Patents by Inventor James A. Fisher

James A. Fisher 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).

  • Publication number: 20050198808
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bevel gear member, comprises the steps of providing a bevel gear blank having a gearhead, forming gear teeth on the gearhead of the bevel gear blank by simultaneously cutting gear tooth top land, gear tooth side profile and a bottom land to form an unfinished bevel gear member using a face hobbing process, and machining at least one selected surface of the unfinished bevel gear member using the top lands of said gear teeth as a datum for centering the unfinished bevel gear member, thus forming a finished product. The method is applicable for manufacturing the bevel gear member both with shaft axially extending from the gearhead and without the shaft. The bevel gear members manufactured with this method exhibit reduced runout and require simpler, less expensive tooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: James Fisher, Trevor McKinney
  • Patent number: 6889285
    Abstract: A method to maintain information in a virtual tape system comprising a library inventory using a plurality of storage attributes. The method includes forming a dataset comprising information, and assigning one or more storage construct names to that dataset. The method provides the dataset and the one or more storage construct names to the virtual tape system. The method assigns a plurality of storage attributes to the logical volume using the one or more storage construct names. The method then selects storage management actions for the logical volume based upon those assigned storage attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Erika M. Dawson, James A. Fisher, Jonathan W. Peake, Linda J. Schiltz
  • Publication number: 20050091224
    Abstract: A data structure for repeated data items presented in tabular lists in a web based management interface, to a collaborative web based management interface design system and to a system and program product including the data structure. The data structure includes a page pointer table with links to repeatable data structures and corresponding page maps. The page maps have links to tabular lists in corresponding repeatable data structures. The page pointer table may be included in executable code modules generating variable data and generating web pages from the data. Adding web pages to the interface only increases the size of the executable code modules by the size of a repeatable data structure link, a map page link and a map page length indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: James Fisher, Jeffrey Pilch
  • Publication number: 20050046990
    Abstract: A storage system or subsystem, method of locating components in the storage system and program product therefor. Storage system components have fiducial marks identifying component location. A sensor is located at an expected fiducial location and a first pass search for the fiducial is conducted along a search path. A second pass search, if needed, begins at a position located, horizontally, between the first pass start position and the system accessor home location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: James Fisher, Nicholas Pakidis, Kerri Shotwell
  • Publication number: 20050044456
    Abstract: A storage subsystem, method of testing storage media in the storage subsystem and program product therefor. The storage media, e.g., magnetic tape in a physical volume, is inserted into an input area in the storage subsystem, but not loaded into the subsystem library. The media input area on the physical volume is scanned and a test command is queued. The test storage media is moved to a drive for testing. After testing, the storage media is returned to the input area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: James Fisher, Anthony Lambert
  • Publication number: 20050044329
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for switching library managers of a data library while maintaining data library storage devices online. A library manager accepts and executes data transaction commands for access to data residing on the storage devices of the data library. A transition manager module receives a directive to transition library management functions from a first library manager to a second library manger. The transition manager module stops the first library manager from accepting new data transaction commands while maintaining the storage devices online. The first library manager may execute previously accepted data transaction commands. The transition manager module suspends the library management functions of the first library manager and activates the library management functions of the second library manager. The storage devices of the data library may complete data transaction commands throughout the library manager transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: James Fisher, Anthony Lambert, Dennis Martinez, Tom Pringle, Timothy Sample, Christine Telford
  • Publication number: 20050016793
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an automotive protective mat (1), also known as throw in mat or protective mat. This mat comprises a microporous stiffening layer (2) (acoustical membrane). This layer may be composed of several sheets. The overall air flow resistance is between 500 Ns/m3-4000 Ns/m3. It is essential for this mat (1) that it is hydrophobic. In order to achieve an enhanced acoustical effectiveness a decoupling layer (6) is foreseen between the microporous stiffening layer (2) and the vehicle floor (8). This decoupling layer might be incorporated in the mat (1) or constituted by the underlaying carpet or sound absorber of the vehicle floor. Further layers or sheets such as adhesive layers, non skid layers, face fabrics or carpets and/or loft layers can be added to the claimed mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Desmond O'Regan, James Fisher, Hameed Khan, Burton Price
  • Publication number: 20050012672
    Abstract: There is provided a directional, wideband, planar antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement is a class of Vivaldi aerial constructed as a plurality of conductive layers disposed on at least one substrate layer. The conductive layers are arranged to form a flared notch. The flared notch widens from a closed end to an open end. Instead of conforming to a simple exponential flare-shape, the inventive flared notch is arranged to conform to a hybrid curve. The hybrid curve comprises a plurality of self-similar curve sections. As the flare widens, each successive curve section is scaled up by a scaling factor and joined at its wider end with a neighbouring curve section. The antenna arrangement thereby becomes operable over a far wider frequency range than the conventional Vivaldi aerial. The hybrid flared notch can also be implemented in antipodal and balanced antipodal Vivaldi aerials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 20, 2005
    Inventor: James Fisher
  • Patent number: 6839796
    Abstract: A method to import a logical volume and first storage attributes assigned to that logical volume into a second virtual tape system from a first virtual tape system. The method assigns one or more first storage attributes to that logical volume, assigns an identifier, and writes an export physical volume comprising the logical volume, the first storage attributes, and the identifier. The method then imports the logical volume, the logical volume identifier, and the first storage attributes, into the second virtual tape system, and associates one or more construct overridden flags with the logical volume if the second virtual tape system specifies use of one or more of second storage attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Erika M. Dawson, James A. Fisher, Jonathan W. Peake, Linda J. Schiltz
  • Publication number: 20040236285
    Abstract: A medication dispensing apparatus having a manually operable plunger axially shiftable relative to the apparatus housing. The plunger is pullable relative to the housing in a proximal direction to cock the apparatus, and when the plunger is then manually pushed back toward the housing, a piston within a medicine container of the apparatus is shifted to force medication from a needle assembly at the distal end of the apparatus. The medication dispensing apparatus also includes a priming mechanism which is operated by rotating an externally accessible driver portion to prime the apparatus for use, which priming can be performed whether or not the apparatus is in a cocked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Mark James Fisher, Traci Jo Barron, Scott Alan Massing, Iain Roberts
  • Publication number: 20040176728
    Abstract: A prefilled injection apparatus for multiple dosings of medication. The protective housing element into which is installed the mechanical drive mechanism used to force the medication from the apparatus extends forward to provide a volume in which is directly contained a multi-dose quantity of medicine, and the medicine is sealed between a movable piston and a septum each in fluid tight engagement with the protective housing element. This design advantageously eliminates the need for using a separate cartridge within the apparatus. A method of making a cartridge-free, multi-dose injection apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Mark James Fisher, Robert Nesbitt
  • Publication number: 20040116892
    Abstract: A kit and needle assembly for reconstituting a quantity of a lyophilized pharmaceutical. The kit of the invention may include a reconstituting appliance having a non-transparent needle covering portion with a hollow adapted to receive the inserted stoppered end of the injection pen cartridge, which needle covering portion extends around a side-firing cannula to hide the cannula from side view. A shiftable alignment member retained within the needle covering portion at a first axial position, and shiftable to a second axial position when abutted by the injection pen cartridge during its insertion, may be included. The kit includes an injection pen cartridge including a barrel filled with a quantity of a lyophilized drug, a slidable plunger used during pen operation to eject the reconstituted drug, and a stopper penetrable by the cannula during drug reconstituting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Christopher Burroughs, Shu Kun Chang, Mark James Fisher, Benjamin L Rush, Richard Charles Thorne
  • Publication number: 20040044825
    Abstract: A method to assign one or more new storage construct names to one or more logical volumes using an operator input station capable of communicating with a virtual tape system, where that virtual tape system includes a plurality of existing logical volumes and a database which includes a plurality of logical volume records. The method first defines one or more new storage construct names, associates one or more storage actions with each of those new storage construct names, and saves the new storage construct names and the associated storage actions in the database. The method then enters, using the operator input station, a range of logical volumes, selects one or more new storage construct names, associates those new storage construct name to the range of logical volumes. The method then determines if the range of logical volumes comprises existing or new logical volumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Fisher, Jonathan W. Peake
  • Publication number: 20040044829
    Abstract: A method to maintain information in a virtual tape system comprising a library inventory using a plurality of storage attributes. The method includes forming a dataset comprising information, and assigning one or more storage construct names to that dataset. The method provides the dataset and the one or more storage construct names to the virtual tape system. The method assigns a plurality of storage attributes to the logical volume using the one or more storage construct names. The method then selects storage management actions for the logical volume based upon those assigned storage attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Erika M. Dawson, James A. Fisher, Jonathan W. Peake, Linda J. Schiltz
  • Publication number: 20040044826
    Abstract: A method to import a logical volume and first storage attributes assigned to that logical volume into a second virtual tape system from first virtual tape system, where the first virtual tape system is capable of communicating with one or more first host computers, and where the second virtual tape system is capable of communicating with one or more second host computers. The method maintains a logical volume in a first direct access storage device file buffer disposed in the first virtual tape system, assigns one or more first storage attributes to that logical volume, assigns an identifier to the logical volume, and writes an export physical volume that includes the logical volume, the one or more assigned first storage attributes, and the logical volume identifier. The method defines in the second virtual tape system a plurality of second storage attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Erika M. Dawson, James A. Fisher, Jonathan W. Peake, Linda J. Schiltz
  • Publication number: 20010010631
    Abstract: An illuminated display assembly including a transparent sheet of material such as an acrylic including: at least one surface forming at least one edge of the sheet and first and second outer surfaces separated by said at least one surface; a light source which delivers light via said at least one edge surface through and along the plane of the sheet and intermediate the outer surfaces; wherein, one or both of said outer surfaces as applied thereto at least one half tone translucent array arranged so as to distribute the light from said light source across said at least one or both surfaces of the sheet wherein said at least one half tone array covers a substantial part of the entire first or second surfaces with the remainder of the surface free of said array or arrays thereby increasing the intensity of light issuing from the display particularly in the region remote from the light source to at least fifty percent more than the light which issues by comparison from a display of like or substantially the same
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: ELEVEN LIGHTING PTY, LIMITED
    Inventor: James Fisher
  • Patent number: 6217186
    Abstract: An illuminated display assembly including a transparent sheet of material such as an acrylic including: at least one surface forming at least one edge of the sheet and first and second outer surfaces separated by said at least one surface; a light source which delivers light via said at least one edge surface through and along the plane of the sheet and intermediate the outer surfaces; wherein, one or both of said outer surfaces as applied thereto at least one half tone translucent array arranged so as to distribute the light from said light source across said at least one or both surfaces of the sheet wherein said at least one half tone array covers a substantial part of the entire first or second surfaces with the remainder of the surface free of said array or arrays thereby increasing the intensity of light issuing from the display particularly in the region remote from the light source to at least fifty percent more than the light which issues by comparison from a display of like or substantially the same
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Eleven Lighting Pty. Limited
    Inventor: James Fisher
  • Patent number: 6202088
    Abstract: A cable communication system (100) where a control unit (110) sends operation parameters to subscriber units (130) and the subscriber units (130) respond by modifying the method of communication. Also, the subscriber units (130) send messages which include information on the subscriber unit (130) and the capabilities of the subscriber unit (130). Furthermore, the control unit (110) efficiently manages the system 100 by monitoring the capabilities and instructing the subscriber units (130) on-how to communicate on the system (100). Such management allows for the migration of subscriber units (170) from one service area (140) to another (190) without the disruption of service. In addition, initialization of subscriber units (130) may be accomplished over the cable and does not require an operator at the subscriber location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Corrigan, Frank Pennypacker, Eva Labowicz, Vladimir Dvorkin, James A. Fisher, Jonas Butvila
  • Patent number: D437377
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: James Fisher
  • Patent number: D507976
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Allen Roher, Chad M. Johnson, Rajendra K. Shah, Mark James Fisher, Mark Alexander Jones, Shu Kun Chang