Patents by Inventor David C. Thornton

David C. Thornton 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).

  • Patent number: 11970137
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment, a belt conveyor located in the storage compartment and having a slat belt supported by a pair of rollers, and a shelf operatively coupled to the slat belt and configured to move between a lower stowed position within the storage compartment and an upper deployed position extending outward from the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Jeff Robert Seaman, Annette Lynn Huebner, George Abram Thornton, Michael John Harmon
  • Publication number: 20240075883
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment, a belt conveyor located in the storage compartment and having a slat belt supported by a pair of rollers, and a shelf operatively coupled to the slat belt and configured to move between a lower stowed position within the storage compartment and an upper deployed position extending outward from the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Jeff Robert Seaman, Annette Lynn Huebner, George Abram Thornton, Michael John Harmon
  • Patent number: 5118327
    Abstract: A dehumidifying system uses a membrane cartridge to filter water vapor from air introduced into the membrane cartridge via a compressor. The pressure of the air supplied to the membrane cartridge is regulated so that the flow rate through the membrane cartridge can be easily controlled by a flow-control valve or orifice connected to the outlet of the membrane cartridge. The flow rate is controlled so the air remains within the membrane cartridge long enough to produce dehumidified air having a preselected maximum dew point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Nelson, David C. Thornton
  • Patent number: 4944776
    Abstract: A dehumidifying system uses a membrane cartridge to filter water vapor from air or other gas introduced into the membrane cartridge via a main pump or compressor. Dehumidified gas from the membrane cartridge is then delivered into a system which requires dry gas. The dehumidifying system further includes valve arrangements or additional compressors which provide gas flow through the membrane cartridge when the main compressor is inactive. Therefore, the membrane cartridge receives a substantially continuous flow of gas which maintains the optimal efficiency of the membrane cartridge. In addition to the arrangements which provide this continuous gas flow, a heating coil wrapped around the membrane cartridge raises the temperature of the fiber membranes within the cartridge. The heated fiber membranes are less susceptible to retain moisture which decreases the efficiency of the membrane cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Keyser, Donald A. Nelson, David C. Thornton
  • Patent number: 4693830
    Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of solids are readily flocculated in high brine-containing aqueous media using polymeric anionic flocculants containing from 5 to about 20 weight percent of repeating units containing a carboxyl group, e.g., sodium acrylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: David C. Thornton, Mark J. McKinley
  • Patent number: 4461097
    Abstract: An inflatable structure, includes a base and a barrier attached to the base which is capable of being inflated to a predetermined shape in order to define a chamber. A door in the barrier allows access to the chamber. The base includes a source of gas for inflating the barrier and for circulating within the chamber. The barrier is constructed as a twin-walled structure having inner and outer walls defining an air flow space therebetween. Holes are provided through at least portions of the inner wall to provide a means for circulation of air from the space into the chamber. When not in use, the aerator may be deflated and folded for compact storage and shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: David C. Thornton
  • Patent number: 4335071
    Abstract: A pressure-vacuum purge cycle that is employed in the sterilization of dry goods and especially of wrapped fabric packs employs a positive pressure steam pulse followed by a positive pressure steam displacement of continuously vented air in novel combination with subsequent vacuum pulsing at limited maximum negative pressures to provide improved conditioning of the said goods in respect of the purging of air and moisturizing of the goods and improved economies in time and energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: David C. Thornton