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).
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Patent number: 12644440Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2023Date of Patent: June 2, 2026Assignee: BINKS US, LLCInventors: Randy Crockett, Joshua Miller, Mike Thomas, Darin Burgess
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Patent number: 12333374Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2024Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
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Publication number: 20240401577Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: December 5, 2024Inventors: Randy Crockett, Joshua Miller, Mike Thomas, Darin Burgess
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Patent number: 11960955Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 25, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
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Patent number: 11514255Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
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Patent number: 11017187Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
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Patent number: 10679019Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
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Patent number: 9728010Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Mike Thomas, Cameron G. Brown, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Jamie Bryant Kirschenbaum
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Patent number: 9442567Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
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Patent number: 9390561Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Cameron G. Brown, Abby Lee, Brian J. Mount, Daniel J. McCulloch, Michael J. Scavezze, Ryan L. Hastings, John Bevis, Mike Thomas, Ron Amador-Leon
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Publication number: 20160189426Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2014Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Mike Thomas, Cameron G. Brown, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Jamie Bryant Kirschenbaum
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Publication number: 20160048204Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
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Patent number: 9201578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
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Publication number: 20150205494Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: July 23, 2015Inventors: Jason Scott, Arthur C. Tomlin, Mike Thomas, Matthew Kaplan, Cameron G. Brown, Jonathan Plumb, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Daniel J. McCulloch, Jeremy Lee
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Patent number: 9052024Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: FINISHING BRANDS HOLDINGS INC.Inventors: Bill Bertakis, Jan Pitzer, Mike Thomas, Dale Wesener, Mike Wallace
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Publication number: 20140306994Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Cameron G. Brown, Abby Lee, Brian J. Mount, Daniel J. McCulloch, Michael J. Scavezze, Ryan L. Hastings, John Bevis, Mike Thomas, Ron Amador-Leon
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Publication number: 20110283939Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Illinois Tool WorksInventors: Bill Bertakis, Jan Pitzer, Mike Thomas, Dale Wesener, Mike Wallace
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Publication number: 20080266098Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Ali Aiouaz, Christopher J. Diorio, Aanand Esterberg, Harsh Jain, Omar Khwaja, David Ord, Mike Thomas
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Patent number: 6983174Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Andrew CorporationInventors: Russell Hoppenstein, Mike Thomas, Mano D. Judd
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Patent number: 6965515Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Andrew CorporationInventors: James L. Alford, Mike Thomas