Patents by Inventor Bruce Thomas

Bruce 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: 20020102541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequences, probes and primers specific to the Y chromosome of Equus caballus. The present invention also relates to methods of determining the sex of a horse, a equine fetus, and equine embryo or equine cells. The present invention further relates to a method for the isolation of Y chromosomal DNA sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: NICHOLAS MICHAEL WADE, BRUCE THOMAS HARRISON, BRIAN WILLIAM KING, KENNETH CLIFFORD REED, KATHLEEN MARGARET MURPHY
  • Patent number: 6406249
    Abstract: A method of shipping freight directly from a customer's premises to the premises of the consignee. The method includes transporting to a customer's premises at least one freight container. The freight container includes a base, a roof, a pair of opposed side walls, and a pair of opposed end walls. One of the end walls includes an opening for the loading and removal of freight. The container and the opening are sufficiently large to permit the loading and unloading of freight to and from the container by a conventional fork lift truck. The container has a size of approximately 13 feet long, 8 feet high, and 8 feet wide. The method also includes, at the customer's premises, loading freight into the at least one freight container and securing the freight in the freight container. The method further includes transporting the at least one freight container and its loaded freight, in a secured state, from the customer's premises and to the premises of the consignee of the freight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Allan C. McAdams, Bruce Thomas Bullion, III, William G. Cummings, James Harold Idell, Barry J. Atkins, Mark D. Yerger
  • Patent number: 6364981
    Abstract: Forming a tubular tire ply from a flat sheet of wire reinforced material, cutting the ply to length and applying the ply to a drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Michael Wallace Smith, Donald Chester Kubinski, Bruce Thomas Choate
  • Publication number: 20010055572
    Abstract: Silica compositions for abrasive systems in dentifrice formulations are disclosed. The silica abrasive system comprises (a) silica gels having a median particle size below 7 microns, a pH of from about 6 to about 11 and powder RDA's of from 100 to about 200 and (b) silica gels or precipitates having a median particle size of 7 microns or greater and powder RDA's of from 50 to about 180. Silica (a) is preferably prepared by contacting a hydrous silica gel with an alkaline medium. Dentifrice compositions comprising the abrasive system has an RDA of 150 or less and PCR's of at least 80 and up to about 150, and an REA of less than about 30 (as measured on the IU scale).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Michael Bruce Thomas, Michael Vance Ernest, Sandra Joan Kempske
  • Patent number: 6294155
    Abstract: Silica compositions for abrasive systems in dentifrice formulations are disclosed. The silica abrasive system comprises (a) silica gels having a median particle size below 7 microns, a pH of from about 6 to about 11 and powder RDA's of from 100 to about 200 and (b) silica gels or precipitates having a median particle size of 7 microns or greater and powder RDA's of from 50 to about 180. Silica (a) is preferably prepared by contacting a hydrous silica gel with an alkaline medium. Dentifrice compositions comprising the abrasive system has an RDA of 150 or less and PCR's of at least 80 and up to about 150, and an REA of less than about 30 (as measured on the IU scale).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co. -Conn.
    Inventors: Michael Bruce Thomas, Michael Vance Ernest, Sandra Joan Kempske
  • Patent number: 6257786
    Abstract: A sudser unit having an entry port, discharge port, and a fluid conduit. The discharge port and fluid conduit extend along a common longitudinal axis, and the entry port extends along a longitudinal axis that intersects the longitudinal axis of the discharge port and fluid conduit at an oblique angle. A water supply, such as a hose, is operably connected to the entry port. A converging nozzle having an opening of smaller diameter than that of the entry port is attached to the discharge port, and a detergent reservoir is attached to the fluid conduit. A valve is disposed between the reservoir and fluid conduit. A valve is disposed between the reservoir and fluid conduit to permit selective mixing of the water and detergent, and selective metering of the mixed composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Carrand Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Bruce Thomas
  • Patent number: 5790246
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a parameter of a particle in a fluid is disclosed and, in particular, an apparatus and method for determining contamination or machine wear by the measurement of contamination or wear particles in a fluid used in the machine is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a measurement cell is provided with a fluid flow path. A first hall probe is arranged adjacent to the flow path for detecting dia-magnetic, para-magnetic, ferro-magnetic particles and a second optical sensor formed of a light emitting diode and phototransistor are provided for optically detecting the particles. A correlation between the hall probes and the optical detector enables an indication of the particles to be obtained so that a parameter of those particles can be determined to provide an indication of contamination or machine wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Montores Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce Thomas Kuhnell, Jacek Stanislaw Stecki, Zbigniew Przelozny, Xi Huang, Christopher Eugene Doran
  • Patent number: 5575517
    Abstract: A portable, hand-operated hoist that is particularly suited for use by persons afield in woods or rough terrain is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, a housing contains a length of fabric ribbon urged to remain in the housing by a spring, an orifice for through communication of the ribbon, and a locking device (of over-center type) for selectively preventing movement of the ribbon. An end of the ribbon is outside of the housing, attached to a hook, and prevented from entering the housing by the size of the hook. A holder is on the outside of the housing for detachably retaining the hook when it is not in use. A clip is also on the outside of the housing to facilitate detachably attaching the hoist to the user's apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Bruce A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5538878
    Abstract: Plant species having enhanced superoxide dismutase activity as a result of transformation with a DNA expression cassette comprising an E. coli MnSOD gene are provided. Transportation of the expression product of the gene may be targeted to a specific cell organelle, such as the chloroplast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignees: Calgene, Inc., Procida
    Inventors: Bruce Thomas, H. Maelor Davies, Jean Kridl, Jeffery K. O'Neal, C. Jacques Van Assche
  • Patent number: 5403128
    Abstract: A fully integrated insulation spraying system with an insulation spraying subsystem for spraying wet or dry insulation and a fiber recovery subsystem for recycling waste insulation fibers and reintegrating them into the spraying process for more efficient and ecologically sound use of the insulation material. The insulation spraying subsystem includes a hopper with a rotary conveyor that conditions the fiber insulation and carries it into a standby chamber which is connected an airlock that introduces the fibers into a moving airstream. The airstream carries the fibers to the spraying head where moisture is added to promote adhesion of the insulation. A pneumatically powered insulation shaver is provided for smoothing the insulation after it is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Bruce Thomas
  • Patent number: 5385136
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of an impulse stabilizer for reducing the effects of a mechanical impulse produced by apparatus including archery bows or air-rifles comprises a sealed elongated housing containing along its axis from one end to the other: a first cushion; a first mass that is elongated, contains an axial hole, is surrounded with one or more bushings, and that only loosely fits within the housing; a coil type spring under compression; a second mass that is the same as the first mass except that its length, density, or hole cross-section area may be different; and a second cushion. The voids within the housing are essentially filled with a fluid such as hydraulic fluid. The dimensions are such that, at rest, the spring urges both masses against their adjacent cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Archery Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5239977
    Abstract: An improved elbow used to attach accessories such as stabilizers to archery bows is disclosed. The elbow comprises: an extended arm having a threaded-end capable of being attached to the bow (facilitated in the preferred embodiment by a nut) with the other end having a spherical bevel surmounted by a flat-portion, a saddle shaped wrist capable of receiving the threaded end of the accessory and encompassing the arm, and a hinge coupling the arm and wrist. The hinge uses a special pin that passes loosely through the arm and tightly through both sides of the wrist, and that also functions as a spring. The elbow has two modes of use: an extended mode, when the attached accessory and arm are in line and the attached accessory is essentially parallel to the arrow; and a folded mode, where the attached stabilizer is pivoted down or up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Archery Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5189749
    Abstract: A multipurpose tool for maintaining hunting arrows is disclosed. The tool is a sharpener capable of sharpening broadheads, a wrench capable of tightening or loosening broadheads screwed onto an arrow, and a dresser capable of dressing the fletched end of an arrow so that the arrow effectively will receive a nock. The tool has an elongated body with integral longitudinal ridges to enhance its appearance and to facilitate gripping, and is preferably molded of ABS plastic in two pieces. The sharpener and wrench are at the bottom, and the dresser is at the top of the tool. The sharpener comprises a shallow channel running diagonally across the face of the bottom, normal to the axis of the tool, with a plurality of small hard rods imbedded in the sides of the groove. Sharpening is effected by movement of the edge of a broadhead along the shallow groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Thomas Design & Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Thomas, Mark A. Smith, Mark T. Birchmeier, Lawrence D. Reiber
  • Patent number: 4864509
    Abstract: A method and related system for operating a computer controlled press brake system to form a requested bend angle in a workpiece are described. According to the disclosed method, values corresponding to geometrical characteristics of the press brake and a first workpiece are stored, as is a value for the requested bend angle. A ram of the press is operated in a first direction, relative to the die, to a first selected position to bend the first workpiece and to hold the first workpiece to a restrained bend angle. The ram is thereafter operated in a second direction to release the first workpiece to an unrestrained bend angle. The difference between the restrained and unrestrained bend agles of the first workpiece is calculated. Using the values for geometrical characteristics and the requested bend angle, a correction factor is calculated. In accordance with the correction factor, the unrestrained and requested bend angles, the ram is set to travel to a corrected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gordon R. Somerville, D. Bruce Thomas
  • Patent number: 4855565
    Abstract: A work head (10) has a base member (12) which is connectable to carrier means (30) of a machine for lateral movement of the work head (10) parallel to an X-Y plane of a three-axes co-ordinate system, for longitudinal movement of work head (10) parallel to the Z-axis of that system and for rotating work head (10) on an A-axis parallel to the Z-axis; link means (14) connected to base member (12) so as to pivot relative thereto on a B'-axis parallel to the X-Y plane; a work member (16) connected to link means (14) so as to pivot relative thereto about a B"-axis spaced parallel to the B'-axis. Work member (16) defines a path by which a work medium is able to pass from a source to an outlet defined at a work end (52) of work member (16). Drive means (64,66) is operable to pivot each link means (14) and work member (16), on its axis, but in opposite directions and with the work member (16) pivoting through twice the angle of pivoting of link means (14) relative to base member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Laser Lab Limited
    Inventors: Bruce A. Thomas, Gregory Sapozhnikov, Robert L. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4836610
    Abstract: A collector cart includes a body having an open rear end, which is closed by a canopy pivotally mounted adjacent its front end on the body adjacent its front end. The body has a support pivotally connected to caster wheel supports and a tow bar attached to a riding lawn mower hitch bar. Telescoping chutes connect the mower outlet with a canopy port to fill the cart with debris. When the cart is to be dumped, a linkage mechanism is activated by an operator, who remains on the mower, raising a lift handle to initially cause rearward shifting of the canopy relative to the body to release a locking connection of the rear of the canopy to the rear of the body. The body is released from its tow bar at the same time so that continued raising of the lift handle by the operator causes the body to pivot to a dumping position while the canopy pivots away from the body due to a rope of a fixed length connecting the front of the canopy to the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Brinly-Hardy Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Doering, Garland E. Caudill, Henry L. Johnson, Bruce A. Thomas