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: 11966202
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20240081489
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: 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: 20120109054
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: VISTA SCIENTIFIC LLC
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Charles D. Leahy, Edward J. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20120109082
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: VISTA SCIENTIFIC LLC
    Inventors: Charles Leahy, Robert F. Thompson, Edward Ellis
  • Patent number: 7698716
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur R. LeBlanc, III, Robert F. Thompson, Louis Cincotta, Edward Lindholm, Joseph W. Paulus
  • Publication number: 20090262623
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur LeBlanc, Robert F. Thompson, Edward Lindholm, Louis Cincotta, Joseph Paulus
  • Patent number: 7438184
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos
  • Patent number: 7352686
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Joseph W. Paulus, Arthur R. LeBlanc, III
  • Patent number: 7279122
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Thermal Wave Molding Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Baresich, Robert F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7175416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Thermal Wave Molding Corp.
    Inventors: Frank J. Baresich, Robert F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7177261
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Joe Paulus, Arthur R. LeBlanc, III
  • Patent number: 6960382
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
  • Patent number: 6917579
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: FlexPlay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Arthur R. LeBlanc, III
  • Publication number: 20040191354
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Frank J. Baresich, Robert F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6756103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Flexplay Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
  • Publication number: 20030213710
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos
  • Publication number: 20030152019
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Joseph W. Paulus, Arthur R. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20030129408
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Neil Exter, Yannis Bakos, Richard A. Minns, Larry Takiff
  • Publication number: 20030123379
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Yannis Bakos, Arthur R. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20030123302
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Robert F. Thompson, Arthur R. LeBlanc