Patents by Inventor D. Thomas

D. 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).

  • Method for efficient processing of insurance claims
    Patent number: 11188986
    Abstract: Rooms, structures, vehicles, and other objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photographs of a room, structure, vehicle, or other object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, vehicle, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photographs using at least one known dimension for items observable in the photographs. The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items, or objects depicted in such photographs, and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photographs. Damages areas of the structure/vehicle/object can be assessed from the scale diagram. The scale diagram can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amounts for damage claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Estimatics in the Fourth Dimension, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Durel, Douglas Thomas, Steven D. Thomas
  • METALLOHYDROPORPHYRINS FOR PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING
    Publication number: 20210361783
    Abstract: Provided are photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include at least one radiation-absorbing component comprising a copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorin and/or bacteriochlorin and/or a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed photoacoustic imaging contrast agents either singly or in combination for generating an image of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof. Further provided are compositions and methods for multiplex photoacoustic imaging of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof using photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include a plurality of the presently disclosed copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorins and/or bacteriochlorins and/or derivatives thereof simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: NIRvana Sciences Inc.
    Inventors: James Bruce Pitner, Russell D. Thomas, Joshua O. Akhigbe
  • Adaptive Trail Cameras
    Publication number: 20210337108
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph F. Hlatky, Steven D. Thomas, JR.
  • Sting agonist compounds and methods of use
    Patent number: 11155567
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) agonist compounds, methods of making the compounds and their methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Duvall, Keith W. Bentley, Brian D. Jones, Eugene W. Kelleher, Soumya S. Ray, Joshua D. Thomas, Dorin Toader
  • Time based seatbelt routing detection via in-cabin sensors
    Patent number: 11148636
    Abstract: A system for detecting seatbelt routing includes: a state module configured to, based on a series of images over a period of time from a camera of a vehicle facing a seat, determine and output a routing state of a seatbelt of the seat; and a remediation module configured to, based on the routing state of the seatbelt of the seat, selectively perform at least one remedial action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Thomas, Michael Baltaxe, Kobi Nistel, Ruben Mergui
  • System and method for occupant classification and the regulation of airbag deployment based thereon
    Patent number: 11148628
    Abstract: One general aspect includes a system of restraint deployment regulation, the system includes: a memory configured to include a plurality of executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the processor to: (a) determine, based on a seat occupation sensor output, whether a non-adult occupant is occupying a vehicle seat; (b) determine, based on an in-cabin sensor output, whether a child restraint seat is mounted on the vehicle seat; and (c) based on steps (a) and (b), enable or suppress a deployment of an airbag module that corresponds with the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Scott D. Thomas
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION AND THE REGULATION OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BASED THEREON
    Publication number: 20210300275
    Abstract: One general aspect includes a system of restraint deployment regulation, the system includes: a memory configured to include a plurality of executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the processor to: (a) determine, based on a seat occupation sensor output, whether a non-adult occupant is occupying a vehicle seat; (b) determine, based on an in-cabin sensor output, whether a child restraint seat is mounted on the vehicle seat; and (c) based on steps (a) and (b), enable or suppress a deployment of an airbag module that corresponds with the vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventor: Scott D. Thomas
  • TOPICAL COMPOSITION FOR TREATMENT OF PAIN AND SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH RHINOSINUSITIS, METHOD OF MAKING, AND METHOD OF USE
    Publication number: 20210290665
    Abstract: A topical composition for the treatment of pain includes a hydrophilic carrier; a therapeutically active ingredient of potassium bitartrate and at least one of potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride; at least one essential oil; and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: THREE FIFTHS, LLC
    Inventor: Brian D. Thomas, SR.
  • VEHICLE SEAT INCORPORATING A SEAT BOTTOM FRONT EDGE AIRBAG
    Publication number: 20210291773
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom having a forward-facing surface relative to the vehicle seat and an airbag mounted to the seat bottom. The airbag includes an inflator mounted to the seat bottom and an airbag cushion including a portion positioned adjacent the forward-facing surface of the seat bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Scott D. Thomas, Kunling Shen, Jay S. Song, James M. House
  • System and method for determining seatbelt routing
    Patent number: 11117545
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting seatbelt routing in a motor vehicle safety restraint system. The system includes a seatbelt buckle sensor, an occupant sensor, a seatbelt payout sensor, and a control module. The method includes sensing a presence of a seatbelt latchplate in the seatbelt buckle. Further, the method determines whether the seatbelt is buckled. Additionally, the method includes sensing a presence of occupant in a vehicle seat. Moreover, the method further includes determining whether the occupant is detected in the vehicle seat. The method senses a seatbelt payout length and compares the seatbelt payout length to a first seatbelt payout length threshold. Thereafter, the method determines seatbelt routing based on whether the seatbelt is buckled, an occupant is present, and a seatbelt payout length has exceeded the first seatbelt payout length threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Scott D. Thomas
  • Double flapper valve for a variable cam timing system
    Patent number: 11111827
    Abstract: An inlet check valve for controlling fluid from a supply into a variable cam timing phaser includes a double flapper check valve assembly with an open position and a closed position, which includes a housing having a body, at least one stopper, a flapper valve comprising at least two flexible flaps received within the housing and aligned with the stopper(s), and a valve seat received within the housing, the valve seat defining openings aligned with the at least two flexible flaps, axially opposite the two stoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: BORGWARNER, INC.
    Inventors: Chris D. Thomas, Augusto Fanzani, Maino Bruno
  • Additives for improving DRA injection
    Patent number: 11098221
    Abstract: A composition comprising a drag reducing latex formulation produced by emulsion polymerization to create solid particles dispersed in an aqueous medium and an additive. The use of the composition results in a decrease of film formation while injected through a pump head when compared to the drag reducing latex formulation injected through the pump head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Ray L. Johnston, Zhiyi Bao, Richard D. Thomas, Timothy L. Burden
  • Protein kinase allostery sensor and methods of making and using same
    Patent number: 11099177
    Abstract: A protein kinase that includes a donor molecule and an acceptor molecule, methods of making the protein kinase, and methods of using the protein kinase are described. Measurement of the conformation of the kinase can be obtained using intramolecular FRET. The protein kinase can be used to, for example, identify conformational changes involved in kinase regulation, that is, as an allostery sensor; to identify kinase-binding molecules including, for example, kinase inhibitors; to identify cancer therapeutics; or for high-throughput screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Nicholas Mark Levinson, Emily Ruff, Joseph M. Muretta, David D. Thomas, Eric Lake
  • Virtual transponder
    Patent number: 11101879
    Abstract: A disclosed method for a virtual transponder comprises generating a configuration for a portion of a payload on a vehicle utilized by a host user by using an option for each variable(s) for a portion of the payload utilized by the host user. The method further comprises generating a configuration for a portion of the payload utilized by a hosted user by using an option for each variable(s) for a portion of the payload utilized by the hosted user. Also, the method comprises generating host commands for reconfiguring the portion of the payload utilized by the host user by using the configuration for the portion of the payload utilized by the host user. Further, the method comprises generating hosted commands for reconfiguring the portion of the payload utilized by the hosted user by using the configuration for the portion of the payload utilized by the hosted user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kristina Miller, Robert J. Winig, Eric Anden, Dimitri D. Thomas
  • HIGH PRECISION SPECTRAL FRET ASSAYS
    Publication number: 20210255195
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying a compound that alters fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) of a protein. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a target protein, where the target protein includes two heterologous domains, each domain having chromophores that together act as a FRET pair. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a target protein and a second protein, wherein the target protein includes a first heterologous domain including a chromophore, and the second protein includes a second heterologous domain including a chromophore, where the chromophores together act as a FRET pair. The method further includes contacting a sample including the target protein and optional second protein with a test compound to form a mixture, and measuring a fluorescence emission spectrum of the mixture during exposure to a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Tory M. Schaaf, David D. Thomas, Benjamin Grant, Kurt C. Peterson, Gregory D. Gillispie
  • System and method for configuring a multistage interconnection network based on user traffic demand
    Patent number: 11070285
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining traffic demand data indicating user traffic demand through a communication system including a multistage interconnection network. The method also includes generating first path data based on the traffic demand data. The first path data represents a configuration of components of the multistage interconnection network to provide traffic paths through the multistage interconnection network. The method includes selectively generating second path data based on a determination that a potential failure of the multistage interconnection network cannot be isolated, based on the traffic paths, to a single component. The second path data represents a modified configuration of the components to provide the traffic paths and test paths through the multistage interconnection network to facilitate isolation of the failure of the multistage interconnection network to the single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: James Y. Li, Dimitri D. Thomas
  • System and method for determining seatbelt routing
    Patent number: 11059453
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting seatbelt routing in a motor vehicle safety restraint system for a motor vehicle seat. The system includes a seatbelt buckle sensor, a seatbelt payout sensor, an occupancy sensor, an automatic locking retractor sensor and a control module. The method includes sensing a presence of a seatbelt latchplate in a seatbelt buckle. Further, the method includes sensing a seatbelt payout length. Additionally, the method includes comparing the seatbelt payout length to a first seatbelt payout length threshold. Moreover, the method includes determining seatbelt routing based on whether seatbelt latchplate is present in the seatbelt buckle and the seatbelt payout length is greater than the first seatbelt payout length threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Thomas, Jeffrey J. Schultz
  • SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HEADER
    Publication number: 20210185881
    Abstract: A support system for an agricultural header includes a first actuator configured to couple to a frame of the agricultural header and to a first element of the agricultural header. The support system also includes a second actuator configured to couple to the frame of the agricultural header and to a second element of the agricultural header. Furthermore, the support system includes a third actuator configured to couple to the frame of the agricultural header and to the second element of the agricultural header. The support system also includes a fluid supply system configured to provide pressurized fluid to the first actuator and to the second actuator. The third actuator is fluidly isolated from the fluid supply system, the first actuator, and the second actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Thomas, Joel Timothy Cook
  • CAM BASED SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER
    Publication number: 20210170987
    Abstract: A seat belt pretensioner for a motor vehicle includes a cam that rotates, a cable with a first end and a second end, a section of the cable positioned on an outer portion of the cam. Upon deployment the cam rotates and guides the first end from a first location to a second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventor: Scott D. Thomas
  • Injector method of switching between injection state and drain state
    Patent number: 11028810
    Abstract: An injector is provided, comprising an injector body comprising an inlet passage configured to receive fluid, at least one injection outlet configured to deliver fluid, and a central bore, a needle valve disposed for reciprocal movement within the central bore between a closed position and an opened position; and an actuator configured to move the needle valve between the closed position wherein a first portion of a surface of the valve tip engages a first portion of a surface of the injector body to form a first seal that inhibits flow through the at least one injection outlet, and the opened position wherein a second portion of the surface of the valve tip engages a second portion of the surface of the injector body to form a second seal that inhibits flow through the drain outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Thomas, Lester L. Peters, Anthony A. Shaull