Patents by Inventor Michael John Thomas

Michael John 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: 12227926
    Abstract: Examples provide an apparatus having a first accumulator that water received from a first supply line. A first conduit connects to the first accumulator and provides a second supply line from the first accumulator to a fixture. The second accumulator receives drainage water from the fixture. The second conduit connects to the second accumulator and includes a drainage line that directs the drainage water away from the second accumulator. A pump associated with the second accumulator assists with moving the drainage water out of the second accumulator through the drainage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Thomas, Alan Norton, Gabriel Massa
  • Publication number: 20240181980
    Abstract: A system/method using a sensor arrangement in a vehicle interior with an occupant and vehicle systems may comprise a user interface and computing system to process input/signal and data from data sources to facilitate operation and to provide output/signal with connectivity with occupants, vehicle systems, networks, etc. relating to operation, events, conditions, etc. Output may comprise information/interaction at a user interface, to vehicle systems, network communications, etc. The system may use data to provide output comprising enhancement and/or augmentation of input; output may comprise a signal based on data analytics/processing including application of artificial intelligence models and/or augmented reality models. The system may comprise a distributed sensor matrix to obtain data/input from a sensor field within the vehicle; data sources may comprise the sensor matrix, vehicle systems, data storage and/or networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Frances A. Elenbaas, Michael John Thomas, Ching Fong
  • Publication number: 20240051489
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a composite structure comprising a fiber panel and a cover. The fiber panel may comprise a conductor. The conductor may provide a functional circuit for the composite structure. The conductor may comprise a pattern of electrically conductive threads. Conductive thread may be within the fiber panel. Conductive thread may be stitched into/onto the fiber panel. The conductor may comprise a stitch pattern comprising conductive thread comprising the functional circuit. The functional circuit may comprise a user interface, an input device, an output device, and/or a circuit element. The composite structure may comprise a resin structure for the fiber panel adjacent to the functional circuit. The component may comprise a trim panel, instrument panel, door panel, overhead panel, console, overhead console, floor console, interior trim component, pillar trim, operator control, steering control/wheel, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Stroebe, Michael Robert Catlin, Jason Denbow, Michael Edward Phillips, Jason Mathew Hipshier, Michael Gerard Zimmer, Scott Allen Hansen, Michael John Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230151591
    Abstract: Examples provide an apparatus having a first accumulator that water received from a first supply line. A first conduit connects to the first accumulator and provides a second supply line from the first accumulator to a fixture. The second accumulator receives drainage water from the fixture. The second conduit connects to the second accumulator and includes a drainage line that directs the drainage water away from the second accumulator. A pump associated with the second accumulator assists with moving the drainage water out of the second accumulator through the drainage line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Thomas, Alan Norton, Gabriel Massa
  • Patent number: 11619032
    Abstract: Examples provide a configurable, modular manifold system for distributing water. The manifold receives water via a first supply line dropped vertically down from a ceiling structure. The first supply line is connected to a water source, such as a water tank or pre-existing water line without demolition. The water may be heated or filtered and then supplied to a fixture or other device via a perpendicular second supply line. Drainage from the fixture is received via a drainage line. The drainage accumulates in an accumulator tank. The drainage water is pumped out via a second vertical drainage line carrying the drainage water away. The second line eventually connects to a pre-existing sewage line or septic system for treatment. The manifold may be moved or relocated easily to provide water to fixtures or other devices modularly without alteration of fixtures or access demolition to existing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Thomas, Alan Norton, Gabriel Massa
  • Publication number: 20230075416
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior configured for a module comprising a radiation source to administer a dose of radiation to an object may comprise a base comprising a compartment for the object; a cover moveable relative to the base from a closed position to an open position; and a platform configured to position the object for administration of the dose of radiation when the cover is in the closed position. The platform may move to position the object for access when the cover is in the open position. The radiation source may comprise a lower light source separated from an upper light source by the platform. The platform may move with the cover. The component may comprise a mechanism to facilitate movement of the platform. The component may comprise a storage compartment; glove box; floor console; overhead console; trim panel; and/or door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Shane M. Vorac, Michael John Thomas
  • Patent number: 11479168
    Abstract: A system/component for a vehicle interior configured to administer a dose of radiation to an object is disclosed. The system/component may comprise a base providing a compartment, a cover, a module comprising a radiation source and a control panel providing a user interface. The radiation source may administer radiation to the object; the user interface may be configured for operation of the module; the user interface may provide a signal; the signal may comprise an audible signal and/or a light signal. The radiation source may comprise an ultraviolet light source. The system may be operated according to a control program. The compartment may contain the object and the light source may comprise an LED arrangement to direct light onto the object in the compartment. The dose of radiation may be intended to sanitize biomatter. A method of operating the system/component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SHANGHAI YANFENG JINQIAO AUTOMOTIVE TRIM SYSTEMS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Shane M. Vorac, Michael John Thomas
  • Publication number: 20220126750
    Abstract: A system/component for a vehicle interior configured to administer a dose of radiation to an object is disclosed. The system/component may comprise a base providing a compartment, a cover, a module comprising a radiation source and a control panel providing a user interface. The radiation source may administer radiation to the object; the user interface may be configured for operation of the module; the user interface may provide a signal; the signal may comprise an audible signal and/or a light signal. The radiation source may comprise an ultraviolet light source. The system may be operated according to a control program. The compartment may contain the object and the light source may comprise an LED arrangement to direct light onto the object in the compartment. The dose of radiation may be intended to sanitize biomatter. A method of operating the system/component is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Shane M. Vorac, Michael John Thomas
  • Publication number: 20220064915
    Abstract: Examples provide a configurable, modular manifold system for distributing water. The manifold receives water via a first supply line dropped vertically down from a ceiling structure. The first supply line is connected to a water source, such as a water tank or pre-existing water line without demolition. The water may be heated or filtered and then supplied to a fixture or other device via a perpendicular second supply line. Drainage from the fixture is received via a drainage line. The drainage accumulates in an accumulator tank. The drainage water is pumped out via a second vertical drainage line carrying the drainage water away. The second line eventually connects to a pre-existing sewage line or septic system for treatment. The manifold may be moved or relocated easily to provide water to fixtures or other devices modularly without alteration of fixtures or access demolition to existing structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Michael John Thomas, Alan Norton, Gabriel Massa
  • Patent number: 10189373
    Abstract: A seat arrangement, particularly for a vehicle, that includes a second row seat arrangement. The second row seat arrangement includes a first seat, a second seat and a third seat. The first seat can be stored such that direct access to a third row seat arrangement is not limited by the second row seat arrangement. In a two row vehicle, the second row seat arrangement with the first seat stored provides extra space in the second row for placing cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HOLDING S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Michael John Thomas, Kenneth M. Clark, Robert J. Hicks, Eric B. Michalak, Ganesh Sankaran, Bernd Zimmerbeutel
  • Patent number: 9969310
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior component includes depositing an expanding foam within an internal cavity of a mold. The internal cavity is shaped to form the vehicle interior component. The method also includes placing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in a desired position and/or orientation on a surface of the expanding foam such that the expanding foam bonds to the RFID tag as the expanding foam cures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HOLDING S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Eric B. Michalak, Michael John Thomas
  • Publication number: 20150239414
    Abstract: A position detection system for a vehicle seat component includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the vehicle seat component. The position detection system also includes an RFID reader configured to transmit an interrogation signal to the RFID tag, and to receive a return signal from the RFID tag. The position detection system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the RFID reader. The controller is configured to determine a position of the vehicle seat component based on the interrogation signal and/or the return signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Michael John Thomas, Eric B. Michalak
  • Patent number: 8107596
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing on-hold information to a telecommunication terminal that has been placed on-hold during a telecommunication call by receiving a message designating that the telecommunication terminal is to be placed on-hold from a far-end of the telecommunication call, and transmitting an on-hold message to the user of the telecommunication terminal where the on-hold message is selected by the user and generated at a near-end of the telecommunication call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Reon Gentle, Lisa Yoshiko Kawahara, Ashis Kumar Maity, Michael John Thomas
  • Patent number: 7933391
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for emergency message delivery from an emergency center by receiving an incoming call from the emergency center for a first telecommunication terminal that is engaged in a telecommunication call with a second telecommunication terminal; identifying the emergency center; receiving an emergency message from the emergency center; recording an audio portion of the emergency message; alerting a user of the first telecommunication terminal of the recorded audio portion of the emergency message during the telecommunication call; detecting a signal from the first telecommunication terminal indicating that the user wants to hear the recorded audio portion of the emergency message; and transmitting the recorded audio portion of the emergency message to the first telecommunication terminal during the telecommunication call upon detection of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Reon Gentle, Lisa Yoshiko Kawahara, Ashis Kumar Maity, Michael John Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110089736
    Abstract: A vehicular seat assembly (14) having a backrest (16) capable of reclining between maximum upright (22) and maximum rearward (20) conditions. The backrest (16) can also be rotated to a fold-flat condition (24). A rotary recliner mechanism (26) controls reclining motion of the backrest (16). A dump latch (44) is operatively associated with the rotary recliner mechanism (26), and is automatically actuated by movement of the seat backrest (16) past its maximum upright condition (22). The dump latch (44) is controlled by a trigger (50) which interacts with a cam (60) on a base plate (28) of the rotary recliner mechanism (26). A biasing member (54) automatically resets the trigger (50) when the backrest (16) is returned to its maximum upright position (22). The dump latch (44) and biasing member (54) are carried on a toothed top plate (32) that is formed integrally with the rotary recliner mechanism (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Kurt A. Seibold, Michael John Thomas, Yogesh A. Pawar
  • Patent number: D626349
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Raza Ahmed Bashir, Phillip T. Deane, David Paul Thimm, Michael John Thomas
  • Patent number: D1019888
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Thomas, Alan Norton, Gabriel Massa