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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Wauwatosa, WI, United States of America

Thomas Franklin Shirley, Jr

This inventor holds 73 USPTO granted patents and 21 published patent applications and 1 EPO patent, primarily in Distributed Storage Networks (CPC class G06F). Top assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Pure Storage, Inc., Cleversafe, Inc.. Active years: 2013-2026.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Thomas Franklin Shirley, Jr. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/thomas-franklin-shirley-jr

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 73 

% Patents Active = 80.8

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 5.2

ph-index = 7

Forward Citations = 159(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 151(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Wauwalosa, WI (US) (2019)
  • Wauwatosa, WI (US) (2013 - 2023)
  • Oconomowoc, WI (US) (2023 - 2024)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal32 out of 166,409 
 
International Business Machines Corporation
 patents
silverMedal30 out of 1,807 
 
Pure Storage, Inc.
 patents
bronzeMedal9 out of 355 
 
Cleversafe, Inc.
 patents
4. 1 out of 56 
 
Entigenlogic LLC
 patents
5. 1 out of 834,570 
Other
 patents

Years Active: 2013-2026

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Areas of Expertise:
Distributed Storage
Data Obfuscation
Memory Selection
Error Monitoring
Data Consistency
Performance Threshold
Secure Data Transmission
Task Distribution
Dynamically Caching
Data Retention Policies
Content Delivery Network
Shared Memory
73 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 12608264 - Method and apparatus for monitoring and alerting errors in a distributed storage network (2026-04-21),
2. 12437212 - Utilizing meaning to find a document (2025-10-07),
3. 12436841 - Preference based selection of storage network memory for data storage (2025-10-07),
4. 12197768 - Facilitating write requests in a storage network (2025-01-14),
5. 12143373 - Efficient storage of data in a dispersed storage network (2024-11-12),
6. 11989093 - Selection of memory for data storage in a storage network (2024-05-21),
7. 11886752 - Method for determining the legal basis for transfer of a data object (2024-01-30),
8. 11818089 - Processing requests for a data range within a data object in a distributed storage system (2023-11-14),
9. 11734463 - Obfuscating a set of encoded data slices (2023-08-22),
10. 11714719 - Tiered storage of data in a storage network (2023-08-01),
11. 11550515 - Determining a storage location according to data retention policies (2023-01-10),
12. 11366939 - Secure data transmission utilizing a set of obfuscated encoded data slices (2022-06-21),
13. 11360852 - Selection of memory in a distributed data storage network (2022-06-14),
14. 11307930 - Optimized selection of participants in distributed data rebuild/verification (2022-04-19),
15. 11301592 - Distributed storage with data obfuscation and method for use therewith (2022-04-12),

Title: The Inventive Journey of Thomas Franklin Shirley, Jr.

Introduction

Thomas Franklin Shirley, Jr. is a prolific inventor based in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, with an impressive portfolio of 65 patents under his belt. His innovative spirit and dedication to advancing technology have led to groundbreaking solutions in the field of data storage and processing.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents is a revolutionary method for processing requests for a data range within a data object in a distributed storage system. This method involves converting requests into partial tasks and transmitting them to specific storage units for efficient execution. Another notable patent involves obfuscating encoded data slices using advanced techniques, enhancing data security within storage networks.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Thomas Franklin Shirley, Jr. has made significant contributions to companies such as IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) and Pure Storage, Inc. His expertise and inventive prowess have played a vital role in shaping the future of data storage technologies, earning him a reputation as a leading innovator in the industry.

Collaborations

Collaborating with talented individuals such as Jason K Resch and S Christopher Gladwin, Thomas Franklin Shirley, Jr. has been able to exchange ideas, push boundaries, and bring cutting-edge solutions to life. These collaborations have been instrumental in driving forward innovation and fostering a culture of creativity within the organizations he has been a part of.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thomas Franklin Shirley, Jr. stands as a shining example of a visionary inventor who continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of data storage and processing. His dedication to innovation, coupled with his collaborative spirit, has cemented his legacy as a true trailblazer in the field.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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