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).
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Patent number: 11974667Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Koetter-Rax, LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11944503Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20240093221Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11931210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9464527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Williams International Co., LLCInventors: Robert S. Thompson, Jr., Gregg G. Williams, David W. Jarrell, Curtis E. Lynch, Mark E. Suchezky
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Patent number: 9335898Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
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Patent number: 9157377Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg G. Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150211422Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Ray D. LICKFOLD, Gregg WILLIAMS, Robert S. THOMPSON, JR.
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Patent number: 9008943Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8820092Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.Inventors: Robert S. Thompson, Jr., Gregg Williams, David W. Jarrell, Curtis E. Lynch, Mark E. Suchezky
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Publication number: 20140193274Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.Inventors: Robert S. THOMPSON, JR., Gregg WILLIAMS, David W. JARRELL, Curtis E. LYNCH, Mark E. SUCHEZKY
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Publication number: 20140040814Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140039775Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.Inventors: Ray D. LICKFOLD, Gregg WILLIAMS, Robert S. THOMPSON, JR.
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Patent number: 8595651Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
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Patent number: 8566000Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8545106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.Inventors: Craig R. Miller, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8459038Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.Inventors: Ray D. Lickfold, Gregg Williams, Robert S. Thompson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120174023Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Kerry D. Kenemer, Robert S. Thompson
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Patent number: 8057163Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Williams International Co., L.L.C.Inventors: Robert S Thompson, Jr., Gregg Williams
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Publication number: 20110208400Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL CO., L.L.C.Inventors: Ray D. LICKFOLD, Gregg WILLIAMS, Robert S. THOMPSON, JR.