Patents by Inventor Gary L. Thomas

Gary L. 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: 7493827
    Abstract: A variable reluctance load cell for measuring the static or slowly fluctuating load, or tension, on devices is contained in a support tube. A sensor in the tube utilizes opposing C and I shaped magnetic cores attached to opposing ends of the support tube. A magnetic circuit is formed having an inductance defined by the size of the gap between the magnetic cores with the reluctance dominated by the gap. The sensor inductance is coupled with a fixed, predetermined capacitance in a resonant LC circuit, and the resonant frequency is a function of the gap. The sensor is in a cavity within the tube, and the cavity is sealed in a manner that prevents water or other damaging agents from entering the sensor. In this manner, mounting the sensor and tube to a static device and measuring the AC voltage at the sensor, the amount of load, or stress can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Oil States Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Madden, Daniel Joseph McCarthy, Gary L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6752029
    Abstract: A variable reluctance load cell for measuring the static or slowly fluctuating load, or tension, on devices is contained in a support tube. A sensor in the tube utilizes opposing C and I shaped magnetic cores attached to opposing ends of the support tube. A magnetic circuit is formed having an inductance defined by the size of the gap between the magnetic cores with the reluctance dominated by the gap. The sensor inductance is coupled with a fixed, predetermined capacitance in a resonant LC circuit, and the resonant frequency is a function of the gap. The sensor is in a cavity within the tube, and the cavity is sealed in a manner that prevents water or other damaging agents from entering the sensor. In this manner, mounting the sensor and tube to a static device and measuring the AC voltage at the sensor, the amount of load, or stress can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: BBNT Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Richard Madden, Daniel Joseph McCarthy, Gary L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020160667
    Abstract: A variable reluctance load cell for measuring the static or slowly fluctuating load, or tension, on devices is contained in a support tube. A sensor in the tube utilizes opposing C and I shaped magnetic cores attached to opposing ends of the support tube. A magnetic circuit is formed having an inductance defined by the size of the gap between the magnetic cores with the reluctance dominated by the gap. The sensor inductance is coupled with a fixed, predetermined capacitance in a resonant LC circuit, and the resonant frequency is a function of the gap. The sensor is in a cavity within the tube, and the cavity is sealed in a manner that prevents water or other damaging agents from entering the sensor. In this manner, mounting the sensor and tube to a static device and measuring the AC voltage at the sensor, the amount of load, or stress can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: BBNT Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Richard Madden, Daniel Joseph McCarthy, Gary L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6422089
    Abstract: A variable reluctance load cell for measuring the static or slowly fluctuating load, or tension, on devices is contained in a support tube. A sensor in the tube utilizes opposing C and I shaped magnetic cores attached to opposing ends of the support tube. A magnetic circuit is formed having an inductance defined by the size of the gap between the magnetic cores with the reluctance dominated by the gap. The sensor inductance is coupled with a fixed, predetermined capacitance in a resonant LC circuit, and the resonant frequency is a function of the gap. The sensor is in a cavity within the tube, and the cavity is sealed in a manner that prevents water or other damaging agents from entering the sensor. In this manner, mounting the sensor and tube to a static device and measuring the AC voltage at the sensor, the amount of load, or stress can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: BBNT Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Richard Madden, Daniel Joseph McCarthy, Gary L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6002392
    Abstract: A signage display apparatus 6 is provided for use on a kiosk or automated teller machine 8 for displaying information concerning a service offered by the provider of the drive-through or teller machine services. The apparatus includes a base 18, a pair of opposed, upstanding panels 20 that are sealed together along the side edges thereof, and an elongated hood 22 received over top edges of the panels. A gasket 32 is sandwiched between the hood and the top edges of the panels to seal them against the passage of moisture between the top edges of the panels. The base 18 is secured to the kiosk or teller machine 8 within the line of sight of users such that the apparatus displays information concerning a service offered by the service provider to anyone making a transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventors: John R. Simon, Gary L. Thomas