Patents by Inventor Richard J. Thompson
Richard J. 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).
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Patent number: 7408118Abstract: A trunking section (50) is described and has a body (51) with sides (52a, 52b and 52c) which form a channel (54). Trunking section (50) also has an end portion (62) inserted into first end (56) such that it engages the internal surfaces of sides (52a, 52b and 52c) and is welded thereto. End portion (62) is provided with a first aperture (64) which is adapted to receive a bush connector (66) and has four curved edges (70) and four straight edges (72) therebetween. The bush connector (66) has a male part (74) and a female part (76). Male part (74) has a tubular body (78) which has an aperture (80), it has external first threaded surfaces (82) and rotation prevention means, in the form of flat portions (84). Bush connector (66) also has a female part (76) with an internal second thread (88) which engages first threaded portions (82) of male part (74).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 7396632Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., Stephen A. Johnson, John P. Baetzold, Richard J. Thompson, Terence D. Neavin, Michael A. Haase, Sergey A. Lamansky
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Publication number: 20080145666Abstract: Modified copolyesters having relatively low refractive indices and relatively high glass transition temperatures are disclosed. These modified copolyesters can be used in forming one or more layers in an optical film, such as a multilayer polymer film.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Martin E. Denker, Bert T. Chien, Matthew B. Johnson, Richard J. Thompson, Kristopher J. Derks, William W. Merrill, Fuming B. Li
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Patent number: 7345137Abstract: Modified copolyesters having relatively low refractive indices and relatively high glass transition temperatures are disclosed. These modified copolyesters can be used in forming one or more layers in an optical film, such as a multilayer polymer film.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Martin E. Denker, Bert T. Chien, Matthew B. Johnson, Richard J. Thompson, Kristopher J. Derks, William W. Merrill, Fuming B. Li
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Publication number: 20070281241Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Thomas R. Hoffend, Stephen A. Johnson, John P. Baetzold, Richard J. Thompson, Terence D. Neavin, Michael A. Haase, Sergey A. Lamansky
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Patent number: 7252921Abstract: The invention relates to color toner compositions prepared from an aqueous pigment concentrate dispersion which renders a toner exhibiting improved pigment dispersion, and consequently improved image density and color characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: International Communications Materials, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 7247416Abstract: The invention relates to color toner compositions prepared from a process for the preparation of a dry toner powder from an aqueous pigment concentrate dispersion comprising: blending at least an aqueous-based pigment concentrate dispersion and a resin to produce a paste; charging the paste to an extruder to generate an extruded pigment/resin mixture; dispersing the extruded pigment/resin mixture in a low boiling organic medium to create an organic phase; dispersing the organic phase in an aqueous phase containing a particulate stabilizer and mixing the organic phase and the aqueous phase at elevated temperature and under shear force to form toner particles of a controlled size and shape; removing the organic solvent and particulate stabilizer from the formed particles; and washing, drying, and collecting the particles for use as a dry toner powder.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Nu-kote International, Inc.Inventors: Bing B Hsieh, Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 7223515Abstract: Substrate films, thermal mass transfer donor elements, and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, such substrate films and donor elements include at least two dyads, wherein each dyad includes an absorbing first layer and an essentially non-absorbing second layer. Also provided are methods of making a donor element that includes an essentially non-absorbing substrate, an absorbing first layer, and a non-absorbing second layer, wherein the composition of the essentially non-absorbing substrate is essentially the same as the composition of the essentially non-absorbing second layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., Stephen A. Johnson, John P. Baetzold, Richard J. Thompson, Terence D. Neavin, Michael A. Haase, Sergey A. Lamansky
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Patent number: 7037461Abstract: A method of stretching films in which all or a portion of the width of the film is cooled during or just after stretching so as to improve the uniformity of the film. The includes stretching a polymeric film in a tenter that grasps the film with a plurality of clips along the opposing edges of the film and propels the clips to thereby stretch the film. The tenter includes driven clips and idler clips, with at least one idler clip between respective pairs of driven clips. The cooling is done so as to improve the uniformity of the clip spacing relative to the spacing obtained at otherwise identical process conditions without such cooling.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Martin E. Denker, Joseph T. Bartusiak, Anthony B. Ferguson, Thomas P. Hanschen, Jeffery N. Jackson, William Ward Merrill, Susan J. Newhouse, Fred J. Roska, Richard J. Thompson, Chiu Ping Wong
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Patent number: 6273462Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable device (8) includes a container (12) defining a chamber (14) containing gas. The container (12) includes a rupturable wall (24) which is rupturable when the pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level. An igniter (46) spaced from the rupturable wall (24) produces a shock wave in the gas which ruptures the rupturable wall (24) prior to the gas pressure in the container (12) reaching the predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Ernst M. Faigle, Tracy S. Sparks, Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 6270933Abstract: The invention relates to a commercially useful color thermal transfer dye sublimation toner comprising at least a binder resin and a sublimation dye component, the binder resin comprising a high molecular weight polymer having a molecular weight of above about 75,000, and a temperature, T1, of at least about 160° C. at which the viscosity is equal to 1×103, and the sublimation dye comprising a dye which sublimes at elevated temperatures above about 100° C. The invention further defines a process for the use of the toner.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: International Communication Materials, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 6143454Abstract: The invention relates to a commercially useful color thermal transfer dye sublimation toner comprising at least a binder resin and a sublimation dye component, the binder resin comprising a high molecular weight polymer having a molecular weight of above about 100,000, and the sublimation dye comprising a dye which sublimes at elevated temperatures above about 100.degree. C. The invention further defines a process for the use of the toner.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: International Communications Materials, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 6136006Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent particularly suited for treating esophageal strictures, includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes the medial region, but the cuffs are not coated and retain their open weave construction. As a result, the cuffs remain particularly well suited to immediately contact esophageal wall tissue and resist stent migration, while the silicone coated medial region provides a barrier to tumor ingrowth, and has an enhanced radial restoring force to maintain an open passageway in the esophagus. A deployment device for the stent includes an interior catheter surrounded by the stent and having an esophageal dilation feature, along with an exterior catheter that radially compresses the stent.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Boston Scientific CorporationInventors: Liann M. Johnson, Richard J. Thompson, John A. Scholl
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Patent number: 5998079Abstract: The invention relates to a color toner composition comprising at least a binder resin and a colorant, and further comprising at least two charge control agents, wherein at least one of said charge control agents is a boron-containing compound, and at least two post-additive compounds used to treat the surface of said color toner.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: International Communication Materials, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Thompson, Mark J. Winfield, Christopher A. Povirk
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Patent number: 5876448Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent particularly suited for treating esophageal strictures, includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes the medial region, but the cuffs are not coated and retain their open weave construction. As a result, the cuffs remain particularly well suited to immediately contact esophageal wall tissue and resist stent migration, while the silicone coated medial region provides a barrier to tumor ingrowth, and has an enhanced radial restoring force to maintain an open passageway in the esophagus. A deployment device for the stent includes an interior catheter surrounded by the stent and having an esophageal dilation feature, along with an exterior catheter that radially compresses the stent.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Thompson, Joseph E. Laptewicz, Jr., Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 5816612Abstract: An inflator for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant safety apparatus comprises gas generating material, a plurality of filter layers, and a strand extending around the filter layers. The gas generating material generates gas when ignited. The filter layers filter the gas as it flows through the filter layers, and encircle the gas generating material. The filter layers include an outer layer with a cylindrical outer surface. The strand extends around the cylindrical outer surface of the outer filter layer at least partially in a helix, and has a plurality of circumferentially extending turns. The turns in the strand are spaced apart axially to define a helical gap which permits the gas to move from the cylindrical outer surface past the strand toward the air bag.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1993Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Ernst M. Faigle, John H. Semchena, Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 5817102Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent particularly suited for treating esophageal strictures, includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes the medial region, but the cuffs are not coated and retain their open weave construction. As a result, the cuffs remain particularly well suited to immediately contact esophageal wall tissue and resist stent migration, while the silicone coated medial region provides a barrier to tumor ingrowth, and has an enhanced radial restoring force to maintain an open passageway in the esophagus. A deployment device for the stent includes an interior catheter surrounded by the stent and having an esophageal dilation feature, along with an exterior catheter that radially compresses the stent.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.Inventors: Liann M. Johnson, Richard J. Thompson, John A. Scholl
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Patent number: 5762368Abstract: An apparatus (20, 220) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises a first container (22, 222) defining a first chamber (24, 224) for inflation fluid. The first container (22, 222) has an opening (26, 226) through which inflation fluid may flow to inflate the protection device. A rupturable closure (28, 228) extends across the opening (26, 226) in the first container (22, 222) to block fluid flow through the opening. A second container (68, 268) defines a second chamber (70, 270). A plate (82, 282) is located between the first chamber (24, 224) and the second chamber (70, 270) and has a passage (84, 84a, 284 or 284a) which allows fluid communication between the first and second chambers.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Ernst M. Faigle, Tracy S. Sparks, Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: 5720495Abstract: An apparatus (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant device (12) includes a container (20) defining a chamber (22) containing a source of inflation fluid. The container (20) includes an opening (26) through which the inflation fluid flows outward from the chamber (22). A rupturable disk (36) closes the opening (26) in the chamber (22) and engages a shoulder (30) on the container (20). An annular eloping ring (44) engages the rupturable disk (36). A manifold (54) clamps the clamping ring (44) and the rupturable disk (36) to the shoulder (30) of the container (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Ernst M. Faigle, Tracy S. Sparks, Richard J. Thompson
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Patent number: RE37843Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint includes containing means for receiving gases to provide a combustible mixture of the gases. An igniter is activated to effect ignition of the mixture of gases in response to sudden vehicle deceleration. A directing means directs a flow of gas from containing means into the inflatable occupant restraint. In the preferred embodiment the gases are an inert gas, a fuel gas, and an oxidizer gas. Also, a lean mixture of a fuel gas and oxidizer gas could be used. An improved igniter transmits energy through an imperforate portion of a wall of the containing means to ignite a charge in the containing means. The igniter may include an elongate core disposed in a frangible sheath which is shattered as the core is burned.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1996Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Jack L. Blumenthal, Nahum Gat, Ernst M. Faigle, John H. Semchena, Richard J. Thompson