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).
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Patent number: 10951027Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Koolbridge Solar, Inc.Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Paul Wilkinson Dent
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Publication number: 20200136385Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2017Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Paul Wilkinson Dent
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Publication number: 20110230148Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Randolph Cary Demuynck, Bart P. Reier, Curtis W. Thornton
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Patent number: 7991433Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Brian F. Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard J. Hayes
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Patent number: 7970444Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes, Ronald A. Louks
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Patent number: 7645167Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Brian Francis Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes
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Publication number: 20090066587Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Gerard James HAYES, Curtis W. Thornton
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Patent number: 7460076Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Gerard J. Hayes, Curtis W. Thornton, Brian F. Mellage
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Publication number: 20080261546Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS ABInventors: Brian Francis Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes
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Publication number: 20080207272Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard James Hayes, Ronald A. Louks
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Publication number: 20080151485Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard J. Hayes
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Patent number: 7382625Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Brian Francis Mellage
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Publication number: 20080123283Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Brian F. Mellage, Curtis W. Thornton, Gerard J. Hayes
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Patent number: 7367511Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication ABInventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Brian Mellage, Gerard Hayes
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Publication number: 20070285320Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Gerard J. Hayes, Curtis W. Thornton, Brian F. Mellage
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Publication number: 20070173123Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS ABInventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Brian Francis Mellage
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Patent number: 7052290Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventor: Curtis W. Thornton
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Patent number: 7048171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Alberto Diaz
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Patent number: 6163611Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Ericsson Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Patterson, Wallace G. Keesee, Curtis W. Thornton
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Patent number: 6101402Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Ericcson Inc.Inventors: Istvan Bartha, Curtis W. Thornton