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).

  • Patent number: 8095504
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Access Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
  • Patent number: 8064628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Robert Bailis, Tom Butler, Brian Flynn, Alan Kinlaw, Ian Jester, Carl Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100332450
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ACCESS SYSTEMS AMERICAS, INC.
    Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
  • Patent number: 7836015
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Access Systems Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Tom Butler, Robert G. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 7792794
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: PalmSource Inc.
    Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
  • Patent number: 7707175
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: PalmSource Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin I. Pivowar, Jayita Poddar, Tom Butler
  • Patent number: 7699107
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
  • Patent number: 7677316
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
  • Patent number: 7584794
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
  • Publication number: 20090139990
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Robert Bailis, Tom Butler, Brian Flynn, Alan Kinlaw, Ian Jester, Carl Taylor
  • Patent number: 7487135
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: PalmSource, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin I. Pivowar, Jayita Poddar, Tom Butler
  • Publication number: 20080000694
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
  • Publication number: 20070151766
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
  • Publication number: 20070151731
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Tom Butler, Daniel Alberts, Jeff Honekamp, Martin Craighead
  • Publication number: 20070067356
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: William Mills, Robert McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin Pivowar
  • Patent number: 7139748
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Palmsource, Inc.
    Inventors: William Leonard Mills, Robert G. McKenzie, Tom Butler, Alvin I. Pivowar
  • Publication number: 20060087618
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Paula Smart, Sue Cobb, Amanda Moody, Richard Eastgate, Gareth Griffiths, Tom Butler, Ian Comaish, Stephen Haworth, Richard Gregson, Isabel Ash, Sarah Brown
  • Publication number: 20050038811
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Alvin Pivowar, Jayita Poddar, Tom Butler
  • Patent number: 5778713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Waterjet Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Butler, Dave Monserud, Dave Bothell, Dave Steele, John Hake