Patents by Inventor Mike Thomas

Mike 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: 12644440
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a central member between a first fluid section and a second fluid section, wherein the central member, first fluid section, and second fluid section define a longitudinal axis thereon, at least one first fluid section driving member in mechanical communication with the central member, at least one second fluid section driving member in mechanical communication with the central member, an oscillating member in mechanical communication with the central member configured to oscillate the central member along the longitudinal axis, a pump inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source, and a pump outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: BINKS US, LLC
    Inventors: Randy Crockett, Joshua Miller, Mike Thomas, Darin Burgess
  • Patent number: 12333374
    Abstract: RFID readers may be configured to supply power to tags during frequency hops. When a reader is supplying power to a passive RFID tag via a first RF waveform having a first radio frequency and determines that it is to frequency-hop, the reader may determine whether the tag requires power during the hop. If so, the reader begins (or continues) to synthesize a second RF waveform with a second radio frequency while also synthesizing the first RF waveform, and frequency-hops by transitioning from transmitting the first RF waveform to transmitting the second RF waveform such that the power transmitted during the transition is sufficient for the tag to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Publication number: 20240401577
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a central member between a first fluid section and a second fluid section, wherein the central member, first fluid section, and second fluid section define a longitudinal axis thereon, at least one first fluid section driving member in mechanical communication with the central member, at least one second fluid section driving member in mechanical communication with the central member, an oscillating member in mechanical communication with the central member configured to oscillate the central member along the longitudinal axis, a pump inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source, and a pump outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Randy Crockett, Joshua Miller, Mike Thomas, Darin Burgess
  • Patent number: 11960955
    Abstract: RFID readers may be configured to supply power to tags during frequency hops. When a reader is supplying power to a passive RFID tag via a first RF waveform having a first radio frequency and determines that it is to frequency-hop, the reader may determine whether the tag requires power during the hop. If so, the reader begins (or continues) to synthesize a second RF waveform with a second radio frequency while also synthesizing the first RF waveform, and frequency-hops by transitioning from transmitting the first RF waveform to transmitting the second RF waveform such that the power transmitted during the transition is sufficient for the tag to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 11514255
    Abstract: RFID readers may be configured to supply power to tags during frequency hops. When a reader is supplying power to a passive RFID tag via a first RF waveform having a first radio frequency and determines that it is to frequency-hop, the reader may determine whether the tag requires power during the hop. If so, the reader begins (or continues) to synthesize a second RF waveform with a second radio frequency while also synthesizing the first RF waveform, and frequency-hops by transitioning from transmitting the first RF waveform to transmitting the second RF waveform such that the power transmitted during the transition is sufficient for the tag to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 11017187
    Abstract: RFID readers may be configured to supply power to tags during frequency hops. When a reader is supplying power to a passive RFID tag via a first RF waveform having a first radio frequency and determines that it is to frequency-hop, the reader may determine whether the tag requires power during the hop. If so, the reader begins (or continues) to synthesize a second RF waveform with a second radio frequency while also synthesizing the first RF waveform, and frequency-hops by transitioning from transmitting the first RF waveform to transmitting the second RF waveform such that the power transmitted during the transition is sufficient for the tag to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 10679019
    Abstract: RFID readers may be configured to supply power to tags during frequency hops. When a reader is supplying power to a passive RFID tag via a first RF waveform having a first radio frequency and determines that it is to frequency-hop, the reader may determine whether the tag requires power during the hop. If so, the reader begins (or continues) to synthesize a second RF waveform with a second radio frequency while also synthesizing the first RF waveform, and frequency-hops by transitioning from transmitting the first RF waveform to transmitting the second RF waveform such that the power transmitted during the transition is sufficient for the tag to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 9728010
    Abstract: Methods for generating virtual proxy objects and controlling the location of the virtual proxy objects within an augmented reality environment are described. In some embodiments, a head-mounted display device (HMD) may identify a real-world object for which to generate a virtual proxy object, generate the virtual proxy object corresponding with the real-world object, and display the virtual proxy object using the HMD such that the virtual proxy object is perceived to exist within an augmented reality environment displayed to an end user of the HMD. In some cases, image processing techniques may be applied to depth images derived from a depth camera embedded within the HMD in order to identify boundary points for the real-world object and to determine the dimensions of the virtual proxy object corresponding with the real-world object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Cameron G. Brown, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Jamie Bryant Kirschenbaum
  • Patent number: 9442567
    Abstract: Methods for enabling hands-free selection of virtual objects are described. In some embodiments, a gaze swipe gesture may be used to select a virtual object. The gaze swipe gesture may involve an end user of a head-mounted display device (HMD) performing head movements that are tracked by the HMD to detect whether a virtual pointer controlled by the end user has swiped across two or more edges of the virtual object. In some cases, the gaze swipe gesture may comprise the end user using their head movements to move the virtual pointer through two edges of the virtual object while the end user gazes at the virtual object. In response to detecting the gaze swipe gesture, the HMD may determine a second virtual object to be displayed on the HMD based on a speed of the gaze swipe gesture and a size of the virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
  • Patent number: 9390561
    Abstract: Methods for generating and displaying personalized virtual billboards within an augmented reality environment are described. The personalized virtual billboards may facilitate the sharing of personalized information between persons within an environment who have varying degrees of acquaintance (e.g., ranging from close familial relationships to strangers). In some embodiments, a head-mounted display device (HMD) may detect a mobile device associated with a particular person within an environment, acquire a personalized information set corresponding with the particular person, generate a virtual billboard based on the personalized information set, and display the virtual billboard on the HMD. The personalized information set may include information associated with the particular person such as shopping lists and classified advertisements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Cameron G. Brown, Abby Lee, Brian J. Mount, Daniel J. McCulloch, Michael J. Scavezze, Ryan L. Hastings, John Bevis, Mike Thomas, Ron Amador-Leon
  • Publication number: 20160189426
    Abstract: Methods for generating virtual proxy objects and controlling the location of the virtual proxy objects within an augmented reality environment are described. In some embodiments, a head-mounted display device (HMD) may identify a real-world object for which to generate a virtual proxy object, generate the virtual proxy object corresponding with the real-world object, and display the virtual proxy object using the HMD such that the virtual proxy object is perceived to exist within an augmented reality environment displayed to an end user of the HMD. In some cases, image processing techniques may be applied to depth images derived from a depth camera embedded within the HMD in order to identify boundary points for the real-world object and to determine the dimensions of the virtual proxy object corresponding with the real-world object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Cameron G. Brown, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Jamie Bryant Kirschenbaum
  • Publication number: 20160048204
    Abstract: Methods for enabling hands-free selection of virtual objects are described. In some embodiments, a gaze swipe gesture may be used to select a virtual object. The gaze swipe gesture may involve an end user of a head-mounted display device (HMD) performing head movements that are tracked by the HMD to detect whether a virtual pointer controlled by the end user has swiped across two or more edges of the virtual object. In some cases, the gaze swipe gesture may comprise the end user using their head movements to move the virtual pointer through two edges of the virtual object while the end user gazes at the virtual object. In response to detecting the gaze swipe gesture, the HMD may determine a second virtual object to be displayed on the HMD based on a speed of the gaze swipe gesture and a size of the virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
  • Patent number: 9201578
    Abstract: Methods for enabling hands-free selection of virtual objects are described. In some embodiments, a gaze swipe gesture may be used to select a virtual object. The gaze swipe gesture may involve an end user of a head-mounted display device (HMD) performing head movements that are tracked by the HMD to detect whether a virtual pointer controlled by the end user has swiped across two or more edges of the virtual object. In some cases, the gaze swipe gesture may comprise the end user using their head movements to move the virtual pointer through two edges of the virtual object while the end user gazes at the virtual object. In response to detecting the gaze swipe gesture, the HMD may determine a second virtual object to be displayed on the HMD based on a speed of the gaze swipe gesture and a size of the virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
  • Publication number: 20150205494
    Abstract: Methods for enabling hands-free selection of virtual objects are described. In some embodiments, a gaze swipe gesture may be used to select a virtual object. The gaze swipe gesture may involve an end user of a head-mounted display device (HMD) performing head movements that are tracked by the HMD to detect whether a virtual pointer controlled by the end user has swiped across two or more edges of the virtual object. In some cases, the gaze swipe gesture may comprise the end user using their head movements to move the virtual pointer through two edges of the virtual object while the end user gazes at the virtual object. In response to detecting the gaze swipe gesture, the HMD may determine a second virtual object to be displayed on the HMD based on a speed of the gaze swipe gesture and a size of the virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
  • Patent number: 9052024
    Abstract: A pressure relief system and a non-intrusive, low chatter pressure relief valve for use with such as system are disclosed. The pressure relief valve allows excess pressure in a pressurized fluid line to flow through a flow return line to a fluid reservoir when the fluid pressure exceeds the valve's pressure limit setting. The establishment of a uniform channel between the valve stem and the inner surface of a housing in which the valve stem is slidably located, as well as the use of a vent and sight tube to remove air from the top portion of the housing upon a spring being compressed during the opening of the valve, reduces the occurrence of pulsation and vibration when the valve is cycled between its open and closed positions. When the valve is in its closed position, the bottom end of the valve stem is in close proximity to the inner surface of the main fluid passageway in the pressurized fluid line, but does not intrusively interfere with the flow of fluid through the main fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: FINISHING BRANDS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Bill Bertakis, Jan Pitzer, Mike Thomas, Dale Wesener, Mike Wallace
  • Publication number: 20140306994
    Abstract: Methods for generating and displaying personalized virtual billboards within an augmented reality environment are described. The personalized virtual billboards may facilitate the sharing of personalized information between persons within an environment who have varying degrees of acquaintance (e.g., ranging from close familial relationships to strangers). In some embodiments, a head-mounted display device (HMD) may detect a mobile device associated with a particular person within an environment, acquire a personalized information set corresponding with the particular person, generate a virtual billboard based on the personalized information set, and display the virtual billboard on the HMD. The personalized information set may include information associated with the particular person such as shopping lists and classified advertisements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Cameron G. Brown, Abby Lee, Brian J. Mount, Daniel J. McCulloch, Michael J. Scavezze, Ryan L. Hastings, John Bevis, Mike Thomas, Ron Amador-Leon
  • Publication number: 20110283939
    Abstract: A pressure relief system and a non-intrusive, low chatter pressure relief valve for use with such as system are disclosed. The pressure relief valve allows excess pressure in a pressurized fluid line to flow through a flow return line to a fluid reservoir when the fluid pressure exceeds the valve's pressure limit setting. The establishment of a uniform channel between the valve stem and the inner surface of a housing in which the valve stem is slidably located, as well as the use of a vent and sight tube to remove air from the top portion of the housing upon a spring being compressed during the opening of the valve, reduces the occurrence of pulsation and vibration when the valve is cycled between its open and closed positions. When the valve is in its closed position, the bottom end of the valve stem is in close proximity to the inner surface of the main fluid passageway in the pressurized fluid line, but does not intrusively interfere with the flow of fluid through the main fluid passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventors: Bill Bertakis, Jan Pitzer, Mike Thomas, Dale Wesener, Mike Wallace
  • Publication number: 20080266098
    Abstract: Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader system, software, and methods are provided, such that an operational processing block for the RFID reader to communicate with an RFID tag uses a RF spectrum portion subdivided into a set of channels. The communication takes place in the presence of a foreign device that uses a subset of first channels of the RF spectrum and does not use a subset of second channels of the spectrum. The methods cause a radiating power directed towards the tag to be reduced and a radiating dwell time to be changed. This is to assure that co-existing systems can operate without compromising their functionality and operational quality. In some embodiments, the radiating power is reduced to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Aiouaz, Christopher J. Diorio, Aanand Esterberg, Harsh Jain, Omar Khwaja, David Ord, Mike Thomas
  • Patent number: 6983174
    Abstract: A distributed antenna system comprising a plurality of antenna elements, duplexers and amplifiers, each amplifier and duplexer operatively coupled with one of said antenna elements and mounted closely adjacent to the associated antenna element in such a manner as incidences of insertion loss, noise and system failure are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Hoppenstein, Mike Thomas, Mano D. Judd
  • Patent number: 6965515
    Abstract: A base station for a wireless communications system having a tower-mounted amplifier system with a low-noise amplifier transistor and a thermoelectric cooler that reduces the operating temperature of the low-noise amplifier transistor. The amplifier system has additional heat-generating components, such as filters, and additional electrical components mounted on a substrate to which the low-noise amplifier transistor is mounted. These heat-generating components are thermally isolated from the cold side of the thermoelectric cooler. As a result, the cooling capacity and electrical power requirement for the thermoelectric cooler is significantly reduced because only the low-noise amplifier transistor is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Alford, Mike Thomas