Patents by Inventor C. Thomas

C. 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: 10013160
    Abstract: Detecting user input based on multiple gestures is provided. One or more interactions are received from a user via a user interface. An inferred interaction is determined based, at least in part, on a geometric operation, wherein the geometric operation is based on the one or more interactions. The inferred interaction is presented via the user interface. Whether a confirmation has been received for the inferred interaction is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rachel K. E. Bellamy, Bonnie E. John, Peter K. Malkin, John T. Richards, Calvin B. Swart, John C. Thomas, Jr., Sharon M. Trewin
  • Publication number: 20180176859
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for a mobile unit to select a wireless access point. The method provides a mobile unit with a wireless transponder and a location determination device, such as a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver. A local features database is stored in the memory, cross-referencing a plurality of wireless access points (APs) to corresponding geographic locations. In response to receiving location information, a wireless AP selection application determines the geographic position of the mobile unit, accesses the local features database, and selects the wireless AP associated with the geographic position of the mobile unit. Finally, the wireless AP selection application directs the transponder to communicate with the selected wireless AP. In one aspect, the local features database divides a geographic region into sub-regions, with a corresponding wireless AP assigned to each sub-region. For example, each sub-region may assigned to the closest wireless AP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Darin Haines, William Vojak, Gary Lin Gaebel, John C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180136949
    Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for a path-sensitive contextual help system. In some embodiments, user actions are obtained from a user session of a user. A concrete user action trace is captured using the obtained user actions, wherein the concrete user action trace is a subset of user actions from the user session. An abstract user action trace is generated using the concrete user action trace. A help action corresponding to the abstract user action trace is identified and, in some embodiments, is presented to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Evelyn Duesterwald, John C. Thomas, Patrick A. Wagstrom
  • Patent number: 9955636
    Abstract: An irrigation mitigation runoff system that includes an irrigation system having at least one water outlet and a sensor that detects flow of water through a boundary. A controller is operatively coupled to the irrigation system and the sensor. Responsive to the sensor detecting flow of water through the boundary above a pre-defined threshold, the controller signals the irrigation system to pause irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Wherley, Jorge Luis Alvarado, Richard H. White, James C. Thomas, Junfeng Men, Dean Evan Tate, Fouad H. Jaber, William C. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9939389
    Abstract: A data acquisition system for determining the state of a tubular while the tubular rotates about its cylindrical axis. The tubular remains otherwise substantially stationary. Sensors travel up and down the length of the rotating tubular, interrogating the inside and outside of the tubular for data regarding the tubular's state. Sensors may take samples which may be associated with rotational reference information tying the sample to its absolute position on the internal or external surface of the tubular. A data processor processes the samples and other sensor data to produce a wide array of output, including data signatures of the tubular, maps of contour data regarding the internal or external surface of the tubular, and dimensional data regarding the tubular. Data acquisition is advantageously done in real time, and may further be done concurrently with internal or external cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Thomas Engineering Solutions & Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: William C. Thomas, William J. Thomas, III, Perry J. DeCuir, Jr., Jeffrey R. Wheeler, Stuart J. Ford
  • Publication number: 20180058307
    Abstract: Synergistic induction and turbocharging includes the use of one or more throttles in close proximity to each cylinder intake valve to control air flow in each intake port delivering air to combustion cylinders in an internal combustion engine system. A turbocharger may also be affixed in close proximity to each cylinder exhaust valve to enable a synergistic combination of hyper-filling cylinders with combustion air and immediate harvesting of exhaust gas by adjacent turbochargers. In some implementations the turbochargers may be low-inertia turbochargers. The combination of individual throttles per intake port and a turbocharger in close proximity to each cylinder enables faster ramp-up of an engine in the early stages of acceleration. Various implementations thus provide improved fuel economy and improved engine performance in tandem, instead of one at the expense of the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: James R. Clarke, Richard J. Fotsch, C. Thomas Sylke
  • Publication number: 20180058308
    Abstract: Synergistic induction and turbocharging includes the use of one or more throttles in close proximity to each cylinder intake valve to control air flow in each intake port delivering air to combustion cylinders in an internal combustion engine system. A turbocharger may also be affixed in close proximity to each cylinder exhaust valve to enable a synergistic combination of hyper-filling cylinders with combustion air and immediate harvesting of exhaust gas by adjacent turbochargers. In some implementations the turbochargers may be low-inertia turbochargers. The combination of individual throttles per intake port and a turbocharger in close proximity to each cylinder enables faster ramp-up of an engine in the early stages of acceleration. Various implementations thus provide improved fuel economy and improved engine performance in tandem, instead of one at the expense of the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Bright Acceleration Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James R. Clarke, Richard J. Fotsch, C. Thomas Sylke
  • Publication number: 20180058352
    Abstract: Synergistic induction and turbocharging includes the use of one or more throttles in close proximity to each cylinder intake valve to control air flow in each intake port delivering air to combustion cylinders in an internal combustion engine system. A turbocharger may also be affixed in close proximity to each cylinder exhaust valve to enable a synergistic combination of hyper-filling cylinders with combustion air and immediate harvesting of exhaust gas by adjacent turbochargers. In some implementations the turbochargers may be low-inertia turbochargers. The combination of individual throttles per intake port and a turbocharger in close proximity to each cylinder enables faster ramp-up of an engine in the early stages of acceleration. Various implementations thus provide improved fuel economy and improved engine performance in tandem, instead of one at the expense of the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: James R. Clarke, Richard J. Fotsch, C. Thomas Sylke
  • Publication number: 20180021085
    Abstract: A coagulation suction device having an insulation cover and first and second bipolar wires. The insulation cover has a distal end and a distal opening formed at the distal end, and a hollow cavity configured to receive a hollow suction tube. The first and second bipolar wires are encapsulated within the insulation cover and extend along the insulation cover to the distal end. The first and second bipolar wires extend distally beyond a distal-most surface of the insulation cover, and each have an exposed distal end. The exposed distal ends are bent toward each other and terminate adjacent to and spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Garner B. Meads, JR., Scott Anjewierden, James B. Newton, Dane W. Barton, Nathan J. Knighton, Samuel C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9825119
    Abstract: Embodiments disclose a method of fabrication and a semiconductor structure comprising a Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor. The method of fabrication includes depositing a first conductive material on a semiconductor substrate. A first dielectric material is deposited on the first conductive material. A second conductive material is deposited on the first dielectric material. The top plate is formed by etching the second conductive material. The bottom plate is formed by etching a portion of the first conductive material. At least one opening is formed in the first dielectric layer down to the first conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Max G. Levy, Gary L. Milo, David C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9825120
    Abstract: Embodiments disclose a method of fabrication and a semiconductor structure comprising a Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor. The method of fabrication includes depositing a first conductive material on a semiconductor substrate. A first dielectric material is deposited on the first conductive material. A second conductive material is deposited on the first dielectric material. The top plate is formed by etching the second conductive material. The bottom plate is formed by etching a portion of the first conductive material. At least one opening is formed in the first dielectric layer down to the first conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Max G. Levy, Gary L. Milo, David C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20170298779
    Abstract: Tooling for partial disassembly of a bypass turbofan engine wherein the longitudinal axis of the bypass turbofan engine remains generally horizontal during disassembly. The low pressure turbine module is removed with a low pressure turbine module horizontal removal tool. An extended bearing nut tool may be supported by a stabilization member and may remove a bearing nut. An extended high pressure turbine shaft stretching tool may stretch a high pressure turbine shaft to release a high pressure turbine shaft nut. An extended bearing pulling tool may be used to pull a bearing while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A modified measurement bridge may be used to measure the position of certain components while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A nozzle jig may be used to assemble nozzles and feather seals to create a nozzle module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Erik C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20170297162
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments include robotically monitoring abrader contact against the external surface of the tubular, and, in response, dynamically adjusting the distance between the external surface of the tubular and the abrasion assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: William C. Thomas, William J. Thomas, III, Perry J. DeCuir, JR., Jeffrey R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9782069
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for post-hoc correction of calibration errors in eye tracking data, which take into consideration calibration errors that result from changes in user position during a user session in which the user's fixations on a display screen are captured and recorded by an eye tracking system, and which take into consideration errors that occur when the user looks away from a displayed target item before selecting the target item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rachel K. E. Bellamy, Bonnie E. John, John T. Richards, Calvin B. Swart, John C. Thomas, Jr., Sharon M. Trewin
  • Patent number: 9782527
    Abstract: This document relates to continuity monitoring of electrical conductors. For example, materials and methods for continuity monitoring of conductors for use providing power to a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Douglas C. Thomas, David J. Burke, Steven H. Reichenbach, Bryce A. Stammerjohan, Thomas C. Rintoul
  • Patent number: 9775673
    Abstract: A coagulation suction device that includes a hollow suction tube, at least first and second bipolar wires, and an insulation cover. The hollow suction tube includes a closed distal tip, a proximal open end, and at least one suction opening positioned proximal of the closed distal tip. A position of the closed distal tip is adjustable relative to remaining portions of the hollow suction tube. The at least first and second bipolar wires extend along the hollow suction tube to the closed distal tip. The at least first and second bipolar wires each having an exposed distal end. The insulation cover encapsulates the at least first and second bipolar wires along a length of the first and second bipolar wires and terminates proximal of the exposed distal ends of the at least first and second bipolar wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Garner B. Meads, Jr., Scott Anjewierden, James B. Newton, Dane W. Barton, Nathan J. Knighton, Samuel C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9771081
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for detecting, in real time, a fatigue level of a vehicle operator. Multiple physiological indicators of an individual vehicle operator can be monitored at different instances when the operator's level of fatigue is known and can be quantified. A statistical model of the vehicle operator's fatigue can be developed from the data from the multiple instances. In future instances, the statistical model can be applied to real-time physiological data collected from the operator during operation of the vehicle to determine a fatigue level. A warning can be provided when the statistically-calculated fatigue level exceeds a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert William Grube, Lisa C. Thomas, Kimberly Marie Craig, Christopher Marc Gast
  • Publication number: 20170252783
    Abstract: A Knuckle Jointed Lance (KJL), comprising a segmented lance including a plurality of connected KJL segments in a concatenated string thereof. The first end of one KJL segment is rotatably connected to the second end of a neighboring KJL segment via a pinned connection. Responsive to user assignment of a predetermined length to each KJL segment in the concatenated string according to the KJL segment's corresponding pre-ordained position in the concatenated string, the lance is disposed to spool onto a reel in “nested” fashion, such that as the lance makes spooling revolutions onto the reel, (a) KJL segments stack in circumferential registered layers around the reel and (b) pinned connections trace substantially radial vectors from a center of the reel. Other embodiments provide additional features to facilitate nesting and to generally strengthen the KJL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventor: William C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9744708
    Abstract: A method of controlling a slot die comprises, while continuing to pass the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, changing the position of the actuators with the controller to either increase the cross-directional thickness of the fluid flow path adjacent each of the actuators or substantially close the fluid flow path adjacent the actuators, and after changing the cross-directional thickness of the fluid flow path adjacent each of the actuators, while continuing to pass the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, repositioning each of the actuators with the controller according to the set of discrete settings to resume operating the slot die with the actuators positioned according to the set of discrete settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Pentti K. Loukusa, Robert A. Yapel, Terence D. Neavin, Jennifer L. Trice, Kristopher K. Biegler, Paul C. Thomas, William J. Kopecky, Keith R. Bruesewitz, Robert B. Secor
  • Patent number: 9740398
    Abstract: Detecting user input based on multiple gestures is provided. One or more interactions are received from a user via a user interface. An inferred interaction is determined based, at least in part, on a geometric operation, wherein the geometric operation is based on the one or more interactions. The inferred interaction is presented via the user interface. Whether a confirmation has been received for the inferred interaction is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rachel K. E. Bellamy, Bonnie E. John, Peter K. Malkin, John T. Richards, Calvin B. Swart, John C. Thomas, Jr., Sharon M. Trewin