Patents by Inventor Robert F. Thompson
Robert F. 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).
-
Patent number: 11966202Abstract: Motorized window treatment systems are disclosed. A motorized window treatment system may include a covering material, a sensor circuit, and a control circuit. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a position of the covering material. The control circuit may be configured to determine a present sensor state of the sensor circuit, determine a predicted sensor state for the sensor circuit based at least in part on a power-down position recorded at a first time and a final position recorded at a second time, compare the predicted sensor state with the present sensor state, and determine a present position of the covering material based on the comparison of the predicted sensor state and the present sensor state. Methods of adjusting a position of a covering material of a motorized window treatment also are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2023Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
-
Publication number: 20240081489Abstract: A band includes a latch body that is movable by pulling a tab. The latch body extends through an opening of the band and secures with a pin located on a head-mountable device. The band can detach from the head-mountable device by pulling the tab, which actuates the latch body and removes the latch body from the pin. A spring (or springs) can bias the latch body toward the opening, causing the latch body to enter the pin. An applied force to the tab can overcome the biasing force provided by the spring(s), and move the latch body away from, and out of, the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Yiwei TAO, Aiden D. MOSSOP, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Lauren D. GERARDI, Nicolas LYLYK, Paul J. THOMPSON, Richard P. HOWARTH, Robert V. TANG, Toria F. YAN, Wei-Ling CHANG, Zebinah P. MASSE
-
Publication number: 20120109054Abstract: A device is disclosed for delivering an active agent to target tissue at a site that includes a bodily fluid. The device includes a body that has an erodible member that releases the active agent over a prescribed period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: VISTA SCIENTIFIC LLCInventors: Robert F. Thompson, Charles D. Leahy, Edward J. Ellis
-
Publication number: 20120109082Abstract: A device for delivering an active agent to target tissue at a site that includes a bodily fluid includes a body having a first exterior surface including a first section having a local, discrete recessed area formed in the body for holding the active agent. The body includes a surface flow feature in the form of a canal that is formed in the body and is recessed relative to the exterior surface. The surface flow feature interfaces with the first section and the local recessed area and is configured so as to guide or modify flow of the bodily fluid relative to the body such that fluid communication is provided between the bodily fluid and the local recessed area. The local recessed area is recessed relative to at least a portion of the canal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: VISTA SCIENTIFIC LLCInventors: Charles Leahy, Robert F. Thompson, Edward Ellis
-
Patent number: 7698716Abstract: Apparatuses, products, devices and methods of manufacture consistent with the invention include optically readable media with at least one mechanism, chemical, agent, and/or process for limiting the time period that at least a portion of encoded information can be read and/or accessed by an optical beam and/or reader capable of reading the encoded information.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur R. LeBlanc, III, Robert F. Thompson, Louis Cincotta, Edward Lindholm, Joseph W. Paulus
-
Publication number: 20090262623Abstract: Apparatuses, products, devices and methods, of manufacture consistent with the invention include optically readable media with at least one mechanism, chemical, agent, and/or process for limiting the time period that at least a portion of encoded information can be read and/or accessed by an optical beam and/or reader capable of reading the encoded information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2005Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur LeBlanc, Robert F. Thompson, Edward Lindholm, Louis Cincotta, Joseph Paulus
-
Patent number: 7438184Abstract: Limited play optical discs (LPOD's) are optical discs readable by a reading device for a limited period of time. After removal from it's packaging, an LPOD becomes unusable after a relatively short period of time. LPOD's can be provided with a limited shelf life by storing the LPOD's in a special package. The packaging includes a portion that controls the environment inside the package until a preset period of time passes, at which point reading-inhibit action of a material in the optical disc is allowed to go forward, which causes the disc to become unreadable. Hence, once the product exceeds its shelf life, it becomes unusable regardless of whether or not the package has been opened.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos
-
Patent number: 7352686Abstract: A data storage device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein at least the first substrate has defined thereon a plurality of pits and lands covered by a reflective material; and a bonding layer between the first and second substrates including a reactive agent that interferes with the passage of light in response to predetermined stimulus. In another embodiment, an optically-readable storage media, comprises a substrate having encoded data stored thereon, a reactive agent that, in response to predetermined stimulus, interferes with the passage of light of a predetermined frequency range, and a second reactive agent that, in response to predetermined stimulus, degrades the readability of the encoded data.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Joseph W. Paulus, Arthur R. LeBlanc, III
-
Patent number: 7279122Abstract: An injection mold and process are arranged to produce very thin articles, such as data discs. Molten plastic is injected into mold parts forming a thin cavity (17), in a cyclic molding process wherein the mold parts are subjected to a substantially constant temperature stimulus and rise and fall in temperature during injection and cooling of the molten plastic. Temperature boosting thermal insulation layers (11, 21) are placed along at least certain parts of the molding cavity surface. This elevates the temperature of the molted melt material for a time during injection. According to a calculated relationship, this thermal insulation is sized to permit the thin mold cavity to fill before heat transfer to the mold parts solidifies the molding material and blocks further flow. The temperature boosters can be contoured in thickness.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Thermal Wave Molding CorporationInventors: Frank J. Baresich, Robert F. Thompson
-
Patent number: 7175416Abstract: A nozzle for injection molding is made of at thermally conductive metal material but is thermally conductively blocked or interrupted. An abrupt reduction in wall thickness and/or a gap in the continuity of thermally conductive material occur along the nozzle material passageway. This provides a localized restriction to thermal conduction, causing a reduction in heat flow from the mold to the material supply while cooling the melt material near the end of the nozzle. This material, which is relatively cooled to near the mold temperature, becomes the last injected material when filling of the mold is completed, occupying the area of the sprue. As a result, the sprue is relatively cool, thus reducing stringing and shortening mold cycle time.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Thermal Wave Molding Corp.Inventors: Frank J. Baresich, Robert F. Thompson
-
Patent number: 7177261Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Joe Paulus, Arthur R. LeBlanc, III
-
Patent number: 6960382Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
-
Patent number: 6917579Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Arthur R. LeBlanc, III
-
Publication number: 20040191354Abstract: A nozzle for injection molding is made of at thermally conductive metal material but is thermally conductively blocked or interrupted. An abrupt reduction in wall thickness and/or a gap in the continuity of thermally conductive material occur along the nozzle material passageway. This provides a localized restriction to thermal conduction, causing a reduction in heat flow from the mold to the material supply while cooling the melt material near the end of the nozzle. This material, which is relatively cooled to near the mold temperature, becomes the last injected material when filling of the mold is completed, occupying the area of the sprue. As a result, the sprue is relatively cool, thus reducing stringing and shortening mold cycle time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Frank J. Baresich, Robert F. Thompson
-
Patent number: 6756103Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
-
Publication number: 20030213710Abstract: Limited play optical discs (LPOD's) are optical discs readable by a reading device for a limited period of time. After removal from it's packaging, an LPOD becomes unusable after a relatively short period of time. LPOD's can be provided with a limited shelf life by storing the LPOD's in a special package. The packaging includes a portion that controls the environment inside the package until a preset period of time passes, at which point reading-inhibit action of a material in the optical disc is allowed to go forward, which causes the disc to become unreadable. Hence, once the product exceeds its shelf life, it becomes unusable regardless of whether or not the package has been opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos
-
Publication number: 20030152019Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Joseph W. Paulus, Arthur R. LeBlanc
-
Publication number: 20030129408Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
-
Publication number: 20030123379Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Arthur R. LeBlanc
-
Publication number: 20030123302Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Arthur R. LeBlanc