Patents by Inventor Gerald R. Thomas

Gerald R. 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: 10533819
    Abstract: A conduit (5) with a bullet passage (13, 17) extends forward from a gun muzzle (7). Inner and outer concentric chambers (25, 29) surround the conduit and a forward portion of the barrel (3). A gas path (P2, P3, P4) is provided through sides of the conduit into the inner chamber, thence to the outer chamber, and then exits to the atmosphere at the front of the outer chamber. Each chamber has longitudinal lines of sight between front and back sound reflectors (R1-R2, R3-R4), and no longitudinal line of sight from the back reflector (R2, R4) to the atmosphere. The gas path through the suppressor is at least 6 times less flow-restrictive than the gas path through the bullet exit (17) or back into the barrel bore (4), minimizing backpressure. The gas path (P3) between the inner and outer chambers is through apertures (33) limited to a lengthwise middle portion of an inner shell (21) that divides the chambers (25, 29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Gerald R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20190017768
    Abstract: A conduit (5) with a bullet passage (13, 17) extends forward from a gun muzzle (7). Inner and outer concentric chambers (25, 29) surround the conduit and a forward portion of the barrel (3). A gas path (P2, P3, P4) is provided through sides of the conduit into the inner chamber, thence to the outer chamber, and then exits to the atmosphere at the front of the outer chamber. Each chamber has longitudinal lines of sight between front and back sound reflectors (R1-R2, R3-R4), and no longitudinal line of sight from the back reflector (R2, R4) to the atmosphere. The gas path through the suppressor is at least 6 times less flow-restrictive than the gas path through the bullet exit (17) or back into the barrel bore (4), minimizing backpressure. The gas path (P3) between the inner and outer chambers is through apertures (33) limited to a lengthwise middle portion of an inner shell (21) that divides the chambers (25, 29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Gerald R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180274873
    Abstract: A conduit (5) with a bullet passage (13, 17) extends forward from a gun muzzle (7). Inner and outer concentric chambers (25, 29) surround the conduit and a forward portion of the barrel (3). A gas path (P2, P3, P4) is provided through sides of the conduit into the inner chamber, thence to the outer chamber, and then exits to the atmosphere at the front of the outer chamber. Each chamber has longitudinal lines of sight between front and back sound reflectors (R1-R2, R3-R4), and no longitudinal line of sight from the back reflector (R2, R4) to the atmosphere. The gas path through the suppressor is at least 6 times less flow-restrictive than the gas path through the bullet exit (17) or back into the barrel bore (4), minimizing backpressure. The gas path (P3) between the inner and outer chambers is through apertures (33) limited to a lengthwise middle portion of an inner shell (21) that divides the chambers (25, 29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventor: Gerald R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6318426
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and associated method for protecting an object from the effects of inclement weather. In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a cover which has a central portion and a skirt portion. The central portion further comprises a plurality of pad members which are disposed about the central portion to allow an efficient and convenient method for folding the apparatus. The skirt portion further comprises webbing and eyelets which are used to secure the apparatus to an object in the presence of inclement weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald R. Thomas