Patents by Inventor Robert J. Thompson

Robert J. 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).

  • Patent number: 11974667
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular storage system for barrels. The modular storage system includes a base rick module, an aisle rick module, and an end rick module, whereby a plurality of each module type may be assembled to construct a rickhouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Koetter-Rax, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Koetter, Jr., Kenneth E. Koetter, Gerald T. Koetter, Raymond Todd Magner, Brian S. Keith, Greg Schmidt, Anthony Ferrera, Mark Duane Cooke, Clark Gregory, Darr Scott Thompson, Adam Ray
  • Patent number: 11966202
    Abstract: Motorized window treatment systems are disclosed. A motorized window treatment system may include a covering material, a sensor circuit, and a control circuit. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a position of the covering material. The control circuit may be configured to determine a present sensor state of the sensor circuit, determine a predicted sensor state for the sensor circuit based at least in part on a power-down position recorded at a first time and a final position recorded at a second time, compare the predicted sensor state with the present sensor state, and determine a present position of the covering material based on the comparison of the predicted sensor state and the present sensor state. Methods of adjusting a position of a covering material of a motorized window treatment also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20240117538
    Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: James M. Thompson, Brian J. Cox, Robert Rosenbluth, Philippe Marchand, John Nolting, Darrin J. Kent, Tan Q. Dinh, Hung P. Tran, James A. Milburn
  • Patent number: 11944503
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a system for stopping a beam of the surgical instrument from impacting a distal pin when reversing a knife is disclosed. A knife assembly of the surgical instrument comprises the knife, the beam, and a firing nut. A firing lead screw can drive the firing nut distally and proximally. A firing screw compression spring extends along the firing lead screw and applies a load proximally on the firing nut when the firing nut is driven toward a distal end of the firing lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Standard Bariatrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Mark S. Ortiz, Jonathan R. Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Caleb J. Hayward, Robert T. Means, III, Saylan J. Lukas
  • Publication number: 20240093221
    Abstract: This disclosure provides recombinant DNA constructs and transgenic plants having enhanced traits such as increased yield, increased nitrogen use efficiency, and enhanced drought tolerance or water use efficiency. Transgenic plants may include field crops as well as plant propagules and progeny of such transgenic plants. Methods of making and using such transgenic plants are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods of producing seed from such transgenic plants, growing such seed, and selecting progeny plants with enhanced traits. Also disclosed are transgenic plants with altered phenotypes which are useful for screening and selecting transgenic events for the desired enhanced trait.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Edwards M. Allen, Bettina Darveaux, Stephen M. Duff, Mary Fernandes, Barry S. Goldman, Cara L. Griffith, Balasulojini Karunanandaa, Saritha V. Kuriakose, Paul J. Loida, Linda L. Lutfiyya, Robert J. Meister, Monnanda S. Rajani, Dhanalakshmi Ramachandra, Elena A. Rice, Daniel Ruzicka, Anagha M. Sant, Jon J. Schmuke, Rebecca L. Thompson, Srikanth Babu Venkatachalayya, Tyamagondlu V. Venkatesh, Huai Wang, Xiao Yang, Qin Zeng, Jianmin Zhao
  • Patent number: 11931210
    Abstract: A system for preventing unwanted tissue migration in surgical staplers includes a surgical stapler having an end effector including an upper jaw and a lower jaw. A distal end of the upper jaw is connected to a distal end of the lower jaw, and a proximal end of the upper jaw is connected to a proximal end of the lower jaw. First and second tissue stops are formed on the distal and proximal ends of the lower jaw, respectively. The second tissue stop and the proximal end of the upper jaw define a no cut zone when the surgical stapler is in an open position. The surgical stapler also includes a tissue cutting device disposed within the lower jaw for resecting tissue. The system also includes a warning, blocking, impeding, or barrier forming device for preventing the unwanted migration of tissue into the no tissue zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Standard Bariatrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Mark S. Ortiz, Jonathan R. Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Caleb J. Hayward, Robert T. Means, Saylan J. Lukas
  • Publication number: 20240081891
    Abstract: An electrosurgical surgical instrument comprising an end effector, the end effector comprising an anvil; a cartridge operably configured to house a plurality of staples; a blade assembly comprising a blade; at least one electrode coupled to the blade, wherein the at least one electrode is in electrical communication with an electrosurgical power source generated from a controller; and at least one tissue sensor coupled to the blade; and a tissue monitoring system in electrical communication with the at least one tissue sensor, wherein the at least one tissue sensor provides feedback signals indicative of a property of the tissue to the controller, and wherein the controller signals the electrosurgical power source to adjust operational parameters of the electrosurgical surgical instrument based on the feedback signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Jonathan R. Thompson, Robert T. Means, III, Trevor J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20240081489
    Abstract: A band includes a latch body that is movable by pulling a tab. The latch body extends through an opening of the band and secures with a pin located on a head-mountable device. The band can detach from the head-mountable device by pulling the tab, which actuates the latch body and removes the latch body from the pin. A spring (or springs) can bias the latch body toward the opening, causing the latch body to enter the pin. An applied force to the tab can overcome the biasing force provided by the spring(s), and move the latch body away from, and out of, the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Yiwei TAO, Aiden D. MOSSOP, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Lauren D. GERARDI, Nicolas LYLYK, Paul J. THOMPSON, Richard P. HOWARTH, Robert V. TANG, Toria F. YAN, Wei-Ling CHANG, Zebinah P. MASSE
  • Publication number: 20230297036
    Abstract: Motorized window treatment systems are disclosed. A motorized window treatment system may include a covering material, a sensor circuit, and a control circuit. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a position of the covering material. The control circuit may be configured to determine a present sensor state of the sensor circuit, determine a predicted sensor state for the sensor circuit based at least in part on a power-down position recorded at a first time and a final position recorded at a second time, compare the predicted sensor state with the present sensor state, and determine a present position of the covering material based on the comparison of the predicted sensor state and the present sensor state. Methods of adjusting a position of a covering material of a motorized window treatment also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11703813
    Abstract: Motorized window treatment systems are disclosed. A motorized window treatment system may include a covering material, a sensor circuit, and a control circuit. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a position of the covering material. The control circuit may be configured to determine a present sensor state of the sensor circuit, determine a predicted sensor state for the sensor circuit based at least in part on a power-down position recorded at a first time and a final position recorded at a second time, compare the predicted sensor state with the present sensor state, and determine a present position of the covering material based on the comparison of the predicted sensor state and the present sensor state. Methods of adjusting a position of a covering material of a motorized window treatment also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11476937
    Abstract: Methods and systems capable of improving the transmission of data along an upstream path of a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Cable Network, from a transmitter in a node to a receiver in a Cable Modem Termination System.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Thompson, David C. Hartrum, Christopher Jeblonski, Rudolph J. Menna, John L. Moran, III
  • Publication number: 20220326662
    Abstract: Motorized window treatment systems are disclosed. A motorized window treatment system may include a covering material, a sensor circuit, and a control circuit. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a position of the covering material. The control circuit may be configured to determine a present sensor state of the sensor circuit, determine a predicted sensor state for the sensor circuit based at least in part on a power-down position recorded at a first time and a final position recorded at a second time, compare the predicted sensor state with the present sensor state, and determine a present position of the covering material based on the comparison of the predicted sensor state and the present sensor state. Methods of adjusting a position of a covering material of a motorized window treatment also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11409248
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment system is provided for moving a covering material (e.g., a shade fabric). The motorized window treatment system includes a motor drive circuit configured to generate signals that cause a motor to change a position of the covering material. A sensor circuit is provided to generate one or more sensor signals indicative of the position of the covering material. The motorized window treatment system further includes a control circuit coupled to the sensor circuit to receive the one or more sensor signals. The control circuit is configured to detect a power-down event when a supply voltage is equal to or less than a threshold value, and stores a power-down position and one or more power-down sensor states. The control circuit is configured to determine a present position based on the stored power-down position and the one or more power-down sensor states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20200173401
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to devices for improving combustion engine performance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to ionizing devices for improving combustion engine performance. Engine improvements include, but are not limited to reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, improving power, and reducing engine noise in combustion engines that utilizes a computer to control the air/fuel mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: OPTIMIZED FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. THOMPSON, Roger PAWSON
  • Publication number: 20200033817
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment system is provided for moving a covering material (e.g., a shade fabric). The motorized window treatment system includes a motor drive circuit configured to generate signals that cause a motor to change a position of the covering material. A sensor circuit is provided to generate one or more sensor signals indicative of the position of the covering material. The motorized window treatment system further includes a control circuit coupled to the sensor circuit to receive the one or more sensor signals. The control circuit is configured to detect a power-down event when a supply voltage is equal to or less than a threshold value, and stores a power-down position and one or more power-down sensor states. The control circuit is configured to determine a present position based on the stored power-down position and the one or more power-down sensor states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10408172
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to devices for improving combustion engine performance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to ionizing devices for improving combustion engine performance. Engine improvements include, but are not limited to reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, improving power, and reducing engine noise in combustion engines that utilizes a computer to control the air/fuel mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: OPTIMIZED FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Thompson, Roger Pawson
  • Publication number: 20180347516
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to devices for improving combustion engine performance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to ionizing devices for improving combustion engine performance. Engine improvements include, but are not limited to reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, improving power, and reducing engine noise in combustion engines that utilizes a computer to control the air/fuel mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: OPTIMIZED FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Thompson, Roger Pawson
  • Publication number: 20170250754
    Abstract: Methods and systems capable of improving the transmission of data along an upstream path of a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Cable Network, from a transmitter in a node to a receiver in a Cable Modem Termination System.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Robert J. Thompson, David C. Hartrum, Christopher Jeblonski, Rudolph J. Menna, John L. Moran
  • Patent number: 9735867
    Abstract: Systems and methods of estimating a distance to a cause of a micro-reflection in a CATV network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Thompson, John L. Moran, Mark L. Fowler
  • Patent number: 9729937
    Abstract: Methods and systems capable of improving the transmission of data along an upstream path of a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Cable Network, from a transmitter in a node to a receiver in a Cable Modem Termination System.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Thompson, David C. Hartrum, Christopher Jeblonski, Rudolph J. Menna, John L. Moran