Patents by Inventor A. Thomas

A. Thomas 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: 8317469
    Abstract: A shroud for a wind turbine and a method for modifying performance of a wind turbine are disclosed. The wind turbine includes a rotor mounted to a nacelle, the rotor including a plurality of rotor blades and defining an outer diameter. The shroud is positioned downstream of the rotor in an air flow direction, and has an inner diameter of less than the outer diameter of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Wayne Kinzie, Thomas Joseph Fischetti, Stefan Herr
  • Patent number: 8321044
    Abstract: This patent application relates generally to dialysis machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kulwinder S. Plahey, Mohsen Reihanifam, Carlos E. Medina, Tri Ly, Maureen Lyden Green, Thomas R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8318703
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for improving renal (kidney) function. Methods for decreasing blood urea nitrogen (BUN), for increasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and for decreasing serum creatinine are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: FibroGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Klaus, Qingjian Wang, Thomas B. Neff
  • Patent number: 8319545
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for maintaining a substantially constant input and output current for a charge pump circuit are provided which reduce current variation during switching intervals. The charge pump circuitry of the present invention maintains a current flow path from a current source to the charge pump output which minimizes or eliminates spikes normally associated with the switching intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Sousa, Andrew Thomas
  • Patent number: 8316926
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in connection with an air handling unit includes a controller and a processing circuit. The controller is configured to control a device within an air handler unit, which includes at least a first coil. The processing circuit is configured to receive first information representative of a maximum liquid flow rate through the first coil and second information representative of a maximum air flow rate of the first coil. The processing circuit is further configured to generate a time constant estimate, based on the first information and second information, for use in the controller in performing control of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Cybernation Group Inc.
    Inventors: George Shu-Xing Cheng, Osman Ahmed, William Thomas Pienta
  • Patent number: 8317127
    Abstract: A drip pan apparatus for a “M” model BLACK HAWK® helicopter and the like includes an expanded corner structure for accommodating an access port also positioned further outwardly in the corner than in prior drip pan apparatuses, facilitating filter viewing while retaining peripheral o-ring seal. An expanded corner of the airframe skirt is accommodated by the expanded corresponding corner of a frame, which also defines a small radius internal curve. The removable pan has a small radius curve cooperating with the small radius curve of the frame and is sealed thereto by the peripheral o-ring seal sealing the entire pan to the frame. Physical access to the filter is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Gray Wilson
  • Patent number: 8321228
    Abstract: Techniques for providing network services at an audio interface unit include determining, based on spoken sounds of a user of an apparatus received at a microphone of the apparatus, whether to present audio data received from a different apparatus. If it is determined to present the received audio data, then presentation of the received audio data at a speaker of the apparatus is initiated. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a data communications bus; and logic encoded in one or more tangible media configured to performs the above steps. In some embodiments, the apparatus does not include a visual display and does not include a keypad of multiple buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Chipchase, Pascal Wever, Nikolaj Bestle, Pawena Thimaporn, Thomas Ernst Arbisi, John-Rhys Newman, Andrew Julian Gartrell, Simon David James
  • Patent number: 8317942
    Abstract: A cast iron material, particularly a ledeburitic cast iron material with a carbide content of at least 15 wt. % and a characteristic free, evenly distributed graphite formation is disclosed. In this case, the evenly distributed graphite formation may comprise graphite flakes and/or vermicular graphite and/or nodular graphite. Depending on the respective application (diameter (D) of the running gear seal, peripheral speed), the basic matrix may be realized in pearlitic and/or bainitic and/or martensitic form. Due to the high graphite content, the material has a thermal conductivity that is three to four times greater than that of white cast iron materials, wherein this provides the advantage that no scoring of the running gear seals occurs at high peripheral speeds (>5 m/s) and large diametrical dimensions of the seals (D >600 mm). In addition, the high carbide content of at least 15 wt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Friedberg GmbH
    Inventors: Laszlo Pelsoeczy, Wilfried Langner, Hans-Henning Zutz, Thomas Gerle, Franz-J. Goebbeis
  • Patent number: 8317277
    Abstract: A system for assisting the linear movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets at its respective ends. The strut includes an outer hollow member that houses a primary spring, a cylindrical piston that translates through one end of the outer hollow member, and a reverse damping mechanism. A free end of the primary spring is held inside the outer hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and its opposite end rests on the piston. The piston's free end includes a clevis for the second bracket. An inner hollow member houses a second spring which regulates movement of a damper shaft such that damping occurs when the shaft is pulled out of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Accuride International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sheng-Shyong Hu, Saul Gutnik
  • Patent number: 8320610
    Abstract: A system and method for client-side watermarking of digital content using hybrid Intra-Frames (I-Frames) are provided. In general, a content source provides a compressed video stream and a hybrid I-Frame stream to a client device via a network. The hybrid I-Frame stream includes a number of low-loss I-Frames corresponding to select ones of the I-Frames in the compressed video stream to be used for client-side watermarking. The client device watermarks the I-Frames in the hybrid I-Frame stream, optionally compresses the watermarked I-Frames, and replaces the select ones of the I-Frames in the compressed video stream with the watermarked and optionally compressed I-Frames to provide a watermarked version of the compressed video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Qurio Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Morgan Evans, Thomas A. Roberts, Cheryl Adams
  • Patent number: 8318287
    Abstract: Packages for an integrated circuit die and methods and leadframes for making such packages are disclosed. The package includes a die, a die pad, peripheral metal contacts, bond wires, and an encapsulant. The die pad and contacts are located at a lower surface of the package. The die pad and the contacts have side surfaces which include reentrant portions and asperities to engage the encapsulant. A method of making a package includes providing a metal leadframe having a die pad in a rectangular frame. Tabs extend from the frame toward the die pad. The die pad and tabs have side surfaces with reentrant portions and asperities. A die is attached to the die pad. The die is electrically connected to the tabs. An encapsulant is applied to the upper and side surfaces of the leadframe. Finally, the leadframe is cut in situ so that the die pad and tabs are severed from the frame, the sides of the package are formed, and the package is severed from the leadframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Glenn
  • Patent number: 8318676
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of creatine, creatinine and/or derivatives thereof and/or their salts in an agent for hardening, strengthening, restructuring or increasing the shine, volume or combability of keratin fibers, particularly of human hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wella AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Bimczok, Thomas Kripp, Beate Grasser, Christian Springob
  • Patent number: 8319208
    Abstract: The invention generally encompasses methods of forming thin films molecular based devices, and devices formed therefrom. Some embodiments relate to molecular memory cells, molecular memory arrays, electronic devices including molecular memory, and processing systems and methods for producing molecular memories. More particularly, the present invention encompasses methods and molecular based devices comprising a wetting layer and redox-active molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ZettaCore IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Sorenson, Brian Eastep, Lee Gaherty, Timothy L. Snow
  • Patent number: 8318713
    Abstract: A method for treating gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, or colorectal cancer in a patient is described, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising 7-(2,5-dihydro-4-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-yl-2,5-dioxo-IH-pyrrol-3-yl)-9-fluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(1-piperidinyl-carbonyl)-pyrrolo[3,2,1-jk][1,4]benzodiazepine, useful for the method and a process for preparing said compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: Marcio Chedid, Thomas Albert Engler
  • Patent number: 8321313
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and system for matching buyers and sellers of either goods or services, or goods and services for a project. The invention enables a buyer to specify a project in terms of physical, functional, temporal, financial, and transactional parameters that can be automatically converted, by the present invention, into at least one request for either goods or services, or goods and services to perform work related to the project. The requests are suitably provided to at least one seller. Upon receiving a request, the seller may submit a response to the request, as desired. The invention provides a forum for the negotiation of any agreements and the formation of contracts to provide the requested, or alternative goods or services, or goods and services, as well as reconciliation of purchase orders, actual field costs, and invoices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wellogix Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Livesay, Robert Bodnar, Thomas A. Lopus
  • Patent number: 8317753
    Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8319030
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 3317361 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 3317361, to the plants of soybean 3317361, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 3317361, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 3317361 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 3317361, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 3317361, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 3317361 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer CropScience LP
    Inventor: James Dolphin Thomas
  • Patent number: 8321316
    Abstract: Enhanced processes, methods, tools, strategies, and techniques are provided for more effectively and efficiently processing, managing, analyzing, and communicating wealth related data and other financial information within a computing environment. In various embodiments, the analysis tools provided herein have been designed to correspond visually with a mental model employed by many clients in managing their wealth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Kunz, Erik Rettger, David Farkas, Christina Payne Earle, Dennis Y. Wang, Rodney H. Monson, Luke P. Woods, Simon King
  • Patent number: D671576
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Noureddine Dia Malaeb, David W. Duncan, Byron C. Lee, Leah L. Thomas
  • Patent number: PP23212
    Abstract: ‘Sunset’ is a new weigela shrub particularly distinguished by its semi-dwarf habit, and unique variegated foliage with green centers and multicolored margins ranging from and including ivory yellow, yellow, yellow-green, green, and red depending on plant age and the time of year, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventor: Thomas G. Ranney