Patents by Inventor James C. Davis
James C. Davis 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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Patent number: 11176090Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes performing a first process for each chunk of data of each file of a snapshot of a file system. The first process includes reading a given chunk of data of a given file of a first snapshot of the file system, and reading shadow records of a shadow file of the first snapshot. The given chunk of data is compared with the shadow records for determining whether a coherent state exists between the given chunk of data and one or more of the shadow records that were recorded in a snapshot creation window. In response to determining that no coherent state exists, an indication is recorded that the given chunk of data is corrupt. In response to determining that a coherent state exist, an indication is recorded that the given chunk of data is accurate.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
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Patent number: 11023341Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes determining a location within a file system that is potentially vulnerable to hardware failures, and injecting one or more simulated hardware failures into the determined location within the file system. The method further includes determining whether the file system was damaged as a result of injecting the simulated hardware failure(s). In response to determining that the injection of the simulated hardware failure(s) resulted in damage to the file system, it is determined whether the damage is repairable. Based on whether the file system was damaged as a result of injecting the simulated hardware failure(s) and/or based on whether or not the damage is determined to be repairable, a tolerance-to-storage-failure score is assigned to the file system.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
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Publication number: 20200264961Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes determining a location within a file system that is potentially vulnerable to hardware failures, and injecting one or more simulated hardware failures into the determined location within the file system. The method further includes determining whether the file system was damaged as a result of injecting the simulated hardware failure(s). In response to determining that the injection of the simulated hardware failure(s) resulted in damage to the file system, it is determined whether the damage is repairable. Based on whether the file system was damaged as a result of injecting the simulated hardware failure(s) and/or based on whether or not the damage is determined to be repairable, a tolerance-to-storage-failure score is assigned to the file system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2019Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
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Publication number: 20200242075Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes performing a first process for each chunk of data of each file of a snapshot of a file system. The first process includes reading a given chunk of data of a given file of a first snapshot of the file system, and reading shadow records of a shadow file of the first snapshot. The given chunk of data is compared with the shadow records for determining whether a coherent state exists between the given chunk of data and one or more of the shadow records that were recorded in a snapshot creation window. In response to determining that no coherent state exists, an indication is recorded that the given chunk of data is corrupt. In response to determining that a coherent state exist, an indication is recorded that the given chunk of data is accurate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
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Patent number: 10678755Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for metadata verification in a distributed file system, the technique including receiving an input for metadata, the metadata being associated with a file, and acquiring a function lock on a designated region of the file based at least in part on the metadata. The technique also includes hashing the input associated with the metadata into a designated region of the file, and updating the designated region corresponding to the input. The technique includes computing a checksum for the metadata associated with the designated region, updating a journal file based at least in part on the metadata, and releasing the function lock.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
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Patent number: 10642796Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for metadata verification in a distributed file system, the technique including receiving an input for metadata, the metadata being associated with a file, and acquiring a function lock on a designated region of the file based at least in part on the metadata. The technique also includes hashing the input associated with the metadata into a designated region of the file, and updating the designated region corresponding to the input. The technique includes computing a checksum for the metadata associated with the designated region, updating a journal file based at least in part on the metadata, and releasing the function lock.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
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Patent number: 10614039Abstract: A lock manager configured for locking files is tested. As part of the test and based on a lock assignment plan, a process acquires locks on portions of the files. Based on a lock testing plan, a second process performs a lock verification for a portion of the locked portions. A result of this lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based on an updated lock assignment plan, the process transitions from the locks to other locks on other portions of the files. Based on an updated lock testing plan, the second process performs a second lock verification for a portion of the other locked portions. A result of this second lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based at least in part on the two comparisons, the lock manager is evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
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Patent number: 10614040Abstract: A lock manager configured for locking files is tested. As part of the test and based on a lock assignment plan, a process acquires locks on portions of the files. Based on a lock testing plan, a second process performs a lock verification for a portion of the locked portions. A result of this lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based on an updated lock assignment plan, the process transitions from the locks to other locks on other portions of the files. Based on an updated lock testing plan, the second process performs a second lock verification for a portion of the other locked portions. A result of this second lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based at least in part on the two comparisons, the lock manager is evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
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Patent number: 10229121Abstract: Aspects include testing distributed file systems by selecting a file in a multiple writer environment and selecting an offset of a block in the file. Test data is generated for the block by randomly selecting a starting value from a plurality of possible starting values. A test header that includes the starting value and a test data sequence that starts with the starting value is created. A file system that is being tested writes the test header and the test data sequence to the block. Contents of the block are read by the file system that is being tested, and expected contents of the data sequence are determined based on contents of the read header. The expected contents of the data sequence are compared to the read data sequence and an error indication is output based on the expected contents not being equal to the read contents.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
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Publication number: 20190026307Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for metadata verification in a distributed file system, the technique including receiving an input for metadata, the metadata being associated with a file, and acquiring a function lock on a designated region of the file based at least in part on the metadata. The technique also includes hashing the input associated with the metadata into a designated region of the file, and updating the designated region corresponding to the input. The technique includes computing a checksum for the metadata associated with the designated region, updating a journal file based at least in part on the metadata, and releasing the function lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
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Publication number: 20190026308Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for metadata verification in a distributed file system, the technique including receiving an input for metadata, the metadata being associated with a file, and acquiring a function lock on a designated region of the file based at least in part on the metadata. The technique also includes hashing the input associated with the metadata into a designated region of the file, and updating the designated region corresponding to the input. The technique includes computing a checksum for the metadata associated with the designated region, updating a journal file based at least in part on the metadata, and releasing the function lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
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Publication number: 20180285380Abstract: A lock manager configured for locking files is tested. As part of the test and based on a lock assignment plan, a process acquires locks on portions of the files. Based on a lock testing plan, a second process performs a lock verification for a portion of the locked portions. A result of this lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based on an updated lock assignment plan, the process transitions from the locks to other locks on other portions of the files. Based on an updated lock testing plan, the second process performs a second lock verification for a portion of the other locked portions. A result of this second lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based at least in part on the two comparisons, the lock manager is evaluated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
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Publication number: 20180285381Abstract: A lock manager configured for locking files is tested. As part of the test and based on a lock assignment plan, a process acquires locks on portions of the files. Based on a lock testing plan, a second process performs a lock verification for a portion of the locked portions. A result of this lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based on an updated lock assignment plan, the process transitions from the locks to other locks on other portions of the files. Based on an updated lock testing plan, the second process performs a second lock verification for a portion of the other locked portions. A result of this second lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based at least in part on the two comparisons, the lock manager is evaluated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
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Patent number: 10061777Abstract: A lock manager configured for locking files is tested. As part of the test and based on a lock assignment plan, a process acquires locks on portions of the files. Based on a lock testing plan, a second process performs a lock verification for a portion of the locked portions. A result of this lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based on an updated lock assignment plan, the process transitions from the locks to other locks on other portions of the files. Based on an updated lock testing plan, the second process performs a second lock verification for a portion of the other locked portions. A result of this second lock verification is compared to its expected result. Based at least in part on the two comparisons, the lock manager is evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
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Patent number: 10025788Abstract: Aspects include testing distributed file systems by selecting a file in a multiple writer environment and selecting an offset of a block in the file. Test data is generated for the block by randomly selecting a starting value from a plurality of possible starting values. A test header that includes the starting value and a test data sequence that starts with the starting value is created. A file system that is being tested writes the test header and the test data sequence to the block. Contents of the block are read by the file system that is being tested, and expected contents of the data sequence are determined based on contents of the read header. The expected contents of the data sequence are compared to the read data sequence and an error indication is output based on the expected contents not being equal to the read contents.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
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Publication number: 20170091085Abstract: Aspects include testing distributed file systems by selecting a file in a multiple writer environment and selecting an offset of a block in the file. Test data is generated for the block by randomly selecting a starting value from a plurality of possible starting values. A test header that includes the starting value and a test data sequence that starts with the starting value is created. A file system that is being tested writes the test header and the test data sequence to the block. Contents of the block are read by the file system that is being tested, and expected contents of the data sequence are determined based on contents of the read header. The expected contents of the data sequence are compared to the read data sequence and an error indication is output based on the expected contents not being equal to the read contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
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Publication number: 20170091086Abstract: Aspects include testing distributed file systems by selecting a file in a multiple writer environment and selecting an offset of a block in the file. Test data is generated for the block by randomly selecting a starting value from a plurality of possible starting values. A test header that includes the starting value and a test data sequence that starts with the starting value is created. A file system that is being tested writes the test header and the test data sequence to the block. Contents of the block are read by the file system that is being tested, and expected contents of the data sequence are determined based on contents of the read header. The expected contents of the data sequence are compared to the read data sequence and an error indication is output based on the expected contents not being equal to the read contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
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Publication number: 20140065689Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for storage of biomolecules. The biomolecules are stored via absorption to a substrate. Absorbed biomolecules can be eluted or recovered from the substrate at a future time, and optionally be subjected to a subsequent analysis or application. Biomolecules absorbed to a substrate for storage may also optionally be preserved, i.e., the absorbed biomolecule is resistant to or resists degradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: IntegenX Inc.Inventors: Michael Hogan, James C. Davis
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Patent number: 8631722Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a combination tool useful for bartending or the like. The tools combined for efficiency, convenience, and other purposes include one or more zesters, bottle openers, corkscrews, juicers, jiggers or measuring cups, knives, pouring spout, and/or others. In one embodiment, the combined tools are in a shape that is safe to the user, a size that is relatively portable and lightweight, and from materials that are non-contaminating and readily cleaned. Methods include using the tool for bartending or similar activities.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: James C. Davis
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Patent number: 8431384Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for storage of biomolecules. The biomolecules are stored via absorption to a substrate. Absorbed biomolecules can be eluted or recovered from the substrate at a future time, and optionally be subjected to a subsequent analysis or application. Biomolecules absorbed to a substrate for storage may also optionally be preserved, i.e., the absorbed biomolecule is resistant to or resists degradation.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: GenVault CorporationInventors: Michael Hogan, James C. Davis