Patents by Inventor Mark A. Nelson

Mark A. Nelson 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: 8456308
    Abstract: An attachment detection method and system. The method includes receiving, by a computer processor of a computing system, attachment data describing different devices associated with and attachable to an electro/mechanical apparatus. The computer processor retrieves first data describing a first attachment device currently attached to the electro/mechanical apparatus and analyzes the attachment data with respect to the first data. In response to the analysis, the computer processor determines specified protective gear required for operation of the electro/mechanical apparatus and the first attachment device. The computer processor generates indication data specifying required usage of the specified protective gear and presents the indication data to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 8411907
    Abstract: A modification method and system. The method includes performing a computer processor of a computing system, a facial recognition process of an individual associated with a device. The computer processor retrieves from a detection device, eyewear detection data indicating that the individual is correctly wearing eyewear and tint detection data indicating that the eyewear comprises tinted lenses. In response, the computer processor analyzes results of the facial recognition process, the eyewear detection data, and the tint detection data. The computer processor modifies functions associated with the first device in response to results of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20120313769
    Abstract: A rollover warning system for a vehicle includes: a base control inertial measurement unit with a plurality of sensors and a computer. The plurality of sensors measures a plurality of vehicle measurements. The plurality of vehicle measurements include at least two of: a longitudinal acceleration measurement; a lateral acceleration measurement; a vertical acceleration measurement; a roll rate measurement; a yaw rate measurement; and combinations thereof. Optionally, a pitch rate gyro for pitch measurement can be added for additional functionality, such as a vertical slope warning, or it can also be input into the predictive algorithm for defining additional vehicle hazardous operation states and conditions. The computer calculates a Rollover Risk Estimate based on the plurality of vehicle measurements taken by the plurality of sensors in the inertial measurement unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Todd J. Holbert, David J. Holden, David C. Nelson, Mark A. Nelson, James M. Wyler
  • Patent number: 8326443
    Abstract: An apparatus control method and system. The method includes disabling by a computer processor of a computing system, an apparatus. The computer processor retrieves detection data, safety gear detection data, and safety gear indication data. The computer processor analyzes the detection data, the safety gear detection data, and the safety gear indication data and in response to results of the analysis, the computer processor enables the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20120290424
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a recommendation for packing an item at a point of sale (POS). A preference indicating a maximum bag weight is received at a POS device. The weight of a next item to be packed is determined. Based on the maximum bag weight preference and based on the determined weight of the item, the recommendation for packing the item is determined by selecting a bag from multiple bags that are available to pack items to be purchased by a customer. The bag is selected so that a sum of the weight of the item and a weight of zero or more other items already packed in the bag does not exceed the maximum bag weight preference. The recommendation for packing the item in the selected bag is presented to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20110309936
    Abstract: An intelligent switching method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computer processor of an intelligent switching device, detection data indicating that an individual is located within a specified proximity of an apparatus. The intelligent switching device is lockably attached to the apparatus. The computer processor receives a request from an individual for enabling the apparatus. The computer processor determines that the individual is in compliance with safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus and generates an enable signal. The enable signal enables a power signal for the apparatus. The computer processor indicates that the apparatus has been enabled and is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20110304464
    Abstract: An attachment detection method and system. The method includes receiving, by a computer processor of a computing system, attachment data describing different devices associated with and attachable to an electro/mechanical apparatus. The computer processor retrieves first data describing a first attachment device currently attached to the electro/mechanical apparatus and analyzes the attachment data with respect to the first data. In response to the analysis, the computer processor determines specified protective gear required for operation of the electro/mechanical apparatus and the first attachment device. The computer processor generates indication data specifying required usage of the specified protective gear and presents the indication data to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20110305375
    Abstract: A modification method and system. The method includes performing a computer processor of a computing system, a facial recognition process of an individual associated with a device. The computer processor retrieves from a detection device, eyewear detection data indicating that the individual is correctly wearing eyewear and tint detection data indicating that the eyewear comprises tinted lenses. In response, the computer processor analyzes results of the facial recognition process, the eyewear detection data, and the tint detection data. The computer processor modifies functions associated with the first device in response to results of the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20110288659
    Abstract: An apparatus control method and system. The method includes disabling by a computer processor of a computing system, an apparatus. The computer processor retrieves detection data, safety gear detection data, and safety gear indication data. The computer processor analyzes the detection data, the safety gear detection data, and the safety gear indication data and in response to results of the analysis, the computer processor enables the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20110274394
    Abstract: A connector assembly for optically coupling a first optical device mounted on a first substrate to a second optical device mounted on a second substrate, where the first and second substrates are orthogonally oriented to each other, is presented. The connector assembly includes two connectors. The first connector has an optical waveguide array. The optical waveguide array further includes multiple parallel optical waveguides that are continuously redirected by a mirror oriented at a 45 degree angle to the optical waveguides. Likewise, the second connector also has an optical waveguide array further include multiple parallel optical waveguides continuously redirected by a mirror oriented at a 45 degree angle to the optical waveguides. The first connector is oriented orthogonally to the second connector and the first and second connectors are optically welded together in a back-to-back configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: James N. Kruchowski, Vladimir Sokolov, Mark A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110138452
    Abstract: Processing within a computing environment is facilitated by: determining by a local security manager of a first system in a first security domain whether a local security context of a user is acceptable to a second system in a second security domain; responsive to the user's security context being unacceptable to the second system, creating by a local security manager of the second system a runtime security context for the user in the second system; and providing the first system with a reference to the runtime security context for the user in the second system which is resolvable within the computing environment or a portable representation of the runtime security context for the user in the second system, the reference or the portable representation being subsequently returned to the second system with a request from the first system to process work at the second system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan P. Dooley, Walter B. Farrell, Arthur L. Fitzpatrick, III, Richard H. Guski, Russell D. Hardgrove, Deborah F. Mapes, Christine A. Marusek, Mark A. Nelson, Eric Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 7822980
    Abstract: An authenticated identity propagation and translation technique is provided based on a trust relationship between multiple user identification and authentication services resident on different computing components of a multi-component transaction processing computing environment including distributed and mainframe computing components. The technique includes, in one embodiment, forwarding, in association with transaction requests, identified and authenticated user identification and authentication information from a distributed component to a mainframe component, facilitating the selection of the appropriate mainframe user identity with which to execute the mainframe portion of the transaction, and creating the appropriate run-time security context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. Botz, John C. Dayka, Donna N. Dillenberger, Richard H. Guski, Timothy J. Hahn, Margaret K. LaBelle, Mark A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7617393
    Abstract: A data access control facility is implemented by assigning personally identifying information (PII) classification labels to PII data objects, with each PII data object having one PII classification label assigned thereto. The control facility further includes at least one PII purpose serving function set (PSFS) comprising a list of application functions that read or write PII data objects. Each PII PSFS is also assigned a PII classification label. A PII data object is accessible via an application function of a PII PSFS having a PII classification label that is identical to or dominant of the PII classification label of the PII object. A user of the control facility is assigned a PII clearance set which contains a list of at least one PII classification label, which is employed in determining whether the user is entitled to access a particular function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Linda Betz, John C. Dayka, Walter B. Farrell, Richard H. Guski, Guenter Karjoth, Mark A. Nelson, Birgit M. Pfitzmann, Michael P. Waidner, Matthias Schunter
  • Patent number: 7302569
    Abstract: A data access control facility is implemented by assigning personally identifying information (PII) classification labels to PII data objects, with each PII data object having one PII classification label assigned thereto. The control facility further includes at least one PII purpose serving function set (PSFS) comprising a list of application functions that read or write PII data objects. Each PII PSFS is also assigned a PII classification label. A PII data object is accessible via an application function of a PII PSFS having a PII classification label that is identical to or dominant of the PII classification label of the PII object. A user of the control facility is assigned a PII clearance set which contains a list of at least one PII classification label, which is employed in determining whether the user is entitled to access a particular function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Linda Betz, John C. Dayka, Walter B. Farrell, Richard H. Guski, Guenter Karjoth, Mark A. Nelson, Birgit M. Pfitzmann, Matthias Schunter, Michael P. Waidner
  • Patent number: 7198618
    Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Jr., Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
  • Patent number: 7062655
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for determining trivial keyboard sequences of proposed passwords. The system comprises a user system with associated keyboard input device; a server in communication with the user system via a communications link; a data storage device coupled to the server, the data storage device housing a database including a keyboard profile for specifying a physical layout of character and function keys on the computer keyboard input device; a master password database including a user account associated with the user system; and a password verification mechanism executable by the server. Upon execution, the password verification tool performs an algorithm on the proposed password and determines triviality according to criteria specified in the algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, John J. Petreshock
  • Patent number: 6949086
    Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Jr., Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
  • Publication number: 20040193120
    Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus including a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other and movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
  • Publication number: 20030229317
    Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
  • Publication number: 20030140258
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for determining trivial keyboard sequences of proposed passwords. The system comprises a user system with associated keyboard input device; a server in communication with the user system via a communications link; a data storage device coupled to the server, the data storage device housing a database including a keyboard profile for specifying a physical layout of character and function keys on the computer keyboard input device; a master password database including a user account associated with the user system; and a password verification mechanism executable by the server. Upon execution, the password verification tool performs an algorithm on the proposed password and determines triviality according to criteria specified in the algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, John J. Petreshock