Patents by Inventor William T. Boyd

William T. Boyd 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: 7563468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chewing gum package made from an outer package containing one or more pieces of chewing gum. The package includes at least one disposal sheet to wrap chewing gum cuds for proper disposal. The presence of the disposal sheet serves as a reminder to the consumer to dispose of chewing gum cuds appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: James A. Bougoulas, William T. Boyd, Stanley J. Kopecky, Barbara L. Admans, Marco A. Garcia, Shai Altman, Nikolas J. Harte
  • Patent number: 7549003
    Abstract: System and method for managing routing of data in a distributed computing system, such as a distributed computing system that uses PCI Express protocol to communicate over an I/O fabric. A physical tree that is indicative of a physical configuration of the distributed computing system is determined, and a virtual tree is created from the physical tree. The virtual tree is then modified to change an association between at least one source device and at least one target device in the virtual tree. A validation mechanism validates the changed association between the at least one source device and the at least one target device to enable routing of data from the at least one source device to the at least one target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T Boyd, Douglas M Freimuth, William G Holland, Steven W Hunter, Renato J Recio, Steven M Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20090119551
    Abstract: A method, mechanism and computer usable medium is provided for distributing I/O fabric errors to the appropriate root nodes in a multi-root environment. The case where the I/O fabric is attached to more than one root node and where each root can potentially share with the other roots the I/O adapter (IOA) resources which are attached to the I/O is addressed. Additionally, a method, mechanism and computer usable medium is provided by which errors detected in an I/O fabric may be routed to all root nodes which may be affected by the error, while not being reported to the root nodes that will not be affected by those errors. In particular, distributed computing system which uses the PCI Express protocol to communicate over the I/O fabric is addressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20090100204
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code are disclosed for migrating a virtual adapter from a source physical adapter to a destination physical adapter in a data processing system where multiple host computer systems share multiple adapters and communicate with those adapters through a PCI switched-fabric bus. The virtual adapter is first caused to stop processing transactions. All in-flight transactions that are associated with the virtual adapter are then captured. The configuration information that defines the virtual adapter is moved from the source physical adapter to the destination physical adapter. The in-flight transactions are then restored to their original locations on the destination virtual adapter. The virtual adapter is then restarted on the destination physical adapter such that the virtual adapter begins processing transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7506094
    Abstract: A method is directed to use of a master root node, in a distributed computer system provided with multiple root nodes, to control the configuration of routings through an I/O switched-fabric. One of the root nodes is designated as the master root node or PCI Configuration Manager (PCM), and is operable to carry out the configuration while each of the other root nodes remains in a quiescent or inactive state. In one useful embodiment pertaining to a system of the above type, that includes multiple root nodes, PCI switches, and PCI adapters available for sharing by different root nodes, a method is provided wherein the master root node is operated to configure routings through the PCI switches. Respective routings are configured between respective root nodes and the PCI adapters, wherein each of the configured routings corresponds to only one of the root nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7496045
    Abstract: A method, mechanism and computer usable medium is provided for distributing I/O fabric errors to the appropriate root nodes in a multi-root environment. The case where the I/O fabric is attached to more than one root node and where each root can potentially share with the other roots the I/O adapter (IOA) resources which are attached to the I/O is addressed. Additionally, a method, mechanism and computer usable medium is provided by which errors detected in an I/O fabric may be routed to all root nodes which may be affected by the error, while not being reported to the root nodes that will not be affected by those errors. In particular, distributed computing system which uses the PCI Express protocol to communicate over the I/O fabric is addressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7492723
    Abstract: A mechanism, method and computer usable medium is provided for each root node of a multiple root node system and its own independent address space. This mechanism also allows multiple system images within the same root node to have their own independent address spaces. A mechanism is also provided for incorporating legacy root node and input/output adapters that are non-aware of the mechanisms introduced by this invention. Input/ output adapters which implement this invention may also have the number of functions that they support greatly expanded beyond the present eight functions per input/output adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7484029
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code are disclosed for migrating a virtual adapter from a source physical adapter to a destination physical adapter in a data processing system where multiple host computer systems share multiple adapters and communicate with those adapters through a PCI switched-fabric bus. The virtual adapter is first caused to stop processing transactions. All in-flight transactions that are associated with the virtual adapter are then captured. The configuration information that defines the virtual adapter is moved from the source physical adapter to the destination physical adapter. The in-flight transactions are then restored to their original locations on the destination virtual adapter. The virtual adapter is then restarted on the destination physical adapter such that the virtual adapter begins processing transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7474623
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for routing error messages in a distributed computer system comprising multiple root nodes, and further comprising one or more PCI switches and one or more I/O adapters, wherein each root node includes one or more system images. In one useful embodiment, a method is provided for routing I/O error messages to root nodes respectively associated with the errors contained in the messages. The method includes detecting occurrence of an error at a specified one of the adapters, wherein the error affects one of the system images, and generating an error message at the specified adapter. The method further comprises routing the error message from the specified adapter to the particular root node that includes the affected system image. The error message is then selectively processed at the particular root node, in order to identify the affected system image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080307116
    Abstract: Method and system for address routing in a distributed computing system, such as a distributed computing system that uses PCI Express protocol to communicate over an I/O fabric. A destination identifier is provided to identify a physical or virtual host or end point. When a physical or virtual host or end point receives a PCI data packet it compares a list of source identifiers with destination identifiers to determine if a source identifier included in the transaction packet is associated with a destination identifier included in the transaction packet to determine if the transaction packet has a valid association. If the transaction packet has a valid association, it is routed to the target device. The present invention enables each host that attaches to PCI bridges or switches and shares a set of common PCI devices to have its own PCI 64-bit address space and enables the routing of PCI transaction packets between multiple hosts and adapters, through a PCI switched-fabric bus using a destination identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080270853
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for routing error messages in a distributed computer system comprising multiple root nodes, and further comprising one or more PCI switches and one or more I/O adapters, wherein each root node includes one or more system images. In one useful embodiment, a method is provided for routing I/O error messages to root nodes respectively associated with the errors contained in the messages. The method includes detecting occurrence of an error at a specified one of the adapters, wherein the error affects one of the system images, and generating an error message at the specified adapter. The method further comprises routing the error message from the specified adapter to the particular root node that includes the affected system image. The error message is then selectively processed at the particular root node, in order to identify the affected system image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Christopher Chagoly, Kirk Malcolm Sexton, William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7430630
    Abstract: Method and system for address routing in a distributed computing system, such as a distributed computing system that uses PCI Express protocol to communicate over an I/O fabric. A destination identifier is provided to identify a physical or virtual host or end point. When a physical or virtual host or end point receives a PCI data packet it compares a list of source identifiers with destination identifiers to determine if a source identifier included in the transaction packet is associated with a destination identifier included in the transaction packet to determine if the transaction packet has a valid association. If the transaction packet has a valid association, it is routed to the target device. The present invention enables each host that attaches to PCI bridges or switches and shares a set of common PCI devices to have its own PCI 64-bit address space and enables the routing of PCI transaction packets between multiple hosts and adapters, through a PCI switched-fabric bus using a destination identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080235431
    Abstract: A method is directed to use of a master root node, in a distributed computer system provided with multiple root nodes, to control the configuration of routings through an I/O switched-fabric. One of the root nodes is designated as the master root node or PCI Configuration Manager (PCM), and is operable to carry out the configuration while each of the other root nodes remains in a quiescent or inactive state. In one useful embodiment pertaining to a system of the above type, that includes multiple root nodes, PCI switches, and PCI adapters available for sharing by different root nodes, a method is provided wherein the master root node is operated to configure routings through the PCI switches. Respective routings are configured between respective root nodes and the PCI adapters, wherein each of the configured routings corresponds to only one of the root nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080235785
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed in a data processing environment that includes host computer systems that are coupled to adapters utilizing a switched fabric for routing packets between the host computer systems and the adapters. A unique destination identifier is assigned to one of the host computer systems. A portion of a standard format packet destination address is selected. Within a particular packet, the portion is set equal to the unique identifier that is assigned to the host computer system. The particular packet is then routed through the fabric to the host computer system using the unique destination identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080235430
    Abstract: A method is provided for creating and managing tables for routing packets through an environment that includes multiple hosts and shared PCI switches and adapters. A Destination Identification (DID) field in the PBA is appended to a transaction packet dispatched through the PCI switches, wherein a particular DID is associated with a particular host or system image, and thus identifies the physical or virtual end point of its packet. In one embodiment, packets are routed through PCI switches in a distributed computer system comprising multiple root nodes, wherein each root node includes one or more hosts. The embodiment includes the step of creating a table or like data structure in a specified one of the switches. When a particular host of one of the root nodes becomes connected to the specified switch, a PCI Configuration Master (PCM), residing in one of the root nodes, is operated to enter a destination identifier or DID into the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Fremiuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7395367
    Abstract: A method is directed to use of a master root node, in a distributed computer system provided with multiple root nodes, to control the configuration of routings through an I/O switched-fabric. One of the root nodes is designated as the master root node or PCI Configuration Manager (PCM), and is operable to carry out the configuration while each of the other root nodes remains in a quiescent or inactive state. In one useful embodiment pertaining to a system of the above type, that includes multiple root nodes, PCI switches, and PCI adapters available for sharing by different root nodes, a method is provided wherein the master root node is operated to configure routings through the PCI switches. Respective routings are configured between respective root nodes and the PCI adapters, wherein each of the configured routings corresponds to only one of the root nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080137676
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed for bus/device/function (BDF) translation and routing of communication packets through a fabric that utilizes a single multi-root PCI switch. A data processing environment includes multiple host computer systems that are coupled to and share I/O adapters using a PCI switched-fabric bus fabric. The processing environment includes an apparatus that receives a communications packet, from one of the host computer systems, that is intended to be delivered to a particular one of the adapters. The apparatus analyzes the packet to determine a non-unique host-assigned destination device functional identifier that is included in the packet. The apparatus translates the host-assigned destination device functional identifier into a unique virtual destination device functional identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: William T Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080137677
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed for bus/device/function (BDF) translation and routing of communications packets through a fabric that utilizes PCI switches. Identifiers are included in communications packets that are routed between a host and an I/O adapter using a PCI fabric to which the host and the I/O adapter are coupled. Destination identifiers that are included in first communications packets that are received by edge switches, which are connected directly to said host or directly connected to said I/O adapter, are translated before routing the communications packets out of the edge switches. Second communications packets that are received by internal switches, which are not directly connected to the host or directly connected to the I/O adapter, are routed without translating destination identifiers that are included in the second communications packets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: William T Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Publication number: 20080140839
    Abstract: System and method for managing routing of data in a distributed computing system, such as a distributed computing system that uses PCI Express protocol to communicate over an I/O fabric. A physical tree that is indicative of a physical configuration of the distributed computing system is determined, and a virtual tree is created from the physical tree. The virtual tree is then modified to change an association between at least one source device and at least one target device in the virtual tree. A validation mechanism validates the changed association between the at least one source device and the at least one target device to enable routing of data from the at least one source device to the at least one target device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega
  • Patent number: 7380046
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed in a data processing environment that includes host computer systems that are coupled to adapters utilizing a switched fabric for routing packets between the host computer systems and the adapters. A unique destination identifier is assigned to one of the host computer systems. A portion of a standard format packet destination address is selected. Within a particular packet, the portion is set equal to the unique identifier that is assigned to the host computer system. The particular packet is then routed through the fabric to the host computer system using the unique destination identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Douglas M. Freimuth, William G. Holland, Steven W. Hunter, Renato J. Recio, Steven M. Thurber, Madeline Vega