Patents by Inventor Sean Thomas

Sean 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).

  • Patent number: 8611103
    Abstract: A latching apparatus provides selective injection and ejection of an electronic module relative to a chassis that includes a support member. The apparatus includes a housing to be coupled to the electronic module, and a handle pivotably coupled to the housing and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A catch in a first position retains the handle in the latched position. An actuator is coupled to the handle and operable to move the catch to a second position. In response to movement of the actuator in a direction the same as the direction of the handle toward the unlatched position, the catch is moved to its second position. As a result, the handle is movable between the latched and unlatched positions to permit the electronic module to be injected or ejected relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Thomas, Saeed Seyed, Hong Tran Huynh, Phillip S. Ting, Toan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130298462
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a modular horticultural growing system, creating a multitude of benefits through the utilization vertical growing capability and methodology. These benefits include increased growing densities, maximization of growing efficiencies, minimization of water usage, retention of nutrients, reduction of nutrient discharge into surface and ground water, increased growing capacity within existing capital infrastructure and space, reduction of energy and material inputs, cooling and beautification of structures and living spaces, increased local food production, synergistic effects throughout entire product, manufacturing, and production value chain, and many other benefits. The present invention allows individuals, especially those living in impoverished or densely populated urban areas, to grow a greater fraction of their food requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Sean Thomas Moran
  • Publication number: 20130107424
    Abstract: A latching apparatus provides selective injection and ejection of an electronic module relative to a chassis that includes a support member. The apparatus includes a housing to be coupled to the electronic module, and a handle pivotably coupled to the housing and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A catch in a first position retains the handle in the latched position. An actuator is coupled to the handle and operable to move the catch to a second position. In response to movement of the actuator in a direction the same as the direction of the handle toward the unlatched position, the catch is moved to its second position. As a result, the handle is movable between the latched and unlatched positions to permit the electronic module to be injected or ejected relative to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Thomas, Saeed Seyed, Hong Tran Huynh, Phillip S. Ting, Toan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130097595
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems allow for updates (e.g., questions) to be provided via sync calls to a server (e.g., in determining whether (non-question) software updates should be installed on a client device), where the total number of updates exceeds single sync call server limitations. For example, relationships between updates may be determined and updates may be grouped into two or more sets based upon the relationships, where different sets can independently be transmitted to the server in different sync calls. Grouping updates according to the policies provided mitigates errors that may otherwise occur when making multi-sync calls (e.g., asking a second question before a first question where the second question should follow the first question because the relevance of the second question depends upon an answer to the first question).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Stern, David Cris Hennessey
  • Publication number: 20130077043
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a universal, modular and multi-functional eye wear system, including a pair of lenses, a pair of temples pivotally connected to the outer part of the lenses, a tail accessory connector connected to the distal end of the temple and an interchangeable multi-functional tail accessory. The universal modular design allows for a multitude of interchangeable options for color, style, prescription, comfort and functionality. The tail accessory connector allows for constrained or unconstrained relative axial rotation between the temple and the tail accessory. The eye wear system gains additional functionality through the integration of a optional bridge connector, or optional wireless communication retention capabilities. This invention has novel and superior functionality, operational flexibility and consumer features over existing products and helps to improve safety of roadways for drivers and pedestrians that use digital communications devices and eye wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Sean Thomas Moran
  • Publication number: 20120226653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively predicting hydrocarbon concentration in a sample of unknown hydrocarbon concentration (the unknown sample). The method comprises the steps of: (i) separately subjecting two or more samples of known hydrocarbon concentration to infrared (IR) radiation; (ii) separately detecting an IR signal from the samples of known hydrocarbon concentration; (iii) analysing the IR signals using a multivariate chemometric technique to produce a training data set; (iv) generating a predictive model for hydrocarbon concentration based on the training data set; (v) subjecting the unknown sample to infrared (IR) radiation; (vi) detecting an IR signal from the unknown sample; (vii) applying the predictive model to the IR signal from the unknown sample; and thereafter (viii) selectively predicting hydrocarbon concentration in the unknown sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Michael John McLaughlin, Sean Thomas Forrester, Leslie Joseph Janik
  • Publication number: 20120153160
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a use and a method for the detection of petroleum hydrocarbon in a sample. The method comprises the steps of subjecting the sample to infrared (IR) radiation, and detecting an IR signal in the range of 1360 cm?1 to 2090 cm?1 and/or 2650 cm?1 to 3000 cm?1 and/or 3700 cm?1 to 4400 cm?1. In a particular application, the invention provides a method for the detection of petroleum hydrocarbon in an environmental sample such as soil, silt, sediment, rock, mineral or waste sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Forrester, Michael John McLaughlin, Leslie Joseph Janik
  • Patent number: 8068285
    Abstract: An infinity display device with autostereoscopic capability having one or more high lumen light sources 6, a transmissive spatial light modulator (SLM) 7, light collimating optics and a rectilinear light guide. Once the light has passed through the SLM 7 an objective 2 converges the image encoded rays toward a point 43 representing the entrance pupil 5 of said light guide. A second lens 1 then collimates the rays in one plane (Tangential) while a lenticular array 13 is used for collimating rays in the second plane (Sagittal). Next, a first surface mirror 9 reflects all said rays toward a triangular prism 10, where they undergo colour separation before entering the light guide. The light guide may itself consist of two, parallel, first surface mirrors 3 & 4 one of which is partially transmissive. Finally a Fresnel screen 11 tilts the light toward the observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Sean Thomas Flynn
  • Publication number: 20110268199
    Abstract: A method and system for embedded communications that allows for FFT/IFFT-capable radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (“RC-IED”) force protection systems to communication information across local networks to enhance force protection operations and to provide additional data capacity to support other tactical operations. The communications system utilizes a significant amount of existing system hardware and software such that the addition of these communications capabilities does not significantly affect the unit cost of the RC-IED force protection system within which it is embedded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SRC, INC.
    Inventors: Sean Thomas O'Hara, Ryan Gary Aures
  • Patent number: 7903830
    Abstract: A push-pull capacitive micromechanical ultrasound transducer (CMUT) is provided for ultrasound imaging or therapy. Gaps and electrodes on both sides of an electrostatic membrane provide push-pull operation. The membrane is oriented to flex in a direction of acoustic propagation. A surface connected to the membrane may better expose the movement to the acoustic medium even in the push-pull arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Hansen, Paul Anthony Wagner, Stephen Roy Barnes
  • Publication number: 20100282878
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus, a system and a method for shredding building materials such as plasterboard, and then processing the shredded waste to recover the constituent materials. The apparatus (10) has at least one opening (13) into which waste plasterboard (16) may be placed and means for shredding the plasterboard placed in the opening (13). The system (48) comprises means for crushing the shredded plasterboard strips (50), means for removing loose gypsum (49) and means for removing waste paper (51). The method comprises the steps of shredding plasterboard into strips (60), removing loose gypsum from the shredded plasterboard strips (61), crushing the plasterboard strips to separate the gypsum from the paper (63) and removing the waste paper (64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Sean Thomas Hallard
  • Patent number: 7523910
    Abstract: An apparatus for the suspension of objects from stable and overhanging locations. A method for the installation and use of such an apparatus is also included. Apparatus is especially useful in the decorative display of lanterns created from pumpkins and other gourds and melons including cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Sean Thomas Moran
  • Patent number: 7448478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upper strut mount that allows rotation about three axes, accommodates the threaded end of a strut piston rod, is laterally stiff to almost completely eliminate side deflection, while maintaining a reasonable degree of vertical compliance. The strut mount uses a housing element to retain a spherical bearing between elastomeric bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Sean Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080160495
    Abstract: Child development educational displays are disclosed. The educational apparatus disclosed herein may be mobile and may include one or more three dimensional interactive educational aides demonstrating an aspect of child development to a user. An educational apparatus may be located within the trailer of a truck, or may be located within a tent, or other moveable, structure. The structure may have two or more areas wherein each area contains materials which teach a user about one of a plurality of stages of baby or childhood development.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Clark, Derek Keith Friedman, Tamara Ann Cahill
  • Publication number: 20080126617
    Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method dynamically bind Message Signaled Interrupt (MSI) resources shared by a plurality of clients to an interrupt facility in an MSI-capable computer. In addition, management of such bindings may be implemented using a platform independent interrupt manager capable of managing multiple MSI bindings between MSI resources to an interrupt facility, and interfaced with an underlying hardware platform of a computer through platform-specific encapsulation program code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Brownlow, James Arthur Lindeman, Gregory Michael Nordstrom, John Ronald Oberly, John Thomas O'Quin, Steven Mark Thurber, Timothy Joseph Torzewski
  • Publication number: 20080126648
    Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method dynamically bind Message Signaled Interrupt (MSI) resources shared by a plurality of clients to an interrupt facility in an MSI-capable computer. In addition, management of such bindings may be implemented using a platform independent interrupt manager capable of managing multiple MSI bindings between MSI resources to an interrupt facility, and interfaced with an underlying hardware platform of a computer through platform-specific encapsulation program code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Brownlow, James Arthur Lindeman, Gregory Michael Nordstrom, John Ronald Oberly, John Thomas O'Quin, Steven Mark Thurber, Timothy Joseph Torzewski
  • Publication number: 20080049954
    Abstract: A push-pull capacitive micromechanical ultrasound transducer (CMUT) is provided for ultrasound imaging or therapy. Gaps and electrodes on both sides of an electrostatic membrane provide push-pull operation. The membrane is oriented to flex in a direction of acoustic propagation. A surface connected to the membrane may better expose the movement to the acoustic medium even in the push-pull arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Hansen, Paul Anthony Wagner, Stephen Roy Barnes
  • Publication number: 20070284498
    Abstract: An apparatus for the suspension of objects from stable and overhanging locations. A method for the installation and use of such an apparatus is also included. Apparatus is especially useful in the decorative display of lanterns created from pumpkins and other gourds and melons including cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: MIDEA DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Thomas Moran
  • Publication number: 20060109746
    Abstract: A vibration sensing device, package and system and a method of manufacturing a vibration sensing device are disclosed. The vibration sensing device comprises a body whose geometry is such that it exhibits flextensional properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventors: Roger Crickmore, Sean Thomas, Simon Tanner, David Hill, Philip Nash
  • Patent number: 7025166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a road or rail vehicle comprised of a lightweight perimeter frame with panel-like elements, which define a floor, a roof, side walls, and front and rear end elements. In this design the panels are made from high-strength materials wherein the panels are the primary structural elements and the perimeter frame is used primarily as a means of attaching the panels. However, the perimeter chassis is reinforced with heavier sections in certain areas to distribute concentrated forces and impact loads into the structural panels from the vehicle suspension, powertrain, doors, seating, and major access panels or hatches. The body/chassis structure is configured with front and rear chassis subcomponents to which all suspension, steering, engine, and powertrain elements are mounted, in a manner to allow the entire sub-assemblies at the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily installed and removed from the chassis structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Sean Thomas