Patents by Inventor Michael L. Thompson

Michael L. 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).

  • Patent number: 4868542
    Abstract: An automobile signalling system includes a programmable processing unit or computer mounted in the vehicle near the driver's station. The unit has a key board and a pre-edit screen for displaying an input from the key board. An output from the processing unit is passed to a light emitting diode display unit mounted in the rear window of the vehicle to cause the LED display unit to produce an illuminated representation of the matter appearing on the screen of the processing unit. Output from the processing unit to the display unit is controlled by the braking system of the vehicle so that a message may be displayed on the display unit only when the brakes of the vehicle are activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Michael L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4496905
    Abstract: A testing device for electrically analyzing electrical failures in high pressure sodium lighting fixtures is disclosed. The testing device is inserted in the lighting fixture after the sodium lamp has been removed and contains three indicator lights. The user of the device compares the condition of the indicator lights with a chart on the label of the device to determine the type of failure. The circuit analyzer device will give distinct indications for a defective lamp, a defective circuit starter board, and a defective ballast and capacitor, thereby allowing the user of the device to make any necessary changes in order to return the lighting fixture to service. A pair of rectifier diodes are installed in a reverse direction so that the pulse to the lamp must be at least 2500 volts in order to break over the diodes PRV rating and to light the appropriate indicating lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Manville Service Coporation
    Inventors: Don A. Forte, Michael L. Thompson