Patents by Inventor Ralph J. Thomas

Ralph J. 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: 11887431
    Abstract: An entertainment gaming system and method for transforming a non-random number outcome into an entertainment gaming outcome. The entertainment gaming system comprises a central server, non-random number outcome generator machine, entertainment gaming machine, and database. The central server communicatively coupled with non-random number outcome generator machine and entertainment gaming machine. The entertainment gaming system collects non-random number based outcome from real-world events and transmitting it to the central server. The central server further utilizes an algorithm to process the received non-random number outcome into an entertainment gaming outcome. Further, the present entertainment gaming system comprises a database to store the received real-world non-random number based outcome and processed entertainment gaming outcome generated from the received non-random number based outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew Cardno, Daniel Cardno, Ralph W Thomas, Ralph J Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230394916
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide entertainment gaming systems and methods comprising, among other things, a real world non-random number outcome generator machine and an entertainment gaming machine wherein the non-random outcome from the real world non-random number generator machine is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome. The entertainment gaming system and method of embodiments of the invention may be configured to collect non-random number based outcome from a real-world event and transmitting it to the entertainment gaming machine. The non-random number outcome from the real-world is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome event by the entertaining game machine processor or by the central server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Cardno, Daniel Cardno, Ralph W. Thomas, Ralph J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11670133
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide entertainment gaming systems and methods comprising, among other things, a real world non-random number outcome generator machine and an entertainment gaming machine wherein the non-random outcome from the real world non-random number generator machine is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome. The entertainment gaming system and method of embodiments of the invention may be configured to collect non-random number based outcome from a real-world event and transmitting it to the entertainment gaming machine. The non-random number outcome from the real-world is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome event by the entertaining game machine processor or by the central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Quick Custom Intelligence, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Cardno, Daniel Cardno, Ralph W Thomas, Ralph J Thomas
  • Publication number: 20220343721
    Abstract: An entertainment gaming system and method for transforming a non-random number outcome into an entertainment gaming outcome. The entertainment gaming system comprises a central server, non-random number outcome generator machine, entertainment gaming machine, and database. The central server communicatively coupled with non-random number outcome generator machine and entertainment gaming machine. The entertainment gaming system collects non-random number based outcome from real-world events and transmitting it to the central server. The central server further utilizes an algorithm to process the received non-random number outcome into an entertainment gaming outcome. Further, the present entertainment gaming system comprises a database to store the received real-world non-random number based outcome and processed entertainment gaming outcome generated from the received non-random number based outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Cardno, Daniel Cardno, Ralph W. Thomas, Ralph J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11308754
    Abstract: An entertainment gaming system and method for transforming a non-random number outcome into an entertainment gaming outcome. The entertainment gaming system comprises a central server, non-random number outcome generator machine, entertainment gaming machine, and database. The central server communicatively coupled with non-random number outcome generator machine and entertainment gaming machine. The entertainment gaming system collects non-random number based outcome from real-world events and transmitting it to the central server. The central server further utilizes an algorithm to process the received non-random number outcome into an entertainment gaming outcome. Further, the present entertainment gaming system comprises a database to store the received real-world non-random number based outcome and processed entertainment gaming outcome generated from the received non-random number based outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Quick Custom Intelligence, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Cardno, Daniel Cardno, Ralph W Thomas, Ralph J Thomas
  • Publication number: 20210375091
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide entertainment gaming systems and methods comprising, among other things, a real world non-random number outcome generator machine and an entertainment gaming machine wherein the non-random outcome from the real world non-random number generator machine is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome. The entertainment gaming system and method of embodiments of the invention may be configured to collect non-random number based outcome from a real-world event and transmitting it to the entertainment gaming machine. The non-random number outcome from the real-world is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome event by the entertaining game machine processor or by the central server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Cardno, Daniel Cardno, Ralph W. Thomas, Ralph J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11094163
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide entertainment gaming systems and methods comprising, among other things, a real world non-random number outcome generator machine and an entertainment gaming machine wherein the non-random outcome from the real world non-random number generator machine is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome. The entertainment gaming system and method of embodiments of the invention may be configured to collect non-random number based outcome from a real-world event and transmitting it to the entertainment gaming machine. The non-random number outcome from the real-world is processed into an entertainment gaming machine outcome event by the entertaining game machine processor or by the central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Quick Custom Intelligence, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Cardno, Daniel Cardno, Ralph W Thomas, Ralph J Thomas
  • Publication number: 20190313922
    Abstract: A guide wire for biological pressure measurement includes: a tube extending along an axial direction of the guide wire, wherein the tube includes a circumferential wall and defines a proximal-end opening and a distal-end opening; and a pressure sensor configured for biological pressure measurement, wherein at least a portion of the pressure sensor is mounted within the tube, and wherein the pressure sensor comprises a pressure sensor transducer. The circumferential wall of the tube includes exactly three openings configured for fluid and gas ingress and egress extending radially therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: ST. JUDE MEDICAL COORDINATION CENTER BVBA
    Inventors: Peter J. Ness, Ralph J. Thomas, John A. Matejka
  • Patent number: 10398550
    Abstract: A delivery device (10) for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may include an operating handle (20, 220, 320) having a housing (30, 230, 330) and a carriage selectively (40) fixed or movable relative to the housing, and a catheter assembly (16, 116, 216, 416). The catheter assembly may have an inner shaft (26, 126, 226, 326, 426) around which a compartment (23) is defined, an outer shaft (22) surrounding at least a portion of the inner shaft, a distal sheath (24) fixedly connected to the outer shaft, and a mechanism configured to apply a distal force to the outer shaft while the carriage (40) is fixed relative to the housing (30, 230, 330) to stretch the outer shaft from a compressed length to an extended length. The extended length may be greater than the compressed length along an axis of elongation of the outer shaft (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Chalekian, Ralph J. Thomas, Gary W. Geiger
  • Patent number: 10390949
    Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Ralph J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10201422
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a valve support structure for supporting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, and a distal sheath movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve support structure between a first position in which the distal sheath is adapted to surround a collapsible prosthetic heart valve supported on the valve support structure, and a second position in which the distal sheath is adapted to expose the collapsible prosthetic heart valve for deployment. The distal sheath is at least partially formed of an inner polymer layer, an outer polymer layer, and a tubular supporting member sandwiched between the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Klima, Huisun Wang, Ralph J. Thomas, Gary W. Geiger
  • Patent number: 10143551
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve 300 may include a collapsible and expandable stent 306 having a proximal end 302, a distal end 304, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end, and a plurality of cells connected to one another in annular rows around the stent, a cuff 312 attached to the stent, and a sealing member 322 attached to the cuff and extending from a proximal end 313 of the cuff to a free edge 323. The sealing member 322 may be movable between an extended condition in which the free edge 323 is located proximally of the proximal end 302 of the stent 306, and an inverted condition in which the free edge is located distally of the proximal end of the stent and a first surface 324 of the sealing member confronts an outward-facing surface of the cuff. Various mechanisms for moving the sealing member 322 are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Braido, Yousef F. Alkhatib, Steven Frederick Anderl, Jacob John Daly, Mina S. Fahim, Kent J. Smith, Ralph J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9801717
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a prosthetic heart valve includes a holder, to which the heart valve is releasably attached, and an elongated handle. The handle can be connected to the holder simply by pushing a distal end of the handle straight into a recess in the holder. After this has been done, the holder preferably releasable latches onto the handle, and the handle can also be rotated about its longitudinal axis to transmit torque to the holder (e.g., a rotatable portion of the holder). Rotation of such a rotatable portion of the holder can be used to deflect portions of the valve radially inward. This operation of a rotatable portion of the holder is preferably one-way only. The handle can be released from the holder at any time, and it can similarly be reconnected to the holder at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James Edquist, Melinda Kaye Kovach, Timothy John McGill, Julia Ann Schraut, Matt Quest, Ralph J. Thomas, Scott Patrick Thome
  • Publication number: 20170189174
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve 300 may include a collapsible and expandable stent 306 having a proximal end 302, a distal end 304, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end, and a plurality of cells connected to one another in annular rows around the stent, a cuff 312 attached to the stent, and a sealing member 322 attached to the cuff and extending from a proximal end 313 of the cuff to a free edge 323. The sealing member 322 may be movable between an extended condition in which the free edge 323 is located proximally of the proximal end 302 of the stent 306, and an inverted condition in which the free edge is located distally of the proximal end of the stent and a first surface 324 of the sealing member confronts an outward-facing surface of the cuff. Various mechanisms for moving the sealing member 322 are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Braido, Yousef F. Alkhatib, Steven Frederick Anderl, Jacob John Daly, Mina S. Fahim, Kent J. Smith, Ralph J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20170079792
    Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Ralph J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20160331533
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a valve support structure for supporting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, and a distal sheath movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve support structure between a first position in which the distal sheath is adapted to surround a collapsible prosthetic heart valve supported on the valve support structure, and a second position in which the distal sheath is adapted to expose the collapsible prosthetic heart valve for deployment. The distal sheath is at least partially formed of an inner polymer layer, an outer polymer layer, and a tubular supporting member sandwiched between the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Klima, Huisun Wang, Ralph J. Thomas, Gary W. Geiger
  • Publication number: 20160242903
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a prosthetic heart valve includes a holder, to which the heart valve is releasably attached, and an elongated handle. The handle can be connected to the holder simply by pushing a distal end of the handle straight into a recess in the holder. After this has been done, the holder preferably releasable latches onto the handle, and the handle can also be rotated about its longitudinal axis to transmit torque to the holder (e.g., a rotatable portion of the holder). Rotation of such a rotatable portion of the holder can be used to deflect portions of the valve radially inward. This operation of a rotatable portion of the holder is preferably one-way only. The handle can be released from the holder at any time, and it can similarly be reconnected to the holder at any time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Brian James Edquist, Melinda Kaye Kovach, Timothy John McGill, Julia Ann Neuman, Matt Quest, Ralph J. Thomas, Scott Patrick Thome
  • Publication number: 20160235530
    Abstract: An introducer sheath includes a tubular cannula extending between a leading end and trailing end, the cannula defining a lumen therethrough. A first balloon may be disposed adjacent the leading end of the cannula, the first balloon being configured and arranged to dilate from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition. An inflation port may be configured to receive an inflation medium to dilate the first balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph J. Thomas, Gary W. Geiger
  • Publication number: 20160220369
    Abstract: A delivery device (10) for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may include an operating handle (20, 220, 320) having a housing (30, 230, 330) and a carriage selectively (40) fixed or movable relative to the housing, and a catheter assembly (16, 116, 216, 416). The catheter assembly may have an inner shaft (26, 126, 226, 326, 426) around which a compartment (23) is defined, an outer shaft (22) surrounding at least a portion of the inner shaft, a distal sheath (24) fixedly connected to the outer shaft, and a mechanism configured to apply a distal force to the outer shaft while the carriage (40) is fixed relative to the housing (30, 230, 330) to stretch the outer shaft from a compressed length to an extended length. The extended length may be greater than the compressed length along an axis of elongation of the outer shaft (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Chalekian, Ralph J. Thomas, Gary W. Geiger
  • Patent number: 9333076
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a prosthetic heart valve includes a holder, to which the heart valve is releasably attached, and an elongated handle. The handle can be connected to the holder simply by pushing a distal end of the handle straight into a recess in the holder. After this has been done, the holder preferably releasable latches onto the handle, and the handle can also be rotated about its longitudinal axis to transmit torque to the holder (e.g., a rotatable portion of the holder). Rotation of such a rotatable portion of the holder can be used to deflect portions of the valve radially inward. This operation of a rotatable portion of the holder is preferably one-way-only. The handle can be released from the holder at any time, and it can similarly be reconnected to the holder at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James Edquist, Melinda Kaye Kovach, Timothy John McGill, Julia Ann Neuman, Matt Quest, Ralph J. Thomas, Scott Patrick Thome