Robert Wayne Beard

US Patent:

55028365, Mar 26, 1996

Filed:

Jul 19, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/504144

Inventors:

Robert P. Hale - Irvine CA
Robert J. Beard - Irvine CA

Assignee:

AST Research, Inc. - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06F 1120

US Classification:

39549701

Abstract:

A method for restriping a striped disk array in a computer system without requiring the removal of the system from normal operation provides an efficient method to expand the disk array and incorporate the new storage into the striping scheme. When the operating system is not requesting access to the hard disk subsystem, the data is repositioned. The data on the array need not be backed-up onto alternate media before the array is expanded. Once new storage space is installed, the data is repositioned from disk to disk under the control of a disk controller until a stripe of the new array is expanded. Pointers stored in non-volatile memory maintain the location of the next free location and the next data block to be repositioned. The pointers are also used by the disk controller to locate the files during the array expansion process. The process is repeated until all of the data is relocated in the expanded array.

US Patent:

41172876, Sep 26, 1978

Filed:

Apr 11, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/786219

Inventors:

Raymond W. Walker - Huntington Beach CA
Robert M. Beard - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

Compagnie Francaise des Petroles - Paris

International Classification:

H02B 3538

US Classification:

200 82R

Abstract:

A combined electrical-hydraulic connector means including separable, elongated body members for making and breaking electrical contacts carried by said body members in spaced relation with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof, said body members providing a separable joint means transverse to said longitudinal axis. Said body members conduct pressure fluid which passes across said joint means. Seal means are provided at said joint means and are adapted to be energized to a selected compressive state. The means for actuating seal means and the electrical contact includes fluid actuating means for simultaneously energizing or de-energizing the seal means and the electrical contact means. A rapid connection or disconnection of electrical power and hydraulic power is thereby afforded.

US Patent:

40867765, May 2, 1978

Filed:

Apr 11, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/786220

Inventors:

Robert M. Beard - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles - Paris

International Classification:

E21B 1502
E21B 33035

US Classification:

61 69R

Abstract:

A lock means for one end of a tension line for securing said tension line to a subsea installation and particularly for securing one end of an umbilical line carrying hydraulical and electrical control circuits to a subsea installation. A lock means cooperable with a guide and locking cylindrical member secured to the subsea installation, the cylindrical member having a lock dog receiving recess, and a cylindrical locking device receivable within the cylindrical member and secured to the end of the tension line. The locking device includes a cylindrical housing having a lock dog port and a cylindrical chamber, an elongated annular or sleeve-like piston member within the housing and longitudinally slidable relative to the tension line. The piston member includes a cam surface to slidably engage lock dogs for lateral movement thereof through the lock dog port into locking engagement with the lock recess, a piston portion cooperable with a cylindrical chamber for unlocking said device under fluid pressure, and a piston extension having an upper end exposed through a window for mechanically unlocking the locking device. The piston member is normally biased into locked position by spring means, the locking device being normally nonreleasing.

US Patent:

52972585, Mar 22, 1994

Filed:

Nov 21, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/795682

Inventors:

Robert P. Hale - Irvine CA
Robert J. Beard - Irvine CA

Assignee:

AST Research, Inc. - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06F 1300

US Classification:

395275

Abstract:

A data log for use with conventional hard disk subsystems or other data storage subsystems provides a system to minimize delays caused in a computer system due to the input/output systems, such as hard disks. The data log is preferably one or more hard disks, or any other non-volatile data storage device. Preferably, when the operating system requests a write to the hard disk subsystem, a hard disk controller directs the data to the data log rather than the hard disks. Then, when I/O requests are at a lull, the hard disk controller moves the data from the data log to the hard disk subsystem. Because the data is written to the data log sequentially, the hard disk controller completes the write operation quickly. This minimizes any bottleneck created while the system waits for the completion of the write operation.

US Patent:

41339924, Jan 9, 1979

Filed:

Apr 11, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/786210

Inventors:

Raymond W. Walker - Huntington Beach CA
Robert M. Beard - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

Compagnie Francaise des Petroles

International Classification:

H01H 3524
H01R 1102

US Classification:

200 81R

Abstract:

A self-purging, hydraulically actuated electrical connector for use in a hostile environment, such as in deep sea water, comprising an elongated receptacle having a tapered longitudinal chamber provided with longitudinally and radially spaced fixed electrical contacts and an elongated tapered member receivable within said chamber and provided with longitudinally and radially spaced contacts movable in a radial direction to engage the fixed contacts. Fluid pressure actuating means are provided for driving the movable contacts into engagement with the fixed contacts. Orientation means for the receptacle and the tapered member assure juxtaposition of the fixed and movable contacts. The arrangement of electrical contacts includes elastomeric protective covers configured and cooperable with the contacts to purge sea water from the immediate vicinity of the contacts.