Patents by Inventor William R. Ferguson

William R. Ferguson 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: 7752264
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an instant messaging control mechanism can include the steps of determining a control setting for an instant messaging control mechanism based upon a calendar application entry, and responsive to the determining step, automatically adjusting the instant messaging control mechanism to the control setting. In one embodiment, the determining step can be performed by a calendar application to which the calendar application entry corresponds and can be performed responsive to a calendar event. In a further embodiment, the calendar application can establish a time at which the control setting is to be adjusted. The adjusting step can occur at approximately the established time, where the calendar event can occur in advance of the established time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Peter J. Guasti
  • Publication number: 20090164578
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an instant messaging control mechanism can include the steps of determining a control setting for an instant messaging control mechanism based upon a calendar application entry, and responsive to the determining step, automatically adjusting the instant messaging control mechanism to the control setting. In one embodiment, the determining step can be performed by a calendar application to which the calendar application entry corresponds and can be performed responsive to a calendar event. In a further embodiment, the calendar application can establish a time at which the control setting is to be adjusted. The adjusting step can occur at approximately the established time, where the calendar event can occur in advance of the established time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Peter J. Guasti
  • Patent number: 7519660
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an instant messaging control mechanism can include the steps of determining a control setting for an instant messaging control mechanism based upon a calendar application entry, and responsive to the determining step, automatically adjusting the instant messaging control mechanism to the control setting. In one embodiment, the determining step can be performed by a calendar application to which the calendar application entry corresponds and can be performed responsive to a calendar event. In a further embodiment, the calendar application can establish a time at which the control setting is to be adjusted. The adjusting step can occur at approximately the established time, where the calendar event can occur in advance of the established time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Peter J. Guasti
  • Patent number: 7403955
    Abstract: A method of updating a file attached to an electronic document can include attaching a file to an electronic document and storing a reference to the attached file. The reference can specify a location from which the attached file was obtained. Responsive to a user input, the attached file can be replaced with a file specified by the reference. The attached file also can be updated from newly specified locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Robert M. Szabo
  • Patent number: 7086003
    Abstract: A method of associating multiple files with an electronic document can include receiving a request to attach at least two files to an electronic document and attaching the at least two files to the electronic document. A visual identifier can be included within the electronic document indicating that more than one file is attached to the electronic document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Robert M. Szabo
  • Patent number: 6978276
    Abstract: A method of detaching at least one file attached to an electronic document can include identifying a location where the attached file is to be stored responsive to a user command. The location can be associated with the attached file. A detached file can be generated from the attached file. The detached file can be stored at the associated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Robert M. Szabo
  • Publication number: 20040255247
    Abstract: A method of associating multiple files with an electronic document can include receiving a request to attach at least two files to an electronic document and attaching the at least two files to the electronic document. A visual identifier can be included within the electronic document indicating that more than one file is attached to the electronic document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Robert M. Szabo
  • Publication number: 20030182323
    Abstract: A method of updating a file attached to an electronic document can include attaching a file to an electronic document and storing a reference to the attached file. The reference can specify a location from which the attached file was obtained. Responsive to a user input, the attached file can be replaced with a file specified by the reference. The attached file also can be updated from newly specified locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Robert M. Szabo
  • Publication number: 20030182331
    Abstract: A method of detaching at least one file attached to an electronic document can include identifying a location where the attached file is to be stored responsive to a user command. The location can be associated with the attached file. A detached file can be generated from the attached file. The detached file can be stored at the associated location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Demsky, William R. Ferguson, Robert M. Szabo
  • Patent number: D304252
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventor: William R. Ferguson