Patents by Inventor Thomas Leroy

Thomas Leroy 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: 7962416
    Abstract: A system and method to remotely enable software based options for a trial period in remote equipment is disclosed. The invention includes receiving and authenticating a user, and receiving an option-enabling request from the user specifying the particular option requested to be enabled in a particular piece of equipment at a remote location. A system I.D. is validated, and the system ensures that the option has not already been enabled at least once before, and if it has not, a software enabling key is generated and sent to activate the option in the remote equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignees: GE Medical Technology Services, Inc., General Electric Company
    Inventors: Winnie C. Durbin, Kun Zhang, Karamjeet Singh, Dave Mehring, Thomas Leroy Lamoureux, Hubert A. Zettel, Timothy D Butler
  • Publication number: 20100180876
    Abstract: The invention is a method of controlling trapped gas masses in cylinders of a variable timing gasoline engine. A set point is determined for a trapped air mass in a cylinder and a set point is determined for trapped burnt gas mass in a cylinder. Then, in order to meet these set points: an intake pressure set point is generated from measurements of variable timing of positions of actuators and from the air mass set point; a position set point is generated for each of two variable timing actuators, from an intake pressure measurement and from the burnt gas mass set point; finally, a throttle and the variable timing actuators are controlled so as to meet the intake pressure set point and the set point position of the variable timing actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Leroy, Jonathan Chauvin
  • Publication number: 20080258097
    Abstract: Two-piece trim apparatus for use with fluid regulators are described. In one described example, a fluid regulator has a regulator body and a first seat ring to provide a first flow characteristic disposed within the body and defining a fluid orifice. The first seat ring is interchangeable with a second seat ring that is to provide a second flow characteristic different from the first flow characteristic. The fluid regulator also includes a first cage to provide a third fluid characteristic and removably coupled to the first seat ring. The first cage is interchangeable with a second cage that is to provide a fourth fluid flow characteristic different from the third flow characteristic. The first cage can be selectively coupled to the first seat ring or the second seat ring and the first seat ring can be selectively coupled to the first cage or the second cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: James Lyman Griffin, Thomas Leroy Weyer, Daniel Gunder Roper, Harold Joe McKinney
  • Patent number: 7051663
    Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extends transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bradley John Meyer, Thomas LeRoy Hall, Robert Edwin Bennett, William Douglas Graham
  • Patent number: 6688242
    Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bradley John Meyer, Thomas LeRoy Hall, Robert Edwin Bennett, Richard Hugo Clark, William Douglas Graham
  • Patent number: 6682141
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat assembly supported by a seat frame that includes a seat cushion, an upwardly extending back cushion, a seat repositioning device, and an actuation mechanism that repositions the seat cushion. In one embodiment, an airbag is disposed beneath a seatpan such that inflation raises a forward portion of both the seatpan and seat cushion. Inflation of the airbag is in response to a sensor detecting the rapid deceleration of the vehicle. The seatpan is attached to each respective armrest of the seat frame at a hinge point that permits the seatpan to rotate upwardly. A seatbelt cinching mechanism is attached to the seatpan such that upward rotation of the seatpan pulls the cinching mechanism around an idler pulley, and thereby increases seatbelt tension. In a second embodiment, an airbag inflates through an opening in the seat cushion and above a forward portion of the seat cushion. In a third embodiment, the airbag is substituted with a gas activated cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas Leroy Reynolds, Brian D. Coughren
  • Patent number: 6588351
    Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly from the wing frame segments. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft having an actuator bell crank. The bell crank is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in contact with the ground, an intermediate holding position, wherein the planting units are raised out of the ground, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position. To maintain the rear rank of planting units in the intermediate holding position, a U-shaped stop is placed over the linear actuator so that the linear actuator cannot retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas LeRoy Hall, Bradley John Meyer
  • Patent number: 6581530
    Abstract: A seeding machine having a wing frame with planting units. The planting units are coupled to the wing frame by a pivot arm. The pivot arms move the planting units between a horizontal working configuration and a vertical transport configuration. An operator walkway is located above the planting units. The operator walkway comprises a walkway frame and a footboard. The walkway frame is pivotally coupled to the wing frame segment by a walkway frame pin. The footboard is pivotally coupled to the walkway frame by a footboard pin. As the planting units are moved from their horizontal working configuration to their vertical transport configuration the walkway frame and attached footboard are automatically folded between the planting units and the respective wing frame segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas LeRoy Hall, Bradley John Meyer, Nathan Albert Mariman, William Douglas Graham
  • Publication number: 20030110998
    Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Bradley John Meyer, Thomas LeRoy Hall, Robert Edwin Bennett, Richard Hugo Clark, William Douglas Graham
  • Publication number: 20030110995
    Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly from the wing frame segments. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft having an actuator bell crank. The bell crank is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in contact with the ground, an intermediate holding position, wherein the planting units are raised out of the ground, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position. To maintain the rear rank of planting units in the intermediate holding position, a U-shaped stop is placed over the linear actuator so that the linear actuator cannot retract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas LeRoy Hall, Bradley John Meyer
  • Publication number: 20030110996
    Abstract: A seeding machine having a wing frame with planting units. The planting units are coupled to the wing frame by a pivot arm. The pivot arms move the planting units between a horizontal working configuration and a vertical transport configuration. An operator walkway is located above the planting units. The operator walkway comprises a walkway frame and a footboard. The walkway frame is pivotally coupled to the wing frame segment by a walkway frame pin. The footboard is pivotally coupled to the walkway frame by a footboard pin. As the planting units are moved from their horizontal working configuration to their vertical transport configuration the walkway frame and attached footboard are automatically folded between the planting units and the respective wing frame segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Thomas LeRoy Hall, Bradley John Meyer, Nathan Albert Mariman, William Douglas Graham
  • Publication number: 20030115105
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of performing data mining on an individual basis is described. The method includes monitoring an individual's use patterns and creating an individual data profile based on analysis of the monitoring operation. Tasks are then automatically performed in accordance with an individual's request and based on the individual data profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Horng Jaan Lin, Thomas LeRoy Cogswell
  • Publication number: 20030110997
    Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extends transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Bradley John Meyer, Thomas LeRoy Hall, Robert Edwin Bennett
  • Publication number: 20030052519
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat assembly supported by a seat frame that includes a seat cushion, an upwardly extending back cushion, a seat repositioning device, and an actuation mechanism that repositions the seat cushion. In one embodiment, an airbag is disposed beneath a seatpan such that inflation raises a forward portion of both the seatpan and seat cushion. Inflation of the airbag is in response to a sensor detecting the rapid deceleration of the vehicle. The seatpan is attached to each respective armrest of the seat frame at a hinge point that permits the seatpan to rotate upwardly. A seatbelt cinching mechanism is attached to the seatpan such that upward rotation of the seatpan pulls the cinching mechanism around an idler pulley, and thereby increases seatbelt tension. In a second embodiment, an airbag inflates through an opening in the seat cushion and above a forward portion of the seat cushion. In a third embodiment, the airbag is substituted with a gas activated cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas Leroy Reynolds, Brian D. Coughren
  • Patent number: 6354465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for metering and delivering a desired weight of a cohesive particulate solid material such as pigmentary titanium dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Timothy Allan Bell, James Todd Delfunt, Darryl W. Geyen, Michael Thomas Hyzny, Barton J. Firman, Thomas Leroy Krieger
  • Publication number: 20010038018
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for metering and delivering a desired weight of a cohesive particulate solid material such as pigmentary titanium dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Timothy Allan Bell, James Todd Delfunt, Darryl W. Geyen, Michael Thomas Hyzny, Barton J. Firman, Thomas Leroy Krieger