Patents by Inventor James L. Thompson

James L. Thompson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240153659
    Abstract: A radiation monitoring system includes an optical fiber. The system further includes a scintillating fiber operatively coupled to a first end of the optical fiber at a first end of the scintillating fiber. The system also includes a damage detection device configured to detect damage to at least one of the optical fiber and the scintillating fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Luis A. Ocampo Giraldo, David L. Chichester, James T. Johnson, Jay D. Hix, Scott J. Thompson, Scott M. Watson
  • Patent number: 11604459
    Abstract: A real-time control system includes a simulation system to implement a predictive, look-ahead function that provides an operator with information that enables a higher level of situational awareness of the expected transitional events of future steps within the control program or sequence logic. The simulation system enables future steps and transitions to be monitored before they actually occur, which enables the operator to recognize and potentially take action, in a current time step, to alleviate the underlying cause of the problem, thus reducing the likelihood of or preventing a sequence stall of the control program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT POWER & WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Kephart, Jr., Xu Cheng, James L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20210011466
    Abstract: A real-time control system includes a simulation system to implement a predictive, look-ahead function that provides an operator with information that enables a higher level of situational awareness of the expected transitional events of future steps within the control program or sequence logic. The simulation system enables future steps and transitions to be monitored before they actually occur, which enables the operator to recognize and potentially take action, in a current time step, to alleviate the underlying cause of the problem, thus reducing the likelihood of or preventing a sequence stall of the control program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Richard W. Kephart, JR., Xu Cheng, James L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20200288830
    Abstract: A pocket, a garment, and a method of using the pocket on the garment. A first selective garment attachment interface is disposed at a first end of a pocket. A second selective garment attachment interface is disposed at a second end of a pocket distal from a first end of the pocket. First and second selective garment attachment interfaces are configured to selectively couple a pocket to a surface of a garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventor: JAMES L THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 10631606
    Abstract: A pocket, a garment, and a method of using the pocket on the garment. The pocket includes a first layer facing the garment, a second layer as an exterior layer, and one or more spacers disposed between the first layer and the garment to offset the pocket a given distance from the garment, to promote air circulation therebetween. At least one of the first and second ends is selectively attached to the garment to allow detachment from the garment and articulation of the pocket for viewing an electronic device housed in the pocket. The pocket can be selectively removed from the garment. Attachment means provide a taut and elastic retention of the pocket against the garment to prevent excessive motion of the pocket during physical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: James L Thompson
  • Patent number: 8267668
    Abstract: A fuel pump system for pumping fuel to an engine in a vehicle includes a pump motor having a carbon-based commutator and brushes in a position exposed to fuel, resulting in a tendency to form a film between the commutator and brushes that can reduce pump performance by increasing the electrical resistance of the brush-commutator interface. The pump motor has a nominal voltage rating. A power circuit is coupled to the pump motor for selectably providing an operating voltage and a boost voltage, wherein the boost voltage is greater than the nominal voltage rating. A controller selecting the operating voltage during an ordinary run cycle and selects the boost voltage during a clean-up cycle. The controller selects the clean-up cycle for a limited time that is sufficiently short to avoid damage to the pump motor from exceeding the nominal voltage rating and sufficiently long to create arcing between the commutator and brushes that reverses formation of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas C. Nation, Stephen T. Kempfer, James Knight, James L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8242725
    Abstract: A method of aligning a sensorless brushless polyphase DC motor including aligning a rotor to a known stopped position with respect to at least one coil during a shut-down of said motor wherein a voltage is applied to one or more coils in a timed sequence of voltage application steps; and, starting said rotor from said known stopped position, wherein a voltage is applied to one or more coils in a timed sequence of voltage application steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James L Thompson, Kyi-Shin Shiah
  • Publication number: 20090256507
    Abstract: A method of aligning a sensorless brushless polyphase DC motor including aligning a rotor to a known stopped position with respect to at least one coil during a shut-down of said motor wherein a voltage is applied to one or more coils in a timed sequence of voltage application steps; and, starting said rotor from said known stopped position, wherein a voltage is applied to one or more coils in a timed sequence of voltage application steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: James L. Thompson, Kyi-Shin Shiah
  • Patent number: 7086838
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling speed of the fuel pump. The system includes a fuel pump, a controller, and a field modification module. The fuel pump is configured to receive a driving signal causing the fuel pump to pump fuel. The controller is configured to determine a desired fuel pump speed and generate a control signal based on the desired fuel pump speed. The field modification module is located proximate the fuel pump and is in communication with the controller to receive the control signal. The field modification module generates a flux in response the control signal thereby controlling speed and torque of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James L. Thompson, DeQuan Yu, Stephen T. Kempfer
  • Patent number: 7045983
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling the speed of a motor by altering the magnetic field of the motor. The system includes field modification module, and a motor having field windings and a rotor. The field windings are configured to receive a driving signal that generates a magnetic field causing a rotation of the rotor. The field modification module is proximate the motor and alters the magnetic field in response to an input signal thereby controlling the speed and torque of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Harold L. Castle, DeQuan Yu, Stephen T. Kempfer, Norman N. Krieger, Paul E. Fisher, Sheven Sharp, James L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7036883
    Abstract: A selectively rotatable vehicle seat assembly includes a vehicle seat having lower and back portions. The lower portion has a bottom surface positionable medially of a pair floor runner supports. A chair mount is connected to the bottom surface and includes elongated guide posts and a central shaft. The assembly further includes a power mechanism for rotating the vehicle seat and a support plate slidably positionable between extended and retracted positions. The support plate includes rollers spaced along opposed edge portions thereof and grooves extending along a partial length thereof. Such posts and shaft include flange portions prohibiting vertical movement of the chair mount. A base member, secured adjacent to the floor runner supports, includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion further includes oppositely spaced channels for directing the rollers therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: James L. Thompson, Wendy K. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6765319
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a brushless motor includes a core circumferentially affixed about a longitudinal surface of a shaft. A rotor magnet covers the entire outer surface of the core to seal the core within the magnet and to prevent exposure of the core to ambient conditions. The rotor magnet has a plurality of portions of alternating magnetic polarity and is formed of a plastic mixed with neodymium-iron-boron particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040085752
    Abstract: A UV emitter is incorporated into a variety of different illumination devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with dials on watches, gauges and other instruments, as well as ornaments. The indicia is made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles and other devices. In addition, a conductor arrangement is also provided that can be used to support the UV emitter under the transparent cover of watches or gauges, with the UV emitter oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia. Embodiments are presented for UV emitters on top of dials with indicia, laterally from the dials, or even under the dials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michelle Jillian Fuwausa, James L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6729738
    Abstract: A UV emitter is incorporated into a variety of different illumination devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with dials on watches, gauges and other instruments, as well as ornaments. The indicia is made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles and other devices. In addition, a conductor arrangement is also provided that can be used to support the UV emitter under the transparent cover of watches or gauges, with the UV emitter oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia. Embodiments are presented for UV emitters on top of dials with indicia, laterally from the dials, or even under the dials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Luminary Logic Ltd.
    Inventors: Michelle Jillian Fuwausa, James L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20020176245
    Abstract: A UV emitter is incorporated into a variety of different illumination devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with dials on watches, gauges and other instruments, as well as ornaments. The indicia is made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles and other devices. In addition, a conductor arrangement is also provided that can be used to support the UV emitter under the transparent cover of watches or gauges, with the UV emitter oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia. Embodiments are presented for UV emitters on top of dials with indicia, laterally from the dials, or even under the dials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Michelle Jillian Fuwausa, James L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6447350
    Abstract: A transom saver apparatus is adapted to be attached to a boat trailer and includes a pivot assembly adapted to be connected to a first portion of the trailer. An arm assembly is provided having first and second opposed ends wherein one end is connected to the boat trailer connection pivot assembly and the other end terminates in an outboard motor rest or support member. The arm assembly includes a first telescopic arm member, and a second telescopic arm member in telescopic engagement with the first telescopic arm member such that the second telescopic arm member defines the second distal end of the arm assembly and the second distal end comprises the outboard motor rest member. An arm rest bracket assembly is further included attachable to a second portion of the boat trailer for receivingly supporting the pivotal arm assembly in an out-of-the-way orientation when the arm assembly is not pivotally disposed in a use orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: James L. Thompson, Richard L. Walker
  • Publication number: 20010044243
    Abstract: A transom saver apparatus is adapted to be attached to a boat trailer and includes a pivot assembly adapted to be connected to a first portion of the trailer. An arm assembly is provided having first and second opposed ends wherein one end is connected to the boat trailer connection pivot assembly and the other end terminates in an outboard motor rest or support member. The arm assembly includes a first telescopic arm member, and a second telescopic arm member in telescopic engagement with the first telescopic arm member such that the second telescopic arm member defines the second distal end of the arm assembly and the second distal end comprises the outboard motor rest member. An arm rest bracket assembly is further included attachable to a second portion of the boat trailer for receivingly supporting the pivotal arm assembly in an out-of-the-way orientation when the arm assembly is not pivotally disposed in a use orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: James L. Thompson, Richard L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5547342
    Abstract: A composite stator vane for a gas turbine engine comprising a plurality of compression molded, heat cured plies, the plies including a plurality of centrally located internal plies of reinforcement material of unidirectional yarns of para-aramid fibers, a plurality of plies of resin impregnated graphite fiber material on each side of the centrally located plies of reinforcement material, and an external steel wire mesh ply on the leading edge of the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Furseth, Frank Heydrich, Forest H. Hover, Ian Little, Steven G. Mackin, Steven C. Stenard, James L. Thompson, Ellen White, Bruce D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5494404
    Abstract: A turbofan engine fan stator assembly includes stator vanes readily insertable through the outer shroud into the stator assembly hub. Elastomeric grommets seal between the vanes, shroud and hub, and an outer band radially inwardly compresses the assembly. The vanes are radially secured to the hub only through frictional engagement with the hub grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Furseth, Frank Heydrich, Forest H. Hover, Ian Little, Steven G. Mackin, Seven C. Stenard, James L. Thompson, Ellen White, Bruce D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5395664
    Abstract: An artificial flower stem for use in water comprising a corrosion resistant metal stem with the metal stem having a thin coating of material simulating the look of a flower stem. In a second embodiment, the the artificial flower stem comprises a resilient tubing member forming a stem. The tubing member is hollow with a separate cap member inserted therein creating a waterproof connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: CCC Associates Company
    Inventor: James L. Thompson, Jr.