Patents by Inventor C. Thompson

C. Thompson 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: 20250051681
    Abstract: The engine lubricating system can become contaminated with carbon deposits and sludge. Sludge is where the combustion by-products that have entered the oil base saturate this oil base, thus forming a thick carbon rich substance. Sludge is not wanted within the engine. Sludge and or carbon deposits in the motor oil cause problems. Such carbon deposits form in the motor oil from heat, pressure, and namely combustion gases that have leaked pasted the piston rings. Turpentine and terpenes, hereafter referred to as “terpenes”, have shown that these chemicals can breakdown carbon which has been deposited within the engine's oil base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Patent number: 12222230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic flowmeters. More particularly, the present invention relates to a magnetic flowmeter specifically designed for the hydraulic fracturing industry that is capable of withstanding a variety of corrosive slurries, acids, bases, and solvents including a liner including partially stabilized magnesium zirconia (MgPSZ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: THOMPSON EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Todd C. Thompson, Thomas Meacham, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20250025249
    Abstract: A surgical cannula includes a bowl section; a tube; and an attachment portion extending from the bowl section. The attachment portion is configured to engage with at least one of a cannula sterile adaptor and a cannula mount of a surgical system. The attachment portion extends from the bowl section along a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cannula. The attachment portion tapers in a direction away from the bowl section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 12189047
    Abstract: A hybrid method of estimating position of a mobile device which utilizes both received signal power and timing measurements. Received signal power of signals received by the mobile device from a plurality of cells are measured and corresponding received signal power measurements are stored. The method further includes measuring, at the mobile device, times of arrival of signals received from the plurality of cells. A plurality of time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements are determined from the times of arrival. A power-time hybrid Gaussian maximum likelihood estimator and positioning assistance data for the plurality of cells are used to generate a maximum likelihood estimate of the position of the mobile device by evaluating a joint conditional probability of the received signal power measurements and the plurality of TDOA measurements. Gaussian random variables may be used to represent the received signal power measurements and the TDOA measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: PHY Wireless, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Thompson, Zane Rau
  • Publication number: 20240423751
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling a computer-assisted device based on a geometric parameter representative of a geometric relationship of an operator and a display unit include the following. The computer-assisted device comprises a repositionable structure system configured to support a display unit that displays an image viewable by an operator; an actuator system physically coupled to the repositionable structure system; a sensor system configured to capture sensor data associated with a portion of a head of the operator; and a control system. The control system is configured to: determine, based on sensor data, a geometric parameter of the portion of the head relative to a portion of the computer-assisted device, determine a commanded motion based on the geometric parameter and a target parameter, and command the actuator system to move the repositionable structure based on the commanded motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Mohammad Sina PARASTEGARI, Jason A. GLASSER, Olga GREENBERG, Paul G. GRIFFITHS, Katherine LI, Allen C. THOMPSON, Keith J. WATZA
  • Publication number: 20240415605
    Abstract: A display unit of a user control system of a telesurgical system includes a support structure, a headrest, and a lens. The headrest is movably connected to the support structure. The lens is below the headrest and includes an optical axis. The headrest is movable to a plurality of positions along a position adjustment axis that is parallel to the optical axis. And, the headrest includes a curved user-facing surface that is shaped to receive a user's head in a way that comfortably aligns the user's eye horizontally and vertically with the optical axis of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Sweeney, Ehsan Noohi Bezanjani, Sina Parastegari, Allen C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 12158536
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for classifying traffic flow using a plurality of learning machines arranged in multiple hierarchical levels. A first learning machine may classify a first portion of the input stream as malicious based on a match with first classification rules, and a second learning machine may classify at least part of the first portion of the input stream as malicious based on a match with second classification rules. The at least part of the first portion of the input stream may be classified as malicious based on the matches in the first and second learning machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: PHY Wireless, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Thompson, Raphael Mall, Neal Riedel, Steven J. Caliguri, Zane Rau
  • Patent number: 12138130
    Abstract: A cannula for insertion of a medical instrument includes a tube portion and an attachment portion coupled to the tube portion. One or more magnets are arranged at the attachment portion and configured to encode identifying information of the cannula. The attachment portion comprises a plurality of encoding positions that each indicate part of the identifying information; and for each encoding position of the plurality of encoding positions, absence of one of the one or more magnets at the respective encoding position indicates a first value, presence of one of the one of the magnets with a first orientation at the respective encoding position indicates a second value, and presence of one of the one of the magnets with a second orientation at the respective encoding position indicates a third value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon R. Garbus, Allen C. Thompson, Justin Krom
  • Publication number: 20240356091
    Abstract: Battery systems and related methods are provided in which a single battery system may be implemented to have an asymmetric configuration of multiple battery cell blocks that each have the same block charge capacity, and in which all of the battery cell blocks of the single battery system taken together form the asymmetric configuration of multiple battery cell blocks. Each of the multiple battery cell blocks of a single battery system (e.g., battery pack) may be configured with one or more battery cells, the multiple battery cell blocks may be electrically coupled together in series, and at least a first one of the multiple battery cell blocks may have a first internal battery cell configuration that is different from a second internal battery cell configuration of at least a second one of the other multiple battery cell blocks of the same battery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Rick C. Thompson, Jui Chin Fang, Wen-Yung Chang
  • Patent number: 12112354
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed, using one or more computers. for bidding on digital advertising space associated with media content on a digital platform. Popularity is determined of a plurality of electronic communication and associated clips on a digital platform. A clip is detected which meets a threshold for approaching an activity level of user activity indicating the popularity of the clip. The clip meeting the threshold is labeled as a non-fungible token (NFT) indicating available digital advertising space associated with the clip. In response to the labeling of the clip, monetary bidding is received, based on the NFT by entities buying digital advertising space for digital advertising content associated with the NFT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Luis Angel Bathen, Marc Henri Coq, Eric Kevin Butler, Akil Khamisi Sutton, Sandra C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20240307204
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for augmenting weight loss through metabolic surgery. More specifically, the method of the present invention includes creating a submucosal tunnel in the gastric body of a patient extending from the proximal gastric antrum to the pre-pyloric area. One or more myotomies are created in the submucosal tunnel extending from the pre-pyloric area to just distal of the opening of the submucosal tunnel. The submucosal tunnel is closed, and a running suture is performed along the greater curvature of the stomach. Optionally, an endoscopic gastroplasty may then be performed. The method of the present invention alters gastric physiology, slows gastric emptying, and augments patient weight loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20240277428
    Abstract: A system includes a manipulator arm and a cannula mount arm. The manipulator arm includes a link and a locking assembly coupled to the link. The cannula mount arm includes a latch. The cannula mount arm is configured to be extended from the link to an extended position. The locking assembly is configured to engage with the latch when the cannula mount arm is extended from the link to the extended position so as to lock the cannula mount arm in the extended position. Activation of an electrical component coupled to the locking assembly is inhibited when a cannula is docked to the cannula mount arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Allen C. THOMPSON, Daniel H. GOMEZ, Kirk NANGREAVES
  • Publication number: 20240283086
    Abstract: A system can comprise a shell, one or more battery cells disposed within the shell, and a pressure-directing layer disposed between the battery cell(s) and the shell's interior surface. Each of the battery cell(s) can comprise an enclosure including a gas-impermeable portion and a venting portion configured to permit gas to exit the enclosure. The pressure-directing layer can comprise one or more openings that each overlie the venting portion of the enclosure of at least one of the battery cell(s). In some systems, the pressure-directing layer can have a thickness that is less than a distance between the battery cell(s) and the interior surface of the shell such that there is a space between the battery cell(s) and the interior surface of the shell. In some systems, the pressure-directing layer can be coupled to the battery cell(s) and the interior surface of the shell and comprise a resilient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Rick C. Thompson, Yan Ning
  • Patent number: 12053252
    Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system includes a body configured to receive a portion of a cannula in a mounted state at the cannula mount; a pair of clamping components coupled to the body and configured to clamp the portion of the cannula in the mounted state of the cannula; and a latch assembly pivotably coupled to the body and slidably coupled to a clamping component of the pair of clamping components. At least one of the pair of clamping components is pivotable relative to the body to move the pair of clamping components between a first state to unclamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount and a second state to clamp a cannula mounted at the cannula mount. Pivoting motion of the latch assembly relative to the body causes a portion of the latch assembly to slide along the clamping component and change a state of the pair of clamping components from an unlocked state to a locked state in the second state of the pair of clamping components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Randal P. Goldberg, Dean F. Hoornaert, Tyler J. Morrissette, Bruce M. Schena
  • Patent number: 12048505
    Abstract: Implementations relate to a master control device. In some implementations, a master control device includes a control body comprising a proximal end, a thumb grip portion, and a finger grip portion. The control body has a length configured to engage the proximal end of the control body in the palm of a hand of the user while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with a thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with a finger of the hand. The control body is configured to allow the proximal end of the control body to be selectively engaged by the palm of the hand and selectively disengaged from the palm of the hand while the hand engages the thumb grip portion with the thumb of the hand and the finger grip portion with the finger of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Grant M. Kadokura, John Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 12044560
    Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic flowmeters. More particularly, the present invention relates to a magnetic flowmeter designed for oil and gas exploration and production, including offshore fracking, onshore hydraulic fracturing, and onshore and offshore non-fracking applications that is capable of withstanding high pressures and a variety of corrosive slurries, acids, bases, and solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: THOMPSON EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Todd C. Thompson, Thomas Meacham, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240215980
    Abstract: The invention is an implantable magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton that directs self-assembly. The design allows the device to be delivered in a linear configuration using a minimally-invasive technique, such as endoscopy or laparoscopy, whereupon the device self-assembles into, e.g., a polygon. A coupled set of polygons define a circumscribed tissue that can be perforated, or the tissue can be allowed to naturally necrose and perforate. The device can be used to create anastomoses in a variety of tissues, such as tissues found in the gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and reproductive tracts. New procedures for using anastomoses, e.g., surgical bypass are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Robert F. Beisel, Peter Lukin, John McWeeney, Marvin Ryou, Christopher C. Thompson, Josef K. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20240221716
    Abstract: A sound system and a method for noise cancellation in a room is provided, the method comprising arranging a set of microphones at a distance from an opening in a wall of the room for provision of one or more microphone input signals including a first microphone input signal; arranging a set of speakers in a vicinity of the opening; determining, based on at least the first microphone input signal, one or more output signals for the set of speakers for matching of sound entering the room through the opening; generating the one or more output signals; and outputting sound signals based on the one or more output signals with the set of speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Stephen C. THOMPSON, Andrew Dittberner
  • Publication number: 20240199240
    Abstract: A method of deploying a plurality of spacecraft includes coupling the plurality of spacecraft in a stack to a payload adaptor, the stack extending along a longitudinal axis; launching the payload adaptor into an orbit; and decoupling an entirety of the stack from the payload adaptor after the payload adaptor reaches the orbit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew C. Thompson, Patrick Sodt, Thomas Tarlton, Robert S. Tarlton, Solomon Westerman, Michael Dergance
  • Publication number: 20240192749
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performance controls based upon the detection of undervoltage or overcurrent conditions in heterogenous computing platforms are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include: a heterogeneous computing platform comprising a plurality of devices; and a memory coupled to the heterogeneous computing platform, where the memory comprises firmware instructions that, upon execution by at least one of the plurality of devices, causes the at least one device to operate as an orchestrator configured to: detect an overcurrent or undervoltage condition; and in response to the detection, select an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) thermal zone setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Suraj M Varma, Daniel L. Hamlin, Richard C. Thompson