Patents by Inventor Steven D. Thomas

Steven D. 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: 11959831
    Abstract: Detecting a leak from a site in a sealed system with a source of pressurized gas which is capable of passing through the site, a composition of matter which adheres to the surfaces of the system and which is capable of showing the presence of the gas escaping from the site. The method includes: injecting gas into the system to a pressure in excess of the surrounding pressure, and covering the external surface with the composition to identify the location of the site by the interaction of the escaping gas with the composition. The composition is foam that includes a surfactant which forms a least one bubble in the presence of escaping gas and an indicator which changes color in the presence of the escaping gas. The leak is an opening down to at least the size of a hole 0.001? in diameter. A gas detector may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma, Kenneth D. Ley
  • Patent number: 11953404
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of matter formulated to work in conjunction with CO2 gas for identifying the exact leak site location of small and large leaks in sealed systems. The leak finding compositions of matter foam, or are in the form of a foam, when applied to the one or more external surfaces of a system, that is closed and pressurized with CO2, where a leak site location is suspected. This foam then changes color from a first color to a second color over the exact leak site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Kenneth D. Ley, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20230156315
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph F. Hlatky, Steven D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11188986
    Abstract: Rooms, structures, vehicles, and other objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photographs of a room, structure, vehicle, or other object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, vehicle, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photographs using at least one known dimension for items observable in the photographs. The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items, or objects depicted in such photographs, and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photographs. Damages areas of the structure/vehicle/object can be assessed from the scale diagram. The scale diagram can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amounts for damage claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Estimatics in the Fourth Dimension, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Durel, Douglas Thomas, Steven D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20210337108
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph F. Hlatky, Steven D. Thomas, JR.
  • Patent number: 11019248
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph F Hlatky, Steven D Thomas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200186699
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph F. Hlatky, Steven D. Thomas, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200118218
    Abstract: Rooms, structures, vehicles, and other objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photographs of a room, structure, vehicle, or other object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, vehicle, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photographs using at least one known dimension for items observable in the photographs. The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items, or objects depicted in such photographs, and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photographs. Damages areas of the structure/vehicle/object can be assessed from the scale diagram. The scale diagram can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amounts for damage claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: William J. Durel, Douglas Thomas, Steven D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10560622
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph F. Hlatky, Steven D Thomas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190098199
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph F Hlatky, Steven D Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9871959
    Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for altering trail camera settings when deployed. For example, settings relating to triggering functionality, time lapse functionality, image resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, flash intensity, and other camera functions can be altered. The settings can be altered based on environmental conditions such as weather and ambient noise. The settings can also be altered based on trail camera conditions such as available battery capacity or image storage capacity. The trail camera settings can also be altered based on images obtained by the trail camera, with or without analyzing content of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph F Hlatky, Steven D Thomas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170308959
    Abstract: Rooms, structures, vehicles, and other objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photographs of a room, structure, vehicle, or other object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, vehicle, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photographs using at least one known dimension for items observable in the photographs. The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items, or objects depicted in such photographs, and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photographs. Damages areas of the structure/vehicle/object can be assessed from the scale diagram. The scale diagram can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amounts for damage claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas Thomas, Steven D. Thomas, William J. Durel
  • Patent number: 9672567
    Abstract: Rooms, structures, vehicles, and other objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photographs of a room, structure, vehicle, or other object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, vehicle, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photographs using at least one known dimension for items observable in the photographs. The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items, or objects depicted in such photographs, and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photographs. Damages areas of the structure/vehicle/object can be assessed from the scale diagram. The scale diagram can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amounts for damage claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ESTIMATICS IN THE FOURTH DIMENSIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Thomas, Steven D. Thomas, William J. Durel
  • Publication number: 20140288976
    Abstract: Rooms, structures, vehicles, and other objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photographs of a room, structure, vehicle, or other object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, vehicle, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photographs using at least one known dimension for items observable in the photographs. The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items, or objects depicted in such photographs, and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photographs. Damages areas of the structure/vehicle/object can be assessed from the scale diagram. The scale diagram can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amounts for damage claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Estimatics in the Fourth Dimensions, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Thomas, Steven D. Thomas, William J. Durel
  • Publication number: 20140006063
    Abstract: Rooms, structures and objects can be accurately diagrammed, often without performing a physical on-site inspection. Photograph(s) of a room, structure or object are uploaded to a computer having a processor. A base calibration measure is determined for a room, structure, object, or component thereof, depicted in the photograph(s) using at least one known dimension for item(s) observable in the photograph(s). The base calibration measure is then used to determine dimensions of other areas, items or objects depicted in such photograph(s), and to create at least one scale diagram of the subject matter of the photograph(s). The scale diagram(s) can then be used to calculate appropriate insurance payment amount(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: William J. Durel, Douglas Thomas, Steven D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7918340
    Abstract: A display package includes a front cover having a first bulbous portion defining a flashlight retaining cavity. A display portion is adjacent the first bulbous portion. A container includes a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall of the container is connected to the display package by a living hinge. At least one battery is disposed inside the container and at least one flashlight is disposed inside the first bulbous portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Brennan, Steven D. Thomas, Randall J. Binkley, Scott W. Osiecki, Roy C. Park, Jeffrey D. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20090230018
    Abstract: A display package includes a front cover having a first bulbous portion defining a flashlight retaining cavity. A display portion is adjacent the first bulbous portion. A container includes a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall of the container is connected to the display package by a living hinge. At least one battery is disposed inside the container and at least one flashlight is disposed inside the first bulbous portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Mark J. Brennan, Steven D. Thomas, Randall J. Binkley, Scott W. Osiecki, Roy C. Park, Jeffrey D. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6174551
    Abstract: A process for preparing a nutritional supplement includes the steps of mixing animal blood solids, hydrolized poultry feathers and animal offal to create a mixture, adding protease enzyme to the mixture (20), digesting the mixture with protease enzyme (28) and drying the digested mixture (38) in order to reduce the moisture content thereof down to 5-8 weight percent. During processing, the digested mixture is never exposed to temperatures above approximately 83° C. so that the blood and offal are not degraded or denatured and remain intact so as to provide full nutritional benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Griffin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin W. Griffin, Steven D. Thomas, John L. Crowley, Eugene M. Weddington
  • Patent number: 5602497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an implementation of adiabatic circuitry using a pipeline structure which allows for simultaneous evaluation of cascaded functions, which does not require each logic function to be implemented in dual complimentary circuitry, which does not require reversible logic functions, which does not require the use of diodes to insure adiabatic current flow, and which can be implemented using MOS technology. A significant feature of the present invention relates to use of a six-phase clock cycle associated with six phases of circuit operation including, in order, a precharge phase, a precharge disable phase, an evaluate phase, a hold phase, a precharge enable phase and a guard phase. Another significant feature of the present invention relates to simultaneous evaluation of cascaded logic functions during a single phase of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Steven D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5465341
    Abstract: A security system is used for programmable read-only memory locations within a very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit. In a first security bit memory location there is stored a first security data bit. The first security data bit has a first value when the first security bit memory location is unprogrammed and a second value when the first security bit memory location is programmed. In a second security bit memory location there is stored a second security data bit. The second security data bit has the first value when the second security bit memory location is unprogrammed and the second value when the second security bit memory location is programmed. A selection logic is electrically coupled to the first security bit memory location and the second security bit memory location. The selection logic selects no security data bit, the first security data bit or the second security data bit to be used to generate a security access signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. Doi, Steven D. Thomas, Vincent J. Coli, Vito D. Giglio