Location History:
- East Ridge, TN (US) (1979)
- Chattanooga, TN (US) (1980)
- La Mesa, CA (US) (2001)
- Suwanee, GA (US) (2005 - 2010)
- Boulder, CO (US) (2013 - 2016)
- Longmont, CO (US) (2015 - 2016)
- Niwot, CO (US) (2013 - 2017)
Company Filing History:
7 out of 2,353 
6 out of 1,813 
4 out of 3,715 Years Active: 1979-2017
Title: Innovations of Gerald Edward Smith in RAID Technology
Introduction
Gerald Edward Smith is a prolific inventor based in Niwot, Colorado, who has made significant contributions to the field of storage technology. With an impressive portfolio of 20 patents, his work primarily focuses on enhancing the efficiency of Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) systems. His innovative approaches have addressed critical needs in data management and performance optimization.
Latest Patents
Among his latest inventions, Smith has developed systems that utilize spans with different storage device counts for a logical volume. This patent provides methods and structures for defining span sizes in RAID systems. One embodiment describes a RAID controller featuring a control system capable of identifying coupled storage devices. It can also receive requests for creating RAID logical volumes. The span manager within this system defines multiple RAID spans that implement the volume, with at least one span consisting of a different number of drives than others.
Another noteworthy patent involves methods for I/O flow management in RAID controllers equipped with Direct Memory Access (DMA) capabilities. This invention allows data to be sent directly to PCI-Express (PCIe) devices connected to a PCIe switch, significantly improving input-output efficiency in storage systems.
Career Highlights
Gerald Edward Smith's career includes pivotal roles at leading technology companies such as LSI Corporation and Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. His expertise in storage systems has contributed to advancements in how data is managed and accessed in various computing environments.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Smith has worked alongside notable colleagues, including Basavaraj Gurupadappa Hallyal and James A. Rizzo. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and creativity, allowing for the development of cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of existing solutions.
Conclusion
Gerald Edward Smith stands out as an influential inventor whose contributions to RAID technology have paved the way for improved data management solutions. His innovative mindset and dedication to enhancing storage systems highlight the importance of inventors in driving technology forward. With 20 patents to his name, Smith's legacy continues to inspire future advancements in the field.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.