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).

  • Publication number: 20120245944
    Abstract: The intelligent automated assistant system engages with the user in an integrated, conversational manner using natural language dialog, and invokes external services when appropriate to obtain information or perform various actions. The system can be implemented using any of a number of different platforms, such as the web, email, smartphone, and the like, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the system is based on sets of interrelated domains and tasks, and employs additional functionally powered by external services with which the system can interact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Gruber, Adam John Cheyer, Dag Kittlaus, Didier Rene Guzzoni, Christopher Dean Brigham, Richard Donald Giuli, Marcello Bastea-Forte, Harry Joseph Saddler
  • Publication number: 20120245512
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed to conduct fluid away from or deliver fluid to an area of a treatment site of a patient's body. For example, a catheter is provided having a terminal end with a non-linear shape such that fluid is delivered to or drained from an area of a treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: VITAL 5, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Wade Fallin, Jean-Sebastien Merette, Patrick Michel White, Alan Chervitz, Cary R. Reeves
  • Patent number: 8272191
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. May, Samuel D. Griggs, Matthew D. Lowder, Thomas E. Whittlesey, William M. Poteat
  • Patent number: 8273083
    Abstract: A carrier for an ablation element is provided. The carrier includes a plurality of walls defining a receiving portion configured to receive at least a portion of an ablation element. A plurality of connection formations are disposed on an exterior surface of least one of the plurality of walls. Each of the plurality of connection formations is disposed at a different vertical position of the carrier. A device for epicardial ablation is also provided. The device includes a plurality of carriers disposed adjacent to each other. Each carrier includes a plurality of walls defining a receiving portion configured to receive at least a portion of an ablation element. A plurality of connection formations are disposed on an exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of walls of each carrier. Each of the plurality of connection formations is disposed at a different vertical position of a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Radin, Thomas B. Eby, Vera S. Boudtchenka, Jennifer Teng, John P. Goetz, John E. Crowe
  • Patent number: 8272675
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is attached to an instrument panel frame, and an aperture is formed in an upper surface of an instrument panel housing in alignment with the bracket to provide a hardpoint for attaching an adapter module. The adapter module is removably secured to the mounting bracket and is provided with component mounting features for securing electrical components such as a radio or radar device. Vehicle electric wiring internal to the instrument panel housing is easily connected with wiring associated with the components. The apparatus allows cost-effective and efficient customization of electrical components mounted to a vehicle instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Hugh Fowler, Thomas W. Pietila, Anthony Ligi
  • Patent number: 8274889
    Abstract: A method for determining data packet transmission times in an Ethernet protocol including, receiving a first data packet having a first data packet send time, wherein the first data packet send time is a time the data packet is sent by a source transmitter, subtracting the first data packet send time from a first data packet receive time to yield a first data packet transmission time, wherein the first data packet receive time is the time the data packet is received by a destination receiver, comparing the first data packet transmission time to a third time, determining whether a difference between the first data packet transmission time and the third time exceeds a threshold value, and sending a notification of a transmission delay responsive to determining that the difference between the first data packet transmission time and the third time exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Casimer DeCusatis, Thomas A. Gregg
  • Patent number: 8275704
    Abstract: A financial account issuer facilitating transactions between accounts is disclosed. The invention provides sellers with an irrevocable method of receiving funds from a purchaser and for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party. The invention also enables the allocation of a portion or all of a charge or loyalty points to different transaction accounts issued by different issuers, or to sub-accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lead Core Fund, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fred A. Bishop, Bansi L. Sharma, Tracey R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8274957
    Abstract: Wireless mobile communication (WMC) devices located in near proximity of each other may be enabled to form a mesh (ad hoc wireless) network. WMC devices may form and/or tear down intra-mesh connection with other WMC devices in the same mesh network. WMC devices may utilize information related to other WMC devices in the mesh network in determining formation and tearing down of intra-mesh connections. This information may comprise relative speeds, locations, and directions of movement of the WMC devices forming/tearing intra-mesh connections. Other information including data bandwidth and/or power consumption may be utilized in such determination. This information may also comprise available services advertised by WMC devices in the mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: John Walley, Thomas Quigley, Alexander G. MacInnis, Arya Behzad, Jeyhan Karaoguz, Mark Buer
  • Patent number: 8272990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a revolving gear mechanism with at least two gear wheels which mesh mutually, forming an engagement space, of which one is a revolving gear wheel which is mounted rotatably by means of a bearing on a bolt, and a lateral surface of the bolt forms a bearing surface. According to the invention, at least one axial longitudinal groove is arranged on the lateral surface of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: IMS Gear GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Gert Hagedorn, Erkan Poyraz, Thomas Riester
  • Patent number: 8273884
    Abstract: The present invention provides strategies for making cyclic triamines. Reactant media including certain precursors and/or certain types of catalysts can be converted into cyclic triamines with improved conversion and selectivity. The strategies can be incorporated into reactions that involve transamination schemes and/or reductive amination schemes. In the case of transamination, for instance, using transamination to cause ring closure of higher amines in the presence of a suitable catalyst leads to desired cyclic triamines with notable conversion and yield. In the case of reductive amination, reacting suitable polyfunctional precursors in the presence of a suitable catalyst also yields cyclic triamines via ring closure with notable selectivity and conversion. Both transamination and reductive amination methodologies can be practiced under much milder temperatures than are used when solely acid catalysts are used. Preferred embodiments can produce reaction mixtures that are generally free of salt by-products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. King, Thomas Z. Srnak, Stefan K. Mierau
  • Patent number: 8272572
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insert for a multilayer chip card, including an intermediate sheet and, on either side of the intermediate sheet, at least one outer sheet having a face in close contact with the corresponding face of the intermediate sheet, the intermediate sheet including at least one recess prior to the lamination of the insert. The insert having at least one of the outer sheets is made from a fluent material, such that, when the intermediate sheet is being laminated with the outer sheets, part of the material of the outer sheets moves into the recess in the intermediate sheet, thereby forming a visual and/or tactile defect on the surface of the insert, indicating whether of not the insert and/or the chip card is authentic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Packaging Solutions (SPS)
    Inventors: Didier Elbaz, Thomas Battmann
  • Patent number: 8274393
    Abstract: Signaling systems are disclosed that indicate a change in an absorbent article, such as the presence of a body fluid. The various different signaling systems disclosed do not include any conductive elements contained on the interior of the article as were required in the past. Instead, the changes are monitored from the outer cover of the article. In one embodiment, for instance, conductive zones are formed directly into the outer cover for forming the signaling system. Alternatively, a sensor may be mounted to the outer cover of the article for monitoring changes within the article. The sensor may comprise, for instance, a temperature sensor, a conductivity sensor, an optical sensor, a vibration sensor, a humidity sensor, a material expansion sensor, a chemical sensor, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Ales, Andrew Mark Long, Chuck R. Tomsovic, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Shirlee Ann Weber, Jason C. Cohen, Shawn Jeffrey Sullivan, Xuedong Song
  • Patent number: 8275132
    Abstract: The present invention is suitable for use in a multi-encrypted system that dynamically allocates stream identifiers in a second stream depending upon the identifiers in a first stream. The first stream is monitored and counters are incremented with the presence of an identifier. The count for each of the counters is then received. Using the count, a control processor then assigns or revises identifiers in the second stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Neil B. Buchen, Thomas C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8272680
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Adaptive Aerodynamic, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 8272568
    Abstract: A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving from a point-of-sale interface a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The purchaser information and the device identifier are associated via the transaction code for registering the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Scenera Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Theodosios Thomas
  • Patent number: 8275225
    Abstract: A method for installing a fiber optic cable assembly includes providing a fiber optic cable assembly. The fiber optic cable assembly includes a first jacket, a strength layer, and a second jacket. The strength layer surrounds the first jacket and includes a first set of strength members helically wrapped around the first jacket and a second set of strength members reverse helically wrapped around the first jacket. The first and second sets of strength members are unbraided. The method further includes routing the fiber optic cable assembly from a fiber optic enclosure to an end location. A portion of the second jacket at an end of the fiber optic cable assembly is split. The portion of the second jacket is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Kachmar, Thomas G. LeBlanc, Ronald J. Kleckowski
  • Patent number: 8272910
    Abstract: An electroluminescent device including a transparent substrate, a securing layer, a light scattering layer, an electroluminescent unit including a transparent electrode layer, a light emitting element including at least one light emitting layer, and a reflecting electrode layer in that order, wherein the light scattering layer includes one monolayer of inorganic particles having an index of refraction larger than that of the light emitting layer and wherein the securing layer holds the inorganic particles in the light scattering layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Global OLED Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yuan-Sheng Tyan, Jin-Shan Wang, Raymond A. Kesel, Giuseppe Farruggia, Thomas Cushman
  • Patent number: 8273910
    Abstract: A process for preparing silylated monocarboxylic acids by reacting C2-C10-monocarboxylic acids with halosilanes of the general formula (I) SiHal4-xRx??(I) in which Hal is a halogen atom selected from the group of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, R is independently hydrogen, C1-C10-alkyl or aryl and x is an integer of 0 to 3 to form hydrogen halide in the presence of an auxiliary base, wherein the auxiliary base and the hydrogen halide form a salt which forms two immiscible phases with the product of value or the solution of the product of value in a suitable solvent and is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Florian Thomas, Jochen Petzoldt, Martin Gärtner
  • Patent number: 8274904
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and processing line performance data transmitted over cables, e.g., Y-cables, is disclosed. The present invention applies a method based on specific performance measurements, specific measurement time intervals, and compare results from different measurement time intervals to produce a “signature” that indicates deteriorating performance of a particular Y-cable. Once a “signature” is detected, the method will proactively and automatically generate a trouble ticket to trigger the dispatch maintenance staffs to service the cable, e.g., to perform the replacement of the Y-cable in question, thus completing the predictive maintenance process. A trouble ticket is a record used to report and manage the resolution of network related problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: David Lu, Hossein Eslambolchi, Paritosh Bajpay, John McCanuel, Roberta Bienfait, Carolyn Bekampis, Mihail Vasilescu, Mark Rogaski, Wen-Jui Li, Mohammed Shariff, Thomas Dickey, John Soares
  • Patent number: D667837
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall W. Magee, Shawn C. St. Pierre, Mark E. Pingel, John P. McGloon, Michael D. Garrant, Ann M. Jewell, Jennifer M. Kilian, Eric J. Bailey, Roger W. Graves, Esther N. Ahn, Thomas A. Myers, Corrie A. Baum