Patents by Inventor Michael G. Thomas
Michael G. 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).
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Publication number: 20240125325Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a bearing-housing structure provided to the housing and adapted to rotatably support a rotor, a motor provided to the bearing-housing structure and adapted to drive the rotor, and an impeller provided to the rotor. The bearing-housing structure includes a bearing shaft having a bearing surface that rotatably supports the rotor. The bearing shaft provides only a single bearing of the non-ball bearing type for the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Samuel Aziz MEBASSER, Peter Jeffrey THOMAS, Roman VINOKUR, Kevin Gene McCULLOH, William S. LANE, Yeu-chuan HSIA, Michael David BEDNAR, John Paul FREESE, Karl Yutaka IWAHASHI, David Brent SEARS, Barton John KENYON, Richard G. KRUM, Par Egron DANNAS, Hiroshi SUZUKI, Malcolm Edward LEADER
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Publication number: 20240112890Abstract: A faceplate of a showerhead has a bottom side that faces a plasma generation region and a top side that faces a plenum into which a process gas is supplied during operation of a substrate processing system. The faceplate includes apertures formed through the bottom side and openings formed through the top side. Each of the apertures is formed to extend through a portion of an overall thickness of the faceplate to intersect with at least one of the openings to form a corresponding flow path for process gas through the faceplate. Each of the apertures has a cross-section that has a hollow cathode discharge suppression dimension in at least one direction. Each of the openings has a cross-section that has a smallest cross-sectional dimension that is greater than the hollow cathode discharge suppression dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Michael John Selep, Patrick G. Breiling, Karl Frederick Leeser, Timothy Scott Thomas, David William Kamp, Sean M. Donnelly
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Patent number: 10206725Abstract: A sliding plate variable angle locking mechanism includes a bone plate, a first sliding plate, a locking ring and a bone screw. The bone plate includes a plate cavity, a bone plate surface and a shelf. The plate hole defines a plate hole diameter. The first sliding plate a central hole that defines a sliding plate hole diameter. The sliding plate hole diameter is smaller than the plate hole diameter. The first sliding plate is positioned in the plate cavity in an assembled configuration. The locking ring is movably mountable to the bone plate. The locking ring hole diameter is greater than the sliding plate hole diameter. The bone screw head diameter is greater than the sliding plate hole diameter. The head threads are configured to form internal threads in the central hole of the first sliding plate when the bone screw is driven into the first sliding plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Gramercy Extremity Orthopedics LLCInventors: Paul J. Vasta, Michael G. Thomas
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Publication number: 20180263671Abstract: A sliding plate variable angle locking mechanism includes a bone plate, a first sliding plate, a locking ring and a bone screw. The bone plate includes a plate cavity, a bone plate surface and a shelf. The plate hole defines a plate hole diameter. The first sliding plate a central hole that defines a sliding plate hole diameter. The sliding plate hole diameter is smaller than the plate hole diameter. The first sliding plate is positioned in the plate cavity in an assembled configuration. The locking ring is movably mountable to the bone plate. The locking ring hole diameter is greater than the sliding plate hole diameter. The bone screw head diameter is greater than the sliding plate hole diameter. The head threads are configured to form internal threads in the central hole of the first sliding plate when the bone screw is driven into the first sliding plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Paul J. VASTA, Michael G. THOMAS
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Patent number: 8759031Abstract: Novel extender units for Type I polyketide synthases are provided. Also provided are genes, compounds, and methods for generating these units, and for incorporation of the novel extender units into polyketides for the purpose of generating new structural derivatives of polyketide-containing products.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Michael G. Thomas, Jo Handelsman, Yolande Alia Chan, Angela M. Podevels
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Patent number: 8398687Abstract: Disclosed embodiments describe a volar plate generally for use treating distal volar fractures. The volar plate is designed in accordance with anatomical features and is generally Y-shaped, having a wider distal head portion that tapers to a narrower proximal body portion. A plurality of holes in the distal head of the volar plate allow for fixation means to fix the position of bone fragments with respect to the volar plate. The plurality of holes in the distal head basically form two substantially non-linear rows, with the distal row generally curving inward proximally and the proximal row generally curving outward distally such that the fixation means inserted through the holes generally converge. A central cavity may be located in the proximal body of the volar plate to promote bone growth, and mounting screws may border the central cavity on either side to provide secure support. Additionally, K-wire holes may be included which are visually linked to corresponding holes in the distal head.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: AMEI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Vasta, Michael G. Thomas, David Ruch, David Nelson, Dwight Bronson
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Publication number: 20130062160Abstract: An article-handling system and method of handling articles with article trays having a support surface and a plurality of generally parallel grooves in said support surface includes loading articles on trays with an article-traying subsystem and unloading articles from trays with an article-detraying subsystem. The article-traying subsystem has a tray conveyor and a loading article conveyor. The loading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of a tray traveling on the tray conveyor at the article conveyor. An article is transferred to the tray support surface with the loading article conveyor. The article-detraying subsystem has a trayed article conveyor and an unloading article conveyor. The unloading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of the tray of a trayed article traveling on the trayed article conveyor at the unloading article conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Jeffrey J. Steinbach, Robert G. Lyon, Paul K. Gines, Michael G. Thomas, Ardalan Noordeh, Michael Carr, Gabriel E. Kahl, Michael C. Anderson
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Publication number: 20080254508Abstract: Novel extender units for Type I polyketide synthases are provided. Also provided are genes, compounds, and methods for generating these units, and for incorporation of the novel extender units into polyketides for the purpose of generating new structural derivatives of polyketide-containing products.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Michael G. Thomas, Jo Handelsman, Yolande Alia Chan, Angela M. Podevels
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Patent number: 7326782Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least a functional fragment of the viomycin biosynthetic gene cluster, functional proteins encoded by the cluster, expression cassettes and recombinant host cells comprising a functional fragment of the viomycin cluster, and methods for generating biologically active agents using the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Michael G. Thomas, Yolanda A. Chan, Sarah G. Ozanick
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Patent number: 7134569Abstract: A tear-back drink-through lid for a drinking cup sealingly engages the drinking cup at an annular mounting portion with a downwardly extending annular skirt. The tear-back section extends from the inner skirt to a hinge and has an outwardly extending raised protrusion. When the tear-back section is torn away from the lid and pivoted about the hinge, the raised protrusion is frictionally engaged by the end walls of the recess and retained within the recess. The recess further includes a straw slot formed therein defined by two sloping converging sidewalls extending from the upper surface the lid at different angles to form a frangible juncture at the deepest portion of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Fort James CorporationInventors: Michael A. Freek, Michael G. Thomas
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Patent number: 6866905Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particulary desired by consumers.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Fort James CorporationInventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
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Publication number: 20040142132Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particularly desired by consumers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thick-walled polycarbonate tumblers are prepared from hydrolysis-stabilized polycarbonate compositions while minimizing molded-in stress. In still further embodiments, nanocomposites compositions are used to form the containers of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
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Patent number: 6750391Abstract: A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ward Issac Bower, Michael G. Thomas, Douglas S. Ruby
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Publication number: 20040022977Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particularly desired by consumers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thick-walled polycarbonate tumblers are prepared from hydrolysis-stabilized polycarbonate compositions while minimizing molded-in stress. In still further embodiments, nanocomposites compositions are used to form the containers of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
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Patent number: 6627278Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particularly desired by consumers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thick-walled polycarbonate tumblers are prepared from hydrolysis-stabilized polycarbonate compositions while minimizing molded-in stress. In still further embodiments, nanocomposites compositions are used to form the containers of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Fort James CorporationInventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
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Publication number: 20030141424Abstract: A cup-holder insert for accommodating a beverage and a snack or combo meal includes in a typical embodiment: a) central support member of generally circular cross-section configured to be disposed in a cup-holder and reside vertically in the cup-holder when placed therein and which defines a first cavity adapted to receive a cup; b) at least a first laterally projecting food receptacle portion which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the first laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a second cavity adapted to receive victuals; and c) at least a second laterally projecting food receptacle portion thereof which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the second laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a third cavity for receiving victuals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventor: Michael G. Thomas
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Publication number: 20030111103Abstract: A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Ward Issac Bower, Michael G. Thomas, Douglas S. Ruby
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Patent number: 6533233Abstract: A cup-holder insert for accommodating a beverage and a snack or combo meal includes in a typical embodiment: a) central support member of generally circular cross-section configured to be disposed in a cup-holder and reside vertically in the cup-holder when placed therein and which defines a first cavity adapted to receive a cup; b) at least a first laterally projecting food receptacle portion which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the first laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a second cavity adapted to receive victuals; and c) at least a second laterally projecting food receptacle portion thereof which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the second laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a third cavity for receiving victuals.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Georgia-Pacific CorporationInventor: Michael G. Thomas
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Patent number: D459164Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Georgia-Pacific CorporationInventor: Michael G. Thomas
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Patent number: D459956Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Georgia-Pacific CorporationInventor: Michael G. Thomas