Patents by Inventor Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson 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).

  • Method to prevent chain jump in a drivetrain
    Patent number: 7653470
    Abstract: A method to prevent chain jump in a drivetrain of a four-wheel drive vehicle including receiving sensed vehicle parameters from sensors in the four-wheel drive vehicle, generating transfer case chain-jump parameters based on the sensed vehicle parameters and sending a command signal to initiate disengagement of a clutch pack in a transfer case of the drivetrain responsive to the generated transfer case chain-jump parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Steven T Houtman, Joseph Roy, Mark Thompson
  • Method and system for communicating status in a service queue
    Publication number: 20090286559
    Abstract: A queuing system to notify customers of the status of requested service includes an input terminal operated by a service advisor. The service advisor communicates with each customer, and enters service parameters for customer service. The service advisor's input terminal is coupled by a computer network to a remote server which computes service completion data. The queuing system includes a display monitor coupled to the remote server by the computer network to display queue status in a customer waiting area. Notifications can also be sent via email or text message to a customer's mobile wireless device. Also disclosed is a method for informing customers of queue status that displays a service status on a display monitor in a waiting room, and which optionally transmits service status to a customer's mobile wireless device or networked computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Janas, Mark A. Thompson
  • MONEY TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRAVELERS
    Publication number: 20090283585
    Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Kurt Hansen, Dean A. Seifert, Mark Thompson, Mike Michelsen
  • STABLE BLUE PHOSPHORESCENT ORGANIC LIGHT EMITTING DEVICES
    Publication number: 20090278444
    Abstract: Novel combination of materials and device architectures for organic light emitting devices is provided. An organic light emitting device, is provided, having an anode, a cathode, and an emissive layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The emissive layer includes a host and a phosphorescent emissive dopant having a peak emissive wavelength less than 500 nm, and a radiative phosphorescent lifetime less than 1 microsecond. Preferably, the phosphorescent emissive dopant includes a ligand having a carbazole group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Stephen R. Forrest, Mark Thompson, Noel Giebink
  • Value transfer systems and methods
    Patent number: 7613655
    Abstract: One method involves the use of stored value account that may be used, for example, to make internet payments, and that can be credited using a variety of payment techniques. Such a method involves receiving money at a money transfer location from a potential purchaser. The money is then stored as an electronic record in a stored value account of the purchaser. This money is then available for transfer at the request of the purchaser. Upon such a request, the money may be electronically sent to a recipient and the stored value account may be debited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignees: Western Union Company, First Data Corproation
    Inventors: Kurt Hansen, Dean A. Seifert, Mark Thompson, Patricia A. Frazier
  • System and method for providing diagnostic information in a processing path of a coal gasification system
    Patent number: 7604400
    Abstract: A system and method for gathering diagnostic information relating to an operating condition of a gas stream or processing path of a coal gasification system is disclosed. The information is gathered by deploying one or more specially constructed modules or seeds that proceed through the gas stream of the coal gasification system as part of the mass flow of the gas stream. The seed may be physically recoverable in which an outer material of the seed ablates when exposed to a predetermined temperature of the gas stream. The seed may be physically non-recoverable in which electronic circuitry transmits a signal to a receiver relating to the temperature of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Thompson, James Scott Vartuli, Kenneth Brakeley Welles, Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Wayne Charles Hasz, John Erik Hershey, Ertugrul Berkcan
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING DATA
    Publication number: 20090222515
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring data according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a computer system configured to connect to a p2p network. The computer may run a p2p communication program that receives a request for content via the p2p network. The computer determines whether to fulfill the request according to various criteria, such as whether the p2p communication program is currently accessing a second content from the p2p network and/or whether the first content is associated with the second content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Thompson, Frederic J. Buonincontri, Tuomas Ketola
  • System and method for transferring money from one country to a stored value account in a different country
    Patent number: 7578434
    Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Kurt Hansen, Dean A. Seifert, Mark Thompson, Mike Michelsen
  • Self supporting kiln insulation covers
    Publication number: 20090208891
    Abstract: Self supporting kiln insulation device comprising an outer layer having an inside surface, at least two insulation modules, at least two heat dams, and, a stationary support structure. The insulation modules do not touch the kiln and heat dams are located adjacent to and touching the kiln, and are spaced at random and at predetermined distances apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Mark A. Thompson
  • ELECTRONIC GIFT LINKING
    Publication number: 20090182648
    Abstract: According to the invention, a method for creating an electronic greeting card that references a gift is disclosed. In one step, a selection of the electronic greeting card is received from a sender of that greeting card. Identification of the gift is received. A code indicative of the gift is created, whereby the code facilitates retrieving information about the gift. The code is embedded in the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Peter M. Karas, James Everett Cowell, Henry M. Abelman, Mark Thompson
  • Illuminated Interface Dashboard for Gaming Machine
    Publication number: 20090181768
    Abstract: A display system includes a cabinet, a transparent dashboard and a lighting system. The dashboard is fabricated to have at least two refractive indices such that when light from the lighting system is projected therethrough, a unique lighting effect is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: CADILLAC JACK, INC.
    Inventors: Sigmund H. Lee, Mark A. Thompson
  • Money transfer systems and methods for travelers
    Patent number: 7549575
    Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Kurt L. Hansen, Dean A. Seifert, Mark Thompson, Mike Michelsen
  • Method for Adjusting a Controller of a Scanner
    Publication number: 20090153698
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a controller of a scanner includes obtaining a scan of a predefined image. The method further includes moving the sensor-element signals of the control signal pattern generated by the controller earlier in the pattern by at least one unit and obtaining an additional scan. The obtaining and moving are repeated until a comparison of a latest additional scan to the image is worse than a comparison of a second-latest additional scan to the image. Another method obtains a noise-reducing heuristic which modifies a time parameter of a sensor-element signal. A set of repeated scans of a same scan line is obtained, noise is measured there from, the time parameter is modified by one predetermined unit, and the process repeats until the noise measured from the latest set of repeated scans is worse than that from the second-latest set of repeated scans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Mark Lane Mayberry, Karl Mark Thompson
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DISCLOSING TRANSACTION INFORMATION TO CUSTOMERS
    Publication number: 20090157520
    Abstract: A method of disclosing transaction information to customers includes receiving at a host computer system a file comprising processing information. The processing information comprises a plurality of transaction categories and fee information associated with each transaction category. The method also includes receiving a message from a point-of-sale device requesting the fee information associated with at least one particular transaction category relating to a transaction with a customer and sending from the host computer system an electronic message comprising the fee information. The method further comprises displaying transaction information relating to the electronic message at the point-of-sale device and providing the customer the opportunity to cancel the transaction. The transaction may involve an exchange between at least two different forms of value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Algiene, Mark Thompson
  • Electronic gift linking
    Patent number: 7512552
    Abstract: According to the invention, a method for creating an electronic greeting card that references a gift is disclosed. In one step, a selection of the electronic greeting card is received from a sender of that greeting card. Identification of the gift is received. A code indicative of the gift is created, whereby the code facilitates retrieving information about the gift. The code is embedded in the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Peter M. Karas, James Everett Cowell, Henry M. Abelman, Mark Thompson
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RETRIEVING CONTENT
    Publication number: 20090063507
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for retrieving content according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with systems for transferring data in a p2p network connecting multiple clients. Exemplary methods and apparatus may generate a catalog of multiple file segments stored in a memory accessible by computer and publish the catalog for access by the clients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: MARK THOMPSON
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GATHERING DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION IN A PROCESSING PATH OF A COAL GASIFICATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20090031787
    Abstract: A system and method for gathering diagnostic information relating to an operating condition of a gas stream or processing path of a coal gasification system is disclosed. The information is gathered by deploying one or more specially constructed modules or seeds that proceed through the gas stream of the coal gasification system as part of the mass flow of the gas stream. The seed may be physically recoverable in which an outer material of the seed ablates when exposed to a predetermined temperature of the gas stream. The seed may be physically non-recoverable in which electronic circuitry transmits a signal to a receiver relating to the temperature of the gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Thompson, James Scott Vartuli, Kenneth Brakeley Welles, Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Wayne Charles Hasz, John Erik Hershey, Ertugrul Berkcan, Jeffrey Michael Ashe
  • System and methods for disclosing transaction information to customers
    Patent number: 7475038
    Abstract: A method of disclosing transaction information to customers includes receiving at a host computer system a file comprising processing information. The processing information comprises a plurality of transaction categories and fee information associated with each transaction category. The method also includes receiving a message from a point-of-sale device requesting the fee information associated with at least one particular transaction category relating to a transaction with a customer and sending from the host computer system an electronic message comprising the fee information. The method further comprises displaying transaction information relating to the electronic message at the point-of-sale device and providing the customer the opportunity to cancel the transaction. The transaction may involve an exchange between at least two different forms of value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Algiene, Mark Thompson
  • Antenna for use in portable applications
    Publication number: 20090004977
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an accessory device for coupling to a portable system having an AM radio receiver. The accessory device includes a housing to house at least one accessory component and an AM antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Alessandro Piovaccari, Geoffrey B. Noakes, Daniel Mark Thompson
  • MDCK CELL LINES SUPPORTING VIRAL GROWTH TO HIGH TITERS AND BIOREACTOR PROCESS USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080286850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel MDCK cells which can be to grow viruses, e.g., influenza viruses, in cell culture to higher titer than previously possible. The MDCK cells can be adapted to serum-free culture medium. The present invention further relates to cell culture compositions comprising the MDCK cells and cultivation methods for growing the MDCK cells. The present invention further relates to methods for producing influenza viruses in cell culture using the MDCK cells of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: MEDIMMUNE VACCINES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Liu, Richard Schwartz, Mark Thompson, Luis Jorge Camilo Maranga, Simon Sheng-Tsiung Hsu, Mridul Ghosh, Ajit Subramanian