Patents by Inventor Kurt Thomas

Kurt 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: 12378889
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a blade assembly with a platform, an airfoil, and a shank. The airfoil has a plurality of cooling conduits, and the shank has a plurality of inlet passages to provide cooling fluid to the cooling conduits in the airfoil. The cooling fluid is vented through a plurality of cooling holes along the trailing edge of the airfoil. The blade assembly has specific geometries that improve durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zachary R. Noeth, Thomas P. Warburg, Zachary Daniel Webster, Kelli Marie Fishback, Marie Myers, Kurt Thomas Whittington
  • Patent number: 12382245
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing playback devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for modifying a system that includes several devices. The method includes steps for measuring a first signal pattern for wireless signals between the several devices, measuring a second signal pattern for the wireless signals after measuring the first signal pattern between the several devices, determining an updated state of the system based on a difference between the second signal pattern and the first signal pattern, and modifying state variables of one or more devices of the playback system based on the determined updated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto
  • Publication number: 20250239271
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device detect sound. The sound data is captured in a first buffer and analyzed to detect a trigger event. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a second buffer and provided to at least one network device to determine at least one characteristic of the detected sound based on the metadata. The network device provides a response that includes an instruction, based on the determined characteristic, to modify at least one performance parameter of the NMD. The NMD then modifies the at least one performance parameter based on the instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: July 24, 2025
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20250194896
    Abstract: A vessel rinsing apparatus including a mounting base, a fluid discharge member including a plurality of nozzles, a valve member operably coupled to the fluid discharge member and configured to control water flow through the nozzles, and an escutcheon supported by the mounting base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2025
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Inventors: Mark Cipriani, Todd Huffington, Alfred Nelson, Michael Veros, II, Kyle Davidson, Kurt Thomas, Jeffrey Moore
  • Publication number: 20250197479
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing an antibody composition comprising a desired or predetermined or pre-selected level of total afucosylated (TAF) glycoforms. In exemplary embodiments, the method comprises maintaining glycosylation-competent cells in a cell culture medium comprising fucose and/or glucose at a specific concentration as described herein, depending on the level of TAF glycoforms desired. Related compositions comprising glycosylated proteins and TAF glycoforms thereof are also provided herein. Also provided are cell culture media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Applicant: AMGEN INC.
    Inventors: Prince BHEBE, Matthew JERUMS, Irene LIU, Kurt Thomas KUNAS
  • Publication number: 20250154873
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a blade assembly with a platform, an airfoil, and a shank. The airfoil has a plurality of cooling conduits, and the shank has a plurality of inlet passages to provide cooling fluid to the cooling conduits in the airfoil. The cooling fluid is vented through a plurality of cooling holes along the trailing edge of the airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Zachary R. Noeth, Thomas P. Warburg, Zachary Daniel Webster, Kelli Marie Fishback, Marie Myers, Kurt Thomas Whittington
  • Publication number: 20250147258
    Abstract: An optical fiber management tray assembly with improved work surface access. The assembly includes a first piece and a second piece pivotally attached to the first piece. The first piece is configured to pivotally attach to a tray support structure. One or more fiber management components are positioned on an interior side of the second piece. The second piece can be pivoted away from the first piece to provide access to the one or more fiber management components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Bart Mattie CLAESSENS, Kurt Thomas FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20250140260
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20250088797
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing network microphone devices using noise classification are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device (NMD) detect sound. The sound data is analyzed to detect a trigger event such as a wake word. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a lookback buffer of the NMD. After detecting the trigger event, the metadata is analyzed to classify noise in the sound data. Based on the classified noise, at least one performance parameter of the NMD is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto
  • Patent number: 12239278
    Abstract: A vessel rinsing apparatus including a mounting base, a fluid discharge member including a plurality of nozzles, a valve member operably coupled to the fluid discharge member and configured to control water flow through the nozzles, and an escutcheon supported by the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Mark Cipriani, Todd Huffington, Alfred Nelson, Michael Veros, Kyle Davidson, Kurt Thomas, Jeffrey Moore
  • Publication number: 20250068388
    Abstract: In one aspect, a network microphone device includes a plurality of microphones and is configured to detect sound via the one or more microphones. The network microphone device may capture sound data based on the detected sound in a first buffer, and capture metadata associated with the detected sound in a second buffer. The network microphone device may classify one or more noises in the detected sound and cause the network microphone device to perform an action based on the classification of the respective one or more noises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith
  • Patent number: 12230291
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device detect sound. The sound data is captured in a first buffer and analyzed to detect a trigger event. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a second buffer and provided to at least one network device to determine at least one characteristic of the detected sound based on the metadata. The network device provides a response that includes an instruction, based on the determined characteristic, to modify at least one performance parameter of the NMD. The NMD then modifies the at least one performance parameter based on the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Patent number: 12213022
    Abstract: Systems and methods for localizing portable devices are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for locating a portable device in a network that includes several reference devices. The method measures characteristics of signals transmitted via signal paths between reference devices and a portable device, normalizes the measurements to estimate characteristics of the signal paths, and estimates the likelihood that the portable device is in a particular location. Systems and methods for training prediction models include a method that includes steps for receiving context data for a portable device in a system, wherein the context data includes localization data that describes a location of the portable device, identifying a predicted stationary device based on the context data using a prediction model, identifying a target stationary device from the several stationary devices, training the prediction model based on based on the predicted stationary device and the received input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: SONOS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20250018483
    Abstract: A band saw assembly and a blade tensioner assembly are set forth. Unlike many past devices, the band saw assembly has two blades for cutting workpieces—a first blade and a second blade—enabling bi-directional cutting actions in both forward and retract motions. The blade tensioner assembly can be employed to bring both blades of the band saw assembly to equal and proper tensioning values for use, and has a pair of actuators. Potential applications of use include metalworking, woodworking, glass and ceramic material cutting, plastics and fibrous material cutting, and food processing, among many other workpiece possibilities. The band saw assembly may prove particularly useful for high production and manufacturing plants and facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Kurt Thomas Plechaty, Samuel Edwin Weiers
  • Patent number: 12165651
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Patent number: 12093608
    Abstract: In one aspect, a network microphone device includes a plurality of microphones and is configured to detect sound via the one or more microphones. The network microphone device may capture sound data based on the detected sound in a first buffer, and capture metadata associated with the detected sound in a second buffer. The network microphone device may classify one or more noises in the detected sound and cause the network microphone device to perform an action based on the classification of the respective one or more noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith
  • Publication number: 20240292167
    Abstract: Spatial maps can be constructed that represent the relative positions of media playback system components within an environment. In one method, an orchestrator device transmits an instruction to a plurality of playback devices to initiate a localization session. After receiving the instruction, a first playback device transmits a localization signal which is received by the second playback device. Based on the localization signal, a spatial measurement parameter is obtained. The spatial measurement parameter is transmitted to a mapper device, which then constructs a spatial map of the environment including at least the first playback device and the second playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: James Nesfield, Ian Ward Frank, Kurt Thomas Soto, Daniel Jones, Charles Conor Sleith, Joseph Todd
  • Patent number: 12063486
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing network microphone devices using noise classification are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device (NMD) detect sound. The sound data is analyzed to detect a trigger event such as a wake word. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a lookback buffer of the NMD. After detecting the trigger event, the metadata is analyzed to classify noise in the sound data. Based on the classified noise, at least one performance parameter of the NMD is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto
  • Publication number: 20240233711
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating training data are described herein. Pieces of metadata captured by a plurality of networked sensor systems can be captured, where each piece of metadata is associated with a specific set of sensor data captured by one of the plurality of networked sensor systems and includes a set of characteristics for the specific set of captured sensor data. A probabilistic model can be generated based on the received metadata and simulations can be performed based upon a training corpus by generating multiple scenarios, and, for each scenario, a scenario specific version of a particular annotated sample is generated by performing a simulation using the particular annotated sample. The scenario specific versions of annotated samples from the training corpus can be stored as a training data set on the at least one network device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Patent number: 12023540
    Abstract: A pair of clothing bottoms with attachable weights is provided to intensify a workout. The pair of clothing bottoms with attachable weights includes a pair of clothing bottoms, at least one left weight assembly, and at least one right weight assembly. The pair of clothing bottoms may be any type of athletic garments such as, but not limited to, a pair of shorts, a pair of leggings, or a pair of sweatpants. The at least one left weight assembly allows weights to be selectively attached to the pair of clothing bottoms to increase the load to the left hip side of a user during a workout. Similarly, the at least one right weight assembly allows weights to be attached to the pair of clothing bottoms to increase the load to the right hip side of the user during a workout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Inventors: Kurt Thomas, Rebecca Thomas