Patents by Inventor Paul E. Thompson

Paul E. 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).

  • Publication number: 20240123218
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) system includes an ICD implanted subcutaneously in a patient, a defibrillation lead having a proximal portion coupled to the ICD and a distal portion having a defibrillation electrode configured to deliver a defibrillation or cardioversion shock to a heart of the patient, and a pacing lead that includes a distal portion having one or more electrodes and a proximal portion coupled to the ICD. The distal portion of the pacing lead is implanted at least partially along a posterior side of a sternum of the patient within the anterior mediastinum. The ICD is configured to provide pacing pulses to the heart of the patient via the pacing lead and provide defibrillation shocks to the patient via the defibrillation lead. As such, the implantable cardiac system provides pacing from the substernal space for an extravascular ICD system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie, Paul J. DeGroot, Rick D. McVenes, Becky L. Dolan
  • Patent number: 11959679
    Abstract: A fan drive circuit for a variable speed fan motor in a cooling system, includes an inverter configured to supply a current signal to stator windings of the variable speed fan motor, a frequency detection circuit coupled to an output stage of an inverter of a compressor motor of the cooling system and configured to detect a first frequency of a compressor current signal at the output stage of a variable speed compressor drive circuit and generate a frequency signal, and a digital signal processor (DSP) coupled to the inverter and the frequency detection circuit. The DSP is configured to receive the frequency signal corresponding to the first frequency from the frequency detection circuit, select a second frequency corresponding to the first frequency at which to operate the variable speed fan motor, and transmit control signals to the inverter to supply current to the stator windings at the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Mullin, Daniel E. Thompson, Ludovic Andre Chretien
  • Patent number: 7885584
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for a self-cleaning toner roller device adjacent a toner roller. The cleaning device having one or more shields to capture the toner debris from the toner roller, a toner debris receptacle to collect the toner debris, and a controller to move the applicator from an operational mode to a self-cleaning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Philip A. Stern, Edward M. Eck, Paul E. Thompson, Timothy Reynolds, Gerard M. Darby
  • Publication number: 20090003887
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for a self-cleaning toner roller device adjacent a toner roller. The cleaning device having one or more shields to capture the toner debris from the toner roller, a toner debris receptacle to collect the toner debris, and a controller to move the applicator from an operational mode to a self-cleaning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Philip A. Stern, Edward M. Eck, Paul E. Thompson, Timothy Reynolds, Gerard M. Darby
  • Publication number: 20080240791
    Abstract: A developer mixing apparatus, comprising: a housing including a chamber that holds developer, a first ribbon blender disposed within the chamber and elongate along a first longitudinal axis; and, a second ribbon blender disposed within the chamber and elongate along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second ribbon blenders move developer in different directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Paul E. Thompson, Eric C. Stelter, Joseph E. Guth
  • Patent number: 7426361
    Abstract: A developer mixing apparatus, comprising: a housing including a chamber that holds developer; a first ribbon blender disposed within the chamber and elongate along a first longitudinal axis; and, a second ribbon blender disposed within the chamber and elongate along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second ribbon blenders move developer in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Thompson, Eric C. Stelter, Joseph E. Guth
  • Patent number: 7248826
    Abstract: The fuser roller and heater rollers of the fusing system can become contaminated with ink and other foreign material when pre-printed materials are run through them. The contamination can create regions of cold spots, which in turn results in poor fusing. Other image defects may result. According the various aspects of the invention, a heater roller cleaner, method and apparatus are provided for applying an array of differential pressure generating areas to a heater roller surface in a fuser assembly while rotating the heater roller surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kurt E. Jones, Douglas D. Fisher, Paul E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6801739
    Abstract: An improved electrophotographic toning station for use in an electrophotographic printer includes a unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows for the use an intermediate drive chain to drive a primary drive sprocket that drives the toning shell at high speed, through a primary drive chain. A unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows the tension sprocket assembly to be properly located relative to the intermediate and primary drive sprockets, such that the components of the toning station may be adjusted relative to each other without interference from the tension sprocket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher S. Garcia, Thomas Hilbert, Kenneth M. Patterson, Paul E. Thompson, Charles R. Winterberger
  • Publication number: 20040146318
    Abstract: An improved electrophotographic toning station for use in an electrophotographic printer includes a unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows for the use an intermediate drive chain to drive a primary drive sprocket that drives the toning shell at high speed, through a primary drive chain. A unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows the tension sprocket assembly to be properly located relative to the intermediate and primary drive sprockets, such that the components of the toning station may be adjusted relative to each other without interference from the tension sprocket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher S. Garcia, Thomas Hilbert, Kenneth M. Patterson, Paul E. Thompson, Charles R. Winterberger
  • Patent number: 6714753
    Abstract: An improved electrophotographic toning station for use in an electrophotographic printer includes a unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows for the use an intermediate drive chain to drive a primary drive sprocket that drives the toning shell at high speed, through a primary drive chain. A unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows the tension sprocket assembly to be properly located relative to the intermediate and primary drive sprockets, such that the components of the toning station may be adjusted relative to each other without interference from the tension sprocket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Christopher S. Garcia, Kenneth M. Patterson, Paul E. Thompson, Charles R. Winterberger
  • Patent number: 6647235
    Abstract: A replenisher for facilitating flow of toner in an electrophotographic apparatus. The replenisher includes a sump for receiving the toner. An beater element having a plurality of blades is rotatably mounted within the sump wherein some of the blades impart a shear force and a normal force along the axis of rotation to the toner while others of the blades impart a shear force and a normal force towards or away from the axis of rotation to the toner as the beater is rotated through the toner. This effectively “aerates” the toner and keeps it mobile within the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Patterson, Paul E. Thompson, Laverne N. Lincoln, Jr., James G. Blum
  • Patent number: 6585406
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to development apparatus for mixing and applying developer material to a latent image on an image-bearing member in an electrostatographic reproduction machine, such as a copier or printer. More particularly, this invention relates to a blender of the type for mixing electrostatographic developer comprising a plurality of blender segments mounted on a shaft. A resilient spacer is provided, according to an aspect of the invention, wherein said resilient spacer and said plurality of blender segments are compressed between said pair of stops. Residual looseness due to tolerance stack-up is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: John P. Toepper, Paul E. Thompson, Gerald M. Darby, Kenneth M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6553194
    Abstract: An electrophotographic printer having an improved flexible drive chain cover located to protect the toning shell drive chain from contamination with toner dust. The electrophotographic printer may include a rigid drive chain cover located adjacent the flexible drive chain guard and locate so that the flexible drive chain guard and the rigid drive chain overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Paul E. Thompson, Charles R. Winterberger, Kenneth M. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20030002890
    Abstract: A replenisher for facilitating flow of toner in an electrophotographic apparatus. The replenisher includes a sump for receiving the toner. An beater element having a plurality of blades is rotatably mounted within the sump wherein some of the blades impart a shear force and a normal force along the axis of rotation to the toner while others of the blades impart a shear force and a normal force towards or away from the axis of rotation to the toner as the beater is rotated through the toner. This effectively “aerates” the toner and keeps it mobile within the sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Patterson, Paul E. Thompson, Laverne N. Lincoln, James G. Blum
  • Publication number: 20020094215
    Abstract: An improved electrophotographic toning station for use in an electrophotographic printer includes a unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows for the use an intermediate drive chain to drive a primary drive sprocket that drives the toning shell at high speed, through a primary drive chain. A unitary bearing cap and tension sprocket assembly that allows the tension sprocket assembly to be properly located relative to the intermediate and primary drive sprockets, such that the components of the toning station may be adjusted relative to each other without interference from the tension sprocket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher S. Garcia, Thomas Hilbert, Kenneth M. Patterson, Paul E. Thompson, Charles R. Winterberger
  • Patent number: 6406031
    Abstract: A seal for a rotary shaft extending from a container containing agitated abrasive particulates through a wall of the container. The seal includes a first polymeric member around the shaft and in engagement with the wall of the container with the shaft rotating inside the first member. The first member is in engagement with a second polymeric member positioned around the shaft for rotation with the shaft and relative to the first member. A third compressible member is positioned around the shaft for rotation with the shaft and the second member. A retaining ring maintains the first, second and third members in compression between the retaining ring and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Christopher S. Garcia, Paul E. Thompson, Kenneth M. Patterson, Blaise P. Pelligra
  • Publication number: 20020071692
    Abstract: An electrophotographic printer having an improved flexible drive chain cover located to protect the toning shell drive chain from contamination with toner dust. The electrophotographic printer may include a rigid drive chain cover located adjacent the flexible drive chain guard and locate so that the flexible drive chain guard and the rigid drive chain overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Paul E. Thompson, Charles R. Winterberger, Kenneth M. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20010046182
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to development apparatus for mixing and applying developer material to a latent image on an image-bearing member in an electrostatographic reproduction machine, such as a copier or printer. More particularly, this invention relates to a blender of the type for mixing electrostatographic developer comprising a plurality of blender segments mounted on a shaft. A resilient spacer is provided, according to an aspect of the invention, wherein said resilient spacer and said plurality of blender segments are compressed between said pair of stops. Residual looseness due to tolerance stack-up is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: John P. Toepper, Paul E. Thompson, Gerald M. Darby, Kenneth M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6292957
    Abstract: A shower curtain retainer assembly for retaining the bottom of a shower curtain against a shower enclosure wall is described. The assembly includes a first set of plastic disks, a second set of plastic disks and a set of magnetically responsive plates. A magnet is encased in each plastic disk. The magnetically responsive plates are attached to the inside wall of the shower enclosure that is adjacent to the bottom of the shower curtain. The first set of plastic disks are positioned on the front face of the shower curtain and are aligned with the positions of the magnetically responsive plates. The second set of plates are positioned on the back face of the curtain in juxtaposition with the first set of plastic disks. The first and second sets of plastic disks are held in place by magnetic attraction forces from the magnets encased in the disks. When the shower curtain is closed, the first set of plastic disks become magnetically attached to the magnetically responsive plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Paul E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6125252
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for setting up spacing of a development station for a reproduction apparatus within a desired tolerance range such that marking particles from the development station properly develop electrostatic images. The adjustment mechanism includes a datum member and a cam having a locating post for the development station extending from the cam. The datum member includes, for example, a bracket in the reproduction apparatus, and at least one pin attached to the bracket. The cam is adjustably associated with the datum member so as to selectively position the locating post a predetermined distance from the datum member. The adjustable cam includes, for example, a member defining a plurality of spaced openings, the openings capable of receiving the at least one pin of the datum member so as to position the locating post dependent upon which opening the at least one pin is received within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventors: Paul E. Thompson, Christopher S. Garcia, Charles R. Winterberger