Patents by Inventor Robert D. Willhoite

Robert D. Willhoite 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).

  • ASSIGNING TASKS IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110307902
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assigning tasks in a distributed system. The method comprises indicating to one or more remote systems in the distributed system that a task is available for processing based on a list identifying the one or more remote systems. The method further comprises receiving at least one response from the one or more remote systems capable of performing the task based on the indication. The method comprises allowing at least one of the remote systems to perform the task based on the at least one received response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Robert David Nielsen, Robert D. Willhoite, David Kramer
  • Assigning tasks in a distributed system
    Patent number: 7996458
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assigning tasks in a distributed system. The method comprises indicating to one or more remote systems in the distributed system that a task is available for processing based on a list identifying the one or more remote systems. The method further comprises receiving at least one response from the one or more remote systems capable of performing the task based on the indication. The method comprises allowing at least one of the remote systems to perform the task based on the at least one received response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert David Nielsen, Robert D. Willhoite, David Kramer