Patents by Inventor Keith Thomas
Keith 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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Patent number: 7681631Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Allen Keith Thomas, Jr., Jim Wiens, Michael Hayes
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Patent number: 7600266Abstract: A copy protection comprehending cache catalog with a media jukebox tracks not only the titles of the media themselves, but also the number of copies of each media title, and the copy protection status of each media. When a particular media is not limited to a set number of licensed users, then this media alone is permitted to be used to support multiple users with the hard drive cache in the media jukebox. If, however, a particular media title is limited to one licensed use at a time, per copy of that title, then the hard drive cache is capable of sending data to match the number of copies of media in the jukebox.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Gateway, Inc.Inventor: Keith Thomas
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Publication number: 20090231774Abstract: An array of reed switches (13) is assembled on a circuit board (11) having a plurality of through-apertures (12) with one reed switch (13) disposed in each aperture with the axis of the switch envelope (14) extending perpendicularly to the plane of the board. A plurality of coils (16) is provided on the board so that each switch (13) is surrounded by a respective coil, the coils being connected to conductors on the board for operation of the switches. Also disposed is a control circuit wherein the reed switch drive coils (26) are connected in series across a constant-current voltage source and a respective solid-state switch TR1, TR2 . . . connected across each coil, with divers for each solid-state switch to permit operation of a selected reed switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2005Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: David Paul Owen, Keith Thomas Moore, Adam Charles Mitchell
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Publication number: 20090142141Abstract: An example of a caisson system that surrounds a conductor that extends from a head member positioned above a water surface to below a mud line includes a caisson positioned about the conductor, the caisson having a lowest end; a lower centralizer connected within the caisson proximate the lowest end of the caisson; and a second centralizer connected within the caisson above the lower centralizer relative to the mud line; wherein each centralizer includes a plurality of bow members extending between a first and a second collar, the first collar immovably connected within the caisson and the second collar moveable relative to the first collar, and each bow member curving inward from the caisson defining a bore disposing the conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.Inventor: Keith Thomas Lutgring
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Patent number: 7531292Abstract: A method for electronically layering product label designs onto an electronic representation of a digital media storage disc to enable accurate representation of opaque, Pantone, white, and transparent inks on the digital media storage disc background to produce a soft disc print proof.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Arvato Digital Services LLCInventor: Keith Thomas
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Publication number: 20090107805Abstract: In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Mark D. Russell
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Publication number: 20090061697Abstract: The Kwik-Attach plug is designed to make the connection of different accessories more convenient for the user of the equipment. This wiring harness can be attached to any all-terrain vehicle, utility vehicle, truck, car, boat, lawn mower, or any 12 volt battery system. The user can operate lights, air pumps, landscape sprayers, spreaders, or any other attachment that requires power for operation. This plug can be mounted anywhere on the vehicle and replaces the power plug or battery clips on the attachment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Keith Thomas Burton
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Publication number: 20080248226Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of forming multi-layer tubes including providing a heat-shrinkable fluoropolymer liner and extruding an elastomeric cover over the heat shrinkable fluoropolymer liner. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming multi-layer tubes including providing a non-fibrillated, high flex fluoropolymer liner and extruding an elastomeric cover over the non-fibrillated, high flex fluoropolymer liner. The disclosure is further directed to the above-mentioned multi-layer tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATIONInventors: Mark W. Simon, Keith Thomas Stafford, Adam Paul Nadeau, Duan Li Ou, John Boyle
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Publication number: 20080231412Abstract: A variable resistor network has a coarse resistance network and a fine resistance network connected in series with the coarse network. The coarse resistance network comprises a chain of series-connected resistors any one or more of which may be switched out of the series by individual parallel-connected relays. The fine network comprises a shunt resistor together with a fixed resistor and a series-connected adjustable resistor together connected in parallel with the shunt resistor. A control circuit is arranged to control the relays for the switching of the resistors of the coarse network and also to control adjustment of the adjustable resistor. A chosen resistance value can be set by appropriate switching of the coarse network and adjustment of the adjustable resistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: David Paul Owen, Keith Thomas Moore
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Publication number: 20080142341Abstract: A conveyor is for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam. In either case, the conveyor may be driven using a slave drive associated with an adjacent conveyor. Related methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Stephen C. Fye, B. Keith Thomas, Lewis W. Ward
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Patent number: 7370707Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a tubular handling system for handling wellbore tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a tubular handling system adapted to retain a tubular without damaging the outer surface of the tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting tubulars by remotely controlling the connection process, including joint compensation, alignment, make up, and interlock. In one embodiment, the tubular handling system comprises an elevator adapted to support a tubular utilizing a first portion of an upset of the tubular and a spider adapted to support the tubular utilizing a second portion of the upset. In another embodiment, at least one of the elevator and the spider is remotely controllable. In yet another embodiment, the tubular handling system comprising a joint compensator system adapted to provide fluid communication to the elevator during rotation of the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Gary McDaniel, Allen Keith Thomas, Jr., Patrick D. Cummins, Troy F. Hill, Tracy J. Cummins, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes
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Publication number: 20080099196Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Keith Thomas Lutgring, Samuel P. Hawkins
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Publication number: 20080060818Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for making up tubular strings in a well. The present invention provides a single joint manipulator arm for manipulating and positioning tubing joints for coupling into a tubular string. In one embodiment, a string elevator is supported by a hoist. A single joint elevator is supported on a swing arm that is pivotally secured to the sub-hoist assembly. An actuator rotates the swing arm to an initial position for securing to an add-on tubular joint whereby the single joint elevator engages a proximate end of the add-on tubular joint. As the hoist is lifted, a damper dampens rotation of the swing arm as it finds gravitational equilibrium with the single joint held in a substantially vertical orientation. A distal end of the tubular joint is aligned with a casing string supported by a spider, and the tubular joint is threadably coupled to the tubular string.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Joshua Kyle Bourgeois, Keith Thomas Lutgring, John Kennedy Minyard Saichuk, Burney Joseph Latiolais, Brian David Begnaud, Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny
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Patent number: 7342028Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of tachykinin antagonists, including substance P antagonists and other neurokinin antagonists, in the treatment of emesis. Also described are novel tachykinin antagonists of formula (I), processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their medical use. wherein R represents the ring A ?or 2-pyridinyl or 2-pyridinyl-N-oxide; R1 is selected from halogen atoms and C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, and S(O)nC1-4alkyl groups; R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, each independently are selected from hydrogen and halogen atoms and C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethyl and cyano groups; n represents zero, 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Glaxo Group LimitedInventors: Russell Michael Hagan, Keith Thomas Bunce
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Patent number: 7314090Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Allen Keith Thomas, Jr., Jim Wiens, Michael Hayes
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Patent number: 7308979Abstract: A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam. In either case, the conveyor may be driven using a slave drive associated with an adjacent conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Stephen C. Fye, B. Keith Thomas, Lewis W. Ward
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Patent number: 7281239Abstract: The present invention is a method for determining the software load process. In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method for determining computer system software load process may start with loading computer system software on a computer. Then a marker file may be provided in the loaded computer system software. The marker file may indicate whether the loaded computer system software was loaded in a computer manufacturer's factory, loaded by a system restoration CD (SRCD), or loaded by downloading an image. When a program running on the computer abnormally terminates and the computer is able to send the marker file to a central authority, the marker file may be sent to the central authority by the computer. When a program running on the computer abnormally terminates and the computer is not able to send the marker file to a central authority, the marker file may be sent to the central authority by the computer after the computer reboots.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Gateway Inc.Inventor: Keith Thomas
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Patent number: 7258844Abstract: A stacked assembly of plates is provided, a first portion of the length of the assembly being formed of one or more first perforated plates, with a central open region enclosed by inner annulus and limbs from the outer diameter of the inner annulus to the inner diameter of an outer peripheral annulus, whereby the first plate has a central passageway for the first fluid inside the inner annulus and a plurality of outer frusto-annular passageways for the second fluid, and, at one end of the first portion, a second portion of the length of the assembly formed of one or more second perforated plates of similar construction to the first plates, each second plate differing from the first plate in that its outer peripheral annulus has one or more discontinuities to provide an inlet or an outlet into the outer frusto-annular passageways of the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Chart Industries, Inc.Inventor: Keith Thomas Symonds
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Patent number: 7214692Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of tachykinin antagonists, including substance P antagonists and other neurokinin antagonists, in the treatment of emesis. Also described are novel tachykinin antagonists of formula (I), processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their medical use. wherein R represents the ring A or 2-pyridinyl or 2-pyridinyl-N-oxide; R1 is selected from halogen atoms and C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, and S(O)nC1-4alkyl groups; R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, each independently are selected from hydrogen and halogen atoms and C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethyl and cyano groups; n represents zero, 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Glaxo Group LimitedInventors: Russell Michael Hagan, Keith Thomas Bunce
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Publication number: 20070062388Abstract: A method for electronically layering product label designs onto an electronic representation of a digital media storage disc to enable accurate representation of opaque, Pantone, white, and transparent inks on the digital media storage disc background to produce a soft disc print proof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2005Publication date: March 22, 2007Inventor: Keith Thomas