Patents by Inventor Francis E. Noel

Francis E. Noel 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: 7680769
    Abstract: A searchable information database is provided. At least one network processor having one or more packet processors is provided which are programmed to independently search for a match of any one of the keys in a key set which is delivered to the network processor(s). Each key set is independently identifiable and searchable. If a match is found, then either a function associated therewith or a pointer to the location of the information in the database is returned. Several searching techniques can be used. For example, multiple network processors can be used, with each storing the keys of a different set of keys, and each set of keys can be searched concomitantly in the network processors. Alternatively, a large lookup table may distribute multiple network processors. If a single network processor is used, the key sets can be pipeline searched, or pico processors or packet processors can independently search each key set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Millard, Francis E. Noel, Jr., Norman C. Strole
  • Patent number: 7610206
    Abstract: Provision to a customer of equipment already installed into a specified enclosure to create an assembly is accomplished in an advantageous manner by the disclosed process. A manufacturer obtains the enclosure and the components of the specified equipment, installs the equipment in the enclosure and performs appropriate tests on the completed assembly before sending the assembly to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Edward Kuhlmann, Francis E Noel, Jr., Norman Clark Strole
  • Patent number: 7380268
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and program products which monitor wireless access points (12, 16) through which data can be exchanged with a network (10), identify an unauthorized access point (16), and respond to monitored data flow in a variety of manners including determining the location of the identified unauthorized access point, establishing filtering, and controlling accounting for access services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Lenovo Singapore Pte. Ltd
    Inventors: David C. Challener, Garry M. Kump, Francis E. Noel, Jr., David R. Safford, Douglas L. Schales, Leendert P. Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 7047303
    Abstract: A system comprising a network resource server or a server farm formed by a plurality of computer systems and a network processor which transfers data exchanged with an external network supported by the server farm at a data rate substantially the same as the data flow rate of the network and related method. The network processor protects the network resource server against attacks such as a denial of service attack by monitoring data flow, computing a derivative of the data flow over time to determine the rate of change of data flow, and modifying instructions for the discarding of packets in response to rates of change which are outside predetermined boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: C. Steven Lingafelt, Daniel Edward McConnell, Francis E. Noel, Jr., Charles J. Sannipoli
  • Publication number: 20040235449
    Abstract: Wireless connectivity for data communication is extended to users who are in public transport vehicles such as airliners, corporate aircraft, autobuses, trains and the like. The access allowed is extended to enable communications between such transiting users and between such transiting users and geographically based networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Noel
  • Publication number: 20040139062
    Abstract: A searchable information database is provided. At least one network processor having one or more packet processors is provided which are programmed to independently search for a match of any one of the keys in a key set which is delivered to the network processor(s). Each key set is independently identifiable and searchable. If a match is found, then either a function associated therewith or a pointer to the location of the information in the database is returned. Several searching techniques can be used. For example, multiple network processors can be used, with each storing the keys of a different set of keys, and each set of keys can be searched concomitantly in the network processors. Alternatively, a large lookup table may distribute multiple network processors. If a single network processor is used, the key sets can be pipeline searched, or pico processors or packet processors can independently search each key set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Millard, Francis E. Noel, Norman C. Strole
  • Publication number: 20040095888
    Abstract: Wirelessly connected information handling system devices such as access points and end user devices are Layer 3 aware, particularly in respect to knowing the IP address of the stations wirelessly connected to them. With capability for full Layer 3 functionality, the use of Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in these products provides a well tested, very robust method moving from a large flat LAN environment to the hierarchical world of IP routing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Noel
  • Publication number: 20040054635
    Abstract: Provision to a customer of equipment already installed into a specified enclosure to create an assembly is accomplished in an advantageous manner by the disclosed process. A manufacturer obtains the enclosure and the components of the specified equipment, installs the equipment in the enclosure and performs appropriate tests on the completed assembly before sending the assembly to the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles Edward Kuhlmann, Francis E. Noel, Norman Clark Strole
  • Publication number: 20040002898
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for optimizing a product order in real time where the product includes at least one customer-selectable component. Component information such as component cost, delivery lag time and availability are determined in real-time by querying a manufacturer system and, in response to a component being unavailable at the manufacturer, querying at least one supplier system that can supply the component to the manufacturer. The customer is then offered at least one order option in real time based on the results of the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Edward Kuhlmann, Francis E. Noel, Ann Marie Rincon, Norman Clark Strole
  • Publication number: 20030023733
    Abstract: A system comprising a network resource server or a server farm formed by a plurality of computer systems and a network processor which transfers data exchanged with an external network supported by the server farm at a data rate substantially the same as the data flow rate of the network and related method. The network processor protects the network resource server against attacks such as a denial of service attack by monitoring data flow, computing a derivative of the data flow over time to determine the rate of change of data flow, and modifying instructions for the discarding of packets in response to rates of change which are outside predetermined boundaries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: C. Steven Lingafelt, Daniel Edward McConnell, Francis E. Noel, Charles J. Sannipoli
  • Patent number: 6175569
    Abstract: Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees are extended to Token Ring LAN stations. A LAN station originating a request for a connection through an ATM network to either a remote ATM station or a remote LAN station sends a frame having an encoded priority value to a LAN/ATM interface device. The device maps the priority value to one of the standard ATM traffic classes; namely, CBR, VBR, ABR and UBR. The LAN/ATM interface device attempts to set up a connection through the ATM network conforming to the mapped class or QoS. If the connection destination is another LAN station, a destination LAN/ATM interface device attempts to set up the final ATM-LAN phase of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William W. Ellington, Jr., Francis E. Noel, Jr., Lorrie A. Tomek
  • Patent number: 5956348
    Abstract: Variable length LAN frames can be segmented into fixed length cells to allow the data in the frames to be transported through an intermediate cell-based system, such as an ATM network. Where transport through the intermediate system results in time gaps between data units extracted from the cells, special symbol combinations can be inserted into the time gaps to permit frame-representing data to be forwarded toward its destination as a "stretched frame" without waiting for all the cells representing the frame to arrive. When a stretched LAN frame is received at a "stretch-aware" LAN station, the special symbol combinations are detected and removed to recover at least the data payload of the original LAN frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Lock Creigh, Francis E. Noel, Jr., Lorrie A. Tomek
  • Patent number: 5764634
    Abstract: A LAN switch includes port modules which receive frames from their respective LAN segments and forwards the frames simultaneously to all output ports and to a port look-up function which determines the output port to which the frames should be forwarded. If the port look-up function identifies the output port, frame transmission is halted at all ports except the identified port. By performing the forwarding function and port look-up function simultaneously, a zero latency switch is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Christensen, Francis E. Noel
  • Patent number: 5680397
    Abstract: A multi-port LAN switch is provided that enables attached network devices to both communicate directly and to insert into a token-ring network through an attached concentrator. Each port of the multi-port LAN switch has a first transformer, a second transformer, and a switching system. The first transformer has a first winding connected to a first connection of the port. The second transformer has a first winding connected to a second connection of the port. The switching system switches to a port mode or an adapter mode as a function of a mode signal transmitted to the port. In the adapter mode, the switching system connects a second winding of the first transformer to a transmitter circuit in the port, and its connects a second winding of the second transformer to a receiver circuit in the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Christensen, Francis E. Noel, Rudolf E. Rehquate, Thomas Stammely, Jerry Dagher, Beymer Bevill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5617419
    Abstract: This invention relates to "clear pipe" communication networks meaning the nodes and links handle a variety of data frame types depending on their communication protocols such as Token Ring, Ethernet, FDDI or ATM. More particularly, this invention relates to node/link interface adapters at nodes which include switching nodes and end nodes. The adapters identify data frame type and adapt the node/link adapter operative elements to handle the various types of data frames as they travel through the network.The invention identifies the frame type at the source, flags the frame type to the nodes by use of unique SDEL (start delimiter) symbols or codes, uses the SDEL codes as received with the frame at each node to find the destination address in the frame and to adjust the transmission rate for the frame. The transmission rate is adjusted by inserting null non-data symbols in the frame to effectively slow the data rate to the data rate capacity of the protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Christensen, Lee C. Haas, Francis E. Noel
  • Patent number: 5581710
    Abstract: A ring network of workstations interconnected on a single simplex ring is converted to duplex communications on the single ring by placing two transceivers in each workstation and adding a duplex conversion device between each workstation and its ring terminal box. One of the transceivers receives and retransmits signals in a clockwise direction around the ring; the other transceiver receives and retransmits signals in a counter-clockwise direction around the ring. The clockwise and counter-clockwise signals are superimposed on the ring but are isolated at the workstations by the duplex conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Francis E. Noel, Jr., Kenneth D. Schultz, Thomas E. Stammely
  • Patent number: 5349583
    Abstract: A system for utilizing a transmission media such as a token ring having multiple, independent channels operating in parallel. The invention provides optimal use of multi-channel bandwidth to a plurality of interconnected workstations, file servers, and other devices. The workstations and devices attach to the token ring via dedicated lobe rings connected to concentrators on the token ring. Each concentrator contains the processors, memory, and logic necessary to coordinate the transmission and receipt of data over the token ring among the interconnected workstations and devices. The multi-channel token ring provides increased bandwidth and reliability to an existing token ring without requiring modifications to existing physical devices, interfaces, or protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Christensen, Francis E. Noel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5030114
    Abstract: An improved data connector includes identical hermaphroditic mating members having inner cable clamping ground shields coupled by a grounding plug to an outer ground shield. The outer ground shield is formed from two sleeves one of each mounted on one of the hermaphroditic mating members and overlapping each other to encircle the contact portions of the connector when it is in mated relationship with a complimentary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Carey, Francis E. Noel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4288869
    Abstract: A solid state circuit, which serves as a twin simplex/half-duplex converter, includes a triple input NAND gate. The output of the NAND gate is connected directly to the outgoing simplex conductor. Signals on the incoming simplex conductor are applied to the three inputs of the NAND gate through separate signal paths which introduce different delays. One signal path introduces an intermediate delay before applying the incoming signal to the NAND gate in an inverted form. The half-duplex line is connected to this signal path. While incoming signals are applied to all three inputs to the NAND gate as well as to the half-duplex line, a lack of coincidence at the inputs prevents any incoming signal from passing through the converter to the outgoing simplex line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: James S. Kolodzey, Francis E. Noel, Jr., George R. Stilwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4268113
    Abstract: Where a solid state optical transducer is mounted on a ceramic substrate, an improved optical signal path is provided by adding a preformed hole to the substrate in alignment with the active region of the transducer. A metal pin having a light transmitting core is inserted into the preformed hole using the same pin insertion techniques used to secure other solid pins to the substrate. The core provides an optical signal path while the cylindrical metal pin can be used both as a heat sink and to provide an additional electrical path to the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Noel, Jr.