Patents by Inventor Anthony B. Ferguson
Anthony B. Ferguson 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: 11360761Abstract: According to a computer-implemented method, an update package that includes update operational files is received at a computing device. At least one update operational file is to replace a corresponding original operational file for the computing device. It is determined which of the original operational files are to be replaced with corresponding update operational files. A delta file is stored at the computing device, which delta file indicates the original operational files that are replaced with corresponding update operational files and the update package is installed at the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Leo M. Farrell, Scott Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Publication number: 20210224058Abstract: According to a computer-implemented method, an update package that includes update operational files is received at a computing device. At least one update operational file is to replace a corresponding original operational file for the computing device. It is determined which of the original operational files are to be replaced with corresponding update operational files. A delta file is stored at the computing device, which delta file indicates the original operational files that are replaced with corresponding update operational files and the update package is installed at the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2020Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Leo M. Farrell, Scott Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 10963239Abstract: According to a computer-implemented method, an update package that includes update operational files is received at a computing device. At least one update operational file is to replace a corresponding original operational file for the computing device. It is determined which of the original operational files are to be replaced with corresponding update operational files. A delta file is stored at the computing device, which delta file indicates the original operational files that are replaced with corresponding update operational files and the update package is installed at the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Leo M. Farrell, Scott Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Publication number: 20200125350Abstract: According to a computer-implemented method, an update package that includes update operational files is received at a computing device. At least one update operational file is to replace a corresponding original operational file for the computing device. It is determined which of the original operational files are to be replaced with corresponding update operational files. A delta file is stored at the computing device, which delta file indicates the original operational files that are replaced with corresponding update operational files and the update package is installed at the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Leo M. Farrell, Scott Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 9233500Abstract: A die comprising two die cavities, with each capable of supplying polymeric material, and a distribution plate interposed between at least a portion of each of the two die cavities. The distribution plate has a dispensing edge and a plurality of extrusion channels. First and second extrusion channels extend from entrance openings at the first and second die cavities, respectively, to exit openings on the dispensing edge. The exit openings of the first and second extrusion channels are disposed in alternating positions along the dispensing edge. A method of extruding with such a die and an extruded article made therefrom are also disclosed. The method includes co-extruding a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. The extruded article comprises a plurality of longitudinal first stripes of the first polymeric composition alternating with a plurality of longitudinal second stripes of the second polymeric composition.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael R. Gorman, John H. Horns, Anthony B. Ferguson, Thomas J. Rieger, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh
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Patent number: 9043779Abstract: A binary library overload instruction is received at an embedded computing device that executes a write-protected firmware build. The binary library overload instruction specifies a write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build to be overloaded by execution of an alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build. The alternative binary library is configured within a random access memory (RAM) storage area to execute instead of the write-protected binary library as specified in the received binary library overload instruction. The write-protected firmware build is executed using the alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library specified in the binary library overload instruction.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Scott A. Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson, Christopher J. Hockings, Davin J. Holmes
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Patent number: 8930936Abstract: A binary library overload instruction is received at an embedded computing device that executes a write-protected firmware build. The binary library overload instruction specifies a write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build to be overloaded by execution of an alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build. The alternative binary library is configured within a random access memory (RAM) storage area to execute instead of the write-protected binary library as specified in the received binary library overload instruction. The write-protected firmware build is executed using the alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library specified in the binary library overload instruction.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott A. Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson, Christopher J. Hockings, Davin J. Holmes
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Publication number: 20140130031Abstract: A binary library overload instruction is received at an embedded computing device that executes a write-protected firmware build. The binary library overload instruction specifies a write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build to be overloaded by execution of an alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build. The alternative binary library is configured within a random access memory (RAM) storage area to execute instead of the write-protected binary library as specified in the received binary library overload instruction. The write-protected firmware build is executed using the alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library specified in the binary library overload instruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott A. Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson, Christopher J. Hockings, Davin J. Holmes
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Publication number: 20140130030Abstract: A binary library overload instruction is received at an embedded computing device that executes a write-protected firmware build. The binary library overload instruction specifies a write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build to be overloaded by execution of an alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library of the write-protected firmware build. The alternative binary library is configured within a random access memory (RAM) storage area to execute instead of the write-protected binary library as specified in the received binary library overload instruction. The write-protected firmware build is executed using the alternative binary library instead of the write-protected binary library specified in the binary library overload instruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Scott A. Exton, Anthony B. Ferguson, Christopher J. Hockings, Davin J. Holmes
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Patent number: 8681780Abstract: An electronically authenticated internet voice connection can be initiated on an institution's website. Authentication of the customer's identity can be determined based upon already established credentials, such as a username and password. Upon verifying the identity of the customer, the institution's web server can generate and transmit a unique identifier to the customer's browser. The unique identifier can be an encrypted identifier used to authenticate the customer when establishing a subsequent voice connection.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott M. Andrews, Anthony B. Ferguson, David P. Moore, John T. Robertson
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Publication number: 20120308755Abstract: A die comprising two die cavities, with each capable of supplying polymeric material, and a distribution plate interposed between at least a portion of each of the two die cavities. The distribution plate has a dispensing edge and a plurality of extrusion channels. First and second extrusion channels extend from entrance openings at the first and second die cavities, respectively, to exit openings on the dispensing edge. The exit openings of the first and second extrusion channels are disposed in alternating positions along the dispensing edge. A method of extruding with such a die and an extruded article made therefrom are also disclosed. The method includes co-extruding a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. The extruded article comprises a plurality of longitudinal first stripes of the first polymeric composition alternating with a plurality of longitudinal second stripes of the second polymeric composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Michael R. Gorman, John H. Horns, Anthony B. Ferguson, Thomas J. Rieger, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh
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Publication number: 20100202596Abstract: An electronically authenticated internet voice connection can be initiated on an institution's website. Authentication of the customer's identity can be determined based upon already established credentials, such as a username and password. Upon verifying the identity of the customer, the institution's web server can generate and transmit a unique identifier to the customer's browser. The unique identifier can be an encrypted identifier used to authenticate the customer when establishing a subsequent voice connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott M. Andrews, Anthony B. Ferguson, David P. Moore, John T. Robertson
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Patent number: 7493900Abstract: A filtering face mask that has a mask body and an exhalation valve. The mask body is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The exhalation valve is attached to the mask body and includes a valve seat that comprises a seal surface, an orifice that is circumscribed by the seal surface, a flap-retaining surface, and a single flexible flap that has a fixed portion and a free portion and first and second opposing ends. The first end of the single flexible flap is associated with the fixed portion of the flap so as to remain at rest during an exhalation, and the second end is associated with the free portion of the flexible flap so as to be lifted away from the seal surface during an exhalation. The second end also is located below the first end when the filtering face mask is worn on a person. The flexible flap is positioned on the valve seat such that the flap is pressed towards the seal surface in an abutting relationship therewith when a fluid is not passing through the orifice.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 7428903Abstract: A filtering face mask that has a mask body and an exhalation valve. The mask body is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The exhalation valve is positioned on the mask body substantially opposite to a wearer's mouth. The exhalation valve comprises a valve seat that has a seal surface, an orifice that is circumscribed by the seal surface, and cross members that extend across the orifice to create a plurality of openings within the orifice. The valve also includes a single flexible flap that has a fixed portion and a free portion and first and second opposing ends. The first end of the single flexible flap is associated with the fixed portion of the flap so as to remain at rest during an exhalation, and the second end being associated with the free portion of the flexible flap so as to be lifted away from the seal surface during an exhalation. The second end also is located below the first end when the filtering face mask is worn on a person.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 7311104Abstract: A method of making a filtering face mask, which method includes the steps of: (a) providing (i) a valve seat that comprises an orifice and a seal surface, wherein the orifice allows air to pass therethrough and is surrounded by the seal surface, and (ii) a single flexible flap; (b) supporting the single flexible flap non-centrally and operatively relative to the orifice of the valve seat to form an exhalation valve, the single flexible flap being supported such that there is an imposed curved profile that extends from a first point where a stationary portion of the flap is supported on the valve seat to a second point where a free portion of the flap contacts a seal surface; and (c) attaching the exhalation valve to a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 7117868Abstract: A filtering face mask that has a mask body and an exhalation valve. The mask body is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The exhalation valve is attached to the mask body and has a valve seat that includes a seal surface and an orifice that is circumscribed by the seal surface. The valve also has a single flexible flap that has a fixed portion and a free portion and first and second opposing ends. The first end of the single flexible flap is associated with the fixed portion of the flap so as to remain at rest during an exhalation, and the second end is associated with the free portion of the flexible flap so as to be lifted away from the seal surface during an exhalation. The second end also is located below the first end when the filtering face mask is worn on a person. The flexible flap is positioned on the valve seat such that the flap is pressed towards the seal surface in an abutting relationship therewith when a fluid is not passing through the orifice.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 7037461Abstract: A method of stretching films in which all or a portion of the width of the film is cooled during or just after stretching so as to improve the uniformity of the film. The includes stretching a polymeric film in a tenter that grasps the film with a plurality of clips along the opposing edges of the film and propels the clips to thereby stretch the film. The tenter includes driven clips and idler clips, with at least one idler clip between respective pairs of driven clips. The cooling is done so as to improve the uniformity of the clip spacing relative to the spacing obtained at otherwise identical process conditions without such cooling.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Martin E. Denker, Joseph T. Bartusiak, Anthony B. Ferguson, Thomas P. Hanschen, Jeffery N. Jackson, William Ward Merrill, Susan J. Newhouse, Fred J. Roska, Richard J. Thompson, Chiu Ping Wong
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Patent number: 6854463Abstract: Filtering face mask 10 has a mask body 12 and an exhalation valve 14. The mask body 12 is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person, and the exhalation valve 14 is attached to the mask body 12. The exhalation valve 14 has a valve seat 26 and a single flexible flap 24. The valve seat 26 includes a seal surface 31 and an orifice 32. The orifice 32 is circumscribed by the seal surface 31. The single flexible flap 24 has a fixed portion 28 and one free portion 38. The one free portion 38 has a free end, and the fixed portion 28 is located off-center of the flexible flap 24 away from the free end and is secured to the valve seat 26 outside the orifice 32. The one free portion 38 is pressed toward the seal surface 31 when the wearer is neither inhaling or exhaling. The free portion 38 can be lifted from the seal surface 31 during an exhalation.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1994Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Patent number: 6843248Abstract: A filtering face mask that comprises a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer, the mask body comprising a filtration layer through which inhaled air may pass before being inhaled by a wearer of the face mask; and an exhalation valve that is attached to the mask body, the exhalation valve allowing air exhaled by a wearer to pass from an interior of the mask body to its exterior without having to pass through the filtration layer, the exhalation valve comprising: a valve seat that comprises: a seal surface; and an orifice that is circumscribed by the seal surface; and a single flexible flap that has one fixed portion and one free portion and a circumferential edge, the circumferential edge having a first segment that is associated with the one fixed portion of the flap so as to remain at rest during an exhalation and having a second segment that is associated with the one free portion of the flexible flap so as to be lifted away from the seal surface during an exhalation, the seconType: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
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Publication number: 20040265575Abstract: A simultaneously biaxially stretched polypropylene film having unique properties is disclosed. The properties result from the unique method of making the film and include: a tensile elongation to break in the first stretch direction of at least 110%; a tensile volumetric energy to break in the first stretch direction of at least 18,000 in-lb/in3; and, a variability in film thickness along the first stretch direction, as measured by the standard deviation relative to the average, of less than 10%.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Chiu Ping Wong, Thomas P. Hanschen, Anthony B. Ferguson, William W. Merrill, Fred J. Roska, Jeffery N. Jackson