Patents by Inventor Gary W. Thomas

Gary W. Thomas 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: 7121475
    Abstract: An improved device for carrying and retaining animal scent that has a specially designed sleeve having an absorbent pad for absorbing a liquid scent that attracts prey wherein the absorbent pad has a plurality of apertures to facilitate the aeration of the scent and additionally the sleeve has a slit such that a resilient self attaching band can be placed therein so that the sleeve may be attached to objects and yet the resilient band can be removed so that the cover can be properly washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Gary W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5680262
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a reflective stretched membrane mirror for use in the collection and focusing of solar energy includes a tensioning fixture to which a plurality of air-actuated cylinders are attached. The piston arm of each cylinder is in turn connected to an air-actuated clamp which is designed to hold a portion of the peripheral edge of the reflective film which is to be stretched. Depending upon the properties of the film and its tensioning characteristics, cylinders which need the same air pressure are connected in common to a single regulator. The regulators are then connected to an air compressor and the sheet of reflective film is tensioned to a desired level at which point it is adhesively bonded to a circular frame. Once a first reflective film is bonded to a top side of the frame, the process is repeated with a second reflective film bonded to the back or opposite side of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick K. Soliday, Gary W. Thomas, Monte A. McGlaun, Michael J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5553501
    Abstract: A stack of piezoelectric crystals is placed on a shaft that is rotated to test a component on the shaft. An electrical signal is supplied to the stack, causing the crystals to vibrate, sending vibrations to the component as it spins. The component is enclosed in a vacuum chamber in order to provide a reduced pressure and thereby to reduce the power required to spin the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Gaddis, Kenneth I. Nelson, Gary W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5552006
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a reflective stretched membrane mirror for use in the collection and focusing of solar energy includes a tensioning fixture to which a plurality of air-actuated cylinders are attached. The piston arm of each cylinder is in turn connected to an air-actuated clamp which is designed to hold a portion of the peripheral edge of the reflective film which is to be stretched. Depending upon the properties of the film and its tensioning characteristics, cylinders which need the same air pressure are connected in common to a single regulator. The regulators are then connected to an air compressor and the sheet of reflective film is tensioned to a desired level at which point it is adhesively bonded to a circular frame. Once a first reflective film is bonded to a top side of the frame, the process is repeated with a second reflective film bonded to tile back or opposite side of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick K. Soliday, Gary W. Thomas, Monte A. McGlaun, Michael J. Taylor