Patents by Inventor David L. Johnston

David L. Johnston 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: 11914780
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5553290
    Abstract: A software management structure is disclosed. A software application package is made up of several linked replaceable units (RU). Each RU is serviceable without adversely effecting the other RUs. The RUs are linked together in a hierarchical fashion in a series of levels. In the preferred embodiment, five levels are used: Application Group level (AG), Loadable Code Group level (LCG), Primary Functional Group level (PFG), Secondary Functional Group level (SFG), and Operational Code Group level (OCG). The AG level defines a group of computer programs combined to perform a high level application tailor fit to meet the needs of the user. The LCG level defines individual programs each created to perform a general task. The PFG level refines the common programs defined in the LCG level to a more specific set of primary functions. The SFG level refines the primary functions defined in the PFG level to an even more specialized set of secondary functions tailored closely to fit a specific user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nathaniel Calvert, James S. Effle, David L. Johnston, James L. Naylor, Helen M. Olson-Williams, Robert H. Satin, Dennis L. Shaffer, Gary A. Turk
  • Patent number: 5287505
    Abstract: Automated problem analysis and resolution of a customer data-processing system uses a central service data-processor system communicating with the customer system and having a data base for converting machine, software, and symptom data into instructions, hardware and software module lists, and service call schedules. The customer system detects data concerning its own configuration and problem symptoms for communication to the service system. The service system itself orders repair modules, and electronically communicates software fixes to the customer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nathaniel Calvert, John J. Eakins, Earl W. Emerick, David L. Johnston, John L. Koehler, Gerald P. Miller, James R. Morcomb, Beau T. Sinclair, George B. Scarborough, Sandra D. Westling
  • Patent number: 5265994
    Abstract: In the space shuttle, a cargo bay storage rack was required which was to be manufactured from a metal-plastic composite and bolted to a cargo structure. Following completion, utilization of the rack was disallowed due to tolerances, that is, the size differences between the outside bolt diameter and the inside hole diameter. In addition to the space shuttle problem there are other close tolerance requirements for bolts. Such environments often benefit from close tolerance bolting. Frequently such fabrication is not cost effective. Consequently there is a need for means of achieving close tolerances between bolts and bolt holes. Such means are provided herein. After compressing the elements together a strong rigid plastic, ceramic, or ceramic plastic fluid is forced into a channel extending through the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David L. Johnston, Phillip G. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5237688
    Abstract: A software management structure is disclosed. A software application package is made up of several linked replaceable units (RU). Each RU is serviceable without adversely effecting the other RUs. The RUs are linked together in a hierarchical fashion in a series of levels. In the preferred embodiment, five levels are used: Application Group level (AG), Loadable Code Group level (LCG), Primary Functional Group level (PFG), Secondary Functional Group level (SFG), and Operational Code Group level (OCG). The AG level defines a group of computer programs combined to perform a high level application tailor fit to meet the needs of the user. The LCG level defines individual programs each created to perform a general task. The PFG level refines the common programs defined in the LCG level to a more specific set of primary functions. The SFG level refines the primary functions defined in the PFG level to an even more specialized set of secondary functions tailored closely to fit a specific user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nathaniel Calvert, James S. Effle, David L. Johnston, James L. Naylor, Helen M. Olson-Williams, Robert H. Satin, Dennis L. Shaffer, Gary A. Turk