Patents by Inventor Curtis W. Thornton

Curtis W. Thornton 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: 10951027
    Abstract: A smart load center panel (10) accepts two hot legs from each of two power sources, and selectively connects each of a plurality of breakers to one of the two power sources under processor control. A dielectric chassis (12) provides structural support and electrical isolation for a plurality of individual circuit boards (28), each including a pair of breaker stabs (26) and a relay (24) operative to selectively connect each breaker stab (26) to a different power source. A bus bar assembly (20) comprises two bus bars for the hot legs of each of two power sources, and insulates the bus bars from each other and from inadvertent contact. A master printed circuit board (40) comprises slits (43, 45) defining the individual circuit board (28) except at the edges. After mounting and soldering, the edges are cut away, yielding a plurality of individual circuit boards (28). Neutral and ground bus bars (46, 52) are mounted to the side of the panel housing (12), behind a flange of a front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Koolbridge Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Paul Wilkinson Dent
  • Publication number: 20200136385
    Abstract: A smart load center panel (10) accepts two hot legs from each of two power sources, and selectively connects each of a plurality of breakers to one of the two power sources under processor control. A dielectric chassis (12) provides structural support and electrical isolation for a plurality of individual circuit boards (28), each including a pair of breaker stabs (26) and a relay (24) operative to selectively connect each breaker stab (26) to a different power source. A bus bar assembly (20) comprises two bus bars for the hot legs of each of two power sources, and insulates the bus bars from each other and from inadvertent contact. A master printed circuit board (40) comprises slits (43, 45) defining the individual circuit board (28) except at the edges. After mounting and soldering, the edges are cut away, yielding a plurality of individual circuit boards (28). Neutral and ground bus bars (46, 52) are mounted to the side of the panel housing (12), behind a flange of a front opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Paul Wilkinson Dent
  • Publication number: 20110230148
    Abstract: A wearable mobile terminal that is configured to provide communications is provided. The wearable mobile terminal includes a primary housing that is configured to include a first portion of a plurality of electronic mobile terminal components therein and a retention member including a proximal end that is attached to a first side of the primary housing and a distal end that is biased towards the first side of the primary housing, the retention member including a second portion of the plurality of electronic mobile terminal components therein, the retention member configured to retain the wearable mobile terminal in a location proximate a user of the wearable mobile terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Randolph Cary Demuynck, Bart P. Reier, Curtis W. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7991433
    Abstract: An electronic device accessory includes a housing containing electronic circuitry. A plug extends from the housing and the plug is configured to connect to a receptacle of the electronic device. A member is attached to the housing and is moveable with respect to the housing so as to physically interfere with connection of the plug with the receptacle of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Brian F. Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7970444
    Abstract: A mobile terminal has a first body, a second body and a connector. The connector includes a ring assembly that is fixed to the second body and rotatably and slidably connected to the first body. The first body is capable of slidably moving along the ring assembly along a longitudinal axis relative to the second body. Additionally, the first body is capable of slidably moving along the ring assembly along the lateral axis relative to the second body, and the first body is further capable of rotatably moving about the ring assembly relative to the second body while maintaining electrical communication with the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes, Ronald A. Louks
  • Patent number: 7645167
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses presented herein control antenna connectivity for a wireless communication device as a function of rotation of a connector assembly plugged into the device, such as where an external antenna or cable includes the connector assembly. Assuming the device has a mating connector for the external antenna that changes the connections of internal and external antennas as a function of the connector mating depth, the method comprises configuring the wireless communication device and/or the external antenna with a mechanical feature that changes the mating depth between the device's and the antenna's mating connectors responsive to external antenna rotation. In one embodiment, a body portion of the external antenna retains the mating connector and includes a cam feature or other mechanical feature that engages an edge or surface of the device as the antenna is rotated, thereby pushing the antenna out from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Brian Francis Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes
  • Publication number: 20090066587
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body having electronic circuitry therein, and further includes an exposed interface that enables the electronic circuitry to transfer information. In addition, the electronic device includes a cap member releasably attachable to the main body in at least a first position and a second position, the cap member including at least one antenna element. The cap member covers the exposed interface when attached to the main body in the first position, and when the cap member is attached to the main body in the second position, the antenna element serves as an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving information wirelessly in conjunction with the electronic circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gerard James HAYES, Curtis W. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7460076
    Abstract: A wireless communications card for use with an electronic device includes a frame and an antenna system. The frame is configured for removable installation in the electronic device. The antenna system includes first and second antennas each integral with the frame. At least one of the first and second antennas is selectively movable relative to the other between a first antenna configuration and a second antenna configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Gerard J. Hayes, Curtis W. Thornton, Brian F. Mellage
  • Publication number: 20080261546
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses presented herein control antenna connectivity for a wireless communication device as a function of rotation of a connector assembly plugged into the device, such as where an external antenna or cable includes the connector assembly. Assuming the device has a mating connector for the external antenna that changes the connections of internal and external antennas as a function of the connector mating depth, the method comprises configuring the wireless communication device and/or the external antenna with a mechanical feature that changes the mating depth between the device's and the antenna's mating connectors responsive to external antenna rotation. In one embodiment, a body portion of the external antenna retains the mating connector and includes a cam feature or other mechanical feature that engages an edge or surface of the device as the antenna is rotated, thereby pushing the antenna out from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Brian Francis Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes
  • Publication number: 20080207272
    Abstract: A mobile terminal having a two part housing enabling a first part of the housing to slide laterally and longitudinally and to pivot relative to the second part of the housing. This enables the terminal to assume at least eight configurations. With such variety of configurations, the housing may change function with a change in configuration. This enables the user to use the terminal for a number of different functions by repositioning the device to a different configuration. A first position, for example, may be for PDA use with an alphanumeric keypad exposed. Another position may be for cellular telephone use with a numeric keypad exposed. Another position may be for use as a digital camera, and another use may be that of a global positioning device. A further use may be that of a video conferencing device. Yet another device may be that of a gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes, Ronald A. Louks
  • Publication number: 20080151485
    Abstract: A mechanical interlock mechanism described herein prevents a user from removing a memory card while a portable electronic device is connected to an external power supply. The portable electronic device includes a memory port, a power connector, and a cover. The cover is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the cover exposes the memory port. In the second position, the cover exposes the power connector and at least partially blocks the memory port and any memory card inserted in the memory port. Thus, the second position prevents the user from removing a memory card from the memory port while an external power supply is connected to the power connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7382625
    Abstract: An express card adapted to receive and utilize a SIM card that can be electrically coupled with a computer is disclosed. The express card includes an extended portion with a printed circuit board (PCB) and a SIM card connector for coupling a SIM card with the PCB. An external antenna jack is electrically coupled with the PCB extended portion. An antenna/SIM card support structure is mounted on the PCB extended portion covering the SIM card connector. The antenna/SIM. card support structure forms a slot adapted to receive and seat a SIM card and form an electrical connection between the SIM card and the SIM card connector. A metallic flex antenna can be affixed to the antenna/SIM card support structure such that the antenna characteristics of an external antenna can be affected based on the metallization pattern and placement of the metallic flex antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Brian Francis Mellage
  • Publication number: 20080123283
    Abstract: An electronic device accessory includes a housing containing electronic circuitry. A plug extends from the housing and the plug is configured to connect to a receptacle of the electronic device. A member is attached to the housing and is moveable with respect to the housing so as to physically interfere with connection of the plug with the receptacle of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Brian F. Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7367511
    Abstract: An interface card is manufactured with a frame that includes an exposed mounting area on the card extension for receiving a customized cover plate. The cover plate includes customer specific information such as branding information, customer name, logos, trademarks or the like. The cover plate is secured to the card mounting area after manufacture of the card such that the card can be of a generic, non-customer specific design. In one embodiment of the cover plate, the cover plate is formed with a cover that is hinged to the cover plate and can be selectively opened by the end user to reveal elements on the card such as an RF connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication AB
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Brian Mellage, Gerard Hayes
  • Publication number: 20070285320
    Abstract: A wireless communications card for use with an electronic device includes a frame and an antenna system. The frame is configured for removable installation in the electronic device. The antenna system includes first and second antennas each integral with the frame. At least one of the first and second antennas is selectively movable relative to the other between a first antenna configuration and a second antenna configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Gerard J. Hayes, Curtis W. Thornton, Brian F. Mellage
  • Publication number: 20070173123
    Abstract: An express card adapted to receive and utilize a SIM card that can be electrically coupled with a computer is disclosed. The express card includes an extended portion with a printed circuit board (PCB) and a SIM card connector for coupling a SIM card with the PCB. An external antenna jack is electrically coupled with the PCB extended portion. An antenna/SIM card support structure is mounted on the PCB extended portion covering the SIM card connector. The antenna/SIM. card support structure forms a slot adapted to receive and seat a SIM card and form an electrical connection between the SIM card and the SIM card connector. A metallic flex antenna can be affixed to the antenna/SIM card support structure such that the antenna characteristics of an external antenna can be affected based on the metallization pattern and placement of the metallic flex antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Brian Francis Mellage
  • Patent number: 7052290
    Abstract: An interface module connector for an interface module card to be used in an electronic device. The interface module connector includes a sheet having raised areas that correspond to the position of the electrical contacts of the interface module card. An electrically conductive compliant material extends through the raised areas, providing electrical contacts for the connector. The connector electrical contacts may be electrically connected to a PCB. The connector may be for a SIM card. A PCB assembly may be provided, including a connector mounted to a PCB, with a shield mounted to the PCB and substantially enclosing the connector. The shield may define a slot to receive an interface module. In one embodiment the PCB may be a PCI Mini Express Card, and in another embodiment the slot adapted to receive the interface module may have a height of approximately 1.35 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Curtis W. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7048171
    Abstract: A surgical stapler which has an actuating trigger that is operable in three distinct positions. The actuating trigger works in combination with a forming tool and a window opening in a disposable staple cartridge to lock and align the centerline of a staple ready to be formed guaranteeing a smooth and precise insertion into a wound or incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Alberto Diaz
  • Patent number: 6163611
    Abstract: A system connector for an electronic device such as a cellular phone is integrally molded with a mic cavity for receiving a device microphone. By incorporating the microphone into the system connector, overall device thickness can be reduced, providing a more efficient use of space than the previous use of separate connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Patterson, Wallace G. Keesee, Curtis W. Thornton
  • Patent number: 6101402
    Abstract: A radiotelephone having a slidably retractable member with an acoustic duct for transmitting sound through the member into a microphone housed in the radiotelephone's main body. The member is slidable to an extended position for use such that a sound inlet of the acoustic duct is exposed for collecting sound as a person speaks into it. Sound travels through the acoustic duct and passes directly through a sound outlet into the microphone. A sealing member adjacent the microphone acoustically seals the sound outlet to a sound port in the microphone. Features are provided on the slidable member and main body for guiding the member into its retracted and extended positions. Also, detent features hold the member in its two positions. In one embodiment, the member covers an external face of the radiotelephone when retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ericcson Inc.
    Inventors: Istvan Bartha, Curtis W. Thornton