Patents by Inventor B. Thomas Jones

B. Thomas Jones 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).

  • Support system having telescoping columns
    Patent number: 6742202
    Abstract: A support system has an array of telescoping columns that are each extended by a means such as a spring. The ends of the extended columns define a plane of support for a body resting on the array of columns. The columns move perpendicular to the plane of support, and independently, in response to the weight of a body resting upon them. The means for keeping the columns extended may be passive or active, and the columns may be moved independently by actuators connected to them. The columns may be assembled into modules, which can in turn be assembled into support systems of arbitrary size and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: B. Thomas Jones
  • Support system having telescoping columns
    Publication number: 20030172456
    Abstract: A support system has an array of telescoping columns that are each extended by a means such as a spring. The ends of the extended columns define a plane of support for a body resting on the array of columns. The columns move perpendicular to the plane of support, and independently, in response to the weight of a body resting upon them. The means for keeping the columns extended may be passive or active, and the columns may be moved independently by actuators connected to them. The columns may be assembled into modules, which can in turn be assembled into support systems of arbitrary size and shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: B. Thomas Jones