Patents by Inventor Chad Thomas

Chad 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: 12429156
    Abstract: A rapid-connect coupler having an anti-rotation feature is disclosed. A coupler includes a housing, a probe configured to translate longitudinally within the housing, a ball cage, a plurality of balls disposed in the ball cage, and a slidable sleeve coupled to the probe and configured to translate longitudinally with the probe. The slidable sleeve includes a collar that defines a plurality of channels positioned radially about and extending axially along an outer surface. The plurality of channels of the collar are configured to receive bearings of the receptacle to prevent rotation of the coupler relative to the receptacle. To couple the coupler to the receptacle, the slidable sleeve is configured to slide in a longitudinal direction into the receptacle to cause the plurality of channels to receive the bearings of the receptacle and subsequently cause the plurality of balls to lock the coupler to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2025
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy N. Tickle, Jeffrey S. Howard, Chad Thomas
  • Patent number: 12297961
    Abstract: Low emission nozzles and receptacles are disclosed. A receptacle includes a main body, a first stem, a first poppet connected to the first stem, a valve seat disposed in the main body, a first spring configured to bias the first poppet to a first closed position, a second stem slidingly engaged to the first poppet and the first stem, a second poppet connected to the second stem, and a second spring configured to bias the second poppet to a second closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Publication number: 20240284017
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive live video streaming in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an interaction encoder for transmitting interactive live video streams, including a processor, and a memory, containing an interaction encoding application, where the interaction encoding application directs the processor to obtain media data comprising a video track, receive a request to generate an interaction object in the video track at a given timestamp of the video stream, generate interaction data based on the request, where the interaction data includes a data structure capable of being decoded in near-real time to produce the interaction object in the video track at the timestamp when played back, and transmit the interaction data to an interaction decoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicant: SW Direct Sales, LLC
    Inventors: Rory J. Cutaia, Chad Thomas, Jason R. Matheny, Brycen Rinehart, Robert Roy Hall, JR.
  • Publication number: 20240263729
    Abstract: A rapid-connect coupler having an anti-rotation feature is disclosed. A coupler includes a housing, a probe configured to translate longitudinally within the housing, a ball cage, a plurality of balls disposed in the ball cage, and a slidable sleeve coupled to the probe and configured to translate longitudinally with the probe. The slidable sleeve includes a collar that defines a plurality of channels positioned radially about and extending axially along an outer surface. The plurality of channels of the collar are configured to receive bearings of the receptacle to prevent rotation of the coupler relative to the receptacle. To couple the coupler to the receptacle, the slidable sleeve is configured to slide in a longitudinal direction into the receptacle to cause the plurality of channels to receive the bearings of the receptacle and subsequently cause the plurality of balls to lock the coupler to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Tracy N. Tickle, Jeffrey S. Howard, Chad Thomas
  • Patent number: 11988315
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting a tank to a receptacle includes a housing, a probe configured to translate longitudinally within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly is movable between a decoupled position, a coupled position, and a venting position. The coupler includes a ball cage, a plurality of balls disposed in the ball cage, and a slidable sleeve coupled to the probe and configured to translate longitudinally with the probe. The slidable sleeve is configured to slide in a first longitudinal direction to cause the plurality of balls to translate radially to lock the coupler to the receptacle. The slidable sleeve includes a collar defining a plurality of channels that are positioned radially and extending axially along the collar and configured to receive bearings of the receptacle in the coupled position and the venting position to prevent rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy N. Tickle, Jeffrey S. Howard, Chad Thomas
  • Patent number: 11949968
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive live video streaming in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an interaction encoder for transmitting interactive live video streams, including a processor, and a memory, containing an interaction encoding application, where the interaction encoding application directs the processor to obtain media data comprising a video track, receive a request to generate an interaction object in the video track at a given timestamp of the video stream, generate interaction data based on the request, where the interaction data includes a data structure capable of being decoded in near-real time to produce the interaction object in the video track at the timestamp when played back, and transmit the interaction data to an interaction decoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SW Direct Sales, LLC
    Inventors: Rory J. Cutaia, Chad Thomas, Jason R. Matheny, Brycen Rinehart, Robert Roy Hall, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240019084
    Abstract: Low emission nozzles and receptacles are disclosed. A receptacle includes a main body, a first stem, a first poppet connected to the first stem, a valve seat disposed in the main body, a first spring configured to bias the first poppet to a first closed position, a second stem slidingly engaged to the first poppet and the first stem, a second poppet connected to the second stem, and a second spring configured to bias the second poppet to a second closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Patent number: 11796135
    Abstract: A receptacle includes a main body, a stem, a poppet connected to the stem and defining an inner check void, a spring configured to bias the poppet to a closed poppet position, and a check assembly at least partially disposed in the inner check void. The check assembly includes a check and a check spring. The check is configured to move relative to the main body. The check spring is configured to bias the check toward a closed check position. The check has a first surface area and the poppet has a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area of the poppet such that a fluid force causes the check to move to an open check position before causing the poppet to move to an open poppet position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Publication number: 20220412494
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting a tank to a receptacle includes a housing, a probe configured to translate longitudinally within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly is movable between a decoupled position, a coupled position, and a venting position. The coupler includes a ball cage, a plurality of balls disposed in the ball cage, and a slidable sleeve coupled to the probe and configured to translate longitudinally with the probe. The slidable sleeve is configured to slide in a first longitudinal direction to cause the plurality of balls to translate radially to lock the coupler to the receptacle. The slidable sleeve includes a collar defining a plurality of channels that are positioned radially and extending axially along the collar and configured to receive bearings of the receptacle in the coupled position and the venting position to prevent rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Tracy N. Tickle, Jeffrey S. Howard, Chad Thomas
  • Patent number: 11460136
    Abstract: A rapid connect coupler for connecting a fluid holding tank to a receptacle in a non-rotatable manner can include a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly can be movable between a plurality of positions corresponding to decoupled, coupled and venting positions. The coupler can also include a slidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction, the sleeve including a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the coupled and uncoupled positions to prevent rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle when the two components are engaged to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy N. Tickle, Jeffrey S. Howard, Chad Thomas
  • Patent number: 11353118
    Abstract: A receptacle for conveying fluid is disclosed. An example receptacle includes a main body defining an inlet and an outlet, a spring retainer disposed in the main body, a valve seat disposed in the main body, and a poppet configured to slide between a closed position and an open position. The poppet is slidably engaged with the spring retainer between the closed position and the open position and is engaged with the valve seat in the closed position. The example receptacle also includes a spring engaged with the spring retainer and the poppet to bias the poppet to engage the valve seat in the closed position. The spring retainer, the valve seat, the poppet, and the spring are removable from the main body via the inlet without disassembling the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Michael T. Glavin, Jeffrey S. Howard, Guangbin Cao
  • Publication number: 20220120384
    Abstract: A receptacle includes a main body, a stem, a poppet connected to the stem and defining an inner check void, a spring configured to bias the poppet to a closed poppet position, and a check assembly at least partially disposed in the inner check void. The check assembly includes a check and a check spring. The check is configured to move relative to the main body. The check spring is configured to bias the check toward a closed check position. The check has a first surface area and the poppet has a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area of the poppet such that a fluid force causes the check to move to an open check position before causing the poppet to move to an open poppet position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Patent number: 11162641
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid includes a probe slidably disposed in a main body. The probe has a probe body defining a check sealing surface and a check void. A check assembly is at least partially disposed in the check void, and includes a check configured to move relative to the main body and the probe body. A spring is configured to bias the check to sealingly engage the check against the check sealing surface of the probe body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Publication number: 20210144452
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive live video streaming in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an interaction encoder for transmitting interactive live video streams, including a processor, and a memory, containing an interaction encoding application, where the interaction encoding application directs the processor to obtain media data comprising a video track, receive a request to generate an interaction object in the video track at a given timestamp of the video stream, generate interaction data based on the request, where the interaction data includes a data structure capable of being decoded in near-real time to produce the interaction object in the video track at the timestamp when played back, and transmit the interaction data to an interaction decoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: Verb Technology Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Rory J. Cutaia, Chad Thomas, Jason R. Matheny, Brycen Rinehart, Rob Hall
  • Publication number: 20210108732
    Abstract: A receptacle for conveying fluid is disclosed. An example receptacle includes a main body defining an inlet and an outlet, a spring retainer disposed in the main body, a valve seat disposed in the main body, and a poppet configured to slide between a closed position and an open position. The poppet is slidably engaged with the spring retainer between the closed position and the open position and is engaged with the valve seat in the closed position. The example receptacle also includes a spring engaged with the spring retainer and the poppet to bias the poppet to engage the valve seat in the closed position. The spring retainer, the valve seat, the poppet, and the spring are removable from the main body via the inlet without disassembling the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Michael T. Glavin, Jeffrey S. Howard, Guangbin Cao
  • Publication number: 20210088187
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid includes a probe slidably disposed in a main body. The probe has a probe body defining a check sealing surface and a check void. A check assembly is at least partially disposed in the check void, and includes a check configured to move relative to the main body and the probe body. A spring is configured to bias the check to sealingly engage the check against the check sealing surface of the probe body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Patent number: 10883665
    Abstract: A method consistent with the present disclosure may include: (a) equalizing pressure between a nozzle inner void and a receptacle main inner void by pressing a nozzle check against a receptacle check to open the nozzle check and the receptacle check; (b) extending the nozzle into the receptacle such that a receptacle main body surrounds at least a portion of the nozzle probe; (c) flowing fluid from the nozzle inner void into the receptacle main inner void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Patent number: 10876636
    Abstract: A receptacle for conveying fluid is disclosed. The receptacle may include a main body, a spring retainer, a valve seat assembly, a poppet, and a spring. The main body defines an inlet and an outlet. The spring retainer is disposed in the main body and removable from the main body via the inlet. The valve seat assembly is disposed in the main body and removable from the main body via the inlet. The poppet is slidably engaged with the spring retainer between a closed position and an open position and is engageable with the valve seat assembly. The spring is engaged with the spring retainer and with the poppet to urge the poppet against the valve seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Michael T. Glavin, Jeffrey S. Howard, Guangbin Cao
  • Publication number: 20200318768
    Abstract: A rapid connect coupler for connecting a fluid holding tank to a receptacle in a non-rotatable manner can include a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly can be movable between a plurality of positions corresponding to decoupled, coupled and venting positions. The coupler can also include a slidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction, the sleeve including a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the coupled and uncoupled positions to prevent rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle when the two components are engaged to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Tracy N. Tickle, Jeffrey S. Howard, Chad Thomas
  • Publication number: 20190360642
    Abstract: A method consistent with the present disclosure may include: (a) equalizing pressure between a nozzle inner void and a receptacle main inner void by pressing a nozzle check against a receptacle check to open the nozzle check and the receptacle check; (b) extending the nozzle into the receptacle such that a receptacle main body surrounds at least a portion of the nozzle probe; (c) flowing fluid from the nozzle inner void into the receptacle main inner void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard