first database and second coverage information of a second database are accessed. Using the coverage information from the two databases, it may be determined which data elements from the second database are more recent than corresponding data elements from the first database. Data elements from the second database that are more recent than corresponding data elements of the first database may be transferred to the first database. In this novel manner, synchronization of two databases may take place without comparing corresponding data elements between the two databases in order to determine if a data element has been modified. By this exchange of coverage information, it is possible to transfer only changed records, in one direction, allowing for a consistent synchronization method that is typically faster than prior art methods.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Access Systems Americas, Inc.Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Tom Butler, Robert G. McKenzie
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Patent number: 7792794Abstract: A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: PalmSource Inc.Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
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Patent number: 7707175Abstract: A single ended synchronization agent which communicates with a single endpoint. Responsive to instructions from a synchronization manager, a single ended synchronization agent transfers information between its endpoint and a common synchronization engine. Endpoints may include databases, hand held computers, communication links and the like. These novel single ended agent programs in cooperation with a common synchronization engine are able to synchronize databases. The agent programs need not implement synchronization logic and agent programs are required to understand only a single database. These aspects of the single ended agent programs greatly simplify the design, construction and maintenance of this software when compared with the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: PalmSource Inc.Inventors: Alvin I. Pivowar, Jayita Poddar, Tom Butler
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Patent number: 7699107Abstract: A device useful for conducting lateral or transverse excavating operations within a wellbore comprising a rotating drill bit with jet nozzles on a flexible arm. The arm can retract within the housing of the device during deployment within the wellbore, and can be extended from within the housing in order to conduct excavation operations. A fluid pressure source for providing ultra high pressure to the jet nozzles can be included with the device within the wellbore. The device includes a launch mechanism that supports the arm during the extended position and a positioning gear to aid during the extension and retraction phases of operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
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Patent number: 7677316Abstract: A method and apparatus useful for fracturing subterranean formations with ultra high fluid pressure. The apparatus is capable of producing isolated pressure in a formation surrounding a primary wellbore, sufficient pressure is included within the formation for creating a fracture at the edge of the perforation. The apparatus is comprised of a motor, pump, and nozzle, where the entire apparatus can be disposed within the borehole. The apparatus can be conveyed within the borehole via wireline, coil tubing, slickline, or other tubing. Alternatively, a drill bit can be included for creating the perforation just prior to the fracturing procedure.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
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Patent number: 7584794Abstract: A device useful for conducting lateral or transverse excavating operations within a wellbore comprising a rotating drill bit with jet nozzles on a flexible arm. The arm can retract within the housing of the device during deployment within the wellbore, and can be extended from within the housing in order to conduct excavation operations. A fluid pressure source for providing ultra high pressure to the jet nozzles can be included with the device within the wellbore. The device includes a launch mechanism that supports the arm during the extended position and a positioning gear to aid during the extension and retraction phases of operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
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Publication number: 20090139990Abstract: A telescoping box includes a lid. The upper section of the box includes lids which are frictionally engagable therewith. The lids include speaker assemblies as part of each lid. The lids are removable and include connection points for audio signal sources such as MP3 players.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Robert Bailis, Tom Butler, Brian Flynn, Alan Kinlaw, Ian Jester, Carl Taylor
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Patent number: 7487135Abstract: A single ended synchronization agent which communicates with a single endpoint. Responsive to instructions from a synchronization manager, a single ended synchronization agent transfers information between its endpoint and a common synchronization engine. Endpoints may include databases, hand held computers, communication links and the like. These novel single ended agent programs in cooperation with a common synchronization engine are able to synchronize databases. The agent programs need not implement synchronization logic and agent programs are required to understand only a single database. These aspects of the single ended agent programs greatly simplify the design, construction and maintenance of this software when compared with the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: PalmSource, Inc.Inventors: Alvin I. Pivowar, Jayita Poddar, Tom Butler
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Publication number: 20080000694Abstract: A device useful for conducting lateral or transverse excavating operations within a wellbore comprising a rotating drill bit with jet nozzles on a flexible arm. The arm can retract within the housing of the device during deployment within the wellbore, and can be extended from within the housing in order to conduct excavation operations. A fluid pressure source for providing ultra high pressure to the jet nozzles can be included with the device within the wellbore. The device includes a launch mechanism that supports the arm during the extended position and a positioning gear to aid during the extension and retraction phases of operation of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
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Publication number: 20070151766Abstract: A device useful for conducting lateral or transverse excavating operations within a wellbore comprising a rotating drill bit with jet nozzles on a flexible arm. The arm can retract within the housing of the device during deployment within the wellbore, and can be extended from within the housing in order to conduct excavation operations. A fluid pressure source for providing ultra high pressure to the jet nozzles can be included with the device within the wellbore. The device includes a launch mechanism that supports the arm during the extended position and a positioning gear to aid during the extension and retraction phases of operation of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2005Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
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Publication number: 20070151731Abstract: A method and apparatus useful for fracturing subterranean formations with ultra high fluid pressure. The apparatus is capable of producing isolated pressure in a formation surrounding a primary wellbore, sufficient pressure is included within the formation for creating a fracture at the edge of the perforation. The apparatus is comprised of a motor, pump, and nozzle, where the entire apparatus can be disposed within the borehole. The apparatus can be conveyed within the borehole via wireline, coil tubing, slickline, or other tubing. Alternatively, a drill bit can be included for creating the perforation just prior to the fracturing procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2005Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
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Publication number: 20070067356Abstract: A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: March 22, 2007Inventors: William Mills, Robert McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin Pivowar
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Patent number: 7139748Abstract: A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Palmsource, Inc.Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
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Publication number: 20060087618Abstract: An ocular display apparatus (10) having image presentation means adapted to display a first image (17) to one eye only of a subject, and a second, different, image (18) to the subject's other eye only, the first and second images being presented to the subject so that they perceive a composite image, wherein at least one of their first or second images includes a moving object.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: April 27, 2006Inventors: Paula Smart, Sue Cobb, Amanda Moody, Richard Eastgate, Gareth Griffiths, Tom Butler, Ian Comaish, Stephen Haworth, Richard Gregson, Isabel Ash, Sarah Brown
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Publication number: 20050038811Abstract: A single ended synchronization agent which communicates with a single endpoint. Responsive to instructions from a synchronization manager, a single ended synchronization agent transfers information between its endpoint and a common synchronization engine. Endpoints may include databases, hand held computers, communication links and the like. These novel single ended agent programs in cooperation with a common synchronization engine are able to synchronize databases. The agent programs need not implement synchronization logic and agent programs are required to understand only a single database. These aspects of the single ended agent programs greatly simplify the design, construction and maintenance of this software when compared with the prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2004Publication date: February 17, 2005Inventors: Alvin Pivowar, Jayita Poddar, Tom Butler
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Patent number: 5778713Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for peening objects by means of ultrahigh velocity waterjet. The apparatus includes means for holding and producing relative motion in three dimensions of both the workpiece and the jet. Control means are provided to allow uniform and variable depth peening of complex shapes and automatic variations in relative speed, standoff distance, angle and pressure. The method includes the use of entrained disappearing particles in the waterjet to facilitate peening.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Waterjet Technology, Inc.Inventors: Tom Butler, Dave Monserud, Dave Bothell, Dave Steele, John Hake