Patents by Inventor James S. Thomas

James S. 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: 11942516
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are quantum dot devices, as well as related computing devices and methods. For example, in some embodiments, a quantum dot device may include: a quantum well stack; a first gate above the quantum well stack, wherein the first gate includes a first gate metal and a first gate dielectric; and a second gate above the quantum well stack, wherein the second gate includes a second gate metal and a second gate dielectric, and the first gate is at least partially between a portion of the second gate and the quantum well stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Nicole K. Thomas, Ravi Pillarisetty, Kanwaljit Singh, Hubert C. George, David J. Michalak, Lester Lampert, Zachary R. Yoscovits, Roman Caudillo, Jeanette M. Roberts, James S. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20240082656
    Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew G.V. Oldknow, James S. Thomas, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Robert Boyd
  • Patent number: 11819741
    Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, James S. Thomas, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Robert Boyd
  • Publication number: 20230165512
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a virtual reality Berg balance scale. A patient can perform a Berg balance test using a virtual reality system. The system can include at least one wearable sensor worn by a patient, and at least one environmental monitor directed towards the patient. A computing device can acquire movement data from the wearable sensor. The computing device can acquire environment data from the environmental monitor. An application on the computing device can then calculate one or more balance scores based at least in part on the movement data and the environment data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Susanne M. Van der Veen, James S. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11185745
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuma
  • Publication number: 20200384319
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuuma
  • Publication number: 20200298074
    Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew G.V. Oldknow, James S. Thomas, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Robert Boyd
  • Patent number: 10751586
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuma
  • Patent number: 10675515
    Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, James S. Thomas, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Robert Boyd
  • Publication number: 20190240548
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuuma
  • Patent number: 10307648
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuuma
  • Publication number: 20180250561
    Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew G.V. Oldknow, James S. Thomas, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Robert Boyd
  • Publication number: 20180250562
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuuma
  • Patent number: 9999811
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuma
  • Patent number: 9987533
    Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, James S. Thomas, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Robert Boyd
  • Patent number: 9968027
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automated adjustment of a digging implement during harvest of underground crops are described. Utilizing the devices, a digging implement, e.g., a blade, can be located and maintained at a desired depth as a harvester travels across a field. During use, the digging implement depth controls can be varied as the harvester travels within a single field under different operating conditions, e.g., different soil friability, consistency, etc., thereby preventing crop loss and improving crop yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, Joel S. Peele, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, James S. Thomas, Stanley A. Brantley, Andrew C. Warner
  • Patent number: 9884233
    Abstract: Golf club heads having sensors configured to measure one or more swing parameters are provided. The golf club head may include several gyroscopes and accelerometers. In one embodiment, the club head contains three gyroscopes that measure angular rate data along different orthogonal axes. At least one gyroscope may an analog gyroscope. Accelerometers may provide data regarding the three orthogonal axes associated with the gyroscopes. The club head may further include software and/or hardware that perform computer-executed methods for determining one or more swing parameters. Exemplary club heads may include a display device for displaying an output of the swing parameter(s). Further aspects of the invention relate to novel methods and algorithms for calculating measurements relating to the swing parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Jeremy N. Snyder, James S. Thomas, Daniel J. Simpson, Daniel A. Roberts, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Bradley C. Glenn, Douglas A. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20180008871
    Abstract: A method of customizing a golf club head for a user's swing begins by receiving an indication of a characteristic of a user's golf swing. A club face is selected from a plurality of club faces based on the characteristic, and a club body is selected from a plurality of club bodies based on the characteristic. The selected club face and club body are then affixed together to define a golf club head. Each of the plurality of club faces and plurality of club bodies are freely interchangeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mario A. Lafortune, Tyrone Lynn Todd Northcutt, Raymond J. Sander, James S. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9694251
    Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure; (b) a club head engaging member including a shaft-receiving chamber and a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft engaging member so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Stites, James S. Thomas, Gary G. Tavares
  • Patent number: 9630071
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a ball-striking surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and at least one weight element connected to the body. The head has a total weight that is higher than a target weight of the head, and the at least one weight element is configured to be at least partially removed by a material removal technique to lower the total weight of the head to approximately equal the target weight. The at least one weight element may be integrally connected to the body, such as being integrally formed with at least a portion of the body. The material removal technique may constitute milling, machining, or other material removal techniques or combination of such techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Thomas