Patents by Inventor Gregory T. Thompson
Gregory T. Thompson 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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Publication number: 20240139532Abstract: An implantable medical device has a therapy module configured to generate a composite pacing pulse including a series of at least two individual pulses. The therapy module is configured to generate the composite pacing pulse by generating a first pulse of the at least two individual pulses by selectively coupling a first portion of a plurality of capacitors to an output signal line and generate a second pulse of the at least two individual pulses by selectively coupling a second portion of the plurality of capacitors to the output signal line.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2024Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: David A. ANDERSON, Mark T. MARSHALL, Vladimir P. NIKOLSKI, Robert T. SAWCHUK, Amy E. THOMPSON-NAUMAN, John D. WAHLSTRAND, Gregory A. YOUNKER
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Publication number: 20080277910Abstract: An occupation detection apparatus is provided including a conductor, a sensor, and a shielding electrode. The shielding electrode is located between the sensor and the conductor, and the shielding electrode is coupled, through a low impedance, to electrical ground. The conductor potentially represents an electrical potential of electrical ground. The coupling of the shielding electrode to electrical ground mitigates the susceptibility of the sensor to the conductor and other objects having a potential of electrical ground or near electrical ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, James G. Stanley
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Patent number: 7436299Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. A sensor measures capacitance, electric field effects or other characteristic responsive to a load in a seating area. The sensor uses one or more electrodes (e.g., a transmit and receive electrode or one electrode for transmit and one or more electrodes for receive). Other electrodes are connected with different impedances. Measuring by a sensor, but with other electrodes connected with different impedances, may distinguish between an occupant and inanimate objects, may distinguish between characteristics of a passenger (e.g., size, height, weight or position), or may indicate a grounding state of an occupant.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Elesys North America Inc.Inventors: Shiuh-An Shieh, Gregory T. Thompson
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Patent number: 7191044Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes to the characterization change parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Elesys North America Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Keiichi Hasegawa, Svetoslav G. Stoyanov
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Patent number: 7102527Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilized an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of n object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phases of the signal is the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Elesys North America Inc.Inventors: Shiuh-An Shieh, Gregory T. Thompson
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Patent number: 7084763Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Elesys North American Inc.Inventors: Shiuh-An Shieh, Gregory T. Thompson
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Patent number: 7065438Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes of the characterization change parameter.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Elesys North America, Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Keiichi Hasegawa, Svetoslav G. Stoyanov
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Publication number: 20040232774Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes to the characterization change parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Keiichi Hasegawa, Svetoslav G. Stoyanov
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Patent number: 6816077Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Elesys North America Inc.Inventors: Shiuh-An Shieh, Gregory T. Thompson
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Publication number: 20040199318Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilized an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of n object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phases of the signal is the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Elesys North America, Inc.Inventors: Shiuh-An Shieh, Gregory T. Thompson
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Publication number: 20040196150Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Elesys North America Inc.Inventors: Shiuh-An Shieh, Gregory T. Thompson
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Publication number: 20040111201Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Elesys North America, Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Philip Rittmueller
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Patent number: 6696948Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Elesys North America, Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Philip Rittmueller
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Publication number: 20030204295Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes of the characterization change parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Keiichi Hasegawa, Svetoslav G. Stoyanov
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Publication number: 20030090376Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Philip Rittmueller
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Patent number: 6020564Abstract: A micro-electromechanical switch which comprises a flexible longitudinal beam disposed adjacent to first and second contact members which form a gap in, for example, a radio frequency transmission line to control the flow of the radio frequency signal. At least one actuating beam is attached to at least one end of the flexible longitudinal beam. Also an actuating member is disposed adjacent to the actuating beam so as to generate an electrostatic force therebetween upon the application of a voltage across the actuating beam and the actuating member. When the voltage is applied, the actuating beam bends and thus applies a longitudinal force and torque on the joint between the actuating beam and the flexible longitudinal beam. This longitudinal force and torque cause the flexible longitudinal beam to bend laterally toward the first and second contact members, thereby completing the electrical circuit attached to the first and second contact members.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Wang Electro-Opto CorporationInventors: Johnson J. H. Wang, Gregory T. Thompson