Patents by Inventor Michael G. Thomas

Michael G. 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: 10206725
    Abstract: A sliding plate variable angle locking mechanism includes a bone plate, a first sliding plate, a locking ring and a bone screw. The bone plate includes a plate cavity, a bone plate surface and a shelf. The plate hole defines a plate hole diameter. The first sliding plate a central hole that defines a sliding plate hole diameter. The sliding plate hole diameter is smaller than the plate hole diameter. The first sliding plate is positioned in the plate cavity in an assembled configuration. The locking ring is movably mountable to the bone plate. The locking ring hole diameter is greater than the sliding plate hole diameter. The bone screw head diameter is greater than the sliding plate hole diameter. The head threads are configured to form internal threads in the central hole of the first sliding plate when the bone screw is driven into the first sliding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Gramercy Extremity Orthopedics LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Vasta, Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8759031
    Abstract: Novel extender units for Type I polyketide synthases are provided. Also provided are genes, compounds, and methods for generating these units, and for incorporation of the novel extender units into polyketides for the purpose of generating new structural derivatives of polyketide-containing products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael G. Thomas, Jo Handelsman, Yolande Alia Chan, Angela M. Podevels
  • Patent number: 8398687
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments describe a volar plate generally for use treating distal volar fractures. The volar plate is designed in accordance with anatomical features and is generally Y-shaped, having a wider distal head portion that tapers to a narrower proximal body portion. A plurality of holes in the distal head of the volar plate allow for fixation means to fix the position of bone fragments with respect to the volar plate. The plurality of holes in the distal head basically form two substantially non-linear rows, with the distal row generally curving inward proximally and the proximal row generally curving outward distally such that the fixation means inserted through the holes generally converge. A central cavity may be located in the proximal body of the volar plate to promote bone growth, and mounting screws may border the central cavity on either side to provide secure support. Additionally, K-wire holes may be included which are visually linked to corresponding holes in the distal head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: AMEI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Vasta, Michael G. Thomas, David Ruch, David Nelson, Dwight Bronson
  • Publication number: 20130062160
    Abstract: An article-handling system and method of handling articles with article trays having a support surface and a plurality of generally parallel grooves in said support surface includes loading articles on trays with an article-traying subsystem and unloading articles from trays with an article-detraying subsystem. The article-traying subsystem has a tray conveyor and a loading article conveyor. The loading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of a tray traveling on the tray conveyor at the article conveyor. An article is transferred to the tray support surface with the loading article conveyor. The article-detraying subsystem has a trayed article conveyor and an unloading article conveyor. The unloading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of the tray of a trayed article traveling on the trayed article conveyor at the unloading article conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Steinbach, Robert G. Lyon, Paul K. Gines, Michael G. Thomas, Ardalan Noordeh, Michael Carr, Gabriel E. Kahl, Michael C. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080254508
    Abstract: Novel extender units for Type I polyketide synthases are provided. Also provided are genes, compounds, and methods for generating these units, and for incorporation of the novel extender units into polyketides for the purpose of generating new structural derivatives of polyketide-containing products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Michael G. Thomas, Jo Handelsman, Yolande Alia Chan, Angela M. Podevels
  • Patent number: 7326782
    Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least a functional fragment of the viomycin biosynthetic gene cluster, functional proteins encoded by the cluster, expression cassettes and recombinant host cells comprising a functional fragment of the viomycin cluster, and methods for generating biologically active agents using the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael G. Thomas, Yolanda A. Chan, Sarah G. Ozanick
  • Patent number: 7134569
    Abstract: A tear-back drink-through lid for a drinking cup sealingly engages the drinking cup at an annular mounting portion with a downwardly extending annular skirt. The tear-back section extends from the inner skirt to a hinge and has an outwardly extending raised protrusion. When the tear-back section is torn away from the lid and pivoted about the hinge, the raised protrusion is frictionally engaged by the end walls of the recess and retained within the recess. The recess further includes a straw slot formed therein defined by two sloping converging sidewalls extending from the upper surface the lid at different angles to form a frangible juncture at the deepest portion of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Freek, Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6866905
    Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particulary desired by consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
  • Publication number: 20040142132
    Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particularly desired by consumers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thick-walled polycarbonate tumblers are prepared from hydrolysis-stabilized polycarbonate compositions while minimizing molded-in stress. In still further embodiments, nanocomposites compositions are used to form the containers of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
  • Patent number: 6750391
    Abstract: A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ward Issac Bower, Michael G. Thomas, Douglas S. Ruby
  • Publication number: 20040022977
    Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particularly desired by consumers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thick-walled polycarbonate tumblers are prepared from hydrolysis-stabilized polycarbonate compositions while minimizing molded-in stress. In still further embodiments, nanocomposites compositions are used to form the containers of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
  • Patent number: 6627278
    Abstract: An injection blow-molded disposable tumbler is formed from a polymeric material and includes a fortified upper rim having a thickness greater than the adjacent sidewall. The tumbler may be formed of a variety of resinous materials and exhibits improved toughness and crush resistance as well as aesthetic qualities particularly desired by consumers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thick-walled polycarbonate tumblers are prepared from hydrolysis-stabilized polycarbonate compositions while minimizing molded-in stress. In still further embodiments, nanocomposites compositions are used to form the containers of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Erland R. Sandstrom, Brigitte K. Weigert, Donald C. McCarthy, Michael G. Thomas, Michael A. Freek
  • Publication number: 20030141424
    Abstract: A cup-holder insert for accommodating a beverage and a snack or combo meal includes in a typical embodiment: a) central support member of generally circular cross-section configured to be disposed in a cup-holder and reside vertically in the cup-holder when placed therein and which defines a first cavity adapted to receive a cup; b) at least a first laterally projecting food receptacle portion which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the first laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a second cavity adapted to receive victuals; and c) at least a second laterally projecting food receptacle portion thereof which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the second laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a third cavity for receiving victuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Michael G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030111103
    Abstract: A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Ward Issac Bower, Michael G. Thomas, Douglas S. Ruby
  • Patent number: 6533233
    Abstract: A cup-holder insert for accommodating a beverage and a snack or combo meal includes in a typical embodiment: a) central support member of generally circular cross-section configured to be disposed in a cup-holder and reside vertically in the cup-holder when placed therein and which defines a first cavity adapted to receive a cup; b) at least a first laterally projecting food receptacle portion which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the first laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a second cavity adapted to receive victuals; and c) at least a second laterally projecting food receptacle portion thereof which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the second laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a third cavity for receiving victuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020043603
    Abstract: A cup-holder insert for accommodating a beverage and a snack or combo meal includes in a typical embodiment: a) central support member of generally circular cross-section configured to be disposed in a cup-holder and reside vertically in the cup-holder when placed therein and which defines a first cavity adapted to receive a cup; b) at least a first laterally projecting food receptacle portion which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the first laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a second cavity adapted to receive victuals; and c) at least a second laterally projecting food receptacle portion thereof which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the second laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a third cavity for receiving victuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: D446698
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: D447024
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: D459164
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: D459956
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. Thomas