Patents by Inventor Scott Thomason
Scott Thomason 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: 8738613Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product providing ordered search results within a search engine. Items are retrieved from a network satisfying search criteria provided by a user. Computer-related activities performed by the user, including social networking activities, are determined, and the retrieved items are ranked based on the computer-related activities. The ranking of the retrieved items is dependent upon whether any retrieved item has been referenced by the social networking activities of the user, and the search results are provided including the retrieved items in order of the ranking.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Maryam Ahmed, Al Chakra, Matthew C. Hillary, Kimberly D. McCall, M. Scott Thomason
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Patent number: 8688691Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product providing ordered search results within a search engine. Items are retrieved from a network satisfying search criteria provided by a user. Computer-related activities performed by the user, including social networking activities, are determined, and the retrieved items are ranked based on the computer-related activities. The ranking of the retrieved items is dependent upon whether any retrieved item has been referenced by the social networking activities of the user, and the search results are provided including the retrieved items in order of the ranking.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Maryam Ahmed, Al Chakra, Matthew C. Hillary, Kimberly D. McCall, M. Scott Thomason
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Publication number: 20140077000Abstract: Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a system that includes a reservoir with an inlet and an outlet wherein the inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a source of a skin treatment solution. At least one spray nozzle is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the reservoir and is configured to spray the skin treatment solution. A vent valve is operable to open and close based on the level of the skin treatment solution in the reservoir. When the vent valve is open, a cavity of the reservoir is exposed to at least atmospheric pressure. The vent valve may be configured to control liquid flow to the reservoir from the container for refilling the reservoir and to aid in the operation of changing containers and/or purging the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: SUNLESS, INC.Inventors: Steven C. Cooper, Scott Thomason
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Publication number: 20140079652Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose controlling the application of a skin treatment solution spray using data obtained from a machine readable tag associated with a container filled with the skin treatment solution. A skin treatment sprayer system includes at least one container receptacle configured to receive a container of with skin treatment solution. An interrogator is coupled to the container receptacle and is operable to communicate with the machine readable tag associated with the container. A controller includes a processor and is in communication with the interrogator. At least one nozzle is operable to emit a spray of skin treatment solution and is in fluid communication with the container. The controller is operable to control a spray parameter associated with the emission of the skin treatment solution based on data received from the machine readable tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: SUNLESS, INC.Inventors: Steven C. Cooper, Scott Thomason
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Publication number: 20130341381Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose a bag-in-box container. The bag-in-box container includes a bag configured to contain a liquid. The bag also includes a rigid neck. A box encloses the bag with the neck protruding through the top of the box. The neck is secured in position through the opening in the box by a clip handle. The clip handle includes a handle portion configured to receive at least a fingertip of a hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: MT Industries, Inc.Inventors: Scott Thomason, Steven C. Cooper, Michael Overbeck, Louis J. Monaco
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Patent number: 8545461Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for extracting excess liquid in a human body spray system includes a spray booth defining a booth volume. The spray booth includes a base configured to support the human body and a column having walls extending vertically from the base and at least one vent opening disposed on a bottom half portion of the column on at least one of the walls. The walls form a hollow interior of the column. The apparatus for extracting excess liquid in a human body spray system further includes an extraction fan disposed within the hollow interior adjacent to a top half portion of the column and configured to create a low pressure volume within the hollow interior and draw air flow and at least some of the excess mist from the booth volume through the at least one vent opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Sunless, Inc.Inventors: Scott Thomason, Nicholas J Mastandrea
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Patent number: 8495484Abstract: Computer apparatus, system and method maintain a database of hyperlinks associated with activities and inactions in the past of a user. From a current work space of the user, a recommendation engine searches the database to retrieve hyperlinks based on user-specified context and topic. The recommendation engine displays recommended hyperlinks (candidates) and enables the user to filter the recommended hyperlinks by original source, activity metric or other relevance. To form and maintain the database, a context analysis engine captures activity content links. Each activity content link has a respective hyperlink associated with an activity/inaction of the user. The context analysis engine generates a metric based on the activity and records the respective hyperlink in the database along with the metric. The recommendation engine and context analysis engine may, on user command, further search social media or social networks in order to make hyperlink recommendations to the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Maryam Ahmed, Al Chakra, Prasad Lakshmi Imandi, Michael Scott Thomason, Tong Yu
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Patent number: 8486030Abstract: A spray nozzle system includes separate air outlets to deliver one or more streams of supplemental warming or drying air. The air may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied for warming or drying before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off. In the case of air-atomizing nozzles, the air is delivered through low pressure ports separately from the atomizing or pattern shaping air to minimize the expansion cooling effect. In another implementation, the air is redirected from the nozzle using a control valve which proportions the amount of airflow directed for atomization, pattern shaping and drying.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Sunless, Inc.Inventors: Scott Thomason, Steven C. Cooper
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Publication number: 20130036344Abstract: Computer apparatus, system and method maintain a database of hyperlinks associated with activities and inactions in the past of a user. From a current work space of the user, a recommendation engine searches the database to retrieve hyperlinks based on user-specified context and topic. The recommendation engine displays recommended hyperlinks (candidates) and enables the user to filter the recommended hyperlinks by original source, activity metric or other relevance. To form and maintain the database, a context analysis engine captures activity content links. Each activity content link has a respective hyperlink associated with an activity/inaction of the user. The context analysis engine generates a metric based on the activity and records the respective hyperlink in the database along with the metric. The recommendation engine and context analysis engine may, on user command, further search social media or social networks in order to make hyperlink recommendations to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Maryam Ahmed, Al Chakra, Prasad Lakshmi Imandi, Michael Scott Thomason, Tong Yu
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Publication number: 20130020414Abstract: A nozzle includes a body having a first bore and a first liquid inlet. A liquid tip assembly, including a second bore and second liquid inlet, is inserted into the first bore with the first and second liquid inlets axially aligned. Sealing rings between the liquid tip assembly and first bore define an annular fluid path coupling the first and second liquid inlets. The liquid tip assembly further includes a liquid opening that is sealed by an axially moveable fluid tip positioned in the second bore. A slidable seal is formed between the fluid tip and second bore. A front of the body includes an aperture configured to receive an air cap secured to the body by a retaining ring. The air cap includes an air opening associated with the liquid opening to provide atomizing air. The nozzle may be easily assembled and disassembled from a front of the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: SUNLESS, INC.Inventors: Scott Thomason, Steven C. Cooper
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Publication number: 20130018333Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose the controlled application of a heated spray cloud to a target surface. The spray cloud may be delivered in connection with applications of atomized (misted) sunless tanning sprays using a variety of spray systems. A formulation of the cosmetic or conditioning liquid may conduct and retain heat to allow a pleasantly warm spray to be received on the skin surface. The formula may come to temperature quickly and the heat may be retained even though a nozzle cooling effect inherently cools the spray as it leaves the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: MT Industries, Inc.Inventors: Scott Thomason, Steven C. Cooper, Charles R. Sweat
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Publication number: 20120284249Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product providing ordered search results within a search engine. Items are retrieved from a network satisfying search criteria provided by a user. Computer-related activities performed by the user, including social networking activities, are determined, and the retrieved items are ranked based on the computer-related activities. The ranking of the retrieved items is dependent upon whether any retrieved item has been referenced by the social networking activities of the user, and the search results are provided including the retrieved items in order of the ranking.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Maryam Ahmed, Al Chakra, Matthew C. Hillary, Kimberly D. McCall, M. Scott Thomason
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Publication number: 20120256015Abstract: A booth for automatic spray application of multiple liquids onto a human subject includes an HVLP nozzle including a nozzle tip, and an air pathway that exits at the nozzle tip. The booth further includes a plurality of liquid sources, including at least a first liquid source having a first liquid and a second liquid source having a second liquid. A plurality of liquid lines connect the plurality of liquid sources to a common liquid pathway that exits at the nozzle tip. The plurality of liquid lines include a first liquid line connected to the first liquid source and a second liquid line connected to the second liquid source. A plurality of check valves are associated with liquid lines to prevent cross contamination between the first liquid and the second liquid. A controller causes air to flow through the air pathway.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: SUNLESS, INC.Inventors: Scott THOMASON, Nicholas J. MASTANDREA
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Publication number: 20120192290Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for filtering third-party generated content in a social network. A receive module receives, from a requesting third-party user, a request to view third-party generated content that is generated by one or more third-party users of a social network. A group module determines one or more group permissions set by a user for one or more groups. The one or more group permissions define access to the third-party generated content. A filter module filters the third-party generated content according to the one or more group permissions such that the third-party generated content is filtered prior to presentation of the third-party generated content to the requesting third-party user in response to the request.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher B. Barefoot, Tyler I. Carper, David D. Dukro, Kevin N. Magill, Michael S. O'Leary, M. Scott Thomason
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Publication number: 20120185472Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product providing ordered search results within a search engine. Items are retrieved from a network satisfying search criteria provided by a user. Computer-related activities performed by the user, including social networking activities, are determined, and the retrieved items are ranked based on the computer-related activities. The ranking of the retrieved items is dependent upon whether any retrieved item has been referenced by the social networking activities of the user, and the search results are provided including the retrieved items in order of the ranking.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Maryam Ahmed, Al Chakra, Matthew C. Hillary, Kimberly D. McCall, M. Scott Thomason
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Publication number: 20120166351Abstract: A method for assisting customer knowledge using social media data. Responses to text-based posts regarding compatibility of an updated product with respect to other products/components in a complex product environment are aggregated and used to create what is referred to herein as a “dynamic account.” The dynamic account contains information regarding the compatibility of an updated product from a particular vendor/company with other products from other vendors/companies, where these products are used in combination in a complex product environment. This knowledge base may be used by users of a social network system who are customers of these companies to keep them informed regarding compatibility issues when an update to a product occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Marcus L. Belvin, Henri F. Meli, M. Scott Thomason, Yingxin Xing, Tong Yu
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Publication number: 20120158605Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for assisting customer knowledge using social media data. Responses to text-based posts regarding compatibility of an updated product with respect to other products/components in a complex product environment are aggregated and used to create what is referred to herein as a “dynamic account.” The dynamic account contains information regarding the compatibility of an updated product from a particular vendor/company with other products from other vendors/companies, where these products are used in combination in a complex product environment. This knowledge base may be used by users of a social network system who are customers of these companies to keep them informed regarding compatibility issues when an update to a product occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Marcus L. Belvin, Henri F. Meli, M. Scott Thomason, Yingxin Xing, Tong Yu
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Publication number: 20120109835Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for filtering third-party generated content in a social network. The method may involve receiving a request to view third-party generated content in a social network. The method may involve determining the group permissions that are set by the user for one or more groups. The user may define group membership. The group permissions define the access privileges to the third-party generated content. The method may also involve filtering the third-party generated content according to the group permissions such that the third-party generated content is filtered prior to its presentation to the requesting third-party user. As a result, certain third-party generated content may be hidden from certain third-party users. In certain embodiments, the user can set individual permissions governing access to the third-party generated content.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher B. Barefoot, Tyler I. Carper, David D. Dukro, Kevin N. Magill, Michael S. O'Leary, M. Scott Thomason
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Publication number: 20120056017Abstract: A container for holding a spray or coating material that is adapted to and operates with a spray system for spraying or coating operations. The container may include an auxiliary port capable of maintaining pressure in the system and does not need to be removed from the system to be filled or refilled with the spray or coating material. The container may be filled or refilled during operation. The auxiliary port is continuous with the container. The container does not require a separable layer or liner. The container may be non-collapsible. The container is adapted to the spray system through a separate aperture that does not require a valve for closing the separate aperture. The spray system may further comprise a mechanism for heating the material in the container and/or before exiting the spray system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Scott Thomason, Steven C. Cooper
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Publication number: 20110259974Abstract: A system for controlling a hand held skin treatment sprayer includes a base unit that is operable to control an air source. The base unit is also operable to control a heating unit that is associated with the hand held skin treatment sprayer. The air source is coupled to a nozzle of the hand held skin treatment sprayer by an air conduit, and the heating unit is disposed within that air conduit. Air flowing through the air conduit is heated by the heating unit. This heated air may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off, to warm or dry the skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: MT Industries, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Cooper, Scott Thomason, Louis J. Monaco