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).

  • Patent number: 11176090
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 11023341
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20200264961
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20200242075
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 10678755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10642796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10614040
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 10614039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 10229121
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
  • Publication number: 20190026308
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20190026307
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20180285380
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20180285381
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 10061777
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Willard A. Davis, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 10025788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
  • Publication number: 20170091085
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
  • Publication number: 20170091086
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Willard A. Davis, Felipe Knop
  • Publication number: 20140065689
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: IntegenX Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hogan, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 8631722
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 8431384
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: GenVault Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hogan, James C. Davis