Patents by Inventor Richard James Thomas
Richard James 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).
-
Publication number: 20240099880Abstract: A thermal device includes a first thermal unit, a second thermal unit, and device electronics. The first thermal unit includes a first plurality of semiconductor elements sandwiched between first and second thermal unit substrates. The first thermal unit substrate exchanges heat with a user. The second thermal unit includes a second plurality of semiconductor elements sandwiched between third and fourth thermal unit substrates. The third thermal unit substrate exchanges heat with the user. The device electronics are coupled to the first thermal unit and the second thermal unit. The device electronics operate the first thermal unit in a heating state in which the first thermal unit transfers heat to the user via the first thermal unit substrate. The device electronics operate the second thermal unit in a cooling state in which the second thermal unit removes heat from the user via the third thermal unit substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Applicant: Relief Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Moulton Thomas, Brian James Krieger, Richard Thomas Caligaris, Elizabeth Ann Miracle, Grace Hina Lee
-
Patent number: 11878150Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: SanofiInventors: Michael Schabbach, Anthony Paul Morris, Ronald Antony Smith, Brian Charles Molyneux, Paul Richard Draper, Craig Ashley Mason, Oliver Charles Gazeley, Daniel Edward Clark, David Aubrey Plumptre, Aidan Michael O'Hare, Richard James Thomas, Felix Kramer, Beat Wyss, Philipp Muller
-
Patent number: 11813439Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: SanofiInventors: Michael Schabbach, Anthony Paul Morris, Ronald Antony Smith, Brian Charles Molyneux, Paul Richard Draper, Craig Ashley Mason, Oliver Charles Gazeley, Daniel Edward Clark, David Aubrey Plumptre, Aidan Michael O'Hare, Richard James Thomas, Felix Kramer, Beat Wyss, Philipp Müller
-
Patent number: 11642468Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: SanofiInventors: Michael Schabbach, Anthony Paul Morris, Ronald Antony Smith, Brian Charles Molyneux, Paul Richard Draper, Craig Ashley Mason, Oliver Charles Gazeley, Daniel Edward Clark, David Aubrey Plumptre, Aidan Michael O'Hare, Richard James Thomas, Felix Kramer, Beat Wyss, Philipp Muller
-
Publication number: 20230110209Abstract: A beverage brewing device includes a brew chamber and a plunger. The brew chamber includes at least one water permeable portion and an openable base. The plunger includes a plunger face corresponding to an internal shape of the brew chamber. The openable base is openable by action of the plunger.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: Simon Lewis BILTON, Nathan James BATES, Benedict William Flynn TAYLOR, Richard James THOMAS
-
Publication number: 20230012444Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a housing, a drug delivery mechanism within the housing and displaceable between pre-delivery and mechanical stop positions, and an end of dose switch. The end of dose switch includes a first sensor disposed on the drug delivery mechanism and a second sensor element disposed within the housing. The switch is configured to be triggered when relative movement of the first and second sensors causes the first and second sensor elements to move into a switch position. The delivery mechanism is biased in a proximal direction away from the mechanical stop position. The device includes a controller configured to: record when the end of dose switch is triggered; measure a duration of time between triggering the switch and the first and second sensors moving out of the switch position; and generate an error code indicative of a deviation between manipulations applied and a predetermined handling scheme.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2020Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: Oliver Charles Gazeley, Craig Ashley Mason, Richard James Thomas
-
Publication number: 20230001096Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Michael Schabbach, Anthony Paul Morris, Ronald Antony Smith, Brian Charles Molyneux, Paul Richard Draper, Craig Ashley Mason, Oliver Charles Gazeley, Daniel Edward Clark, David Aubrey Plumptre, Aidan Michael O'Hare, Richard James Thomas, Felix Kramer, Beat Wyss, Philipp Müller
-
Publication number: 20210402100Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Michael Schabbach, Anthony Paul Morris, Ronald Antony Smith, Brian Charles Molyneux, Paul Richard Draper, Craig Ashley Mason, Oliver Charles Gazeley, Daniel Edward Clark, David Aubrey Plumptre, Aidan Michael O'Hare, Richard James Thomas, Felix Kramer, Beat Wyss, Philipp Müller
-
Publication number: 20210236738Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Michael Schabbach, Anthony Paul Morris, Ronald Antony Smith, Brian Charles Molyneux, Paul Richard Draper, Craig Ashley Mason, Oliver Charles Gazeley, Daniel Edward Clark, David Aubrey Plumptre, Aidan Michael O`Hare, Richard James Thomas, Felix Kramer, Beat Wyss, Philipp Müller
-
Publication number: 20200360614Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2018Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Michael Schabbach, Anthony Paul Morris, Ronald Antony Smith, Brian Charles Molyneux, Paul Richard Draper, Craig Ashley Mason, Oliver Charles Gazeley, David Edward Clark, David Aubrey Plumptre, Aidan Michael O`Hare, Richard James Thomas, Felix Kramer, Beat Wyss, Philipp Müller
-
Patent number: 6913327Abstract: The present invention provides a method and control scheme to operate a motor-driven actuator. This includes determining actuator force on an external device, determining a command force, and monitoring actuator position. A determination is made whether to operate in a force-control mode or a position-control mode. Both the force-control mode and the position-control mode employ a common feedback control method (e.g. PI or PID). The system operates the actuator in the force-control mode, using actuator force as feedback to the control scheme when the controller determines that the force sensor is operating in its linear range. When the force sensor is operating outside or near the limits of its linear range, the control scheme determines a pseudo-force, comprising estimated force based upon measured position. The pseudo-force is input to the common feedback control method to control the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Richard James Thomas
-
Publication number: 20040154884Abstract: The present invention provides a method and control scheme to operate a motor-driven actuator. This includes determining actuator force on an external device, determining a command force, and monitoring actuator position. A determination is made whether to operate in a force-control mode or a position-control mode. Both the force-control mode and the position-control mode employ a common feedback control method (e.g. PI or PID). The system operates the actuator in the force-control mode, using actuator force as feedback to the control scheme when the controller determines that the force sensor is operating in its linear range. When the force sensor is operating outside or near the limits of its linear range, the control scheme determines a pseudo-force, comprising estimated force based upon measured position. The pseudo-force is input to the common feedback control method to control the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Richard James Thomas
-
Patent number: 6533369Abstract: A brake system and method of controlling the system are disclosed. The system provides secondary hydraulic braking in a de-energized mode. The system includes a wheel brake associated with wheels of a vehicle typically at each corner of the vehicle. The wheel brake typically includes a caliper or drum for deceleration of the vehicle. The system includes a master cylinder in fluid communication with the wheel brake. In the de-energized mode, the master cylinder operates the wheel brake. A solenoid isolation valve decouples the master cylinder from the wheel brake when the system is in a normal, i.e., an energized, mode. As such, the master cylinder is isolated from the wheel brake and is prevented from operating the wheel brake. Alternatively, in the de-energized mode, the isolation valve couples the master cylinder with the wheel brake to provide the secondary hydraulic braking.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ernst S. Baumgartner, Bryan Peter Riddiford, Schuyler S. Shaw, John Benjamin Hageman, Richard James Thomas
-
Publication number: 20020140285Abstract: A brake system and method of controlling the system are disclosed. The system provides secondary hydraulic braking in a de-energized mode. The system includes a wheel brake associated with wheels of a vehicle typically at each corner of the vehicle. The wheel brake typically includes a caliper or drum for deceleration of the vehicle. The system includes a master cylinder in fluid communication with the wheel brake. In the de-energized mode, the master cylinder operates the wheel brake. A solenoid isolation valve decouples the master cylinder from the wheel brake when the system is in a normal, i.e., an energized, mode. As such, the master cylinder is isolated from the wheel brake and is prevented from operating the wheel brake. Alternatively, in the de-energized mode, the isolation valve couples the master cylinder with the wheel brake to provide the secondary hydraulic braking.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Ernst S. Baumgartner, Bryan Peter Riddiford, Schuyler S. Shaw, John Benjamin Hageman, Richard James Thomas
-
Patent number: 6154871Abstract: The invention provides a decoder of symbols of received data, the data being encoded according to a convolutional encoding scheme and transmitted through a communications channel. The data is punctuated according to a puncturing matrix, and has a plurality of state values which describe a sequence of state transitions. The decoder has a generation unit that accepts the received data for calculating metrics of the transitions thereof. A selector responsive to the generation unit selects a path of transitions corresponding to the path produced by a transmitter of the data stream. A traceback unit maintains historical information representative of sequential decision operations of the selector. A counter is provided for counting illegal state transitions of the path selected by the selector, and a control unit, responsive to the counter, determines a puncture rate and adjusts a puncture phase of the received data.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Discovision AssociatesInventors: Anthony Peter John Claydon, Richard John Gammack, William Philip Robbins, Charles Dunlop MacFarlane, Thomas Foxcroft, Andrew Peter Kuligowski, Richard James Thomas
-
Patent number: 5987637Abstract: In a traceback unit for an M-step Viterbi decoder for a convolutionally encoded data stream, each of the traceback stages has a group of K input wires representing K possible candidate states. A bank of K multiplexers selects one of 2.sup.M of the input wires according to M bits of traceback data. The K multiplexer outputs feed a succeeding traceback stage. M groups of K wires carry the traceback data, with each wire being connected to a selection line of each multiplexer. At the output of the traceback unit an identification circuit identifies a subgroup of the K possibilities which has a maximum number of candidate states remaining therein. The arrangement obviates the need for retiming between every traceback stage.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Discovision AssociatesInventor: Richard James Thomas
-
Patent number: 5742622Abstract: The invention provides a decoder of symbols of received data, the data being encoded according to a convolutional encoding scheme and transmitted through a communications channel. The data is punctuated according to a puncturing matrix, and has a plurality of state values which describe a sequence of state transitions. The decoder has a generation unit that accepts the received data for calculating metrics of the transitions thereof. A selector responsive to the generation unit selects a path of transitions corresponding to the path produced by a transmitter of the data stream. A traceback unit maintains historical information representative of sequential decision operations of the selector. A counter is provided for counting illegal state transitions of the path selected by the selector, and a control unit, responsive to the counter, determines a puncture rate and adjusts a puncture phase of the received data.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Discovision AssociatesInventors: Anthony Peter John Claydon, Richard John Gammack, William Philip Robbins, Charles Dunlop MacFarlane, Thomas Foxcroft, Andrew Peter Kuligowski, Richard James Thomas