Patents by Inventor Steve Thomas

Steve Thomas 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: 7765343
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for handling data in port bypass controllers for storage systems and may comprise receiving a data stream from a receive port bypass controller's port and buffering at least a portion of the received data stream in at least one EFIFO buffer integrated within the port bypass controller. A data rate or frequency of the received data stream may be changed by inserting at least one extended fill word in the buffered portion of the received data stream or by deleting at least one fill word from the received data stream buffered in the EFIFO buffer. The extended fill word may comprise a loop initialization primitive (LIP), a loop port bypass (LPB), a loop port enable (LPE), a not operation state (NOS), an offline state (OLS), a link reset response (LRR) and/or a link reset (LR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Jue Chen, Ali Ghiasi, Jay Proano, Rajesh Satapathy, Steve Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090251190
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating a second clock signal, having a second effective clock frequency, from a first clock signal, having a first effective clock frequency. Clock pulses of the first clock signal are counted to generate a count value. When the count value reaches a predetermined blanking value, a blanking signal is generated. The blanking signal blanks at least one clock pulse of the first clock signal. The process is repeated multiple times at a predetermined rate corresponding to the predetermined blanking value to generate the second clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Kang Xiao, Steve Thomas, Robert Holder, Timothy Chan
  • Patent number: 7533131
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pestware are described. One system includes a pestware shield configured to detect pestware activity on a protected computer; a heuristics engine configured to identify repeat pestware activity; a drive scan module configured to scan files stored on the storage device and to identify pestware in the scanned files; a program memory scan module configured to scan programs running in the program memory of the protected computer and to identify pestware in the scanned programs; a registry scan module configured to identify any attempts to change data in the registry file; and a quarantine module configured to quarantine the pestware identified by either the drive scan module or the program memory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Webroot Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Thomas, Bradley D. Stowers, Kevin Barton, Jeffery Herman
  • Patent number: 7492783
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for operating ports in port bypass controllers through LIPf7 origination detection and LIPf8 suppression, which may be utilized, for example, in storage systems. Aspects of the method may comprise receiving a data stream at a receive port Rx(n) of a port bypass controller, where n is an integer indexing a port in the port bypass controller. LIPf8 primitives in the received data stream may be suppressed at the receive port Rx(n) and LIPf7 primitives inserted in place of at least a portion of the suppressed LIPf8 primitives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Jue Chen, Ali Ghiasi, Jay Proano, Rajesh Satapathy, Steve Thomas
  • Patent number: 7486121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating a second clock signal, having a second effective clock frequency, from a first clock signal, having a first effective clock frequency. Clock pulses of the first clock signal are counted to generate a count value. When the count value reaches a predetermined blanking value, a blanking signal is generated. The blanking signal blanks at least one clock pulse of the first clock signal. The process is repeated multiple times at a predetermined rate corresponding to the predetermined blanking value to generate the second clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Kang Xiao, Steve Thomas, Robert Holder, Timothy Chan
  • Patent number: 7480683
    Abstract: Systems for preventing pestware activity are described. One embodiment a heuristic engine configured to identify repeat pestware activity and configured to block the repeat pestware activity; an operating system pestware shield in communication with the heuristic engine, the operating system pestware shield configured to detect pestware activity and report the pestware activity to the heuristic engine; and a browser pestware shield in communication with the heuristic engine, the browser pestware shield configured to detect pestware activity and report the pestware activity to the heuristic engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Webroot Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Thomas, Michael P. Greene, Bradley D. Stowers
  • Patent number: 7480655
    Abstract: An application that generates a request to access a data file is identified. The application is determined to be not permitted to access the data file based on identified extension associated with that data file so as to quarantine and uninstall that application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Webroor Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Thomas, David Moll
  • Patent number: 7451362
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the method may comprise receiving via a first port of the port bypass controller, a data stream comprising at least one known bit pattern. Upon locking onto at least a portion of the known bit pattern in the received data stream, a bit error rate may be generated based on a bit-by-bit comparison of at least a portion of the data stream received after locking occurs. At least a portion of the data stream may be compared with a corresponding portion of expected data. The bit error rate may be calculated based on results from comparing at least a portion of the data stream with a corresponding portion of the expected data. The known bit pattern may be internally generated within the port bypass controller or it may be externally generated by a host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Jue Chen, Ali Ghiasi, Jay Proano, Rajesh Satapathy, Steve Thomas
  • Patent number: 7418596
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide secure, efficient, and mutually authenticated cryptographic key distribution. A client or client manufacturer may pre-generate and pre-encrypt the cryptographic keys, store the encrypted keys within the client, and deliver such keys to the serving network's access server via the client, while also relying upon, if available, the authentication performed by a trusted access server of an intermediate network which the client must traverse in order to obtain access the serving network. If not available, a client password stored within the client may be used to enable client authentication by the serving network prior to acceptance of the delivered cryptographic keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher Carroll, Varsha Clare, Gerry Flynn, Brian Green, Steve Rados, Steve Thomas
  • Patent number: 7391788
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a method and system for a communication bus for resetting one or more devices connected to the bus. The transceiver bus (620) may include a single serial data line (616), a single serial clock line (614) and a single reset line (612). A status of a slave device coupled to the transceiver bus (620) may be determined by a master device. Based on the status of the slave device, the master device may execute a forced reset or a normal reset. In a case where a device may be unresponsive, the master device may execute a forced reset. Additionally, in a case where a device is responsive but requires resetting, the master device may execute a normal reset and selectively reset a slave device requiring reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Chenmin Zhang, Steve Thomas, Randall Stolaruk
  • Patent number: 7254471
    Abstract: A motor vehicle powertrain includes a transmission producing multiple speed ratios, and a transfer case including a second input driveably connected to the transmission output, a second output continually driveably connected to a first set of wheels and releasably connected to a second set of wheels, for producing alternately in the transfer case a low speed ratio and a high speed ratio. A mode selector produces a signal representing a desired driving mode. A controller, responsive to the signals produced by the mode selector, controls the transmission to produce alternately the multiple speed ratios of the transmission, and for controls the transfer case to operate alternately in the low speed ratio and high speed ratio that corresponds to the desired driving mode and a current speed ratio produced by the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Allen, Steve Thomas, Juliette McCoy, Hong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20070044337
    Abstract: The present alignment tool, method, and system improve the alignment of a driver to a motor. The alignment tool includes a securing ring, a track, and a rotatable ring. The rotatable ring of the alignment tool eliminates the onerous and dangerous rotation of the driver, or motor, previously required for aligning the motor to the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy Harlon, Benji Hodges, Steve Thomas
  • Publication number: 20070037658
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission includes an input and output, first, second and three planetary gear units, each gear unit including a sun gear, a ring gear, planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the planet pinions. A first brake alternately holds against rotation and releases the sun gear of the second gear unit and the sun gear of the third gear unit. A second brake alternately holds and releases the carrier of the second gear unit. A first clutch alternately connects and disconnects the carrier of the first gear unit and the ring gear of the third gear unit. A second clutch alternately disconnects and connects the carrier of the first gear unit to the sun gears of the second gear unit and third gear unit. A third clutch alternately releases and connects the input and ring gear of the first gear unit to the carrier of the second gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Thomas, Donald Hoffman, Gregory Goleski
  • Publication number: 20070016351
    Abstract: A motor vehicle powertrain includes a transmission producing multiple speed ratios, and a transfer case including a second input driveably connected to the transmission output, a second output continually driveably connected to a first set of wheels and releasably connected to a second set of wheels, for producing alternately in the transfer case a low speed ratio and a high speed ratio. A mode selector produces a signal representing a desired driving mode. A controller, responsive to the signals produced by the mode selector, controls the transmission to produce alternately the multiple speed ratios of the transmission, and for controls the transfer case to operate alternately in the low speed ratio and high speed ratio that corresponds to the desired driving mode and a current speed ratio produced by the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Allen, Steve Thomas, Juliette McCoy, Hong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20060235021
    Abstract: A class of 4-phenylpyridazine derivatives of Formula (I), being selective ligands for GABAA receptors, in particular having high affinity for the ?2 and/or ?3 and or ?5 subunit thereof, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of adverse conditions of the central nervous system, including anxiety, convulsions and cognitive disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: Wesley Blackaby, Peter Blurton, Frank Burkamp, Stephen Fletcher, Andrew Jennings, Richard Lewis, Angus Macleod, Leslie Street, Steve Thomas, Monique Van Niel, Kevin Wilson
  • Patent number: 7051273
    Abstract: User-customizable forms in an electronic mail system enable an administrator to select customized field types and customized behaviors. The electronic mail system provides for the receiving and displaying of mail information in conjunction with the use of a user-customizable form. An administrator creates a customized field of a customized form by selecting a field type from a among multiple defined field types and a behavior from among multiple behaviors. When data is entered by a user to the customized field having the selected field type, the selected behavior is applied to the data. In this manner, the administrator has the flexibility of creating a variety of customized forms in the electronic mail system, and is not limited to a relatively small number of predefined forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Nick Holt, Steve Thomas
  • Publication number: 20060085528
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring network communications between a protected computer and a remotely-located computer such as a Web server are described. One embodiment is configured to intercept a data packet transmitted from a protected computer. This embodiment then compares the destination address of the data packet against a list of approved destination addresses. When the destination address is included in the list of approved destination addresses, then the packet is delivered to the destination address. If the packet is not addressed to an approved address, then it is evaluated for pestware traces. Embodiments of the invention can also be configured to monitor incoming traffic to a protected computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Thomas
  • Publication number: 20060074896
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pestware are described. One system includes a pestware shield configured to detect pestware activity on a protected computer; a heuristics engine configured to identify repeat pestware activity; a drive scan module configured to scan files stored on the storage device and to identify pestware in the scanned files; a program memory scan module configured to scan programs running in the program memory of the protected computer and to identify pestware in the scanned programs; a registry scan module configured to identify any attempts to change data in the registry file; and a quarantine module configured to quarantine the pestware identified by either the drive scan module or the program memory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Steve Thomas, Bradley Stowert, Kevin Barton, Jeffery Herman
  • Publication number: 20060075501
    Abstract: Systems for preventing pestware activity are described. One embodiment a heuristic engine configured to identify repeat pestware activity and configured to block the repeat pestware activity; an operating system pestware shield in communication with the heuristic engine, the operating system pestware shield configured to detect pestware activity and report the pestware activity to the heuristic engine; and a browser pestware shield in communication with the heuristic engine, the browser pestware shield configured to detect pestware activity and report the pestware activity to the heuristic engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Steve Thomas, Michael Greene, Bradley Stowers
  • Publication number: 20050154738
    Abstract: A method for limiting access to a data file is disclosed. One embodiment of the method receives a request from an application to access the data file; identifies the application that generated the request; identifies the extension associated with the data file; and based on the identified extension associated with the data file, determines that the application is not permitted to access the data file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Steve Thomas, David Moll