Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Kirk
Thomas A. Kirk 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: 20160038693Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
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Patent number: 9174001Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
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Publication number: 20150149276Abstract: A method for determining a condition under which a sign has been viewed includes receiving a uniform resource locator from a user endpoint device, where the uniform resource locator is embedded in a machine-readable code displayed on the sign, and extracting information from the uniform resource locator, where the information describes the condition under which the sign was viewed by a user of the user endpoint device. A method for transmitting information describing a condition under which a sign is currently viewable includes generating the information describing the condition under which the sign is currently viewable and inserting the information in a uniform resource locator, where the uniform resource locator is embedded in a machine-readable code displayed on the sign.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Thomas Kirk, Thomas J. Killian, Christopher W. Rice
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Publication number: 20150119851Abstract: An instrument for delivery, deployment, and tamponade of a hemostat. A delivery cannula is included and has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. A shaft is configured to be introduced into and move relative to the lumen. A hemostat applicator at the distal end of the shaft includes a tamponade surface. The applicator is configured to transition between a first, compact state for introduction into and movement within the lumen, and a second, expanded state as the applicator exits from the delivery cannula.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Jon E. Hoogenakker, Thomas A. Kirk, Huadong Lou, Bradley D. Robb
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Publication number: 20140373922Abstract: A device and method for improving hydration of a biomaterial includes a syringe having a cavity therein and a distal opening, an end cap, and a wall operatively coupled to the end cap. The end cap has a distal plate with an inlet and is removably attached to the syringe to cover the distal opening. The wall is positioned proximate to the inlet and at least partially defines a volume in fluid communication with the inlet. An orifice extends through the wall and fluidly connects the volume to the cavity. A flow of a liquid component of biomaterial diffuses through the orifice and is introduced into a particulate component of biomaterial. As such, the liquid component of biomaterial hydrates the particulate component of biomaterial.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Kevin C. Geppert, Thomas A. Kirk
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Patent number: 8862582Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method and computer-readable medium for organizing images. A method aspect relates to receiving an image into a device, receiving incidental information associated with the image, organizing the image and the incidental information into a data structure such as a sparse array, classifying the received image with an image classifier and storing the classified image in an image database, receiving a search query and responding to the search query by searching for and retrieving matching images in the image database based on a comparison of the image search query to the data structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Charles Blewett, Enrico Bocchieri, Giuseppe Di Fabbrizio, Donnie Henderson, Thomas Killian, Thomas Kirk, David Kormann, Gregory T. Vesonder
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Publication number: 20140261082Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating a particulate biomaterial with a liquid biomaterial includes a vacuum device and a valve for withdrawing a gas from the particulate biomaterial and introducing the liquid biomaterial. The valve includes a hub, a valve body, a particulate port, a vacuum port, and a liquid port. The valve body selectively moves between first and second positions. The valve body at least partially defines a first passage and a second passage. The particulate port, the vacuum port, and the liquid port are each configured to fluidly connect to a particulate container, the vacuum device, and the liquid container, respectively. In the first position, the first passage fluidly connects the vacuum port to the particulate port for withdrawing the gas from the particulate container. In the second position, the second passage fluidly connects the liquid port to the particulate port for hydrating the particulate biomaterial.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Benjamin B. Anderson, Kevin C. Geppert, Thomas A. Kirk, Huadong Lou, Mark Stevenson
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Patent number: 8738977Abstract: In a system including a processor and memory coupled to the processor, a method of device failure analysis includes the steps of: upon each error detected within a test series performed on a device, the processor storing within a table in the memory an address at which the error occurred in the device and storing a bit position of each failed bit corresponding to that address; for each unique address at which at least one error occurred, determining how many different bit positions corresponding to the address failed during the test series; and based on results of the test series, determining whether the device failed the test series.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Agere Systems LLCInventors: David A. Brown, James Thomas Kirk, David P. Sonnier, Chris R. Stone
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Publication number: 20140121698Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing first and second fluids, comprising a cartridge, further comprising a barrel having a wall, a proximal end and a distal end. A first piston is disposed within the wall, extending distally from the proximal end. A delivery tube is disposed within the wall and fluidicly communicates with a first outlet. A first fluid chamber is disposed between the first piston and the delivery tube and fluidicly communicates with the first outlet. A second piston is disposed between the wall and the delivery tube. A second fluid chamber is between the second piston and the distal end, the second fluid chamber fluidity communicating with a second outlet. A transmission structure is operative to transmit force from the first piston to the second piston to thereby dispense the first and second fluids from the first and second outlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Todd W. Sharratt
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Publication number: 20140121699Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid and a gas from a tip includes a support structure, a control unit, and a drive unit. The liquid is held within a container. The support structure is adapted to hold the container. The control unit directs the drive unit to expel liquid from the container according to a predetermined rate. The control unit further directs the drive unit according to first, second, and third modes of operation. During the first mode, neither gas nor liquid is dispensed from the device. During the second mode, only gas is dispensed from the device. During the third mode, both gas and liquid are dispensed from the device. Furthermore, the control unit is only selectable and operable by a user through the first, second, and third modes in a sequential manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Benjamin B. Anderson, Huadong Lou, Jon E. Hoogenakker, Thomas A. Kirk
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Publication number: 20140121647Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing first and second fluids. A syringe, including a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a first outlet communicating with the first fluid chamber and extending along a first axis; a second outlet communicating with the second fluid chamber and extending along a second axis, the second axis spaced from the first axis by a first distance. A container having first and second compartments separated by at least one wall and configured to store the first and second fluids, respectively, the first compartment having a first port positioned to be fluidicly connected with the first outlet and the second compartment having a second port positioned to be fluidicly connected with the second outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas A. Kirk
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Publication number: 20140046294Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
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Publication number: 20130232042Abstract: A system, computer program and method is provided for providing computer-implemented accounting services is provided. The system includes an external cloud based computing environment that is operable to provide access to one or more subscribers to one or more computer-implemented accounting or bookkeeping services.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Thomas Kirk Simpson, James Lochrie
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Patent number: 8338556Abstract: A patterned composite ferroelectric layer, having ferroelectric electronic properties, on a substrate. Individual layers are each made of metal acrylate compounds, a photoinitiator compound and an acrylate crosslinking compound. The individual layers are stacked on the substrate to form a composite layer. A photomask is formed on the composite layer. Unmasked areas of the composite layer are irradiated with ultraviolet light. A solvent removes non-irradiated areas of the composite layer from the substrate. The patterned composite layer is heated in an oxygen atmosphere to cause a chemical reaction among the metal acrylate compounds and oxygen, a patterned composite ferroelectric layer being formed on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas Kirk Dougherty
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Patent number: 8191451Abstract: An electronically controlled web-slitter includes dual electric motors whose functions may be controlled by an electronic controller accessed either on the chassis of the web-slitter or by way of a computer coupled to the electronic controller. Vertical and side-shift blade set-up and functions are accurately controlled. The device includes a dovetail fitting for providing structural connection of parts, and a follower engaged with said first motor for translating rotational movement into vertical motion, and multiple sensors for sensing and controlling motor positions within the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Semion Stolyar, Thomas Kirk, Richard M. Holbert, Robert M. Houze, Daniel E. Tooke
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Publication number: 20110303063Abstract: An electronically controlled web-slitter includes dual electric motors whose functions may be controlled by an electronic controller accessed either on the chassis of the web-slitter or by way of a computer coupled to the electronic controller. Vertical and side-shift blade set-up and functions are thus accurately controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Semion Stolyar, Thomas Kirk, Richard M. Holbert, Robert M. Houze, Daniel E. Tooke
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Patent number: 8007989Abstract: A method for forming a patterned ferroelectric layer, having ferroelectric electronic properties, on a substrate. A composite layer, made of ferroelectric layer producing metal acrylate compounds, a photoinitiator compound and an acrylate crosslinking compound is formed on the substrate. A photomask is formed on the composite layer. Unmasked areas of the composite layer are irradiated with ultraviolet light. A solvent removes non-irradiated areas of the composite layer from the substrate. The patterned composite layer is heated in an oxygen atmosphere to cause a chemical reaction among the ferroelectric layer producing metal acrylate compounds and oxygen, a patterned ferroelectric layer being formed on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas Kirk Dougherty
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Publication number: 20090132467Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method and computer-readable medium for organizing images. A method aspect relates to receiving an image into a device, receiving incidental information associated with the image, organizing the image and the incidental information into a data structure such as a sparse array, classifying the received image with an image classifier and storing the classified image in an image database, receiving a search query and responding to the search query by searching for and retrieving matching images in the image database based on a comparison of the image search query to the data structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: AT & T LabsInventors: Charles Blewett, Enrico Bocchieri, Giuseppe Di Fabbrizio, Donnie Henderson, Thomas Killian, Thomas Kirk, David Kormann, Gregory T. Vesonder
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Publication number: 20080072118Abstract: In a system including a processor and memory coupled to the processor, a method of device failure analysis includes the steps of: upon each error detected within a test series performed on a device, the processor storing within a table in the memory an address at which the error occurred in the device and storing a bit position of each failed bit corresponding to that address; for each unique address at which at least one error occurred, determining how many different bit positions corresponding to the address failed during the test series; and based on results of the test series, determining whether the device failed the test series.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: David A. Brown, James Thomas Kirk, David P. Sonnier, Chris R. Stone
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Publication number: 20050288809Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and system used to capture three-dimensional images for the purposes of, but not limited to, designing and fabricating medical devices and other medical-related uses of three-dimensional images. The present system generally includes a three dimensional digitizing system, direct conversion Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, a Central Fabrication Network (CFN) comprising of a Central Fabrication Center (CFC) and/or at least one other fabrication center, and preferably a network communicatively connecting at least one practitioner to a Central Design Center (CDC). Additionally, the present invention may include certain design protocols as well as training/education for its practitioners.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2004Publication date: December 29, 2005Inventors: John Spaeth, Thomas Kirk, Stacey Whiteside