Patents by Inventor Michael A. Thorne
Michael A. Thorne 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: 8901869Abstract: A method of controlling speed of an electric machine having a rotor and a stator is provided. The method may comprise the steps of monitoring a desired speed and a measured speed of the rotor, generating a torque command based on the desired speed and the measured speed, and controlling phase current to the stator based on a hybrid closed loop analysis of the torque command, the measured speed and an estimated position of the rotor. The estimated rotor position may be derived at least partially from the desired speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jackson Wai, Jesse Gerdes, James Michael Thorne
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Publication number: 20140087869Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventor: Michael Thorne
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Publication number: 20140035505Abstract: A method of controlling speed of an electric machine having a rotor and a stator is provided. The method may comprise the steps of monitoring a desired speed and a measured speed of the rotor, generating a torque command based on the desired speed and the measured speed, and controlling phase current to the stator based on a hybrid closed loop analysis of the torque command, the measured speed and an estimated position of the rotor. The estimated rotor position may be derived at least partially from the desired speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.Inventors: Jackson Wai, Jesse Gerdes, James Michael Thorne
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Patent number: 8416331Abstract: An imaging device is capable of on-chip processing data output by a series of pixels 1, 2, 16. The pixels 1, 2, 16 are arranged into a series of super pixels or tiles that together form a large area array. The pixels 1, 2, 16 are arranged into two groups, nominally group A (odd pixels) and group B (even pixels). Data from the individual pixels 1, 2, 16 is read out according to the relative position of the pixel within each group. The technique employed by the device allows the array data rate to be controlled dynamically by the super pixel information content. The output data bandwidth is increased at the expense of image spatial resolution where scene content contains large uniform areas (e.g. desert, sea, sky) that would otherwise generate huge amounts of similar data that carries little additional information.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Selex Galileo LimitedInventor: Peter Michael Thorne
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Publication number: 20120154597Abstract: A system and method of reducing undesirable image artefacts such as image tear and image smearing are described. The system can include a series of pixels and enhanced sensitivity circuits. The circuit can be configured so as to operate in an enhanced sensitivity mode having a combination of sample and hold circuits and binning functions, the combination acting so as to reduce the undesirable imaging artefacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Selex Galileo LimitedInventors: Mark Clifford Wilson, Peter Michael Thorne
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Publication number: 20120001073Abstract: An Infra Red detector system and method is disclosed that implements a digital coordinate generator onto a 2D focal plane array infrared detector. The method used in this form of the invention by the IR detector system, generates X-Y coordinate data for pixels containing detected target data. Advantageously, it reduces subsequent signal post processing required to generate the same data using numerical processing techniques in software and the latency that this introduces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: SELEX GALILEO LIMITEDInventor: Peter Michael Thorne
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Publication number: 20110303846Abstract: An Infra Red detector system and method is disclosed. There is benefit in providing signal processing functions into each pixel of a 2D focal plane IR detector for applications such as hostile target detection. The thermal characteristics of muzzle flash or a projectile and it's trajectory for example are distinguishable from background scene. A technique to add a signal detection function to normal IR detector thermal imaging operation to a standard direct inject Integrate While Read (IWR) pixel circuit and for providing target detection at extremely high data rates is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Selex Galileo LimitedInventor: Peter Michael Thorne
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Patent number: 8043384Abstract: A method for making fire retardant material including fire retardant cellulosic insulation is described. The method includes an arrangement for adding one or more feedstocks and a fire retardancy chemical compound to a common blend tank prior to feedstock drying. The one or more feedstocks may include at least one virgin pulp stock feed and at least one recycled material stock feed. The amount and type of both the virgin feedstock and the recycled material feedstock is selectable. Old newsprint (ONP) may be one type of recycled material feedstock. Another suitable type of recycled material feedstock is old corrugated containers (OCC). The method further includes retaining the fiber feedstock and the chemical compound together for enough time to ensure adherence or impregnations of enough of the chemical to the fibers after the drying process. Fluffing or fiberizing of the treated fibers may be accomplished under less severe conditions than ordinarily employed when making conventional cellulose insulation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignees: Green Comfort Safe, Inc., University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Gerard A. Gagnon, Richard W. Munson, Daniel Harold Thompson, Jr., Michael Thorne Kelly, Robert A. Hupper, Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Publication number: 20110117354Abstract: A method for making fire retardant material including fire retardant cellulosic insulation. The method includes an arrangement for adding one or more feedstocks and a fire retardancy chemical compound to a common blend tank prior to feedstock drying. The one or more feedstocks may include at least one virgin pulp stock feed and at least one recycled material stock feed. The amount and type of both the virgin feedstock and the recycled material feedstock is selectable. Old newsprint (ONP) may be one type of recycled material feedstock. Another suitable type of recycled material feedstock is old corrugated containers (OCC). The method further includes retaining the fiber feedstock and the chemical compound together for enough time to ensure adherence or impregnations of enough of the chemical to the fibers after the drying process. Fluffing or fiberizing of the treated fibers may be accomplished under less severe conditions than ordinarily employed when making conventional cellulose insulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicants: GREEN COMFORT SAFE, INC., UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEESInventors: Gerard A. Gagnon, Richard W. Munson, Daniel Harold Thompson, JR., Michael Thorne Kelly, Robert A. Hupper, Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Publication number: 20110095245Abstract: A method for making fire retardant material including fire retardant cellulosic insulation. The method includes an arrangement for adding one or more feedstocks and a fire retardancy chemical compound to a common blend tank prior to feedstock drying. The one or more feedstocks may include at least one virgin pulp stock feed and at least one recycled material stock feed. The amount and type of both the virgin feedstock and the recycled material feedstock is selectable. Old newsprint (ONP) may be one type of recycled material feedstock. Another suitable type of recycled material feedstock is old corrugated containers (OCC). The method further includes retaining the fiber feedstock and the chemical compound together for enough time to ensure adherence or impregnations of enough of the chemical to the fibers after the drying process. Fluffing or fiberizing of the treated fibers may be accomplished under less severe conditions than ordinarily employed when making conventional cellulose insulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicants: Green Comfort Safe, Inc., University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Richard W. Munson, Gerard A. Gagnon, Daniel Harold Thompson, JR., Michael Thorne Kelly, Robert A. Hupper, Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Publication number: 20100289934Abstract: An imaging device is capable of on-chip processing data output by a series of pixels 1, 2, 16. The pixels 1, 2, 16 are arranged into a series of super pixels or tiles that together form a large area array. The pixels 1, 2, 16 are arranged into two groups, nominally group A (odd pixels) and group B (even pixels). Data from the individual pixels 1, 2, 16 is read out according to the relative position of the pixel within each group. The technique employed by the device allows the array data rate to be controlled dynamically by the super pixel information content. The output data bandwidth is increased at the expense of image spatial resolution where scene content contains large uniform areas (e.g. desert, sea, sky) that would otherwise generate huge amounts of similar data that carries little additional information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: SELEX GALILEO LIMITEDInventor: Peter Michael Thorne
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Publication number: 20100252736Abstract: An imaging system is described which includes a radiation source outputting radiation incident on a scene. The radiation is pulsed and the reflected radiation is detected by a detector array and a resulting signal output by a read out circuit. The signal output is characteristic of the scene on which the radiation is incident. The output signal is combined over a number of pulses, the averaging being carried out on-chip and within the detector circuitry. The radiation source may be a semiconductor diode source amplified with a doped fibre amplifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: SELEX GALILEO LIMITEDInventors: Peter Michael Thorne, Peter Knowles, Ian M. Baker, Jeremy Crouch, Richard Ash
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Patent number: 7438703Abstract: A safety shield apparatus is disclosed which includes a needle having a distal portion defining a longitudinal axis which is angularly displaced relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a proximal portion of the needle. A shield is mounted with the needle and extensible, via a tubular needle guide movable along the needle, between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus may include a needle hub configured to support the proximal portion of the needle. The needle hub can include an appendage which may have at least one opening to facilitate manipulation thereof. A distal end of the shield can be attached to a planar contact surface. The shield may also include a latch engageable with the needle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Roy L. Barrus, David L. Thorne, Charles V. Owen, Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Michael Thorne, Stephen Brown, Gale H. Thorne, Jr.
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Patent number: 7198618Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Jr., Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
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Patent number: 6949086Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Jr., Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
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Publication number: 20050063780Abstract: The flexible panel is made of juxtaposed rectangular bars each having holes extending transversely therein and elastic cords threaded through these holes for keeping the bars closely positioned side-by-side. Adjacent bars have a shiplap joint there between comprising a first notch in the top surface and the first side surface of a first bar, and a second notch in the bottom surface and the second side surface of the second bar, wherein these notches have overlapping horizontal surfaces. In another aspect of the present invention, each hole along the shiplap joint is made of two separable cylindrical grooves facing each other and forming a closed cylindrical wall when the shiplap joint is integral and a separable segment when the shiplap joint is pulled apart.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventor: Michael Thorne
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Publication number: 20040193120Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus including a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other and movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
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Publication number: 20040049159Abstract: A safety shield apparatus is disclosed which includes a needle having a distal portion defining a longitudinal axis which is angularly displaced relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a proximal portion of the needle. A shield is mounted with the needle and extensible, via a tubular needle guide movable along the needle, between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus may include a needle hub configured to support the proximal portion of the needle. The needle hub can include an appendage which may have at least one opening to facilitate manipulation thereof. A distal end of the shield can be attached to a planar contact surface. The shield may also include a latch engageable with the needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Roy L. Barrus, David L. Thorne, Charles V. Owen, Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Michael Thorne, Stephen Brown, Gale H. Thorne
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Publication number: 20030229317Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: F. Mark Ferguson, Richard L. Fiser, James R. Curtis, Charles V. Owen, David L. Thorne, Mark A. Nelson, Roy L. Barrus, Gale H. Thorne, Eugene E. Weilbacher, Michael Thorne, Steven Brown, Donald Solomon
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Publication number: 20020072716Abstract: A safety shield apparatus is disclosed which includes a needle having a distal portion defining a longitudinal axis which is angularly displaced relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a proximal portion of the needle. A shield is mounted with the needle and extensible, via a tubular needle guide movable along the needle, between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus may include a needle hub configured to support the proximal portion of the needle. The needle hub can include an appendage which may have at least one opening to facilitate manipulation thereof. A distal end of the shield can be attached to a planar contact surface. The shield may also include a latch engageable with the needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Safety Syringe CorporationInventors: Roy L. Barrus, David L. Thorne, Charles V. Owen, Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Michael Thorne, Stephen Brown, Gale H. Thorne