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).
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Publication number: 20100234122Abstract: 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 shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. 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 adapter so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Raymond J. Sander, James S. Thomas, Matthew Paul Rubal, Gregory A. Trees
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Publication number: 20100216566Abstract: A golf club may have an orientation marker located on the golf club that indicates at least a relative orientation between the golf club head and shaft. The orientation marker may be located, for example, on the golf club head or shaft. A key member provides additional information with respect to the relative orientation between the golf club head and the shaft. The key member may be located, for example, on the golf club head, shaft, or grip portion, or on a head cover for the golf club head.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: James S. Thomas, Robert Lukasiewicz, JR.
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Publication number: 20100197423Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so they may be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft orientation with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include a shaft adapter and a head adapter. The shaft adapter may have an exterior surface extending along a first axis and a bore having a cross-sectional shape along a second axis configured to attach to a shaft member. The second end of the shaft adapter may have a cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon or a cross-sectional shape defined by splines. The head adapter has a first end and a second end along a first axis and a bore having either a shape of a regular polygon or a cross-sectional shape defined by splines along a second axis that is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: James S. Thomas, Gregory A. Trees, Vincent Contini, Raymond J. Sander, James Alan Prescott, Scott Allen Harris, Matthew Paul Rubal
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Publication number: 20100197422Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so they may be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft orientation with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include a shaft adapter and a head adapter. The shaft adapter may have an exterior surface extending along a first axis and a bore having a cross-sectional shape along a second axis configured to attach to a shaft member. The second end of the shaft adapter has a cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon. The head adapter has a first end and a second end along a first axis and a bore having a shape of a regular polygon along a second axis that is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: James S. Thomas, Gregory A. Trees, Vincent J. Contini, Raymond J. Sander, James Alan Prescott, Scott Allen Harris, Matthew Paul Rubal
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Publication number: 20100160070Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas
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Publication number: 20100160068Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas
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Publication number: 20100160064Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: James S. Thomas, John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Vincent J. Contini, Raymond J. Sander, James Prescott, Brian Fortner
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Patent number: 7722475Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: James S. Thomas, John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares
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Patent number: 7722474Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: James S. Thomas, John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Vincent J. Contini, Raymond J. Sander, James Prescott, Brian Fortner
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Patent number: 7704156Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas
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Publication number: 20100051505Abstract: A fitting system cart is provided for golf club heads and shafts which have releasable connections between the golf club head and the shaft. The fitting system cart includes a base with a back panel, two side panels, and a top panel which all define an interior portion, a shaft container, and a set of golf club head cases. The fitting system cart may include two door panels connected to the base and movable between an open and closed position. The fitting system cart may include a set of cases for carrying golf club heads. The cases may have a bottom portion for holding golf club heads and a top portion connected to the bottom portion, wherein the top portion rotates between an open and a closed position. The shaft container may have a configuration wherein the shaft container is closed, and a configuration wherein the shaft container is open.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: James S. Thomas, Robert Lukasiewicz
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Publication number: 20100041491Abstract: A golf club may have an orientation marker located on the golf club that indicates at least a relative orientation between the golf club head and shaft. The orientation marker may be located, for example, on the golf club head or shaft. A key member provides additional information with respect to the relative orientation between the golf club head and the shaft. The key member may be located, for example, on the golf club head, shaft, or grip portion, or on a head cover for the golf club head.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: James S. Thomas, Robert Lukasiewicz, JR.
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Publication number: 20090326688Abstract: Golf club fitting systems and methods include: (a) receiving input data indicating a golfer's driver loft angle and shaft flexibility characteristic; (b) determining initial candidate fairway wood clubs based on this data; and (c) identifying the initial candidate fairway wood clubs. Such systems and methods further may include: (d) receiving launch monitor data generated when the golfer hits balls using the initial candidate fairway wood clubs; (e) determining and identifying additional candidate fairway wood clubs for testing; (f) receiving launch monitor data generated when the golfer hits balls using the additional candidate fairway wood clubs; and (g) determining and identifying a recommendation for a final first fairway wood club based on the data. Other clubs in the fitted set also may be determined by these fitting systems and methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Vincent J. Contini, Brad Glenn, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Dave Rigsby, George Zivich
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Publication number: 20090062029Abstract: 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 cylindrical structure having a cylindrical interior chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, a rotation-inhibiting structure, and a securing structure; and (b) a securing system for releasably engaging the securing structure. 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 connection assembly so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas, David N. Franklin
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Publication number: 20090011850Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas
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Publication number: 20090011848Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: James S. Thomas, John Thomas Stites, Gary G. Tavares, Vincent J. Contini, Raymond J. Sander, James Prescott, Brian Fortner
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Patent number: 6751724Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to instruction fetching in data processing systems. One aspect involves a data processor (202) to execute instructions and to fetch instructions from a memory (208) according to a fetch size. This data processor (202) comprises a first input (212) to receive instructions, control logic (402) to decode the instructions, and an instruction pipeline (400) coupled to the first input (212) and the control logic (400). The instruction pipeline (400) is responsive to a first signal (214) to set the fetch size to one of a first size and a second size. The data processor (202) therefore allows an instruction fetch policy to be altered based on the characteristics of an accessed device in order to achieve improved performance.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: William C. Moyer, Jeffrey W. Scott, James S. Thomas, John H. Arends, John J. Vaglica
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Publication number: 20020082111Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided including a metal tip section and a composite butt section. The butt section includes a reduced diameter portion telescopically received within an axial bore of the tip section. An adhesive is disposed between the tip section and the butt section to secure the two together. An insulating layer may be disposed between the tip section and the butt section to prevent galvanic corrosion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Michael W. Hedrick, Michael D. Walker, Scott D. Cokeing, James S. Thomas, Graeme Horwood
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Patent number: 5390317Abstract: A nonvolatile memory (28) in a data processor (10) is capable of being progressively programmed and/or accessed in a user determined number of sections. A user can program and/or access what appears to the user to be reprogrammable nonvolatile memory (28) at a same address when in actuality the user is programming and accessing sequential sections of nonvolatile memory (28). Nonvolatile information stored in nonvolatile control bits (20) is used to control which section of the nonvolatile memory is connected to a communication bus and is thus accessible to the user. When the user desires to write and/or access a new section of nonvolatile memory (28), either the user directly asserts one of the nonvolatile control bits (20) using software, or the nonvolatile control (24) asserts one of the nonvolatile control bits (20) using hardware.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1994Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Donald G. Weiss, Laura M. Dobbs, James S. Thomas, Gregory A. Racino
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Patent number: D466575Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: True Temper Sports, Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Hedrick, Michael D. Walker, Scott D. Cokeing, James S. Thomas