Patents by Inventor James A. McDonald

James A. McDonald 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: 8862845
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for application profiling in a multi-device data storage array. In accordance with various embodiments, a storage array is formed of independent data storage devices that form a fast pool and a slow pool of said devices, such as solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disc drives (HDDs). A controller is adapted to migrate a distributed data set stored across a first plurality of the devices in the slow pool to a second plurality of said devices in the fast pool. The controller carries out the migration responsive to a hint that a selected application is about to be executed that utilizes the distributed data set, and responsive to a return on investment (ROI) determination that an estimated cost of said migration will be outweighed by an overall improved data transfer capacity of the storage array over a predetermined minimum payback period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Xiotech Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Lary, James McDonald, Keith Hageman
  • Publication number: 20140282112
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to facilitate group activities in a virtual environment. An indication is conveyed of a region surrounding a first avatar as being a group activity region, upon detecting that the first avatar is leading a first group activity in the virtual environment. The region is defined by proximity to the first avatar. A second avatar is allowed to participate in the first group activity with the first avatar in the region, only when the second avatar is within the region surrounding the first avatar in the virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Howard Begosa, Jiro Ietaka, Matt Lisuch, Gary Todd Masilko, Ryan James McDonald, Robert Quinn
  • Patent number: 8703946
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine compounds, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: P. Jeffrey Conn, Craig W. Lindsley, Carrie K. Jones, Shaun R. Stauffer, José Manuel Bartolome-Nebreda, Gregor James McDonald, Susana Conde-Ceide, Han Min Tong
  • Patent number: 8650108
    Abstract: Systems and methods for prioritizing multiple funding requests within an enterprise are provided. Aspects of the invention may be used in enterprises where separate departments or groups within the enterprise have differing goals. It often is beneficial to ensure that funded projects within the various departments do not deviate from the enterprise's core goals, such that the enterprise suffers from profit erosion and/or an undue risk. In one aspect, novel methods provide a segment score to prioritize different projects in the context of the enterprise's risk, strategy, and finance goals. In another aspect, a computer-readable medium may be used to execute computer-readable instructions for prioritizing multiple projects in view of the enterprise's goals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Dorene S. Schram, Rena Lauren Murphy, Kathy L. Angell, Catharine Phillips Train, Robert James McDonald
  • Patent number: 8590666
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rigging component and method for connecting an array element in an array. The rigging component includes an elongate housing connectable to an array element; a connection link disposed within, and slidably extendable from, one end of the housing; a conduit extending into the housing from its opposite end, the conduit dimensioned to receive another connection link extending from an adjacent rigging component; and at least one latching device associated with the conduit for releasably retaining the other connection link within the conduit. Further disclosed is a system for connecting an array element in an array. The system comprises at least one rigging component having a connection link extendable to be locked at a single fixed distance and at least one rigging component having a connection link extendable to be locked at one of a plurality of fixed distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Adamson Systems Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Brock Adamson, Ben Cabot, Ewan James McDonald
  • Patent number: 8417229
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating transferring of a conference call. In some embodiments, users of a secure mobile device may be provided with the ability to transfer a media session for use in a conference call to a non-secure communication device. The method may include displaying a user interface on the primary communication device, the user interface including a transfer option, receiving a command selecting the transfer option, sending a transfer request from the primary communication device to the conference call controller to link an alternate communication device within the conference call session, and determining whether the transfer request requires authentication, and if so performing authentication of the transfer request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ian James McDonald, Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Patent number: 8387795
    Abstract: A combined beverage lid plug and bookmark is disclosed. The beverage lid plug and bookmark has an elongated bookmark section, a plug section configured to be received into an opening in a beverage container lid, and a flexible bookmark tab. The beverage lid plug and bookmark has a banner section for display of desired advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Donald Scott Rogers, Billy James McDonald, Andy Paul Todd, Aimee Elizabeth Todd
  • Publication number: 20130010945
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating transferring of a conference call. In some embodiments, users of a secure mobile device may be provided with the ability to transfer a media session for use in a conference call to a non-secure communication device. The method may include displaying a user interface on the primary communication device, the user interface including a transfer option, receiving a command selecting the transfer option, sending a transfer request from the primary communication device to the conference call controller to link an alternate communication device within the conference call session, and determining whether the transfer request requires authentication, and if so performing authentication of the transfer request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian James McDonald, Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20120295913
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to bicyclic pyrazole compounds, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: P. Jeffrey Conn, Craig W. Lindsley, Carrie K. Jones, Shaun R. Stauffer, José Manuel Bartolome-Nebreda, Gregor James McDonald, Susana Conde-Ceide, Han Min Tong
  • Publication number: 20120239859
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for application profiling in a multi-device data storage array. In accordance with various embodiments, a storage array is formed of independent data storage devices that form a fast pool and a slow pool of said devices, such as solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disc drives (HDDs). A controller is adapted to migrate a distributed data set stored across a first plurality of the devices in the slow pool to a second plurality of said devices in the fast pool. The controller carries out the migration responsive to a hint that a selected application is about to be executed that utilizes the distributed data set, and responsive to a return on investment (ROI) determination that an estimated cost of said migration will be outweighed by an overall improved data transfer capacity of the storage array over a predetermined minimum payback period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: XIOTECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Lary, James McDonald, Keith Hageman
  • Patent number: 8191707
    Abstract: A package and a method of assembling a package are provided. The package includes: a front wall connected to the rear wall by a first side wall and a second side wall; a first end portion and a second end portion disposed at opposite ends of the rear wall, front wall, first side wall, and second side wall; an elongated member; and at least one bracket for holding the elongated member by a clamping effect. A blank is also provided. The blank includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and a bracket connected to one of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James McDonald, Tongchai Saesim
  • Publication number: 20120103982
    Abstract: A package and a method of assembling a package are provided. The package includes: a front wall connected to the rear wall by a first side wall and a second side wall; a first end portion and a second end portion disposed at opposite ends of the rear wall, front wall, first side wall, and second side wall; an elongated member; and at least one bracket for holding the elongated member by a clamping effect. A blank is also provided. The blank includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and a bracket connected to one of the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian James McDonald, Tongchai Saesim
  • Publication number: 20120093347
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rigging component for connecting an array element in an array. The rigging component includes an elongate housing connectable to an array element; a connection link disposed within, and slideably extendible from, one end of the housing; a conduit extending into the housing from its opposite end, the conduit dimensioned to receive another connection link extending from an adjacent rigging component; and at least one latching device associated with the conduit for releasably retaining the other connection link within the conduit. Further disclosed is a system for connecting an array element in an array. The system comprises at least one rigging component having a connection link extendible to be locked at a single fixed distance and at least one rigging component having a connection link extendible to be locked at one of a plurality of fixed distances. Further disclosed is a method for connecting first and second array elements to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Alan Brock Adamson, Ben Cabot, Ewan James McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120003131
    Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating energy into the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes a container for confining a flow path for exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine where the container has an inlet and an outlet. A porous, electrically conductive mesh is placed in the container such that exhaust gas can flow through the conductive mesh. At least two electrical terminals are in permanent electrical contact with the conductive mesh. An electrical power supply completes an electrical circuit through the conductive mesh with the power supply having two or more electrical outputs electrically connected to an equal number of electrical terminals on the conductive mesh. The apparatus provides a filter, heater, electrical load and silencer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: RYPOS, INC.
    Inventors: Osama Ibrahim, Klaus Peter, Noah Loren, Peter Willey, Zachary L. Nardi, Amin Saeid, John Swenson, James McDonald
  • Publication number: 20110217966
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating transferring of a conference call. In some embodiments, users of a secure mobile device may be provided with the ability to transfer a media session for use in a conference call to a non-secure communication device. The method may include displaying a user interface on the primary communication device, the user interface including a transfer option, receiving a command selecting the transfer option, sending a transfer request from the primary communication device to the conference call controller to link an alternate communication device within the conference call session, and determining whether the transfer request requires authentication, and if so performing authentication of the transfer request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian James McDonald, Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20110216674
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating transferring of a conference call. In some embodiments, users of a secure mobile device may be provided with the ability to transfer a media session for use in a conference call to a non-secure communication device. The method may include displaying a user interface on the primary communication device, the user interface including a transfer option, receiving a command selecting the transfer option, sending a transfer request from the primary communication device to the conference call controller to link an alternate communication device within the conference call session, and determining whether the transfer request requires authentication, and if so performing authentication of the transfer request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ian James McDonald, Douglas Michael Gisby, Brian Edward Anthony McColgan, Christopher Labrador, Nicholas Patrick Alfano
  • Publication number: 20110065417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to control the use of applications on handheld device is based on network service, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a network identifier; correlating the network identifier with application and/or feature limitations stored on the mobile device; and limiting application usage based on the results of such correlating step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian James McDonald, Brian Oliver, David Lloyd Heit, Alan Panezic, Douglas Michael Gisby, Gregory Scott Henderson, Nicholas Alfano
  • Publication number: 20110048740
    Abstract: A filament wound composite tube is inserted into a non-metallic mandrel below the core to support the core when holding pressure in the top annulus. The tube has a close-fit tolerance to the inner surface of the mandrel. The tube is secured in place with pins through a mule shoe, such that the bore of the tube is not impeded. Alternately, a retainer with wickers is disposed in the mandrel below the core to support the core when holding pressure in the top annulus. The wickers are biased to engage with an inner surface of the mandrel, holding the insert in place under pressure. Axial movement of the core downward further engages the wickers with the mandrel, helping to support the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: David WARD, Patrick J. ZIMMERMAN, Bradford James McDONALD
  • Patent number: D644097
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James McDonald, Tongchai Saesim
  • Patent number: D688063
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Bob's Butt Wipes, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert J. Delaney, III, Christopher Montgomery, Donald Scott Rogers, Billy James McDonald