Patents by Inventor Stephan Thomas

Stephan 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: 12246981
    Abstract: A method for homogenizing glass includes the method: providing a cylindrical blank composed of the glass having a cylindrical outer surface that extends along a longitudinal axis of the blank between a first end face and a second end face, forming a shear zone in the blank by softening a longitudinal section of the blank and subjecting it to a thermal-mechanical intermixing treatment, and displacing the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. The displacement of the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank is superimposed by a simultaneous oscillating motion of the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. The first end of the blank is rotated at a first rotational speed and the second end of the blank is rotated at a second rotational speed. An oscillating motion of the shear zone is generated by periodically varying the first and/or second rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Thomas, Jan Vydra, Martin Trommer, Michael Huenermann, Andreas Langner, Walter Lehmann, Stefan Hengster, Klaus Becker
  • Patent number: 12218468
    Abstract: A plug adapter connects to a solenoid valve already mounted in a motor vehicle. The plug adapter has a plug connector for receiving an electrical control signal from a control unit of the motor vehicle for operating the solenoid valve. The plug adapter includes a solenoid valve connector for detachable coupling of the plug adapter to the plug connector of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve connector and the plug connector are matched to one another in terms of plug form and electrical signal transmission. An electronics component, such as a microcontroller, processes an electrical output signal for operating the solenoid valve when an electrical connection is established between the electronics component and the solenoid valve via the solenoid valve connector when the plug adapter is plugged into the plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Inventors: Björn Diessl, Stefan Popov, Stephan Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240086561
    Abstract: A method and system for providing secure delivery, transport, modification, exchange of digital design and build files that have been bundled into a digital asset within a complex digital supply chain. The system also provides for quality standards when the digital asset is used to manufacture a physical part, and provides for secure feedback to stakeholders for the purpose of digital logistics, data analytics, or liability. The system includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing, licensing, modification and delegation policy, generating authorization certificates, authenticating manufacturing devices and provide qualitative and quantitative file consumption data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Materialise USA, LLC
    Inventors: Chris ADKINS, Joseph INKENBRANDT, Stephan Thomas
  • Patent number: 11861026
    Abstract: A method and system for providing secure delivery, transport, modification, exchange of digital design and build files that have been bundled into a digital asset within a complex digital supply chain. The system also provides for quality standards when the digital asset is used to manufacture a physical part, and provides for secure feedback to stakeholders for the purpose of digital logistics, data analytics, or liability. The system includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing, licensing, modification and delegation policy, generating authorization certificates, authenticating manufacturing devices and provide qualitative and quantitative file consumption data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Materialise USA, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Adkins, Joseph Inkenbrandt, Stephan Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230063663
    Abstract: A method for homogenizing glass includes the method: providing a cylindrical blank composed of the glass having a cylindrical outer surface that extends along a longitudinal axis of the blank between a first end face and a second end face, forming a shear zone in the blank by softening a longitudinal section of the blank and subjecting it to a thermal-mechanical intermixing treatment, and displacing the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. The displacement of the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank is superimposed by a simultaneous oscillating motion of the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. The first end of the blank is rotated at a first rotational speed and the second end of the blank is rotated at a second rotational speed. An oscillating motion of the shear zone is generated by periodically varying the first and/or second rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Thomas, Jan Vydra, Martin Trommer, Michael Huenermann, Andreas Langner, Walter Lehmann, Stefan Hengster, Klaus Becker
  • Patent number: 11485671
    Abstract: A method for homogenizing glass includes the method: providing a cylindrical blank composed of the glass having a cylindrical outer surface that extends along a longitudinal axis of the blank between a first end face and a second end face, forming a shear zone in the blank by softening a longitudinal section of the blank and subjecting it to a thermal-mechanical intermixing treatment, and displacing the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. To enable a radial mixing within the shear zone in addition to the tangential mixing with the lowest possible time and energy input, starting from this method, cylindrical sections of the blank are adjacent to the shear zone on both sides, the first cylindrical section having a first central axis and the second cylindrical section having a second central axis, the first central axis and the second central axis being temporarily non-coaxial with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Thomas, Jan Vydra, Martin Trommer, Michael Huenermann, Andreas Langner, Walter Lehmann, Stefan Hengster, Klaus Becker
  • Patent number: 11459262
    Abstract: A known method for homogenizing glass includes the following steps: providing a cylindrical blank composed of the glass, having a cylindrical outer surface which extends between a first end face and a second end face, forming a shear zone in the blank by softening a longitudinal section of the blank and subjecting it to a thermal-mechanical intermixing treatment, and moving the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. To reduce the risk of cracks and fractures during homogenizing, it is proposed that a thermal radiation dissipator is used that at least partially surrounds the shear zone, the lateral dimension of which in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blank is greater than the shear zone and smaller than the length of the blank, the thermal radiation dissipator being moved synchronously with the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Thomas, Jan Vydra, Martin Trommer, Michael Huenermann, Andreas Langner, Walter Lehmann, Stefan Hengster, Klaus Becker
  • Publication number: 20210265794
    Abstract: A plug adapter connects to a solenoid valve already mounted in a motor vehicle. The plug adapter has a plug connector for receiving an electrical control signal from a control unit of the motor vehicle for operating the solenoid valve. The plug adapter includes a solenoid valve connector for detachable coupling of the plug adapter to the plug connector of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve connector and the plug connector are matched to one another in terms of plug form and electrical signal transmission. An electronics component, such as a microcontroller, processes an electrical output signal for operating the solenoid valve when an electrical connection is established between the electronics component and the solenoid valve via the solenoid valve connector when the plug adapter is plugged into the plug connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: WOCO Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Björn Diessl, Stefan Popov, Stephan Thomas
  • Publication number: 20210248260
    Abstract: A method and system for providing secure delivery, transport, modification, exchange of digital design and build files that have been bundled into a digital asset within a complex digital supply chain. The system also provides for quality standards when the digital asset is used to manufacture a physical part, and provides for secure feedback to stakeholders for the purpose of digital logistics, data analytics, or liability. The system includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing, licensing, modification and delegation policy, generating authorization certificates, authenticating manufacturing devices and provide qualitative and quantitative file consumption data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Chris Adkins, Joseph Inkenbrandt, Stephan Thomas
  • Patent number: 11023608
    Abstract: A method and system for providing secure delivery, transport, modification, exchange of digital design and build files that have been bundled into a digital asset within a complex digital supply chain. The system also provides for quality standards when the digital asset is used to manufacture a physical part, and provides for secure feedback to stakeholders for the purpose of digital logistics, data analytics, or liability. The system includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing, licensing, modification and delegation policy, generating authorization certificates, authenticating manufacturing devices and provide qualitative and quantitative file consumption data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: IDENTIFY3D, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Adkins, Joseph Inkenbrandt, Stephan Thomas
  • Patent number: 10837022
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant microorganisms capable of sugar co-utilization, the recombinant microorganism comprising a genetically altered microorganism (e.g. S. cerevisiae) having a lack of, or reduced expression of, or expression of truncated or mutated forms of at least one polypeptide selected from Hxk1, Hxk2, and Glk1. Reduction of the expression or biological activity of Hxk1, Hxk2 and Glk1 leads to reduction in the glucose consumption pathway, allowing the microorganism to co-utilize multiple sugars (e.g. glucose, xylose, galactose) at an improved rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
    Inventors: Yong-Su Jin, Stephan Thomas Lane, Haiqing Xu, Soo-Rin Kim
  • Patent number: 10732519
    Abstract: A substrate for an EUV mirror which contains a zero crossing temperature profile that departs from the statistical distribution is provided. A method for producing a substrate for an EUV mirror is also provided, in which the zero crossing temperature profile in the substrate is adapted to the operating temperature of the mirror. A lithography method using the substrate is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Becker, Stephan Thomas
  • Publication number: 20200131069
    Abstract: A known method for homogenizing glass includes the following steps: providing a cylindrical blank composed of the glass, having a cylindrical outer surface which extends between a first end face and a second end face, forming a shear zone in the blank by softening a longitudinal section of the blank and subjecting it to a thermal-mechanical intermixing treatment, and moving the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. To reduce the risk of cracks and fractures during homogenizing, it is proposed that a thermal radiation dissipator is used that at least partially surrounds the shear zone, the lateral dimension of which in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blank is greater than the shear zone and smaller than the length of the blank, the thermal radiation dissipator being moved synchronously with the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Thomas, Jan Vydra, Martin Trommer, Michael Huenermann, Andreas Langner, Walter Lehmann, Stefan Hengster, Klaus Becker
  • Publication number: 20200131071
    Abstract: A method for homogenizing glass includes the method: providing a cylindrical blank composed of the glass having a cylindrical outer surface that extends along a longitudinal axis of the blank between a first end face and a second end face, forming a shear zone in the blank by softening a longitudinal section of the blank and subjecting it to a thermal-mechanical intermixing treatment, and displacing the shear zone along the longitudinal axis of the blank. To enable a radial mixing within the shear zone in addition to the tangential mixing with the lowest possible time and energy input, starting from this method, cylindrical sections of the blank are adjacent to the shear zone on both sides, the first cylindrical section having a first central axis and the second cylindrical section having a second central axis, the first central axis and the second central axis being temporarily non-coaxial with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Thomas, Jan Vydra, Martin Trommer, Michael Huenermann, Andreas Langner, Walter Lehmann, Stefan Hengster, Klaus Becker
  • Patent number: 10448164
    Abstract: A method is provided for the acoustic playback of a digital audio medium, in particular an audio book, in a motor vehicle, in particular a two- or four-wheeled motor vehicle, at least one sensor, more particularly at least one velocity-, force- or acceleration sensor, used to detect driving parameters of the motor vehicle, being provided in or on the motor vehicle. For the user-friendly playback of a digital audio medium in a motor vehicle: in a first step a first comparison is carried out as to whether the driving parameters detected by the at least one sensor characterize a section of road requiring a higher degree of alertness on the part of the driver of the motor vehicle. If the first comparison is positive, the playback of the audio medium is interrupted in a second step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephan Thoma
  • Patent number: 10448163
    Abstract: A method is provided for acoustically reproducing a digital audio medium, in particular an audiobook, in a motor vehicle, in particular a two- or four-wheel motor vehicle, which has a navigation system that determines the current geographical position of the vehicle, wherein at least first information on the roadway section currently being traversed is assigned to the geographical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephan Thoma
  • Publication number: 20190087598
    Abstract: A method and system for providing secure delivery, transport, modification, exchange of digital design and build files that have been bundled into a digital asset within a complex digital supply chain. The system also provides for quality standards when the digital asset is used to manufacture a physical part, and provides for secure feedback to stakeholders for the purpose of digital logistics, data analytics, or liability. The system includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing, licensing, modification and delegation policy, generating authorization certificates, authenticating manufacturing devices and provide qualitative and quantitative file consumption data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Chris Adkins, Joseph lnkenbrandt, Stephan Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180367902
    Abstract: A method is provided for acoustically reproducing a digital audio medium, in particular an audiobook, in a motor vehicle, in particular a two- or four-wheel motor vehicle, which has a navigation system that determines the current geographical position of the vehicle, wherein at least first information on the roadway section currently being traversed is assigned to the geographical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Stephan Thoma
  • Publication number: 20180367903
    Abstract: A method is provided for the acoustic playback of a digital audio medium, in particular an audio book, in a motor vehicle, in particular a two- or four-wheeled motor vehicle, at least one sensor, more particularly at least one velocity-, force- or acceleration sensor, used to detect driving parameters of the motor vehicle, being provided in or on the motor vehicle. For the user-friendly playback of a digital audio medium in a motor vehicle: in a first step a first comparison is carried out as to whether the driving parameters detected by the at least one sensor characterize a section of road requiring a higher degree of alertness on the part of the driver of the motor vehicle. If the first comparison is positive, the playback of the audio medium is interrupted in a second step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Stephan THOMA
  • Patent number: 9796617
    Abstract: A method for producing titanium-doped synthetic quartz glass includes: (A) providing a liquid SiO2 feedstock material that comprises more than 60% by weight of the polyalkylsiloxane D4; (B) evaporating the liquid SiO2 feedstock material to produce a gaseous SiO2 feedstock vapor; (C) evaporating a liquid TiO2 feedstock material to produce a gaseous TiO2 feedstock vapor; (D) converting the SiO2 feedstock vapor and the TiO2 feedstock vapor into SiO2 particles and TiO2 particles, respectively; (E) depositing the SiO2 particles and the TiO2 particles on a deposition surface while forming a titanium-doped SiO2 soot body; (F) vitrifying the titanium-doped SiO2 soot body while forming the synthetic quartz glass, whereby the TiO2 concentration of the synthetic quartz glass is between 5% by weight and 11% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Fabian, Stephan Thomas