Patents by Inventor Thomas Morris

Thomas Morris 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: 7798745
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for reconditioning a paved surface, has a vehicle adapted to traverse the paved surface. The vehicle has a manifold with a plurality of high pressure nozzles adapted to indent the paved surface. At least one nozzle is formed in a nozzle body with a distal end having a hard material with a hardness of at least 2,000 HK. The at least one nozzle is also in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway. The apparatus has a pressurizing mechanism and a heating mechanism for pressurizing and heating fluid in the fluid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 7757971
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an abrasion resistant nozzle has at least two sintered diamond bodies having flat, mating, exterior surfaces and a thickness, the surfaces being held against each other under compression. An enclosure is formed between the mating surfaces, at least one surface having a groove forming a portion of the enclosure and the other surface forming a remaining portion of the enclosure. The enclosure connects an entry and an exit formed in at least one side of at least one of the bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20100065290
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or man-made formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Scott Dahlgren, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20100063691
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or manmade formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Scott Dahlgren, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20100054875
    Abstract: A fixture for holding a cutter for a vertical turret lathe may comprise a block with a blind hole. A cutter with an indenter on its distal end may be secured within the hole such that a portion of the indenter comprises a positive rake angle. A method for testing cutters may comprise securing a cutter on a fixture of a vertical turret lathe which has a cutting material positioned adjacent the cutter. The cutting material may be rotated around a rotational axis at a constant rotational velocity. The fixture may be urged laterally such that the cutter progressively moves towards a periphery of the cutting material. The rotational velocity may be decreased as the cutter moves laterally to maintain a relative constant linear velocity between the cutting material and the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20090285385
    Abstract: Customers queuing in the contact center are provided with the option to request a ticket number. Upon a ticket number being generated for the customer, the customer may disconnect or hang up, and an absentee contact is maintained in a queuing system. This allows the customer to reconnect within a predefined period and regain a place in a queue, possibly at a more advantageous position or at the top of the queue. Alternatively, the customer may reconnect at a less favorable position, but without having to re-enter all customer details in order to be allocated to an appropriate queue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Dunbar, Thomas Morris, Michael Walsh
  • Patent number: 7503606
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a lifting assembly has a frame structure with a translatable support element. The support element has a load-bearing surface and a screw-form. The screw-form is threadedly connected to a gear which is in mechanical communication with a power source, which may be an electric motor. The load-bearing surface is fixed to a shaft of the translatable support element and at least a portion of the load-bearing surface is angularly oriented with respect to the shaft. A guide with at least one end fixed to the frame structure is adapted to adjust the rotational orientation of the load-bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jay Reynolds, David Fox, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20090052986
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for reconditioning a paved surface, has a vehicle adapted to traverse the paved surface. The vehicle has a manifold with a plurality of high pressure nozzles adapted to indent the paved surface. At least one nozzle is formed in a nozzle body with a distal end having a hard material with a hardness of at least 2,000 HK. The at least one nozzle is also in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway. The apparatus has a pressurizing mechanism and a heating mechanism for pressurizing and heating fluid in the fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Waliquist, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20090052987
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a system for removing a layer of a paved surface comprising a vehicle is adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. The vehicle has a milling drum with an axle substantially parallel and connected to the vehicle within a milling chamber. The drum is adapted to rotate around the axle between the paved surface and the vehicle. A conveyor belt is attached to a forward end of the vehicle and comprises a portion proximate an opening of the milling chamber. The belt is adapted to carry loose aggregate from the milling drum away from the paved surface. At least one nozzle is disposed on an underside of the vehicle and is in communication with a reservoir through a pathway. The at least one nozzle is adapted to direct the loose aggregate towards the portion of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahiquist, Neil Cannon, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20080277506
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an abrasion resistant nozzle has at least two sintered diamond bodies having flat, mating, exterior surfaces and a thickness, the surfaces being held against each other under compression. An enclosure is formed between the mating surfaces, at least one surface having a groove forming a portion of the enclosure and the other surface forming a remaining portion of the enclosure. The enclosure connects an entry and an exit formed in at least one side of at least one of the bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20080267706
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for removing a layer of a paved surface comprises a vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. The vehicle also comprises a milling drum with an axle connected to the vehicle, the drum being adapted to rotate around the axle substantially normal the selected direction. A moldboard is positioned rearward of the milling drum and also connected to the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles is disposed proximate a bottom end of the moldboard and is in communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway and the plurality of nozzles is adapted to move independent of the moldboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20080096690
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head having a body portion and a face insert. The front of the body portion further comprises a cutout sized and dimensioned to receive the face insert. The body portion is preferably made from a high-strength metal such as stainless steel, titanium or titanium alloy. The face insert is preferably comprised of a metal having a lower density than that of the body portion. The face insert comprises an aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) containing an amount of scandium and zirconium. The golf club head may also include a top line insert made of a lightweight material and at least one heavy weight member disposed to the back of the club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ryan Roach, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20080058119
    Abstract: A golf club head formed of multiple materials is disclosed. Those portions of the club head that are subject to high stresses during normal use of the golf club head are formed of a metallic material. Most of the material beyond what is required to maintain structural integrity, however, is removed and replaced with a lightweight material. This freed-up mass that can be redistributed to other, more beneficial locations of the club head. The lightweight material also damps vibrations generated during use of the golf club. This vibration damper may be retained in a state of compression to enhance the vibration damping. One or more weight members may be included to obtain desired center of gravity position, moments of inertia, and other club head attributes. A insert formed of multiple materials and having regions of varying thickness may also be included on a rear surface of the club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Soracco, Ryan Roach, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20080051220
    Abstract: A golf club head having a recess located in a top portion thereof is described and claimed. The recess is located between the heel and the toe and extends toward the sole. The recess may be in the top line of the club head. An insert may be placed within the recess. The insert has a density that is less than the density of the club head body, and the insert preferably is a light-weight insert. The insert may include one or more dampening materials. The recess removes material from the club head, which in turn may do one or more of the following: increase the overall size of the club head, expand the size of the club head sweet spot, lower the club head center of gravity, and/or produce a greater club head moment of inertia. Thus, the recess and insert produce a more forgiving and playable golf club. As an alternative to a recess, a thin protrusion may be provided at the top line of the club head and the insert provided with a corresponding groove to facilitate attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Soracco, Ryan Roach, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20080039228
    Abstract: A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head may be formed by co-molding, eliminating the need for welding or adhesives, freeing mass to be used in more beneficial ways. The club head may be large to increase playability and forgiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Joshua Breier, Peter Soracco, Scott Rice, Gregory Haralson, Charles Golden, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20080006806
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a lifting assembly has a frame structure with a translatable support element. The support element has a load-bearing surface and a screw-form. The screw-form is threadedly connected to a gear which is in mechanical communication with a power source, which may be an electric motor. The load-bearing surface is fixed to a shaft of the translatable support element and at least a portion of the load-bearing surface is angularly oriented with respect to the shaft. A guide with at least one end fixed to the frame structure is adapted to adjust the rotational orientation of the load-bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jay Reynolds, David Fox, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20070155537
    Abstract: A golf club head is disclosed. The golf club head includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member includes a strike face and a top portion. The second body member is coupled to the first body member and extends away from the first body member in a direction opposite the strike face. At least a top portion of the second body member is camouflaged. A preferred method of camouflage is color differentiation, wherein the second body member is darker than the first body member. Specific color values and club head geometries are also disclosed and claimed. The club head may include a body member and a weight member such as a bar that extends rearward from the body member. A cover may be included to camouflage the weight member. A separate core member and high visibility sight lines may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Morris, Peter Soracco
  • Publication number: 20070118926
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel plant engineered to have a broad spectrum of resistance to plant virus infection by transforming the plant with a polynucleotide construct having an RNA dependant RNA polymerase 6 operably linked to a promoter sequence to allow expression of RNA dependant RNA polymerase 6 in the plant. Also disclosed is a method for conferring on a plant resistance to a broad spectrum of plant virus infection by transforming the plant with a polynucleotide construct having an RNA dependant RNA polymerase 6 operably linked to a promoter sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Morris, Feng Qu
  • Publication number: 20070042835
    Abstract: A golf club head with a vibration dampening insert is disclosed. The club head includes a face member, a dampening member, and a body member. The dampening member is sandwiched between the face member and the body member and extends along a large percentage of the face member. The dampening layer attenuates vibrations, providing consistent feel across the length of the striking face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Best, Thomas Morris, Peter Soracco
  • Publication number: 20070030661
    Abstract: An electromagnetic shield for an electronic module includes a surface finish that is applied to the surface of an electronic module so as to minimize the size of the shield. Once the shield is in place, the shield acts to address electromagnetic interference (EMI) concerns associated with the electronic module. An electronic module having a ring of conductive material embedded about its peripheral edge is formed. The electronic module is then sub-diced so as to expose the ring of conductive material. After sub-dicing, a conductive material may be applied through an electroless plating process followed by an electrolytic plating process. Alternatively, a conductive epoxy may be sprayed or painted onto the surface of the electronic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Morris, Milind Shah, Donald Leahy, Lewis Law