Patents by Inventor Robert S. Thompson

Robert S. 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: 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
  • Patent number: 9464527
    Abstract: Liquid fuel from a rotary fluid trap is atomized by a sharp edge on an inside surface of an aft cavity of a bladed rotor of a gas turbine engine and directed into each of a plurality of associated hollow blades through corresponding blade inlet ducts that are in fluid communication with corresponding aft hollow interior portions of each blade. A radially-extending central rib within each blade partitions the hollow interior thereof into aft and forward hollow interior portions that are in fluid communication through an associated opening in the central rib and through a radially-extending gap between the central rib and the interior surface of the blade. A blade outlet duct provides for fluid communication between the forward hollow interior portion and a forward cavity of the bladed rotor, and a rotor outlet duct provides for discharging the fuel from a radially-inboard portion of the forward cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Williams International Co., LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. Thompson, Jr., Gregg G. Williams, David W. Jarrell, Curtis E. Lynch, Mark E. Suchezky
  • Patent number: 9335898
    Abstract: A single page multi-tier catalog browser interface page is presented in a view formatted in response to a selection of a primary filter. The view displays a graduated element for selecting a primary filter value, and a matrix of secondary filter Yes or No indicators, each associated with the graduated element primary filter values, the Yes indicators aligned with the primary and secondary filter values that match within at least one record in a catalog. Selection of a graduated element value causes aligned Yes matrix indicators to be presented as selectable first-click icons in the interface page. Selection of a first-click icon expands it into a tertiary sub-window within the interface page, wherein selection thereof effects a layered primary-secondary-tertiary value searching of the catalog. Each of the above is achieved without navigating the user away from the single interface page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9157377
    Abstract: A control schedule incorporating a relationship between corrected torque and inlet pressure is selected or determined responsive to a power-level command representative of a level of power to be transmitted to a controllable load by a single-spool turboshaft engine. At least a substantial portion of the control schedule provides for a flat-rated power level by the single-spool turboshaft engine substantially independent of associated inlet air pressure and inlet air temperature, and for at least one selectable mode of operation, the control schedule provides for minimizing or nearly minimizing a measure of fuel consumption, and for at least one other selectable mode of operation, the control schedule provides for operation at a substantially fixed level of rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg G. Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150211422
    Abstract: A control schedule incorporating a relationship between corrected torque and inlet pressure is selected or determined responsive to a power-level command representative of a level of power to be transmitted to a controllable load by a single-spool turboshaft engine. At least a substantial portion of the control schedule provides for a flat-rated power level by the single-spool turboshaft engine substantially independent of associated inlet air pressure and inlet air temperature, and for at least one selectable mode of operation, the control schedule provides for minimizing or nearly minimizing a measure of fuel consumption, and for at least one other selectable mode of operation, the control schedule provides for operation at a substantially fixed level of rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Ray D. LICKFOLD, Gregg WILLIAMS, Robert S. THOMPSON, JR.
  • Patent number: 9008943
    Abstract: One of a controllable load and a fuel flow to a single-spool turboshaft engine is controlled so that a rotational speed of a single-spool turboshaft engine is substantially regulated to a level corresponding to a corrected rotational speed command, and the other of the fuel flow and the controllable load is controlled so that a torque transmitted from the single-spool turboshaft engine to the controllable load is substantially regulated to a level corresponding to a corrected torque command. Under at least one operating condition, the corrected rotational speed command is determined so as to minimize or nearly minimize a measure of fuel consumption by the single-spool turboshaft engine when operated so that the torque transmitted to the controllable load corresponds to the corrected torque command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8820092
    Abstract: Fuel (12) is supplied to a rotatable portion (118) of a gas turbine engine (10) comprising a rotor (24) and at least one blade (26, 26.1) operatively coupled thereto, so as to provide for cooling at least one of the rotor (24) or the at least one blade (26, 26.1) by transforming the fuel (12) to a vapor or gaseous state. The fuel (12) is discharged in a vapor or gaseous state from the rotatable portion (118) directly into a combustion chamber (16) of the gas turbine engine (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert S. Thompson, Jr., Gregg Williams, David W. Jarrell, Curtis E. Lynch, Mark E. Suchezky
  • Publication number: 20140193274
    Abstract: Liquid fuel from a rotary fluid trap is atomized by a sharp edge on an inside surface of an aft cavity of a bladed rotor of a gas turbine engine and directed into each of a plurality of associated hollow blades through corresponding blade inlet ducts that are in fluid communication with corresponding aft hollow interior portions of each blade. A radially-extending central rib within each blade partitions the hollow interior thereof into aft and forward hollow interior portions that are in fluid communication through an associated opening in the central rib and through a radially-extending gap between the central rib and the interior surface of the blade. A blade outlet duct provides for fluid communication between the forward hollow interior portion and a forward cavity of the bladed rotor, and a rotor outlet duct provides for discharging the fuel from a radially-inboard portion of the forward cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert S. THOMPSON, JR., Gregg WILLIAMS, David W. JARRELL, Curtis E. LYNCH, Mark E. SUCHEZKY
  • Publication number: 20140040814
    Abstract: A single page multi-tier catalog browser interface page is presented in a view formatted in response to a selection of a primary filter. The view displays a graduated element for selecting a primary filter value, and a matrix of secondary filter Yes or No indicators, each associated with the graduated element primary filter values, the Yes indicators aligned with the primary and secondary filter values that match within at least one record in a catalog. Selection of a graduated element value causes aligned Yes matrix indicators to be presented as selectable first-click icons in the interface page. Selection of a first-click icon expands it into a tertiary sub-window within the interface page, wherein selection thereof effects a layered primary-secondary-tertiary value searching of the catalog. Each of the above is achieved without navigating the user away from the single interface page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140039775
    Abstract: One of a controllable load and a fuel flow to a single-spool turboshaft engine is controlled so that a rotational speed of a single-spool turboshaft engine is substantially regulated to a level corresponding to a corrected rotational speed command, and the other of the fuel flow and the controllable load is controlled so that a torque transmitted from the single-spool turboshaft engine to the controllable load is substantially regulated to a level corresponding to a corrected torque command. Under at least one operating condition, the corrected rotational speed command is determined so as to minimize or nearly minimize a measure of fuel consumption by the single-spool turboshaft engine when operated so that the torque transmitted to the controllable load corresponds to the corrected torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ray D. LICKFOLD, Gregg WILLIAMS, Robert S. THOMPSON, JR.
  • Patent number: 8595651
    Abstract: A single page multi-tier catalog browser interface page is presented in a view formatted in response to a selection of a primary filter. The view displays a graduated element for selecting a primary filter value, and a matrix of secondary filter Yes or No indicators, each associated with the graduated element primary filter values, the Yes indicators aligned with the primary and secondary filter values that match within at least one record in a catalog. Selection of a graduated element value causes aligned Yes matrix indicators to be presented as selectable first-click icons in the interface page. Selection of a first-click icon expands it into a tertiary sub-window within the interface page, wherein selection thereof effects a layered primary-secondary-tertiary value searching of the catalog. Each of the above is achieved without navigating the user away from the single interface page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8566000
    Abstract: A controller receives a power-level command representative of a level of power to be transmitted by a single-spool turboshaft engine to a controllable load. A torque command determined responsive to a measure of inlet pressure, from a control schedule responsive to the power-level command, is representative of a level of torque to be transmitted by an element to drive the controllable load. Under some operating conditions, a rotational speed command provides for at least nearly minimizing a measure of associated fuel consumption when the transmitted torque is regulated to the level corresponding to the torque command by controlling one of the controllable load and a fuel flow to the engine, and the other of the controllable load and the fuel flow to the engine is controlled so as to regulate an associated rotational speed to a level corresponding to the rotational speed command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8545106
    Abstract: Lubrication fluid is discharged through an axial gap between a outer bearing race and a bearing housing from a cavity bounded in part by a forward surface of the outer bearing race that is axially slideable within the bearing housing so as to provide for changing the axial gap. The pressure in the cavity is automatically controlled responsive to an axial force on outer bearing race by an axial position of the outer bearing race that determines a size of the axial gap, so as to provide for increasing the pressure responsive to increasing axial force over at least a portion of an operating range. The lubrication fluid in the axial gap provides for isolating axial vibrations of the outer bearing race relative to the bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Craig R. Miller, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8459038
    Abstract: A load applied to a low pressure spool of a two-spool turboshaft engine is controlled responsive to inlet pressure and temperature so as to regulate a relationship between the rotational speeds of the low and high pressure spools of the two-spool turboshaft engine so as to provide for operating the low pressure compressor attached to the low pressure spool with sufficient surge margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120174023
    Abstract: A single page multi-tier catalog browser interface page is presented in a view formatted in response to a selection of a primary filter. The view displays a graduated element for selecting a primary filter value, and a matrix of secondary filter Yes or No indicators, each associated with the graduated element primary filter values, the Yes indicators aligned with the primary and secondary filter values that match within at least one record in a catalog. Selection of a graduated element value causes aligned Yes matrix indicators to be presented as selectable first-click icons in the interface page. Selection of a first-click icon expands it into a tertiary sub-window within the interface page, wherein selection thereof effects a layered primary-secondary-tertiary value searching of the catalog. Each of the above is achieved without navigating the user away from the single interface page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8057163
    Abstract: Fuel (12) supplied to a rotary fluid trap (42) is centrifugally accelerated within a first cavity (46) adjacent a first side (48) of a rotor (24), and is then directed though a plurality of first passages (66) extending through the rotor (24) between and proximate to the blades (26), and shaped so as to at least partially conform to the shape of the blades (26). Second passages (100) extend within the blades (26) from the first passages (66) and terminate within associated cavities (110) proximate to the tips (112) of the blades (26). Relatively cooler fuel (12.2) in the first passages (66) is thermosiphon exchanged for relatively hotter fuel (12.3) in the second passages (100) so as to cool the blades (26). The heated fuel (12.3) flows into a second cavity (74) adjacent to a second side (72) of the rotor (24) and is discharged from the rotating frame of reference directly into the combustion chamber (16) through a second rotary fluid trap (96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert S Thompson, Jr., Gregg Williams
  • Publication number: 20110208400
    Abstract: A controller receives a power-level command representative of a level of power to be transmitted by a single-spool turboshaft engine to a controllable load. A torque command determined responsive to a measure of inlet pressure, from a control schedule responsive to the power-level command, is representative of a level of torque to be transmitted by an element to drive the controllable load. Under some operating conditions, a rotational speed command provides for at least nearly minimizing a measure of associated fuel consumption when the transmitted torque is regulated to the level corresponding to the torque command by controlling one of the controllable load and a fuel flow to the engine, and the other of the controllable load and the fuel flow to the engine is controlled so as to regulate an associated rotational speed to a level corresponding to the rotational speed command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ray D. LICKFOLD, Gregg WILLIAMS, Robert S. THOMPSON, JR.