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).

  • PROCESS FOR HYDROGENATING NITRILES
    Publication number: 20120245390
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating nitriles by means of hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst in a reactor, where the catalyst is arranged in a fixed bed, wherein the cross-sectional loading in the reactor is in the range from 5 kg/(m2s) to 50 kg/(m2s). The present invention further relates to a process for preparing downstream products of isophoronediamine (IPDA) or N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) from amines prepared according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Christof Wilhelm Wigbers, Christoph Müller, Wolfgang Mägerlein, Petr Kubanek, Thomas Heidemann, Johann-Peter Melder, Thomas Krug, Oliver Bey
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ROUTES TO DESIRED LOCATIONS
    Publication number: 20120245843
    Abstract: A system includes a first module receives N points (N?3) from a remote device, the N points indicating (i) a current location, (ii) a desired location, and (iii) one or more points between the current location and the desired location. A second module determines whether first information in a first datastore of the system is missing a link between each neighboring pair of points within the N points. A third module receives M points (M?1) from the remote device for each missing one of the N?1 links, the M points indicating points between two of the N points associated with a missing link. A fourth module generates a route from the current location to the desired location based on the N points and the first information in a first datastore, and any M points received for missing ones of the N?1 links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Bilal Alasry, Doua Vang, Bryan Thomas
  • MUTANT INTERLEUKIN-2 POLYPEPTIDES
    Publication number: 20120244112
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mutant interleukin-2 polypeptides that exhibit reduced affinity to the ?-subunit of the IL-2 receptor, for use as immunotherapeutic agents. In addition, the invention relates to immunoconjugates comprising said mutant IL-2 polypeptides, polynucleotide molecules encoding the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotide molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the mutant IL-2 polypeptides or immunoconjugates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Oliver Ast, Peter Bruenker, Anne Freimoser-Grundschober, Sylvia Herter, Thomas U. Hofer, Ralf Hosse, Christian Klein, Ekkehard Moessner, Valeria G. Nicolini, Pablo Umana
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A FLAT KNIT UPPER CONSTRUCTION OR OTHER UPPER CONSTRUCTION
    Publication number: 20120240429
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSOR HAVING A STRUCTURE FOR ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PREVENTION CIRCUITRY
    Publication number: 20120243125
    Abstract: A structure for preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage to a magnetoresistive sensor during manufacture. The structure includes a switching element that can be switched off during testing of the sensor and then switched back on to provide ESD shunting to the sensor. The switch can be a thermally activated mechanical relay built onto the slider. The switch could also be a programmable resistor that includes a solid electrolyte sandwiched between first and second electrodes. One of the electrodes functions as an anode. When voltage is applied in a first direction an ion bridge forms across through the electrolyte across electrodes making the resistor conductive. When a voltage is applied in a second direction, the ion bridge recedes and the programmable resistor becomes essentially non-conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Albrecht, Robert E. Fontana, JR., Bruce Alvin Gurney, Timothy Clark Reiley, Xiao Z. Wu
  • 4-METHYLPYRAZOLE FORMULATIONS
    Publication number: 20120244217
    Abstract: Provided herein are 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP) formulations, stable under storage conditions of up to about 55° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas E. Daley, Kathy Powell, Olga Jarzebinski
  • Implantable Auditory Prosthesis with Temporary Connector
    Publication number: 20120245666
    Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement for an ear implant system is described. A proximal electrode lead has electrode wires for carrying one or more electrical stimulation signals. A distal electrode array has electrode contacts each forming a terminal end of an electrode wire for applying the electrical stimulation signals to target neural tissue, and one or more intra-operative sensors for generating insertion sensing signals during surgical insertion of the electrode array into the target tissue. An intra-operative electrode section has a sensor connector for providing a temporary connection of one or more external measurement arrangements to the one or more intra-operative sensors during the surgical insertion of the electrode array without being functional after the surgical insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH
    Inventors: Claude Jolly, Thomas Lenarz
  • Stroller Wheel Assembly
    Publication number: 20120242050
    Abstract: A stroller wheel assembly has a wheel mount with an interior cavity and defining a generally vertical housing axis. An axle is carried by the wheel mount and a wheel is carried on the axle and rotatable about a rolling axis oriented perpendicular to the housing axis. A leg of a stroller frame has an end section coupled to the wheel mount. A suspension spring has one end borne against a spring stop on the wheel mount within the interior cavity and an opposite end borne against a fixed stop. The spring resiliently supports the wheel mount for movement against a bias force and by the bias force of the spring relative to the leg along the housing axis. The wheel assembly can also be capable of swiveling about the housing axis relative to the leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brady Matthew Schroeder, Thomas M. Perrin
  • Minimizing Aggregate Power from HVAC Cooling and IT Equipment in a Data Center
    Publication number: 20120245738
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for minimizing aggregate power from HVAC cooling and IT equipment in a data center. The mechanism selects a high HVAC set point for low-utilization and selects a low HVAC set point for high utilization. For each cooling zone in a data center, the mechanism monitors the average utilization of equipment in the cooling zone and selects the appropriate HVAC set point based on utilization. The mechanism may determine efficiency to determine whether to adjust universal HVAC set points or the HVAC set points for each given cooling zone. That is, the mechanism may dynamically adjust HVAC set points for optimal efficiency. Alternatively, the mechanism may go beyond binary control and compute actual data center efficiency metrics to decide on intermediate set points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Malcolm S. Allen-Ware, John B. Carter, Hendrik F. Hamann, Wei Huang, Thomas W. Keller, JR., Juan C. Rubio
  • ASSOCIATING ACQUIRED IMAGES WITH OBJECTS
    Publication number: 20120243765
    Abstract: A system for associating acquired images with objects is disclosed. It comprises an image selector (1) for selecting a stored image from a database (5) comprising a plurality of stored images, the database (5) comprising an association (21) between the stored image (6) and an object of interest; an image scanner (2) for acquiring a new image (9) comprising a representation (10) of at least part of the object of interest, during an imaging session; a user interface (3) for enabling a user, during the imaging session, to indicate that the new image (9) is to be associated with the object of interest; and an associating subsystem (4) for creating an association (23) between the new image (9) and the object of interest in the database. The user interface (3) is arranged for enabling a user to select the object of interest from a plurality of objects of interest associated with the stored image (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Buelow, Kirsten Meetz, Martin Bergtholdt, Johannes Buurman, Axel Saalbach
  • Apparatus and Method for Tuning to a Channel of a Moving Pictures Expert Group Transport Stream (MPEG-TS)
    Publication number: 20120246690
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tuning to a channel of a Moving Pictures Expert Group transport stream (MPEG-TS), for example used in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network, are provided for optimising a channel change procedure. The method comprises the steps of receiving a MPEG transport stream at a first bit rate, the MPEG transport stream comprising a plurality of television channels. Program clock reference (PCR) values are identified in the received MPEG transport stream, and one or more of the program clock reference (PCR) values are adjusted. The MPEG transport stream, including the adjusted program clock reference values, are transmitted at a second bit rate, for example to a receiver device such as a set top box, thereby enabling the set top box to perform a channel change procedure more quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Torbjörn Einarsson, Thorsten Lohmar, Thomas Rusert
  • DOOR CLOSER COMPRISING DEVICE FOR PREVENTING A SPRING-BACK
    Publication number: 20120240351
    Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, including a locking function or free-swing function, having a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring, and a spring-loaded check valve arranged between the lock compartment and a space becoming smaller during the opening process of the door, in particular an accommodating space for the closer spring. The spring-loaded check valve locks toward the space becoming smaller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Bienek, Sabine Wiemann, Thomas Pabst
  • COMPOSITE GRILLE LOUVERS
    Publication number: 20120240757
    Abstract: A grille having a plurality of s-louvers shaped to increase the efficiency of air flow through the grille without decreasing the effectiveness of the louvers at stopping or deflecting projectiles. Each louver has a hooked portion at the end of the louver to present a ballistic hook for stopping projectiles ricocheting through the circuitous path defined between the louvers. An insert having a closeout for covering the ballistic hook is positioned within each hooked shape portion to eliminate the eddy or stall created at the end of the circuitous path by ballistic hook. The closeout can be penetrated by projectiles ricocheting through the circuitous path such that the ballistic hook can still capture projectiles within the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: David Arthur Schade, Torrey Pike, George Thomas, Quan Nguyen, Mike Iwen
  • use of a control module for a transmission control installed in an automatic transmission
    Publication number: 20120240396
    Abstract: The use of a control module having at least one housing part and a multi-layer printed circuit board as the electrical connection between the inner space of the housing and components that are situated outside of the housing part is described. The multi-layer printed circuit board is the carrier for the electrical components of an electronic circuit, and is at the same time the thermal contacting to a housing part and/or a cooling element, particularly a hydraulic plate of the transmission, for a transmission control installed in an automatic transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Rolf BECKER, Christian Lammers, Juergen Jerg, Joachim Wolff, Volker Hochholzer, Ulrich Trescher, Helmut Bubeck, Klaus Voigtlaender, Jan Benzler, Thomas Raica, Willi Kuehn, Thomas Wiesa, Michael Krapp
  • CHROMAN-SPIROCYCLIC PIPERIDINE AMIDES AS MODULATORS OF ION CHANNELS
    Publication number: 20120245136
    Abstract: The invention relates to chroman spirocyclic piperidine amide derivatives useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Sara Sabina HADIDA-RUAH, Mark Thomas Miller, Edward Adam Kallel, Brian Richard Bear, Vijayalaksmi Arumugam, Michael Paul Deninno, Jinglan Zhou, Johnny Uy, Bryan A. Frieman
  • OVERLAY FOR SCRAMBLER BITS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
    Publication number: 20120243451
    Abstract: By using an exclusive OR operation between two values to create a third value, a wireless communications device may communicate all three values to another device while only transmitting two of the values. In a particular embodiment, a bandwidth-static/dynamic parameter may be conveyed in a Request-to-Send by transmitting a length field and a scrambler seed to be used in the subsequent communication, with the bandwidth-static/dynamic parameter encoded into the scrambler seed. The receiving device may then derive the bandwidth-static/dynamic parameter by performing another XOR on portions of the two received parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kenney, Robert J. Stacey
  • Locking device, in particular for prostheses
    Publication number: 20120245707
    Abstract: The object of providing a device which renders it possible to allow an artificial knee joint at least temporarily a further degree of freedom so as to enable a natural course of movement is solved by the locking device according to the invention for use in a prosthesis, which consists of an inner ring element comprising at least one depression for receiving a locking element, wherein the inner ring element is mounted in an outer ring element comprising at least one recess for receiving the locking element, and wherein the locking element is retained in the recess such that it projects into the depression and hence prevents twisting of the inner ring element relative to the outer ring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: STREIFENEDER ORTHO.PRODUCTION GMBH
    Inventors: Rudolf Osgyan, Helmut Tischler, Dieter Birkner, Thomas Krafczyke
  • TECHNIQUES FOR OFFERING CONTEXT TO SERVICE PROVIDERS UTILIZING INCENTIVES
    Publication number: 20120246065
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of offering incentive based context to service providers, comprising capturing context information of a user and distributing said context information to said service provider, wherein said service provider provides an incentive to said user for said context information, and wherein said user may choose all or a subset of said context information for varying types of compensation selected from the group consisting of: No compensation; Direct monetary compensation; Indirect monetary compensation; Non-monetary compensation; or Points, credits, access to free content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Mark D. Yarvis, Matthew D. Wood, Bernard N. Keany, David A. Sandage, Thomas W. Stroebel
  • Contextually-Appropriate Task Reminders
    Publication number: 20120242482
    Abstract: A computing device learns over time how to identify task reminders that are most likely to be helpful to a user in different contexts. The task reminders can remind the user of activities that the user needs to do. The computing device displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that contains the task reminders identified as being most likely to be helpful to the user in the user's current context. The computing device updates the task reminders in the GUI as the user's context changes. In this way, the computing device can present task reminders that are likely to be currently helpful to the user while suppressing task reminders that are less likely to be helpful to the user at the current time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arulkumar Elumalai, Thomas Bouchard, Steve Chang, Eran Shtiegman, Aaron Tinling
  • SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR CONDUCTING A VEHICLE AUCTION, AUTOMATIC VEHICLE CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND AUTOMATIC VEHICLE ACQUISITION ATTRACTIVENESS DETERMINATION
    Publication number: 20120246036
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media for a computerized vehicle auction, vehicle condition assessment and vehicle acquisition attractiveness assessment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas W. Marr, Anton Chakirov, Dmitry Gorodchanin