Patents by Inventor Donald Thomas

Donald 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).

  • Publication number: 20250312788
    Abstract: Systems are described that provide thermal rates of change occurring in fluidic compartments, such as reaction chambers of a fluidic device, so as to achieve significantly reduced overall reaction times. Moreover, various biological analysis systems enhance temperature uniformity occurring within a reaction chamber that is subject to external thermal exchange to control a temperature therein. To increase thermal rates of change and/or enhance temperature uniformity, various embodiments of the present disclosure rely on one or more thermally insulative portions of the device surrounding chambers in which thermal cycling reactions and/or other change in temperature occurs. Providing fluidic devices with relatively fast reaction rates and thermal uniformity can both reduce the overall time for such reactions and enhance accuracy of results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2025
    Publication date: October 9, 2025
    Inventors: Donald THOMAS, Conrad LINDBERG, Victor SANCHEZ, Victor MONTIJO, Thomas D. FORD
  • Patent number: 12436874
    Abstract: In accordance with a technique of parallelized computer system testing, a processor develops, on a representative computer system, a plurality of groups of system tests based on test-ordering constraints, where the system tests in each of the plurality of groups are executable in a temporally overlapping manner. The processor applies a test suite including a sequence of multiple of the plurality of groups of system tests to a production computer system. Applying the test suite includes performing the system tests in each of multiple of the plurality of tests groups in a temporally overlapping manner, such that testing efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Willoughby, Milcah Ntende, Donald Thomas, Emily Wise, John R. Dangler, Kevin Randolph, Andrew C.M. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20250307125
    Abstract: In accordance with a technique of parallelized computer system testing, a processor develops, on a representative computer system, a plurality of groups of system tests based on test-ordering constraints, where the system tests in each of the plurality of groups are executable in a temporally overlapping manner. The processor applies a test suite including a sequence of multiple of the plurality of groups of system tests to a production computer system. Applying the test suite includes performing the system tests in each of multiple of the plurality of tests groups in a temporally overlapping manner, such that testing efficiency is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2024
    Publication date: October 2, 2025
    Inventors: Jeffrey Willoughby, Milcah Ntende, Donald Thomas, Emily Wise, John R. Dangler, Kevin Randolph, Andrew C.M. Hicks
  • Patent number: 11330347
    Abstract: Aspects include receiving past performance data. Aspects also include collecting a set of observations about a live event. Aspects also include generating a stoppage time prediction based on the past performance data and the set of observations about the live event. Aspects also include generating an optimized content sequence based on the stoppage time prediction and a respective duration of each of a plurality of preexisting media files. The optimized content sequence includes a sequence of one or more media files of the plurality of preexisting media files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald Thomas, Nicholas Zapotoski, John R. Dangler
  • Patent number: 11273956
    Abstract: A modular container has identically molded sides pieces connected together at corner joints and separately molded, identical top/bottom pieces. The corner joints are formed by snap fit engagement of flexible locking tabs of one side piece with pockets on another side piece when the molded side pieces are serially connected together. The flexible locking tabs are biased oppositely to one another in alternating manner and each tab engages with a shoulder in the corresponding pocket to enable a zipper effect with respect to the assembly and disassembly of the corner joints. Two top/bottom pieces are secured by relative rotation to the assembled side pieces to form the container. An extension ring or divider can be used between upper and lower sets of the assembled side pieces to enable different container sizes. The component parts are molded with a degree of flexibility that enhances the assembly/disassembly of the corner joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventors: Donald Thomas, Anthony P. Habodasz
  • Publication number: 20210329352
    Abstract: Aspects include receiving past performance data. Aspects also include collecting a set of observations about a live event. Aspects also include generating a stoppage time prediction based on the past performance data and the set of observations about the live event. Aspects also include generating an optimized content sequence based on the stoppage time prediction and a respective duration of each of a plurality of preexisting media files. The optimized content sequence includes a sequence of one or more media files of the plurality of preexisting media files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Donald Thomas, Nicholas Zapotoski, John R. Dangler
  • Publication number: 20210309194
    Abstract: A wireless vehicle trailer monitoring system comprising: a monitoring circuit operatively coupled to a trailer controller, the monitoring circuit configured to detect a fault condition with an associated trailer; a trailer wireless transceiver operatively coupled to the monitoring circuit; and a towing vehicle wireless transceiver operatively coupled to an associated towing vehicle, wherein the trailer wireless transceiver is configured to communication wirelessly with the towing vehicle wireless transceiver
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Donald Thomas, Christian Barcey, Joecyl Sanchez, Brian Lipczynski, Adam Divelbiss
  • Patent number: 10722902
    Abstract: An apparatus, composition and method for recycling of a material, such as, for example, unhardened concrete. The apparatus includes a storage tank for storing a recycling composition to be applied to the material to be recycled and a control unit configured to control release of the recycling composition from the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Cycrete Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald Thomas, Michael Hogan, Jeffrey Shi
  • Publication number: 20200171310
    Abstract: The vagus nerve and branches of the vagus nerve are stimulated below the laryngeal nerve branch bifurcation in order to induce desired parasympathetic responses, such as decreased heart rate, without also triggering any adverse sympathetic responses. Stimulating surfaces of an open field bipolar electrode are positioned on or inserted through the pleural membrane overlying the vagus nerve at a location having substantially no cardiac sympathetic fibers adjacent to the vagus nerve. The open field bipolar electrodes can be securable-wire, needle, plate, or any other type of electrode suitable for being secured to the pleural membrane using one or more fastening mechanisms. Electrical stimuli are generated by a stimulator connected to the stimulating surfaces of the open field bipolar electrode by one or more leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: JAMES WALTER, Donald Thomas, Scott Sayers, Sanjay Singh, Raymond Dieter
  • Patent number: 10646715
    Abstract: The vagus nerve and branches of the vagus nerve are stimulated below the laryngeal nerve branch bifurcation in order to induce desired parasympathetic responses, such as decreased heart rate, without also triggering any adverse sympathetic responses. Stimulating surfaces of an open field bipolar electrode are positioned on or inserted through the pleural membrane overlying the vagus nerve at a location having substantially no cardiac sympathetic fibers adjacent to the vagus nerve. The open field bipolar electrodes can be securable-wire, needle, plate, or any other type of electrode suitable for being secured to the pleural membrane using one or more fastening mechanisms. Electrical stimuli are generated by a stimulator connected to the stimulating surfaces of the open field bipolar electrode by one or more leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: James Walter, Donald Thomas, Scott Sayers, Sanjay Singh, Raymond Dieter
  • Publication number: 20200010240
    Abstract: A modular container has identically molded sides pieces connected together at corner joints and separately molded, identical top/bottom pieces. The corner joints are formed by snap fit engagement of flexible locking tabs of one side piece with pockets on another side piece when the molded side pieces are serially connected together. The flexible locking tabs are biased oppositely to one another in alternating manner and each tab engages with a shoulder in the corresponding pocket to enable a zipper effect with respect to the assembly and disassembly of the corner joints. Two top/bottom pieces are secured by relative rotation to the assembled side pieces to form the container. An extension ring or divider can be used between upper and lower sets of the assembled side pieces to enable different container sizes. The component parts are molded with a degree of flexibility that enhances the assembly/disassembly of the corner joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Donald THOMAS, Anthony P. HABODASZ
  • Publication number: 20190060911
    Abstract: An apparatus, composition and method for recycling of a material, such as, for example, unhardened concrete. The apparatus includes a storage tank for storing a recycling composition to be applied to the material to be recycled and a control unit configured to control release of the recycling composition from the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: CYCRETE PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Donald Thomas, Michael Hogan, Jeffrey Shi
  • Publication number: 20190058536
    Abstract: A method of validating a signal received by a radio from a radio station includes determining a strength of the signal as received by the radio, ascertaining a frequency of the signal, and calculating a first distance between the radio and the radio station dependent upon the strength of the signal as received by the radio. A location and a broadcast range of the radio station are found in a database based on the frequency of the signal, A second distance between the radio and the radio station is computed based on a known location of the radio and the location of the radio station as found in the database. The radio station is validated only if the first distance and the second distance are within a margin of error and if the second distance is within the broadcast range of the radio station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: RAVIKUMAR RAMAN, PETRU SARCA, DONALD THOMAS, SHREE JAISIMHA
  • Patent number: 9923655
    Abstract: A radio includes a first tuner and a second tuner. A processor compares a first perceivable volume level of a station tuned by the first tuner to at least one second perceivable volume level of at least one background station tuned by the second tuner. The processor enables automatic volume knob changes using a pre-calibrated lookup table that associates a volume step of the volume knob with a difference between the first perceivable volume level and the second perceivable volume level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Shree Jaisimha, Donald Thomas, Kazuo Morita
  • Patent number: 9838053
    Abstract: A method of performing alternate frequency switching in a radio includes tuning the radio to a primary frequency. A candidate alternate frequency is identified. It is determined whether the candidate alternate frequency is a third order inter-modulation artifact. Tuning is switched from the primary frequency to the candidate alternate frequency only if it is determined in the determining step that the candidate alternate frequency is not a third order inter-modulation artifact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Donald Thomas, Jason Hingerton, Tatsuya Fujisawa, Jammie Chu, Shree Jaisimha, Robert Baillargeon
  • Publication number: 20170209700
    Abstract: The vagus nerve and branches of the vagus nerve are stimulated below the laryngeal nerve branch bifurcation in order to induce desired parasympathetic responses, such as decreased heart rate, without also triggering any adverse sympathetic responses. Stimulating surfaces of an open field bipolar electrode are positioned on or inserted through the pleural membrane overlying the vagus nerve at a location having substantially no cardiac sympathetic fibers adjacent to the vagus nerve. The open field bipolar electrodes can be securable-wire, needle, plate, or any other type of electrode suitable for being secured to the pleural membrane using one or more fastening mechanisms. Electrical stimuli are generated by a stimulator connected to the stimulating surfaces of the open field bipolar electrode by one or more leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: James WALTER, Donald THOMAS, Scott SAYERS, Sanjay SINGH, Raymond DIETER
  • Publication number: 20170195075
    Abstract: A radio includes a first tuner and a second tuner. A processor compares a first perceivable volume level of a station tuned by the first tuner to at least one second perceivable volume level of at least one background station tuned by the second tuner. The processor enables automatic volume knob changes using a pre-calibrated lookup table that associates a volume step of the volume knob with a difference between the first perceivable volume level and the second perceivable volume level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: SHREE JAISIMHA, DONALD THOMAS, KAZUO MORITA
  • Patent number: 9602081
    Abstract: A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency during the pause. Fieldstrength, multipath, adjacent channel energy, frequency offset and FM modulation for the second frequency are measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to the second frequency dependent upon the measuring step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Shree Jaisimha, Tatsuya Fujisawa, Jason Hingerton, Donald Thomas, David L Ryan, Mohammad Reza Kanji
  • Patent number: 9577609
    Abstract: A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency. A signal quality metric for the second frequency is measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Shree Jaisimha, Mohammad Kanji, Donald Thomas, Jason Hingerton
  • Patent number: 9559657
    Abstract: A radio includes a first tuner and a second tuner. A processor compares a first perceivable volume level of a station tuned by the first tuner to at least one second perceivable volume level of at least one background station tuned by the second tuner. The processor enables automatic volume knob changes using a pre-calibrated lookup table that associates a volume step of the volume knob with a difference between the first perceivable volume level and the second perceivable volume level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Shree Jaisimha, Donald Thomas, Kazuo Morita