Patents by Inventor Thomas Davidson

Thomas Davidson 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).

  • Publication number: 20130294025
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling components on an expansion circuit board, heat is transmitted from components on the expansion circuit board to a thermal connector via heatpipes or other heat transmitting means, the thermal connector configured to communicate heat to a counterpart thermal connector when the expansion circuit board is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Niall Thomas Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130291368
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for contacting the thermal connectors of expansion circuit boards characterized by having a thermal connector. The apparatus configured to be contacted by the thermal connector of an expansion circuit board when the expansion circuit board is installed and cooled by a combination of cooling means and heat transfer means including heatpipes, fans and heatsinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Niall Thomas Davidson
  • Patent number: 8455972
    Abstract: A photodiode is provided according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the photodiode includes a substrate and an active region. The active region is configured to receive light through the substrate. In such a configuration, the substrate not only participates in the photodiode operation acts as a light filter depending on the substrate material. In some embodiments, the active region may include solder balls that may be used to couple the photodiode to a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the active region is coupled face-to-face with the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Maryfield, Mahyar Dadkhah, Thomas Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130009945
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying images on a viewing surface using a single image source to generate different portions of the image, the combined image having a higher resolution than the image source. A first apparatus switches images using a micro-electro-mechanical systems mirror array onto the viewing surface, the images being received perpendicular to the viewing surface. A second apparatus uses a movable scanning mirror in one or two axes to reflect images off of a parabolic mirror perpendicularly onto the viewing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Niall Thomas Davidson
  • Patent number: 8334716
    Abstract: A digital phase detector circuit and corresponding monitor and control logic is presented. The digital phase detector has two storage elements, where the data input of the first storage element receives a first clock signal and the data input of the second storage element receives a second clock signal. A time shifter shifts the second clock signal by a shift period, and transmits the shifted signal to the clock input of the storage elements. The signals applied to the data inputs are transmitted from the storage elements when the clock input receives the shifted second clock signal from the time shifter. A monitor and control module samples the data output from the storage elements after each shifted second clock signal is transmitted by the time shifter. The sampling of the output data provides the data used to determine the time relationship between the first and the second clock signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Allan Thomas Davidson, Marwan A. Khalaf, Daniel Bowersox, Michael Menghui Zheng, Neville Carvalho
  • Publication number: 20120306036
    Abstract: A photodiode is provided according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the photodiode includes a substrate and an active region. The active region is configured to receive light through the substrate. In such a configuration, the substrate not only participates in the photodiode operation acts as a light filter depending on the substrate material. In some embodiments, the active region may include solder balls that may be used to couple the photodiode to a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the active region is coupled face-to-face with the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Maryfield, Mahyar Dadkhah, Thomas Davidson
  • Patent number: 8288973
    Abstract: A telescoping mast with a cabling system configured to cover and store cable within the structure of the mast and able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has a hollow mast housing. A telescoping section is nested within the interior of the mast housing. A set of upper pulleys affixed to the upper end of the mast housing, while a set of lower pulleys affixed to the lower end of the telescoping section. A cable is threaded through the first upper pulleys and first lower pulleys such that a first end of the cable is attached to the mast housing and the cable remains taut when the telescoping section is raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: NS Microwave
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson Ford
  • Patent number: 8278863
    Abstract: A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: NS Microwave
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson Ford
  • Patent number: 8185229
    Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of unbound powder in a build chamber. A build surface for receiving the powder is provided, with the build surface including a first plate defining holes and a second plate defining a plurality of openings spaced apart and offset from the plurality of holes in the first plate. The second plate is disposed below and spaced from the first plate. A vacuum source is provided below the build surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120106330
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting packets from a plurality of packets containing one or more copies of data, the method and apparatus selecting packets such that a single copy of the data can be selected. The method using identifying information contained within the packets to select only packets which contain unselected data, and using a searchable means to maintain a memory of unselected packets. Packets are selected as they become selectable and no unnecessary delay or data loss is suffered if some of the packets suffer loss. The method is suitable for selecting packets on a receiving device which receives duplicate copies of data packets from physically diverse paths, for example, as used by the FIX protocol. The method both hardening data against loss and delay and enabling improvements in average delay and jitter when used on a receiving device to select packets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Niall Thomas Davidson
  • Publication number: 20110233808
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Z Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson
  • Patent number: 8017055
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Z Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Davidson, Robert A. Phillips, David B. Russell
  • Publication number: 20110211016
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Z Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Davidson, Andres T. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7979152
    Abstract: A build chamber for use in a three-dimensional printer and adapted for receiving powder for producing three-dimensional objects. The build chamber includes a build surface for receiving the powder, with the build surface including a first plate defining holes and a second plate defining a plurality of openings spaced apart and offset from the plurality of holes in the first plate. The second plate is disposed below and spaced from the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Z Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson
  • Patent number: 7971991
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Z Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Davidson, Robert Villegas
  • Patent number: 7956347
    Abstract: A novel package that integrates components for a modulating retro reflector into a single package is disclosed according to various embodiments. According to some embodiments the package is configured to secure a retro reflector, a quantum well modulator and photodiode. In some embodiments, the package may include interconnects to surface mount to a circuit board. Such interconnects may be coupled with the photodiode and/or the quantum well modulator. In some embodiments, the package may be constructed of liquid crystal polymers and/or may include one or more windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Mahyar Dadkhah, Tony Maryfield, Thomas Davidson
  • Publication number: 20110098138
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and products effective for ocular enhancement conditioning of users attempting to successfully hit or otherwise make contact with objects projected towards, away from or at angles by the users, and increasing efficacy in hitting and contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Davidson, Clifford Davidson
  • Publication number: 20100313494
    Abstract: A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson Ford
  • Publication number: 20100314503
    Abstract: A telescoping mast with a cabling system configured to cover and store cable within the structure of the mast and able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has a hollow mast housing. A telescoping section is nested within the interior of the mast housing. A set of upper pulleys affixed to the upper end of the mast housing, while a set of lower pulleys affixed to the lower end of the telescoping section. A cable is threaded through the first upper pulleys and first lower pulleys such that a first end of the cable is attached to the mast housing and the cable remains taut when the telescoping section is raised or lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson Ford
  • Patent number: 7841950
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and products effective for ocular enhancement conditioning of users attempting to successfully hit or otherwise make contact with objects projected towards, away from or at angles by the users, and increasing efficacy in hitting and contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Davidson, Clifford Davidson