Patents by Inventor Jeff Thomas

Jeff 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).

  • Publication number: 20190310118
    Abstract: A flow metering apparatus comprising a temperature sensing system for use to measure temperature of fluid includes temperature measurement components and temperature sensing components in close proximity to one another and to the flow of fluid. The components can include a temperature measurement member close-coupled to a processor member, each disposed on a circuitized substrate. This configuration exposes a temperature sensor element to the same dynamic temperature conditions as the processor member, thus reducing measurement error that might manifest in response to different temperature gradients proximate the respective components. A storage memory may be used to permit the temperature sensing system to store and/or retain data that relates to calibration as a dynamic system over the entire operating range of the sensor element. The calibration data may then be accessed from the storage memory to improve accuracy and operation of the flow metering apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Patent number: 10330510
    Abstract: A flow metering apparatus comprising a temperature sensing system for use to measure temperature of fluid includes temperature measurement components and temperature sensing components in close proximity to one another and to the flow of fluid. The components can include a temperature measurement member close-coupled to a processor member, each disposed on a circuitized substrate. This configuration exposes a temperature sensor element to the same dynamic temperature conditions as the processor member, thus reducing measurement error that might manifest in response to different temperature gradients proximate the respective components. A storage memory may be used to permit the temperature sensing system to store and/or retain data that relates to calibration as a dynamic system over the entire operating range of the sensor element. The calibration data may then be accessed from the storage memory to improve accuracy and operation of the flow metering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Natural Gas Solutions North America, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20190101426
    Abstract: An encoder device that is configured for use on a gas utility meter. These configurations may generate power and data concomitantly with movement of mechanics in response to flow of material through the meter. In one implementation, the meter may include a meter body with flanged ends, the meter body forming an interior cavity. Impellers may reside in the interior cavity to meter precise volume of fuel gas through the device. The encoder device may couple with the impellers, for example, using non-contact modalities, like magnetics. The encoder device may include a processor and memory, a sensor unit, and a power unit, where the sensor unit and the power unit are responsive to rotation of the impellers to generate a data signal and a power signal, respectively, without contact with the impellers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Roman Leon Artiuch, Francisco Manuel Gutierrez, Francisco Enrique Jimenez, Jeff Thomas Martin
  • Patent number: 10200440
    Abstract: A method comprising interposing an interface device in communication with both a terminal and a meter; and using the interface device for, exchanging data with the terminal and the meter using a first protocol and a second protocol, respectively, at least one of which utilizes an RF field; identifying an originating device using the data from each of the terminal and the meter; and generating an output for use over the first protocol or the second protocol in response to the originating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Natural Gas Solutions North America, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lee Mamaloukas, Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20180316987
    Abstract: A functional board that is configured to accommodate different data protocols for “off-board” communication. These configurations may find use in metrology hardware, for example, utility meters that measures volumetric flow of fluids like gas or water. In one implementation, the functional board may include a circuit board and a pair of circuit cards coupled to the circuit board to communicate with one another using a first communication protocol. The pair of circuit cards may include at least one that is removable from the circuit board and comprises an interface unit that transmits and receives incoming signals in a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Roman Leon Artiuch, Francisco Manuel Gutierrez, Francisco Enrique Jimenez, Jason Lee Mamaloukas, Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20180283927
    Abstract: A test apparatus that guides an end user through visualization of a user interface on a web browser that is easy to operate for individuals with limited knowledge of the devices or test protocols for gas meters. The test apparatus may include the executable instructions having instructions that configure the processor to, receive input data from the web browser; compare the input data to data in a data table; select an entry from the data table that reflects a match between the input data and data associated with the entry in the data table; and generate a first output that defines a configuration for a user interface that renders on the web browser, the configuration representing a stage of a test initialization process to configure operating parameters on the controller to work with a meter-under-test that couples with the fluid moving unit for purposes of conducting a meter proof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Mihir Subhash Bawal, Cristina Alfonso Lancelot, Jason Lee Mamaloukas, Jeff Thomas Martin
  • Publication number: 20180259378
    Abstract: A gas meter (100) and like metering systems that are configured for use underwater. The gas meter may embody a positive displacement rotary gas meter having a meter body with impellers that counter-rotate in response to material flow. The gas meter can also comprise an index unit having an electronics assembly to generate a value that equates rotation of impellers with a parameter of the material flow. The gas meter can further comprise a connective interface having a first part and a second part, one each disposed on the meter unit and the index unit, respectively, the first part and the second part coupling with one another to provide data to the electronics assembly, the data corresponding with operating conditions on the meter unit and rotation of the impellers. In one example, the first part and the second part are configured so that the meter unit and the index unit are operable underwater to generate the value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Jin Yao, Robert Erling Fowler, Jeff Thomas Martin, Ronald Lewis Strong
  • Publication number: 20180224319
    Abstract: A test apparatus to test operation of a gas meter. The test apparatus may include metrology devices, namely, a master meter and a measuring device, typically with a sensor to measure ambient conditions that prevail at the master meter and the gas meter. Each of the metrology devices can be configured as a self-contained, independent unit that can process analog signals to generate a digital signal. A controller may process these digital signals to convey information that defines flow volume for gas that flows through the gas meter. The controller may also be configured to verify a regulatory status for the metrology devices. These configurations can use validation data stored on the metrology devices separate and independent of the controller. In this way, the test apparatus assumes a modular structure that allows the metrology devices to swap into and out of the test apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Roman Leon Artiuch, Jeff Thomas Martin
  • Publication number: 20180139598
    Abstract: A gas meter is outfit with near field communication (NFC) devices for in-situ exchange of data. The NFC devices reside in separate compartments. A first compartment houses electronics necessary to generate values for volumetric flow of material in a pipe. The gas meter includes a second compartment with an access point that allows data, including telemetry data, to transmit from the gas meter to a remote device. In operation, the NFC devices exchange data between the first compartment and the second compartment, often through a wall or barrier that prevents flow of fluid between the compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20180118400
    Abstract: A dual compartment bottle that includes: a first compartment; a second compartment; a top, wherein the top is rotatable; and a resealable cap on the top where the cap is adapted to allow the flow of fluids from either the first compartment or second compartment based upon alignment. The dual compartment bottle preferably includes a contoured outer surface, wherein the outer surface includes a series of grooves creating a gripping surface. The dual compartment bottle may also include a fluid scale impression upon the side of the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Carla Thomas, Jeff Thomas
  • Publication number: 20170303069
    Abstract: A method comprising interposing an interface device in communication with both a terminal and a meter; and using the interface device for, exchanging data with the terminal and the meter using a first protocol and a second protocol, respectively, at least one of which utilizes an RF field; identifying an originating device using the data from each of the terminal and the meter; and generating an output for use over the first protocol or the second protocol in response to the originating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Lee Mamaloukas, Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20170234844
    Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to test operation of a gas meter. The apparatus can include a process control member with operative circuitry that provides all functionality necessary to execute the test and to analyze the resulting data. This functionality includes data processing functions and a web server to allow communication between the apparatus and a remote device via a network. In one embodiment, the operative circuitry includes a first circuitry to regulate operation of a fluid moving unit that provides fluid to a meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also include a second circuitry to collect data from one or more sensors disposed on the meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also have a third circuitry to perform various operations necessary to calculate, in one example, a value for an operative characteristic that relates to the accuracy of the meter-under-test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Patent number: 9664659
    Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to test operation of a gas meter. The apparatus can include a process control member with operative circuitry that provides all functionality necessary to execute the test and to analyze the resulting data. This functionality includes data processing functions and a web server to allow communication between the apparatus and a remote device via a network. In one embodiment, the operative circuitry includes a first circuitry to regulate operation of a fluid moving unit that provides fluid to a meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also include a second circuitry to collect data from one or more sensors disposed on the meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also have a third circuitry to perform various operations necessary to calculate, in one example, a value for an operative characteristic that relates to the accuracy of the meter-under-test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20160327420
    Abstract: A flow metering apparatus comprising a temperature sensing system for use to measure temperature of fluid includes temperature measurement components and temperature sensing components in close proximity to one another and to the flow of fluid. The components can include a temperature measurement member close-coupled to a processor member, each disposed on a circuitized substrate. This configuration exposes a temperature sensor element to the same dynamic temperature conditions as the processor member, thus reducing measurement error that might manifest in response to different temperature gradients proximate the respective components. A storage memory may be used to permit the temperature sensing system to store and/or retain data that relates to calibration as a dynamic system over the entire operating range of the sensor element. The calibration data may then be accessed from the storage memory to improve accuracy and operation of the flow metering apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20160123939
    Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to test operation of a gas meter. The apparatus can include a process control member with operative circuitry that provides all functionality necessary to execute the test and to analyze the resulting data. This functionality includes data processing functions and a web server to allow communication between the apparatus and a remote device via a network. In one embodiment, the operative circuitry includes a first circuitry to regulate operation of a fluid moving unit that provides fluid to a meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also include a second circuitry to collect data from one or more sensors disposed on the meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also have a third circuitry to perform various operations necessary to calculate, in one example, a value for an operative characteristic that relates to the accuracy of the meter-under-test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Jeff Thomas Martin, Andrew Logan Perkins
  • Publication number: 20150112717
    Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time updates about the treatment and status of a healthcare patient to healthcare providers and family of the patient is provided. The present invention may include a plurality of portable computers. When treatment is being performed or a status update for a patient is desirable, the healthcare provider may send the information using a portable computer. Other healthcare providers and family may receive the information as a live update. The information may then be stored on a database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Khaled Jamal Saleh, Lena Saleh, Jeremy Holcomb, Jeff Thomas
  • Patent number: 7984847
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards that include financial account data. The machine operates to carry out transactions involving the accounts and generates records thereof. A plurality of cameras captures images associated with machine users, documents and/or events. Image data is stored and may be searched based on selection parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Knouff, Ken Varn, Jeff Thomas, Jeffery M. Enright, Roy Hathaway
  • Patent number: 7900823
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards that include financial account data. The machine operates to carry out transactions involving the accounts and generates records thereof. A plurality of cameras captures images associated with users, documents and/or events. Image data is stored and may be searched based on selection parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Knouff, Ken Varn, Jeff Thomas, Jeffery M. Enright, Roy Hathaway
  • Publication number: 20070251121
    Abstract: Thin, lightweight footwear made of a polyethylene material that is composed of a top part and a sole part that are sewn together such that when fitted properly to the wearer's foot the footwear encompasses the foot and extends to the level of the ankle. The top part is porous allowing the ingress and egress of soap and water. The sole has slip resistance properties due to the material from which it is made and the texture of its outer surface. The finished product can be folded and compressed for storage, then later unfolded and worn without the folding adversely affecting its intended function of providing a barrier between the wearer's feet and the tub or shower floor on which the wearer stands while the wearer showers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Jeff Thomas
  • Publication number: 20070184438
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide novel diagnostic and prognostic methods for detecting, or for detecting and differentiating between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. Preferably, said colorectal cell proliferative disorders are selected from the group consisting of colorectal carcinoma, colon adenomas, and colon polyps. The inventive methods are based on analysis of differential CpG dinucleotide methylation of genomic DNA between or among normal and disease states. Additional embodiments provide nucleic acids and oligomers (including oligonucleotides and peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-oligomers), nucleic acid arrays and kits useful for practicing said methods, and in otherwise detecting, or detecting and differentiating between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Cathy Lofton-Day, Andrew Sledziewski, Jeff Thomas, Robert Day, Lori Tonnes-Priddy, Karen Cardon