Location History:
- Mercerville, NJ (US) (1977 - 1983)
- Andover, MA (US) (1985 - 2002)
Company Filing History:
9 out of 5,349 
3 out of 2,297 
2 out of 2,019 
Years Active: 1977-2002
Title: Innovation and Impact: The Legacy of William Edward Ham
Introduction
William Edward Ham, an influential inventor based in Mercerville, NJ, has made a significant mark in the field of technology with his 14 patents. His innovations primarily focus on enhancing the functionality and efficiency of SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) devices, making him a notable figure in the development of data bus technologies.
Latest Patents
One of Ham’s latest patents is the "Integrity Tester for Parallel Signal Bus." This advanced tester is specifically designed for SCSI type buses and employs a series of comparator circuits to simultaneously assess the voltages present on bus cable conductors. The device uses high and low reference voltages, which are adjustable, enabling the user to evaluate each conductor's performance across a specific voltage range. When the reference voltage aligns with a conductor's voltage, a corresponding LED activates, providing immediate visual feedback regarding the conductor's integrity. If any LEDs illuminate at voltages significantly different from their peers, this indicates a potential issue with that conductor. Additionally, latch circuits ensure that intermittent errors can be recorded, leading to more reliable bus operations.
Another innovative contribution from Ham is the "SCSI Bus Extender Utilizing Tagged Queuing in a Multi-Initiator Environment." This invention connects a main SCSI bus to an auxiliary bus, efficiently managing SELECTION and RESELECTION signals communicated between the two. By reserving addresses on the auxiliary bus for each initiator on the main bus, the device ensures precise address conversions, enabling targeted devices to accurately identify the corresponding initiator during the RESELECTION phase. This patent highlights Ham's commitment to developing solutions that optimize SCSI functionality and support advanced queuing methodologies.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, William Edward Ham has held positions at notable companies such as RCA Inc. and Digital Equipment Corporation. His work at these organizations has allowed him to contribute significantly to various technological advancements, particularly related to data transfer and bus integrity in computing systems.
Collaborations
Ham has collaborated with several esteemed professionals in the field, including Charles Monia and Fee Lee. These partnerships have not only enriched his work but also fostered a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and technological progress.
Conclusion
William Edward Ham's contributions as an inventor have left a lasting impact on the technology sector, particularly in the realm of SCSI and bus technologies. With his groundbreaking patents and collaborative spirit, Ham continues to inspire the next generation of inventors and technologists. His legacy underscores the importance of innovation in shaping efficient data communication systems, making him a respected figure in the field of technology.