Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Dean

Thomas A. Dean 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: 9764526
    Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a reinforcing panel assembly for forming a reinforcing corner assembly. The machine includes a hopper station for storing the blank in a substantially flat configuration and a forming station for forming the blank into the container. The forming station includes an initial forming station that rotates a first portion of the reinforcing panel assembly with respect to a second portion of the reinforcing panel assembly, and a secondary forming station having male and female forming members with shapes corresponding to an interior shape and an exterior shape of the reinforcing corner assembly, respectively. The male and the female forming members are configured to form the reinforcing corner assembly by compressing together the first and second portions of the reinforcing panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Amer Aganovic, Thomas Dean Graham, Kenneth Charles Smith, John Hershcel Conley, Robert Bradley Teany, Gregory Scott Gulik, Paul Andrew Spurlock
  • Patent number: 9766734
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a touch-based device and methods for operation thereof. One embodiment provides a touch-based device having a display with a plurality of pixels and a touch input sensor overlying the display. The touch input sensor has a plurality of touch regions, each of which overlie an associated set of the pixels. The touch-based device further comprises a display controller configured to update the pixels according to a schema during which pixels are updated during update periods. The touch-based device yet further comprises a touch controller configured to recognize selectively applied touch inputs at the plurality of touch regions. The touch controller and the display controller are synchronized such that, for a given touch region, touch input recognition is modified while the display controller is updating the set of pixels associated with that touch region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: NVIDIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Henry, Thomas Dean Skelton
  • Publication number: 20170217110
    Abstract: Methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include supporting the second portion of the sheet with a second support surface and separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: William Thomas Kline, Thomas Dean Wilson, Bruno Zbinden, Dalton C. Bergan, Joseph Fount Warren, JR., Nicholas A. Boroughs, Scott Edward Krajca
  • Patent number: 9643395
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The systems include a sheet-locating structure that has a first support surface and a support surface edge. The systems further include a second support surface, a separation device, a conveyance structure, and a layup surface. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include supporting the second portion of the sheet with a second support surface and separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Thomas Kline, Thomas Dean Wilson, Bruno Zbinden, Dalton C. Bergan, Joseph Fount Warren, Jr., Nicholas A. Boroughs, Scott Edward Krajca
  • Patent number: 9637225
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a winglet for an end or tip of an aircraft wing. The winglet includes an inner portion that curves upward having a large radius of curvature near the wing, a middle portion having a small radius of curvature forming a bend, and an outer portion having a large radius of curvature extending to a tip of the winglet. The winglet lowers induced drag of the wing and improves aircraft performance especially for wing tip extensions that extend upwards about equal to or slightly more than outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Dean Zickuhr
  • Publication number: 20170080666
    Abstract: A machine for forming a joined blank assembly from first and second blanks of sheet material includes a deck coupled to a frame, and a first transfer assembly associated with the frame. The first transfer assembly is configured to position the first blank on the deck. The machine also includes a second transfer assembly associated with the frame. The second transfer assembly is configured to position the second blank in at least a partially overlying relationship to the first blank on the deck. The machine further includes at least one compression member configured to compress the second blank and the first blank together against the deck to form the joined blank assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Kirk Steven Kempnich, II
  • Publication number: 20170080667
    Abstract: A machine for forming a blank assembly having a blank and a retaining web coupled to the blank includes a deck coupled to a frame, and a blank transfer assembly coupled to the frame. The blank transfer assembly is configured to position the blank on the deck. The machine also includes a web transfer assembly coupled to the frame. The web transfer assembly includes a pick-up assembly moveable between a first end and a second end of the web transfer assembly. The pick-up assembly is configured to pick up the web proximate the first end and deposit the web proximate the second end in an at least partially overlying relationship with the blank positioned on the deck. A first compression member is configured to compress a coupling region of the web against the blank on the deck to form the blank assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio
  • Publication number: 20160355246
    Abstract: A tankless secondary air supply system to be used in an emergency situation during underwater diving is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention is a high pressure hose reserve air supply for underwater diving. The system is configured with a secondary hose separately connected to the main air tank. The secondary hose is of larger than customary bore and is made of flexible reinforced material in order to store reserve air when filled with pressurized air from the main tank. The hose is connected to the main tank with a check valve which permits the air from the main tank to automatically fill the hose immediately upon connection via the first stage regulator. The check valve maintains the high pressure air supply within the hose. The air which is stored in the hose serves as a secondary source of air during an emergency situation via a secondary regulator mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Dean Dutton
  • Patent number: 9494181
    Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastener having a head with an underside and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The fastener constructed of at least one of a refractory metal and a superalloy. A washer includes a body with an upper surface and an opposing lower surface which defines opening portion for receiving the elongated shaft of the fastener therethrough. The upper surface of the washer forms diffusion bonds with the underside of the head of the fastener when the washer and the fastener are held in contact at temperatures in excess of 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Gregory Alan Steinlage, Donald Robert Allen, Evan Michael Lampe
  • Patent number: 9479001
    Abstract: A regulator draws power from a battery or power delivery system and supplies regulated power to a load according to alternating modes of operation. In a voltage control mode, the regulator supplies power with a nominal voltage level and a fluctuating current level that is allowed to float according to the current demands of the load. When the load demands an amount of current that could potentially cause damage, the regulator transitions to a current control mode. In the current control mode, the regulator supplies power with a fluctuating voltage level and a maximum current level. The regulator transitions between voltage control mode and current control mode in order to supply a maximum power level to the load without exceeding the maximum current level. The regulator is also configured to limit the power drawn from the battery by decreasing the maximum output current, potentially avoiding voltage droop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: NVIDIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rene Marchand, Thomas Dean Skelton, Matthew Longnecker, Brian Smith
  • Patent number: 9469078
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a container comprises a hopper assembly configured to store a plurality of blanks. Each blank includes a bottom panel, a pair of opposing end panels, at least one stacking tab, at least one inner side panel, and at least one outer side panel. A transport mechanism is positioned below the hopper assembly and is configured to transport a blank of the plurality of blanks from a first position to a second position. A pair of opposing folding plows is positioned below the hopper assembly. The folding plows are configured to rotate the inner side panels and the stacking tabs of the blank as the blank is transported from the first position to the second position. At least one stacking tab bullet is coupled to each folding plow. Each stacking tab bullet is configured to move a respective stacking tab relative to a corresponding inner side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Amer Aganovic, Thomas Dean Graham
  • Patent number: 9447810
    Abstract: A washer comprises a ring and a composite structure attached to the ring. The composite structure has a slotted shape and a hole that is centrally located with respect to an axis passing through the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas A. Dean, John George Kladouris
  • Patent number: 9409367
    Abstract: A blank delivery system for use in a machine for forming a container from a blank sheet of material is described herein. The blank delivery system includes a blank loading assembly that includes a plurality of blank hoppers. Each blank hopper is configured to hold a plurality of blanks for forming a different type of container. A blank transfer assembly is coupled to each blank hopper of the plurality of blank hoppers. The blank transfer assembly is configured to convey the blanks from each blank hopper to a container forming system of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Claudio D'Alesio, Paul Andrew Spurlock
  • Publication number: 20160218439
    Abstract: A patch antenna array includes a plurality of patch antenna elements spaced apart from each other and arranged as an array. Each patch antenna element has a substrate, a radiating patch associated with the substrate and a ground plane associated with the substrate. The patch antenna elements are discrete and separate from each other. At least one element frame holds the discrete antenna elements in the array. Each element frame captures and positions at least two patch antenna elements relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kathleen Fasenfest, Paul Craig Tally, Thomas Dean Ratzlaff
  • Publication number: 20160191569
    Abstract: Techniques for distributed and secure content delivery are provided. Requests for content are routed to a centralized service where the requestors are authenticated for access to the content. The centralized service generates access statements for the requestors. The requestors are redirected to particular distributed content services having access to the desired content. The distributed content services verify the access statements and vend the desired content to the requestors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Eric Christopher Layton, Luke Terry Hallett, Thomas Dean Maynard, Matthew Frank Magleby
  • Publication number: 20160052251
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The systems include a sheet-locating structure that has a first support surface and a support surface edge. The systems further include a second support surface, a separation device, a conveyance structure, and a layup surface. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include supporting the second portion of the sheet with a second support surface and separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Thomas Kline, Thomas Dean Wilson, Bruno Zbinden, Dalton C. Bergan, Joseph Fount Warren, JR., Nicholas A. Boroughs, Scott Edward Krajca
  • Patent number: 9208342
    Abstract: Techniques for distributed and secure content delivery are provided. Requests for content are routed to a centralized service where the requestors are authenticated for access to the content. The centralized service generates access statements for the requestors. The requestors are redirected to particular distributed content services having access to the desired content. The distributed content services verify the access statements and vend the desired content to the requestors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Christopher Layton, Luke Terry Hallett, Thomas Dean Maynard, Matthew Frank Magleby
  • Publication number: 20150224732
    Abstract: A machine a mandrel assembly includes a mandrel having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of a container, a first lift mechanism operatively coupled to a first servomechanism to wrap a first portion of a blank about the mandrel, a second lift mechanism operatively coupled to a second servomechanism to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel, and a folding arm coupled to the first lift mechanism and operatively coupled to a third servomechanism. A control system is in communication with the first servomechanism, the second servomechanism, and the third servomechanism and is configured to transmit a signal to each of the servomechanisms to independently control movement of the first lift mechanism, the second lift mechanism, and the folding arm to wrap at least the first and second portions of the blank about the mandrel to form the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Ricki D. Anderson, Jeffrey H. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20150167724
    Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastener having a head with an underside and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The fastener constructed of at least one of a refractory metal and a superalloy. A washer includes a body with an upper surface and an opposing lower surface which defines opening portion for receiving the elongated shaft of the fastener therethrough. The upper surface of the washer forms diffusion bonds with the underside of the head of the fastener when the washer and the fastener are held in contact at temperatures in excess of 500° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Gregory Alan Steinlage, Donald Robert Allen, Evan Michael Lampe
  • Patent number: 9058241
    Abstract: A system and method allow a user to extract the set of customizations performed on an application and use these to estimate the time and effort and cost of (a) migrating to a new version of the application and/or (b) consolidating systems. The user can browse the extracted data and select configuration elements for re-use. After downloading the one or more configurations and comparing them, the user selects elements of the configurations for re-use. The first step is to scan one or more application systems and extract the configuration data using a surveyor. The method according to the invention automatically identifies configuration differences. The user then selects configuration elements for re-use. A graphic user interface (GUI) can be provided which allows the user to make these selections by dragging and dropping selected elements to a “To Be” configuration. The selected configurations are then uploaded and installed on an instance of the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh Chopra, SweeFen Goh, Richard Thomas Goodwin, Anca-Andreea Ivan, Stephen K. Kibby, Rakesh Mohan, Igor Naumov, Thomas Dean Rosinski, George A. Schroeder