Patents Examined by Joseph E. Palys
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Patent number: 6104966Abstract: A method and system for tracking and identifying food products as they are being processed is disclosed, wherein no tags or encodings are attached to the food products, and wherein there is no extraneous manipulation of the food products. The tracking system of the present invention utilizes sensor input from substantially any sensor capable of detecting a food product in some manner. That is, the tracking system uses binary detect/no detect inputs for determining whether a food product can be identified at each sensor along a predetermined path. Thus, given that a food product has been identified at a particular sensor, the tracking system generates an hypothesis indicative of when the food product is expected to be at the next sensor along the predetermined path. Accordingly, if the next sensor detects a food product within an allotted window, then the food product detected is assumed to be the one to which the hypothesis applies.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Swift and Company, Inc.Inventor: Peter Haagensen
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Patent number: 6104962Abstract: A method and system for allocating programming objects of a control program configured to control a distributed control system having a plurality of distributed control modules. A graph model of the distributed control system is constructed which represents all the possible allocations of the control program's virtual programming objects to the processing resources associated with the system's control modules. A maximum matching algorithm is applied to the graph model to determine an optimum allocation, which, for instance, may be the allocation that provides the maximum benefit. The system and method also provide for intervention by the user to refine or "tune" the allocation process.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLCInventor: Shivakumar Sastry
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Patent number: 6105147Abstract: The present invention is a process-pair resource manager for use in a transaction processing system. The process-pair resource manager includes a concurrent aspect and a serial aspect. The concurrent aspect provides an object-like interface to a protected resource. An application program participating in a transaction accesses the protected resource by passing messages to the concurrent aspect. The concurrent aspect adds a description of each message as well as the result of processing each message to a transaction record. At the conclusion of a transaction, the concurrent aspect passes the transaction record to the serial aspect. The serial aspect then replays the transaction, using the transaction record. If the replay of the transaction is consistent with the transaction as recorded in the transaction record, the serial aspect sends a message to the concurrent aspect voting to commit the transaction. In turn, the concurrent aspect sends a message to the transaction manager forwarding the commit message.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Compaq Computer CorporationInventor: Mark E. Molloy
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Patent number: 6101422Abstract: A process controller has a processor with an activation controller, an transaction controller and a batch processor. The transaction controller operates in communication with a machine interface for controlling operations of a plant device for overall job sequencing and individual job control. There is automatic communication of various polling and return signals to ensure correct sequencing of mixing operations. The activation controller helps to ensure that the processor controller is configured at all times for correct operation at a particular materials distribution location. The activation controller 2(b) creates a control file and carries out verification operations automatically to ensure that the initially sorted data is correct. The batch processor operates with parallel control and transaction transmission files which are automatically transmitted to a host computer for consolidation. Control data in both the control and transaction transmission files ensure data integrity.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Dawnlawn LimitedInventor: Christopher Furlong
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Patent number: 6101607Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for selectively restricting access to a program function in a computer system having an operating system security mechanism operates via an application programming interface (API) that includes a program function registration API function, an authorization selection API function, and an authorization query API function. In response to a call to the API registration function, the program function is registered in a repository in the computer system. After the program function has been registered, a system administrator can select user authorizations using a software tool that includes calls to the authorization selection API function. The system administrator may select whether a particular user or group of users is authorized to access each registered program function. A programmer can embed a call to the authorization query API function in an application program, which includes or calls the program function.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Anthony Paul Bachand, Patrick Samuel Botz, Barbara Ann Smith, Carol Jean Woodbury
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Patent number: 6101613Abstract: An architecture is provided for isochronous access to memory in a system in which a stream of information may be sent to a memory unit. The stream is divided into a plurality of service periods with a specified maximum amount of information in selected service periods, and selected service periods have a first amount of information associated with asynchronous information and a second amount of information associated with isochronous information. In addition to sending a stream of information, a request for isochronous information from the memory unit may be sent. In this case, a stream of the requested information may be received from a memory unit a predetermined number of service periods after the sending of the request.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: John I. Garney, Brent S. Baxter
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Patent number: 6097990Abstract: An input device by which a character or symbol is retrieved and determined using an irreducible minimum number of numeric keys 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in an address reference table of an information exchange code main memory. Ten bits of data corresponding to a column index and ten bits of data corresponding to a row index are alternately inputted through an input keyboard. When a first arbitrary numeral is inputted, a column of characters corresponding to the input numeral is held in an ON state, and is simultaneously displayed on a selected character confirmation display. When a second arbitrary numeral is inputted, a row of characters corresponding to the input numeral is selected, and a single character corresponding to the selected column and row is placed in an ON state, and all other characters are placed in an OFF state. This input device is mounted on a camera, and a bitmap display of a line of characters is provided on a press plate of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: Hitoshi Takekasa
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Patent number: 6098177Abstract: A storage unit is provided with at least one head for reproducing servo information from a medium, a processing part for carrying out a servo process to position the head with respect to the medium, and a setting part for setting a ratio of a first time with respect to a sampling time smaller in one of a data read state and a command wait state than in a data write state. The sampling time is made up of the first time in which the servo process is carried out by the processing part, and a second time in which a process with respect to a request from an external host unit is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Atsushi Satoh
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Patent number: 6094720Abstract: Described is a computer system which is operable to allow configuration to occur on the system unit without removing the system unit from its packaging. The computer system is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The system is operative to detect whether it is in a configuration mode when a power source and a network connection are made through the packaging. If the configuration mode is detected by the system, the system powers on and places itself in the configuration mode to allow (1) the remote computer to transfer signals to the system via the communication link to set up data transfers to the memory of the system, and (2) the remote computer to transfer data to the memory of the system for storage therein, whereby the system is configured at least in part in its packaging.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Daryl Carvis Cromer, Brandon J. Ellison, Christopher Brit Gould, Howard J. Locker, David Rhoades, James Peter Ward
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Patent number: 6094726Abstract: A real time digital systolic processor with a core of reconfigurable interconnected macrocells which can be programmed according to function for processing high bandwidth digital data. Each macrocell contains arithmetic logic units for performing predetermined functions based on format of the input data stream from an outside source or from other macrocells. The interconnects between each macrocell are arranged so that the function of the device is predetermined according to user specific applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: George S. ShengInventors: Jeffry E. Gonion, Brett C. Bilbrey
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Patent number: 6092212Abstract: A method and strobe circuit are provided for maintaining a strobe signal at a valid voltage level. The method includes driving the strobe signal at the valid voltage level using a first strobe driver, pre-driving the strobe signal at the valid voltage level using a second strobe driver while the first strobe driver is driving, and terminating the driving of the first strobe driver. The strobe circuit includes a strobe line, a first strobe driver having a first enable input for enabling the first strobe driver and adapted to drive the strobe line with a first strobe signal, and a second strobe driver having a second enable input for enabling the second strobe driver and adapted to drive the strobe line with a second strobe signal. A first strobe controller is coupled to the second enable input and adapted to enable the second strobe driver to pre-drive the second strobe signal while the first strobe driver is enabled, wherein the first and second strobe signals are at equal logic levels.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Harry Muljono, Stefan Rusu
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Patent number: 6092189Abstract: A process for the mass production of computers where software is automatically installed according to configure-to-order requirements. Additionally, the process captures the as-built hardware and software components of each computer for the vendor service and support program. Furthermore, the process provides a software installation environment which is secure from any undetectable alteration and offers control and auditing of subcontractors who produce systems according to manufacturer's specifications. Finally, the process automates the tracking and reporting of royalty payments to the appropriate recipient.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Compaq Computer CorporationInventors: Jerald C. Fisher, Lien Dai Nguyen, James Young, Gunnar P. Seaburg, Galen W. Hedlund, Richard S. Katz
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Patent number: 6092195Abstract: A technique for authenticating a headerless-ID magnetic disk includes the steps of inserting the headerless-ID magnetic disk having a plurality of defective locations and an encrypted defect map into a removable drive unit, retrieving the encrypted defect map from the magnetic disk, storing the encrypted defect map into a memory in the removable drive unit, decrypting the encrypted defect map to form a defect map identifying the plurality of defective locations, and using the defect map in the memory to provide access to locations on the headerless-ID magnetic disk other than the plurality of defective locations.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Castlewood Systems, Inc.Inventor: Vien N. Nguyen
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Patent number: 6088805Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products authenticate client requests to access server resources. A server receives a certificate containing multiple data fields associated with the client making a request. The server selects data from at least one of the certificate data fields and filters the selected data using at least one predefined filter rule associated with the requested server resources to authenticate the client request. Combinations of filter rules may be utilized and the server may select data from various combinations of data fields.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark Charles Davis, Steve D. Gray, David Gerard Kuehr-McLaren, Ian A. Morrison, Timothy G. Shoriak
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Patent number: 6088810Abstract: A synchronous serial bus with timing information implemented in the bus standard protocol is provided for a bi-directional serial multi-channel data interchange between locally dedicated measuring instruments in a distributed configuration and/or with a data processing unit. This provides synchronized interchange of data between the instruments wherein each instrument is provided with an allocated controller. The invention permits one to employ a simple, preferably standardized, bus protocol. Wiring structure is considerably simplified for a complex multi-sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mauricio Ribes, Gunter Spahlinger
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Patent number: 6088629Abstract: A method for displaying a reaction path diagram of compound by use of an apparatus comprising an input device, display device, and a storage device, the displaying method of reaction path diagram of compound comprising: a step of preparing a reaction path diagram based on input data and displaying the reaction path diagram on the display device; a step of extracting an end compound accompanied by an undisplayed, adjacent reaction from compounds constituting the reaction path diagram and displaying a guide mark corresponding to the undisplayed, adjacent reaction on the display device; and a step of scrolling the reaction path diagram so as to display an undisplayed compound that makes the undisplayed, adjacent reaction indicated by the selected guide mark, on the display device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Kureha Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tomonaga, Fumio Tamura
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Patent number: 6088628Abstract: An operation section 32 of a teaching operation panel 30 connected to a robot controller 10 through a cable 40 has a general operation section 321 provided with a sub-display 323, and a graphic display operation section 322 for a display 31 provided with a touch panel. When a hand in touch with a hand mark 21' of the robot displayed along with a graphic image 20' is moved on the display screen (as indicated by an arrow A; from a position H1 to a position H2), the touched positions are sequentially sensed by the touch panel and converted to three-dimensional position data by using plane position data (which is calculated based on either a line-of-sight in graphic display or a specifically designated direction of a plane and the latest touched position).Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Fanuc, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Takayuki Ito, Tomoyuki Terada
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Patent number: 6085335Abstract: A self engineering system includes a data acquisition module, a self engineering engine, and a control module. The data acquisition module couples to the communication system and receives current operating data of the communication system. The self engineering engine receives the current operating data and determines new operating parameters of the communication system based upon the current operating data and current operating parameters. The control module implements the new operating parameters within the communication system. The self engineering system may include an expert system that receives the current operating data and, based upon the current operating data and the current operating parameters of the communication system, produces the new operating parameters. The expert system includes a fact library, a knowledge base and an inference engine. The fact library includes configuration data, historical operating data, the current operating parameters and proposed operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Nortel Networks LimitedInventors: Surnjani Djoko, Hua Jiang, Hee C. Lee, Sairam Subramanian, Seshagiri Madhavapeddy, Kalyan Basu
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Patent number: 6085123Abstract: Disclosed is a combined pass through and load/unload system for automated data storage libraries. Separate portals open into each of the libraries. A pivoting robot supports a housing which is capable of supporting at least one removable multi-cartridge magazine, and pivots about a pivot axis. An actuator withdraws or extends the housing toward or away from the pivot axis. A pass through controller operates the pivoting robot to position the housing at a portal and operates the actuator to extend the housing into the portal so that the library may load and/or unload the data storage media into or out of the removable magazine(s) in the housing. The controller then operates the actuator and robot to withdraw the housing out of the portal. The controller may position the housing at the bulk load/unload position so an operator may unload and/or load magazines from the housing. The controller may position the housing at the portal of the other library to allow the transfer of media thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francisco Antonio Baca, Robert Lamar Bingham, Jerry Walter Hammar
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Patent number: 6085331Abstract: An apparatus for setting up a time/date of a CMOS real-time-clock within a computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a processor, a memory, an I/O controller and a first parallel port interface. The apparatus uses the first parallel port within the system to set up the CMOS real-time-clock. The apparatus includes a reference real-time-clock for storing a reference date/time, a second parallel port interface connected to the first parallel port interface. The second parallel port interface is connected to the reference real-time-clock through a signal line. The computer system, responsive to a set-up instruction, reads the reference date/time from the reference real-time-clock and writes the reference date/time, via the I/O controller, into the CMOS real-time-clock of the computer system.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.Inventors: Kua-Chi Yeh, Li-Hui Chang