Patents by Inventor Dana Blair
Dana Blair 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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Publication number: 20130260022Abstract: Composite material that contain epoxy resin which is toughened and strengthened with thermoplastic materials and a blend of insoluble particles. The uncured matrix resins include an epoxy resin component, a soluble thermoplastic component, a curing agent and an insoluble particulate component composed of elastic particles and rigid particles. The uncured resin matrix is combined with a fibrous reinforcement and cured/molded to form composite materials that may be used for structural applications, such as primary structures in aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicants: Hexcel Composites Limited, Hexcel CorporationInventors: Maureen Boyle, Dana Blair, Yi-Jui Wu, Yen-Seine Wang, Bryce Floryancic, Paul Mackenzie
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Publication number: 20130258852Abstract: In one embodiment, a best exit from an autonomous system (AS) for a controlled prefix is determined. A network device of the AS influences a route for the controlled prefix to be over the best exit. Traffic statistics for the controlled prefix are selected. The network device verifies, based on the traffic statistics, whether the influence has caused at least a configured amount of traffic for the controlled prefix to be over the best exit. When at least the configured amount of the traffic is not directed over the best exit, the network device further influences the route for the controlled prefix to be over the best exit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Vamsidhar Valluri, Kerry Lynn, Martin Djernaes, Dana Blair
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Patent number: 8503310Abstract: In one embodiment, a value for a option for a particular policy of a plurality of policies that are ranked in a priority order is ascertained. A variance to the value associated with the option for the particular policy is applied to define a range of acceptable values for the particular policy. A determination is made whether one or more other options exist that have values within the range of acceptable values for the particular policy. If no other options exist that have values within the range of acceptable values for the particular policy, the option is selected If other options exist that have values within the range of acceptable values for the particular policy, the ascertaining, applying and determining is repeated for a next lower priority policy of the plurality of policies to consider the other options, the repeating to occur successively until an option is selected.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dana Blair, Kerry Lynn
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Patent number: 8470923Abstract: Composite material that contain epoxy resin which is toughened and strengthened with thermoplastic materials and a blend insoluble particles. The uncured matrix resins include an epoxy resin component, a soluble thermoplastic component, a curing agent and an insoluble particulate component composed of elastic particles and rigid particles. The uncured resin matrix is combined with a fibrous reinforcement and cured/molded to form composite materials that may be used for structural applications, such as primary structures in aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignees: Hexcel Corporation, Hexcel Composites LimitedInventors: Maureen Boyle, Dana Blair, Yi-Jui Wu, Yen-Seine Wang, Bryce Floryancic, Paul Mackenzie
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Patent number: 8456987Abstract: A technique dynamically enforces a best exit selection for a controlled prefix based on policies and real-time performance statistics in a computer network. A Master Controller (e.g., an Optimized Edge Routing, OER, Master Controller) of an autonomous system (AS) in the network selects a best exit from the AS for the controlled prefix, and conveys the selection to a border router having the selected exit. In response, the border router performs a parent lookup to determine whether the controlled prefix is reachable via the best exit. If so, the border router influences routing in the AS for the controlled prefix through the best exit by, e.g., injecting routes or modifying metrics of existing routes. The Master Controller (or border router) then verifies that the routes for the controlled prefix traverse the selected best exit. Notably, if a route does not traverse the selected best exit, the border router may try to influence the route again or remove the influence.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Vamsidhar Valluri, Kerry Lynn, Martin Djernaes, Dana Blair
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Patent number: 8284758Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device information on paths to a destination node, determining a number of common nodes or links between at least two of the paths, calculating a path diversity index based on the number of common nodes or links, and selecting a route to the destination node based on the path diversity index. An apparatus for calculating path diversity index for use in route selection is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Pritam Shah, Philip Jacobs, Rahul Patel, Dana Blair
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Publication number: 20120250516Abstract: In one embodiment, a plurality of spoke-to-hub virtual private network (VPN) tunnels are established from a spoke router located at an edge of a spoke network to a hub network. The spoke router is configured as an optimized edge routing (OER) node. The spoke router monitors a network statistic for each of a plurality of prefixes on each of the plurality of spoke-to-hub VPN tunnels. The monitored network statistic is analyzed to determine whether a distribution of traffic between the spoke network and the hub network can be optimized. In the event the distribution of traffic between the spoke network and the hub network can be optimized, traffic is redistributed on a per-prefix basis among the plurality of spoke-to-hub VPN tunnels based on the monitored network statistic, such that at least a portion of the traffic is routed over each of the plurality of spoke-to-hub VPN tunnels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Gautam Aggarwal, Pritam Shah, Ajith Thrivikramannair, Dana Blair
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Patent number: 8260922Abstract: A technique dynamically utilizes a plurality of multi-homed Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels from a client node to one or more enterprise networks in a computer network. According to the technique, a VPN client node, e.g., a “spoke,” creates a plurality of multi-homed VPN tunnels with one or more servers/enterprise networks, e.g., “hubs.” The spoke designates (e.g., for a prefix) one of the tunnels as a primary tunnel and the other tunnels as secondary (backup) tunnels, and monitors the quality (e.g., loss, delay, reachability, etc.) of all of the tunnels, such as, e.g., by an Optimized Edge Routing (OER) process. The spoke may then dynamically re-designate any one of the secondary tunnels as the primary tunnel for a prefix based on the quality of the tunnels to the enterprise. Notably, the spoke may also dynamically load balance traffic to the enterprise among the primary and secondary tunnels based on the quality of those tunnels.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gautam Aggarwal, Pritam Shah, Ajith Thrivikramannair, Dana Blair
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Publication number: 20120195204Abstract: In one embodiment, a link utilization threshold is assigned to a first link. Link utilization of the first link and of one or more second links is monitored. The first link is considered to be out-of-policy (OOP) in the event that the link utilization of the first link surpasses the link utilization threshold. In response to the first link being considered OOP, action is taken. An excess utilization of the first link is determined. One or more prefixes currently routed over the first link whose collective per prefix utilization exceeds the excess utilization are determined. Provided that the collective per prefix utilization of the one or more prefixes currently routed over the first link, if added to the link utilization of the one or more second links, would not cause the one or more second links to be considered OOP, the one or more prefixes are redirected over them.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Rahul G. Patel, Dana Blair
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Patent number: 8203954Abstract: A technique dynamically applies a link utilization based policy to traffic traversing links in a computer network. According to the novel technique, a link utilization threshold is assigned to one or more links. The link utilization threshold may be, for example, a maximum amount of traffic for an individual link, or a maximum difference between links (e.g., for load balanced traffic). The link utilization of the one or more links may be monitored, such as, e.g., by an optimized edge routing (OER) process. In the event that the link utilization surpasses the threshold, the link is considered to be out-of-policy (OOP), and traffic may be redirected to other available links accordingly in order to bring the link back in policy (“IN-POLICY”).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Rahul G. Patel, Dana Blair
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Patent number: 8125911Abstract: In one embodiment, probe messages may be transmitted from a local domain to a set of one or more responding probe targets located beyond a plurality of probed first-hop domains of the local domain, the probe messages transmitted via each of a plurality of probed first-hop domains. A reliability of each probed first-hop domain may then be determined based on responsiveness of probe messages transmitted via each respective probed first-hop domain, such that traffic destined beyond the probed first-hop domains may be load balanced across the probed first-hop domains based on the respective reliability, regardless of a traffic-class and a destination of the traffic.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Rahul G. Patel, Pritam Shah, Dana Blair
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Patent number: 8097333Abstract: Pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided that can be cured to form composite parts that have high levels of damage tolerance. The matrix resin includes a thermoplastic particle component that is a blend of particles that have a melting point above the curing temperature and particles that have a melting point at or below the curing temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignees: Hexcel Corporation, Hexcel Composites, Ltd.Inventors: David Tilbrook, Dana Blair, Maureen Boyle, Paul Mackenzie
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Patent number: 8072901Abstract: A technique efficiently sends probe packets from a source to a target in a destination prefix over two or more paths of a computer network. According to the novel technique, the source, e.g., configured for optimized edge routing (OER), sends probe packets (probes) over all available paths (exits) to the target in the destination prefix in order to select a preferred path based on received responses to the probes, e.g., according to one or more policies. Once the preferred path is selected, the source sends probes to that target only over the preferred path until a trigger occurs, such as, e.g., an out of policy (OOP) event, a policy change, or an optional timer-based trigger. Upon being triggered, the source again probes all paths to reselect the preferred path.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dana Blair, Larry R. Metzger
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Patent number: 8073968Abstract: An Optimized Edge Routing (OER) technique provides efficiently data routing at the edge of a network or subnetwork. The technique employs a Master node that manages a set of border nodes located at the edge of the network or subnetwork. The Master node may be a stand-alone network management node or may be incorporated into a network node, such as a border node. Unlike prior implementations, the Master node instructs the border nodes to dynamically acquire (“learn”) prefixes of incoming and outgoing data flows and to selectively filter a set of learned address prefixes whose corresponding data flows match a predetermined set of criteria. The criteria may be based on routing metrics other than, or in addition to, conventional cost-based or distance-based metrics. Further, the criteria may include a set of filtering parameters that may be reconfigured, e.g., by the Master node, from time to time.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Pritam Shah, Vamsidhar Valluri, Dana Blair, Philip C. Jacobs, Kathleen Nguyen
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Publication number: 20110294387Abstract: One or more layers of structured thermoplastic polymer, such as a light weight veil of thermoplastic polymer fibers, are located within the interleaf zone of laminates that are composed of fibrous layers and thermosetting resin. The thermoplastic veils are used in the interleaf zones as a replacement for thermoplastic toughening particles. The structured thermoplastic polymer may be coated with a conductive material to improve electrical conductivity through the laminate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: Hexcel Composites, Ltd.Inventors: Martin Simmons, Dana Blair, Steve Mortimer
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Publication number: 20110262630Abstract: A composite material comprising at least one polymeric resin and optionally at least one fibrous reinforcement where the polymeric resin comprises at least one difunctional epoxy resin and at least one epoxy resin with a functionality greater than two having at least one meta-substituted phenyl ring in its backbone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicants: Hexcel Corporation, Hexcel Composites LimitedInventors: David Tilbrook, Dana Blair, Paul Mackenzie, Maureen Boyle
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Publication number: 20110259514Abstract: Composite material that contain epoxy resin which is toughened and strengthened with thermoplastic materials and a blend insoluble particles. The uncured matrix resins include an epoxy resin component, a soluble thermoplastic component, a curing agent and an insoluble particulate component composed of elastic particles and rigid particles. The uncured resin matrix is combined with a fibrous reinforcement and cured/molded to form composite materials that may be used for structural applications, such as primary structures in aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicants: Hexcel Composites Ltd., Hexcel CorporationInventors: Maureen Boyle, Dana Blair, Yi-Jui Wu, Yen-Seine Wang, Bryce Floryancic, Paul Mackenzie
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Patent number: 7983199Abstract: A push-to-talk conference call is conducted over a packet switched network. Participants send a request and receive approval before being allowed to talk during the conference call. In one implementation, only one of the participants is enabled to transmit audio packets while other participants are only allowed to receive audio packets.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bich Nguyen, Ramanathan Jagadeesan, Rakendu Devdhar, Andrew Chung, Dana Blair, Ilya Slain
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Patent number: 7972686Abstract: A composite material comprising at least one polymeric resin and optionally at least one fibrous reinforcement, where the polymeric resin comprises; at least one difunctional epoxy resin; and at least one epoxy resin with a functionality greater than two having at least one meta-substituted phenyl ring in its backbone.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignees: Hexcel Composites, Ltd., Hexcel CorporationInventors: David Tilbrook, Dana Blair, Maureen Boyle, Paul Mackenzie
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Patent number: 7968179Abstract: Pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided that can be molded to form composite parts that have high levels of both strength and damage tolerance without causing any substantial negative impact upon the physical or chemical characteristics of the uncured prepreg or cured part. This is achieved by including in the matrix resin a substantial amount of a multifunctional aromatic epoxy resin that has at least one phenyl group that is meta-substituted.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignees: Hexcel Composites, Ltd., Hexcel CorporationInventors: David Tilbrook, Dana Blair, Maureen Boyle, Paul Mackenzie