Patents by Inventor Willard A. Davis

Willard A. 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).

  • Publication number: 20240045302
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for cost effective, convenient remote high fidelity color reproduction and matching that can be used to convey color to observers remote to the physical source of color. Such remote observers can include product consumers wishing to view a product color, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises capture of article or product reflectance spectra and the use of this spectrum to filter ambient light or directed light in the environment of a remote user. Other embodiments of methods include various techniques to capture product spectral information and color matching functions useful for color reproduction using colored light sources. Additional systems embodiments include devices exploiting multiprimary displays to render the product color in avoidance of metamerism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, Alice McKinstry Davis, Adam Michael Phenis
  • Patent number: 11830456
    Abstract: A method and system for cost effective, convenient remote color reproduction and matching that can be used to convey color to observers remote to the physical source of color. Such remote observers can include product consumers wishing to view a product color, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises capture of article or product reflectance spectra and the use of this spectrum to filter ambient light or directed light in the environment of a remote user. Other embodiments of methods include various techniques to capture product spectral information and color matching functions useful for color reproduction using colored light sources. Additional systems embodiments include devices exploiting multiprimary displays to render the product color in avoidance of metamerism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, Alice McKinstry Davis
  • Patent number: 11459232
    Abstract: The present disclosure addresses methods to refine the geometry of micro features manufactured in various substrates. Such refinement includes improvement in edge roughness and roughness of aperture channel walls. The methods include deposition of material onto feature edges and surfaces as well as placement of micro fabricated inserts into coarse features. Foremost among the candidate technologies that can be employed for these purposes are two photon polymerization-based 3D nano printing and atomic force microscope nanopipette-based electroplating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, Gary James Gaggiani, James Grant Wallin
  • Publication number: 20220281415
    Abstract: Presently disclosed are embodiments of devices for expedient removal of insect and other debris from vehicle surfaces including windshields. A surfactant-based chemical impregnation of porous material is central to various tools used for such cleaning. Embodiments include a wiper attachment, tools for dispensing disposable chemically-impregnated pads, mitts, and wiper fluid formulations. A disposable windshield wiper blade attachment that incorporates chemicals that will expedite insect and other debris removal when attached to the wiper blades and the wiper action is performed. The attachment can take the form of fabric, foam, or other porous enclosure of synthetic or natural material that is impregnated with chemicals that will facilitate rapid removal of the windshield and automobile surface debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, James Grant Wallin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210256931
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for cost effective, convenient remote color reproduction and matching that can be used to convey color to observers remote to the physical source of color. Such remote observers can include product consumers wishing to view a product color, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises capture of article or product reflectance spectra and the use of this spectrum to filter ambient light or directed light in the environment of a remote user. Other embodiments of methods include various techniques to capture product spectral information and color matching functions useful for color reproduction using colored light sources. Additional systems embodiments include devices exploiting multiprimary displays to render the product color in avoidance of metamerism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, Alice McKinstry Davis
  • Patent number: 11040422
    Abstract: The disclosed device comprises a manually-actuated micro positioning stage that incorporates a mechanism for measurement and electronic output of the stage slider position. A Hall Effect sensor device is used to sense rotary position of the lead screw. based on the lead screw pitch. Processor means converts the Hall Effect sensor measurement of the lead screw rotational displacement into linear displacement of the stage slider for presentation on an electronic display. A magnetically-permeable cap contains a small disc magnet that is poled diametrically and is affixed to the end of the lead screw that is in contact with the stage slider by means of a sensor housing. The Hall Effect sensor contained in a surface mount electronic package is enclosed in a sensor housing that is part of the stage slider that is in contact with the lead screw and is positioned coaxially with the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, James Wallin
  • 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: 20200361417
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a disposable windshield wiper blade attachment that incorporates chemicals that will expedite insect and other debris removal when attached to the wiper blades and the wiper action is performed. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment takes the form of fabric, foam, or other porous enclosure of synthetic or natural material that is impregnated with chemicals that will facilitate rapid removal of the windshield debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, James Grant Wallin
  • Publication number: 20200317509
    Abstract: The present disclosure addresses methods to refine the geometry of micro features manufactured in various substrates. Such refinement includes improvement in edge roughness and roughness of aperture channel walls. The methods include deposition of material onto feature edges and surfaces as well as placement of micro fabricated inserts into coarse features. Foremost among the candidate technologies that can be employed for these purposes are two photon polymerization-based 3D nano printing and atomic force microscope nanopipette-based electroplating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, Gary James Gaggiani, James Grant Wallin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10729271
    Abstract: A fruit and vegetable coring system comprises a cylinder exhibiting a cutting edge on one end and attachment to a handle at the other end. This cylindrical blade is used to make a cylindrical incision about the core of a fruit (or vegetable) and slice through the entire depth of the fruit (or vegetable). A planar blade(s) is made part of the interior of the cylinder in the proximity of the cylindrical blade for the purpose of shearing the fruit core and freeing it from the fruit upon rotation of the cylinder. The change in the inner diameter of the cylinder due to the interior taper of the cylinder associated with the blade is disclosed to be sufficient to compress the fruit core and thereby retain it in the cylinder for removal from the fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, Donna Christine Mauro
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20190172415
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for cost effective, convenient remote color reproduction and matching that can be used by product vendors and consumers. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises capture of product color spectra using a spectrometer under controlled illumination, the calculation of optimum coloring mixing levels for a multi-primary display using primaries optimized to reduce observer metamerism, and the use of these mixing levels in a remote display exhibiting the optimized primaries in order to render the original product color in high fidelity. Other embodiments of the method and system include measurement of the consumer's CMF, filtering of the product color spectrum with these CMFs, and display of the color resulting from these tristimulus values on a remote RGB display. Various alternatives are disclosed for components of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Dennis Willard Davis, Alice McKinstry 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: 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