Patents by Inventor Ronald Thomas

Ronald 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: 20080181989
    Abstract: The process and formula disclosed herein can be used to produce a nutrient-rich, all natural beverage product using chick peas or butternut squash as the primary ingredient. The formulation and process of this invention results in a nutrient-rich beverage that has a delicious flavor and frozen “smoothie” consistency. The production process involves the softening of a quantity of vegetable such as chick peas, butternut squash or chana dal via soaking or steaming. This is followed by pulverizing said vegetable base, which is then admixed with vanilla abstract, aromatic bitters and soy milk. This is followed by admixing either (1) flax seed, condensed milk, nutmeg, and vitamin C; or (2) nutmeg and flax seed, or (3) stevia based upon the vegetable type used. The resulting admixture is then frozen immediately and stored in a frozen state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Joan Thomas, Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20070054797
    Abstract: A clay slurry with a solids content of at least about 60 weight percent and a casting rate of at least 60 grams per hour, wherein said slurry contains from about 61.5 to about 71.5 weight percent of silica, from about 18.8 to about 26.8 weight percent of alumina, and less than about 0.6 percent of carbon, wherein said slurry has a loss on ignition of from about 7.4 to about 8.6, wherein from about at least about 9 weight percent of the particles in said slurry are larger than about 45 microns, wherein at least about 5 weight percent of the particles in said slurry are larger than about 75 microns, wherein from about 29 to about 36 weight percent of the particles in such slurry are smaller than 0.5 microns, wherein the ratio of such particles larger than 75 microns to such particles larger than 45 microns is from about 0.5 to about 0.7, and wherein at least 90 weight percent of such silica contains less than about 1017 Si and Si—O silicon-based radicals per gram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20060250038
    Abstract: A shaft sealing assembly (10) for providing a seal between a shaft and a housing within which the shaft rotates. The sealing assembly (10) comprises a rotor (40) adapted to be mounted to the shaft and a stator (42) adapted to be mounted to the housing. The rotor (40) and the stator (42) include recesses and/or projections which mate and interlock to form a labyrinth lubricant chamber therebetween. The stator (42) carries at least one electrical-path-establishing element (88) which forms an electrically conductive path between the shaft and an electrical ground to thereby dissipate residual current and/or stray shaft voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Rea, Paul Yager, Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20060213805
    Abstract: A carrier tape for holding a plurality of disks includes a thin, elongate strip of polymer material presenting a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of pockets defined therein. Each pocket is adapted to receive a separate one of the disks. The pockets are spaced apart and arranged along the longitudinal axis of the strip, and each pocket has at least one operable disk restraining structure for retaining the disk when the disk is received in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Ronald Thomas, Steven Kolbow, Joy Duban-Hu
  • Publication number: 20060060496
    Abstract: A universal component carrier tray for use in assembly line production of disk drives includes a framework structure that defines a number of openings of variable size and geometry. Tray portions having form fitting structure for receiving the unique and varying configured componentry of disk drives are removably seatable into the openings. The framework and tray portions are preferably injection molded for facilitating extended life and better constaint of the componentry. The trays have stacking structure allowing a plurality of the trays to be stacked whereby each tray stacked above a tray serves as a retainer or closure for the tray below that may prevent the components from being dislodged or misoriented from the holding structure during handling of the stack and protect the components from particulate contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Adams, Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20060040566
    Abstract: An outgassing shield (40) for a lamp socket (22) comprises a cup-shaped unit that fits over the end of the socket that penetrates a lamp reflector (12), reducing the temperature upon the socket body and substantially eliminating outgassing. The elimination of the outgassing prevents deleterious buildup of outgassed materials on the reflector surface and the interiour of the lens, thereby enhancing light output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Ronald Thomas, Timothy Miller
  • Publication number: 20050263462
    Abstract: A cassette system for disks to be manufactured into hard disks for computer memory storage includes a pair of end portions and a pair of side wall portions spanning between the end portions, defining a disk receiving region. The side wall portions together define a plurality of axially aligned slots for holding the disks. At least one of the end portions includes a test disk receiver, which may be a slot or pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Johnson, Carlos Cadavid, Ronald Thomas, Andrews Harris
  • Publication number: 20050266978
    Abstract: A clay slurry with a solids content of at least about 60 weight percent and a casting rate of at least 60 grams per hour, wherein the slurry contains from about 68 to about 74 weight percent of silica and less than about 0.8 percent of carbon. At least about 9 weight percent of the particles in the slurry are larger than about 44 microns, and at least about 5 weight percent of the particles in said slurry are larger than about 74 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Patent number: 6896844
    Abstract: A liquid and gas assisted injection molding apparatus comprising a source of liquid coolant, a source of compressed gas, a source of heated viscous plastic, a mold cavity means for controllably injecting said plastic into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said compressed gas into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said liquid coolant into said cavity, and means for selectively controlling the injection of said plastic, gas and liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Cinpres Gas Injection, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20050032631
    Abstract: A clay slurry with a solids content of at least about 60 weight percent and a casting rate of at least 60 grams per hour, wherein the slurry contains from about 68 to about 74 weight percent of silica and less than about 0.8 percent of carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040207131
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for fluid assisted injection molding comprising the step of providing an injection molding apparatus having a mold body that defines a mold cavity. The process further comprises the steps of supplying a quantity of fluent plastic to the mold cavity, following by injecting a fluid into the mold cavity. A reservoir is selectively connectable to a plastic injection runner, and can be opened to the runner to receive molten plastic ejected by the introduction of the fluid to the mold cavity. When the reservoir is thusly connected, the pressure of the fluid forces the plastic through a supply passage, in a direction substantially opposite to its initial injection direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040071806
    Abstract: A self cleaning pin for a fluid assisted injection molding apparatus that includes a pin body with a fluid passage and a shaft member. The shaft member is positioned in the pin, and is reciprocable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein reciprocation of the pin drives intruding plastic from the end of the pin body. In its retracted position, a tip portion rests against a substantially mating seat, and provides continuous fluid communication between the fluid passage and a mold cavity. The pin also provides adjustable biasing means, the biasing means continuously biasing the pin toward its retracted position. A shaped recess is included in the end of the shaft member, and can be utilized to manually rotate the pin relative to a tensioning member threadedly received on the shaft member, thereby adjusting the biasing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Patent number: 6716387
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for fluid assisted injection molding comprising the step of providing an injection molding apparatus having a mold body that defines a mold cavity. The process further comprises the steps of supplying a quantity of fluent plastic to the mold cavity, followed by injecting a fluid into the mold cavity. The fluid forms an expanding fluid pocket in the mold cavity, driving plastic to the furthest recesses of the mold and ensuring a smooth surface finish of the final molded product. A reservoir is selectively connectable to a plastic injection runner, and can be opened to the runner to receive molten plastic ejected by the introduction of the fluid to the mold cavity. When the reservoir is thusly connected, the pressure of the fluid forces the plastic through a supply passage, in a direction substantially opposite to its initial injection direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alliance Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040004313
    Abstract: A liquid and gas assisted injection molding apparatus comprising a source of liquid coolant, a source of compressed gas, a source of heated viscous plastic, a mold cavity means for controllably injecting said plastic into said cavity, means for controlling injecting said compressed gas into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said liquid coolant into said cavity, and means for selectively controlling the injection of said plastic, gas and liquid coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030224080
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is provided that comprises a molding tool having a mold cavity, a source of pressurized gas, and a nozzle with a reciprocable pin, the pin valving gas injection into the molding cavity. A gas valve is positioned adjacent the nozzle, the gas valve selectively connecting the gas source with the nozzle. A nozzle having a reciprocable member for valving fluid injection in an injection molding apparatus is also provided. The nozzle includes a seal comprising a compressible elastomeric member and a sleeve, the reciprocable member slidable in the sleeve. Compression of the elastomeric member deforms the sleeve, creating a fluid seal with the reciprocable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Patent number: 6602460
    Abstract: A method for the compression molding of a plastic article is provided. The method includes the steps of loading plastic material, that is preferably unheated, into a two piece molding chamber having at least one heating element, closing the molding chamber, and heating the plastic element. The method further includes the step of injecting fluid, for example air, into the plastic material to create at least one cavity within the plastic material. The air may be injected directly into the plastic material, or it may be injected along an upper surface of the chamber. Upon injection of air into the at least one cavity, a portion of the plastic material is forced to exit the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignees: Alliance Systems, Inc., Composite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Thomas, Nicholas Pitstick
  • Patent number: 6579489
    Abstract: A liquid and gas assisted injection molding apparatus comprising a source of liquid coolant, a source of compressed gas, a source of heated viscous plastic, a mold cavity means for controllably injecting said plastic into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said compressed gas into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said liquid coolant into said cavity, and means for selectively controlling the injection of said plastic, gas and liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Alliance Gas Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020117783
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for fluid assisted injection molding comprising the step of providing an injection molding apparatus having a mold body that defines a mold cavity. The process further comprises the steps of supplying a quantity of fluent plastic to the mold cavity, followed by injecting a fluid into the mold cavity. The fluid forms an expanding fluid pocket in the mold cavity, driving plastic to the furthest recesses of the mold and ensuring a smooth surface finish of the final molded product. A reservoir is selectively connectable to a plastic injection runner, and can be opened to the runner to receive molten plastic ejected by the introduction of the fluid to the mold cavity. When the reservoir is thusly connected, the pressure of the fluid forces the plastic through a supply passage, in a direction substantially opposite to its initial injection direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Patent number: 6354826
    Abstract: A nozzle having an internally threaded bore communicating through a mold body with a source of a pressurized gas, and an externally threaded pin received within and engaging the threaded bore. The pin has a machined longitudinal surface creating an air passage through the bore when the pin is in place. At the outlet end of the nozzle the pin carries one or more washers having air passages machined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Alliance Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Thomas
  • Publication number: 20010038172
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for gas assist compression molding of fiber reinforced plastic parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald Thomas, Nicholas Pitstick