Patents by Inventor James Edward Thomas

James Edward 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: 8426783
    Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a needle, and a needle seal adjacent the needle and having a shaft coaxial with the needle and in communication with the needle. A pressure transducer is opposite the needle seal from the needle and in communication with the shaft. A housing holds the needle to the needle seal and the needle seal to the transducer. A chamber is formed between the housing and the needle seal. A lateral shaft goes through the needle seal from the coaxial shaft to the chamber in the housing, and a valve is in communication with the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120043313
    Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a needle, and a needle seal adjacent the needle and having a shaft coaxial with the needle and in communication with the needle. A pressure transducer is opposite the needle seal from the needle and in communication with the shaft. A housing holds the needle to the needle seal and the needle seal to the transducer. A chamber is formed between the housing and the needle seal. A lateral shaft goes through the needle seal from the coaxial shaft to the chamber in the housing, and a valve is in communication with the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7939785
    Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for preparing samples for column chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Collins, Sr., Wyatt P. Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas, E. Keller Barnhardt, Michael Collins, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110042372
    Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a needle, and a needle seal adjacent the needle and having a shaft coaxial with the needle and in communication with the needle. A pressure transducer is opposite the needle seal from the needle and in communication with the shaft. A housing holds the needle to the needle seal and the needle seal to the transducer. A chamber is formed between the housing and the needle seal. A lateral shaft goes through the needle seal from the coaxial shaft to the chamber in the housing, and a valve is in communication with the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7829828
    Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is associated with the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7820951
    Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is associated with the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7812291
    Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for preparing samples for column chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Sr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas, Michael John Collins, Jr., E. Keller Barnhardt
  • Patent number: 7348526
    Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for preparing samples for column chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Sr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas, Michael John Collins, Jr., E. Keller Barnhardt
  • Patent number: 7282184
    Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is-associated with the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7214913
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis using heterogeneous or highly viscous starting materials includes a microwave source for generating electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies, a microwave cavity in wave communication with the source for exposing compositions placed therein to microwave radiation, a microwave-transparent pressure resistant reaction vessel in the cavity, a source reservoir for starting materials and related compositions, a pump in communication with the source reservoir for pumping heterogeneous or highly viscous materials from the source reservoir to the reaction vessel, and a pressure-resistant valve between the pump and the reaction vessel for isolating the reaction vessel from the pump and the source reservoir during application of microwave energy to compositions in the vessel and from any resulting high pressures generated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: CEM, Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7208709
    Abstract: A pressure-measuring vessel system for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed. The vessel system includes a pressure resistant vessel that is otherwise transparent to microwave radiation, a pressure-resistant closure for the mouth of the vessel, with portions of the closure including a pressure resistant synthetic membrane, a pressure transducer external to the vessel, and a tube extending from the transducer, through the membrane and into the vessel for permitting the pressure inside the vessel to be applied against the transducer while the closure and membrane otherwise maintain the pressure resistant characteristics of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7109452
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis that includes heterogeneous or highly viscous materials includes a fluid reservoir for supplying or receiving fluids, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping fluids to or from the reservoir, a microwave transparent reaction vessel in fluid communication with the pump for supplying or receiving fluids to or from the pump and the reservoir, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir and the vessel for measuring the pressure of fluids in the instrument at the sensor, and a processor in signal communication with the pressure sensor and the pump for controlling the pump and the flow of fluids in the instrument based at least in part on the pressure measured at the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 7041947
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis that includes heterogeneous or highly viscous materials. Includes a fluid reservoir for supplying or receiving fluids, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the reservoir for pumping fluids to or from the reservoir, a microwave transparent reaction vessel in fluid communication with the pump for supplying or receiving fluids to or from the pump and the reservoir, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir and the vessel for measuring the pressure of fluids in the instrument at the sensor, and a processor in signal communication with the pressure sensor and the pump for controlling the pump and the flow of fluids in the instrument based at least in part on the pressure measured at the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6989519
    Abstract: A controlled-flow microwave instrument for chemical synthesis using heterogeneous or highly viscous starting materials includes a microwave source for generating electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies, a microwave cavity in wave communication with the source for exposing compositions placed therein to microwave radiation, a microwave-transparent pressure resistant reaction vessel in the cavity, a source reservoir for starting materials and related compositions, a pump in communication with the source reservoir for pumping heterogeneous or highly viscous materials from the source reservoir to the reaction vessel, and a pressure-resistant valve between the pump and the reaction vessel for isolating the reaction vessel from the pump and the source reservoir during application of microwave energy to compositions in the vessel and from any resulting high pressures generated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Collins, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., Edward Earl King, Joseph Joshua Lambert, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6966226
    Abstract: A pressure-measuring vessel system for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed. The vessel system includes a pressure resistant vessel that is otherwise transparent to microwave radiation, a pressure-resistant closure for the mouth of the vessel, with portions of the closure including a pressure resistant synthetic membrane, a pressure transducer external to the vessel, and a tube extending from the transducer, through the membrane and into the vessel for permitting the pressure inside the vessel to be applied against the transducer while the closure and membrane otherwise maintain the pressure resistant characteristics of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6886408
    Abstract: A pressure-measuring vessel system for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed. The vessel system includes a pressure resistant vessel that is otherwise transparent to microwave radiation, a pressure-resistant closure for the mouth of the vessel, with portions of the closure including a pressure resistant synthetic membrane, a pressure transducer external to the vessel, and a tube extending from the transducer, through the membrane and into the vessel for permitting the pressure inside the vessel to be applied against the transducer while the closure and membrane otherwise maintain the pressure resistant characteristics of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr., James Edward Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040221654
    Abstract: A pressure-measuring vessel system for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed. The vessel system includes a pressure resistant vessel that is otherwise transparent to microwave radiation, a pressure-resistant closure for the mouth of the vessel, with portions of the closure including a pressure resistant synthetic membrane, a pressure transducer external to the vessel, and a tube extending from the transducer, through the membrane and into the vessel for permitting the pressure inside the vessel to be applied against the transducer while the closure and membrane otherwise maintain the pressure resistant characteristics of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, James Edward Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030199099
    Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is-associated with the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030170149
    Abstract: A pressure-measuring vessel system for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed. The vessel system includes a pressure resistant vessel that is otherwise transparent to microwave radiation, a pressure-resistant closure for the mouth of the vessel, with portions of the closure including a pressure resistant synthetic membrane, a pressure transducer external to the vessel, and a tube extending from the transducer, through the membrane and into the vessel for permitting the pressure inside the vessel to be applied against the transducer while the closure and membrane otherwise maintain the pressure resistant characteristics of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Wyatt Price Hargett, James Edward Thomas
  • Patent number: 6373040
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The system includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the source, a plurality of reaction vessels in the cavity, a pressure line in fluid communication with at least one of the reaction vessels, a pressure transducer in communication with the pressure line, an electrical connector for the transducer in a wall of the cavity, and a shield around the connector that prevents microwaves launched into the cavity from interfering with electrical signals transmitted through the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: James Edward Thomas