Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Carls

Thomas A. Carls 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: 20180279088
    Abstract: The systems and techniques disclosed herein provide the ability to present, via a user interface, an indication of a geographic location to a user, determining that the geographic location corresponds to an address included in contact information for one of several contacts of the user, the contact information further including a name; receive, via the user interface, an indication that the geographic location is to be associated with the name included in the contact information; generate a location label for the geographic location, using the name included in the contact information; and outputting an indication of the location label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Dale Hawkins, Thomas Carl Stamm, Andrew Kimse, Tushar Udeshi
  • Patent number: 10080559
    Abstract: A method facilitates the treatment of the spine of a patient by providing simultaneous access through at least a first opening and a second opening formed in the patient. For example, the method can include the acts of positioning the patient on a surgical table, providing the first opening into a posterior portion of the patient, providing the second opening into a lateral portion of the patient, inserting a first device through the first opening into the patient to contact the spine in a first direction that is transverse to the coronal plane of the patient, and inserting a second device through the second opening into the patient to contact the spine in a second direction that is transverse to the sagittal plane of the patient, where the first and second openings are accessible simultaneously, and, when the first and second devises are inserted into the patient, the position of the patient is stationary with respect to a portion of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Beale, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, Matthew M. Morrison
  • Patent number: 9986386
    Abstract: The systems and techniques disclosed herein provide the ability to determine locations visited by a user and associate relevant location labels with the locations visited based on contact information. In some examples, a location label can be applied based on a match between a location visited and information stored in a user's contact list. In other examples, a user can efficiently designate a contact and location label to be associated with a location visited. In still other examples, if a location visited by a user is not listed in the user's contact list, but is otherwise known to the system, the location visited can be appropriately labeled and the corresponding contact in the user's contact list can be updated to include the location visited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Dale Kris Hawkins, Thomas Carl Stamm, Andrew Kirmse, Tushar Udeshi
  • Patent number: 9925063
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, Jr., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Patent number: 9918848
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. The implant body includes an oblique surface that defines at least one opening disposed in substantial alignment with the at least one cavity. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lindsey G. Waugh, Anthony J. Melkent, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Thomas E. Drochner, Carrie L. Gowan, Bret Matthew Wilfong, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, D. Hal Silcox, III, John A. Cowan, Jr., Jean-Pierre Mobasser
  • Publication number: 20180073795
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Robert L. WETEKAMP, Kyle B. VAN METER, Alan G. TARRANT, Ryan D. SCHUCHART, Mauro M. OLIVEIRA, Alvin V. MILLER, Brent A. KOPPENHAVER, Carl J. FRANKEN, Nelson J. FERRAGUT, Tim L. COULTER, Greg BERARDI, Thomas Carl ANELL
  • Patent number: 9879898
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Wetekamp, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan G. Tarrant, Ryan D. Schuchart, Mauro M. Oliveira, Alvin V. Miller, Brent A. Koppenhaver, Carl J. Franken, Nelson J. Ferragut, II, Tim L. Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Carl Anell
  • Publication number: 20180008426
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas CARLS, Eric LANGE, Danny BRADDOCK, JR., Steven C. HUMPHREYS, Scott D. HODGES, Richard G. FESSLER, Jeffrey ZHANG
  • Patent number: 9844397
    Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a first member configured for attachment to a first portion of vertebral tissue that defines a longitudinal axis. A second member is configured for attachment to a second portion of the vertebral tissue such that the second portion is axially movable relative to the second member and sagittal movement of the second member relative to the second portion is resisted and/or prevented. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Carls
  • Patent number: 9803828
    Abstract: An LED module for a luminaire has a downwardly directed heat sink comprising cooling fins that extend rearward from the module's front end and downward from its top wall, which has a top face that abuts the underside of a luminaire carrier plate. A circuit board carrying at least one LED is mounted on the front face, and a prism is mounted to the heat sink over the LED(s). The front (light-emitting) face of the catadioptric prism has several prominent side-by-side sections which emit beam patterns that diverge laterally and overlap in a central region. A prominent full-width upper section on the front face emits a primarily downwardly directed beam pattern to help fill in dark spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Carl Lueken, Michael Scott Neuer, Zhijie Chen, Jamey Butteris, Ezekial Thomas Hill
  • Publication number: 20170273676
    Abstract: A method facilitates the treatment of the spine of a patient by providing simultaneous access through at least a first opening and a second opening formed in the patient. For example, the method can include the acts of positioning the patient on a surgical table, providing the first opening into a posterior portion of the patient, providing the second opening into a lateral portion of the patient, inserting a first device through the first opening into the patient to contact the spine in a first direction that is transverse to the coronal plane of the patient, and inserting a second device through the second opening into the patient to contact the spine in a second direction that is transverse to the sagittal plane of the patient, where the first and second openings are accessible simultaneously, and, when the first and second devises are inserted into the patient, the position of the patient is stationary with respect to a portion of the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Beale, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, Matthew M. Morrison
  • Patent number: 9770338
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: HH SPINAL LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Eric C. Lange, Danny Braddock, Jr., Steven C. Humphreys, Scott D Hodges, Richard G Fessler, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Patent number: 9730684
    Abstract: A method facilitates the treatment of the spine of a patient by providing simultaneous access through at least a first opening and a second opening formed in the patient. For example, the method can include the acts of positioning the patient on a surgical table, providing the first opening into a posterior portion of the patient, providing the second opening into a lateral portion of the patient, inserting a first device through the first opening into the patient to contact the spine in a first direction that is transverse to the coronal plane of the patient, and inserting a second device through the second opening into the patient to contact the spine in a second direction that is transverse to the sagittal plane of the patient, where the first and second openings are accessible simultaneously, and, when the first and second devises are inserted into the patient, the position of the patient is stationary with respect to a portion of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Beale, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, Matthew M. Morrison
  • Patent number: 9732267
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon recovery composition which comprises a first blend of C24-28 internal olefin sulfonates and an injectable fluid composition comprising the hydrocarbon recovery composition, water and/or brine wherein the hydrocarbon recovery composition is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 1.0 wt % of the total injectable fluid composition can be used for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery from a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Julian Richard Barnes, Marten Adriaan Buijse, Marinus Cornelis Hendrikus Grutters, Robert Moene, Reinaldo Conrado Navarrete, Thomas Carl Semple, Andrew Granja Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20170159091
    Abstract: A fractionation process for producing value-added products from a lignocellulosic biomass, comprises: a) mechanically refining the lignocellulosic biomass under mild refining conditions to form a refined biomass pulp with enhanced susceptibility to separation of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, and enhanced digestibility of carbohydrates in hydrolysis b) separating hemicellulose and sulfur-free high-quality lignin from cellulose in the refined biomass, and, optionally c) producing various bioproducts from the above said process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Zhirun YUAN, Thomas Carl BROWNE, Xiao ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20170151064
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, JR., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Patent number: 9665178
    Abstract: An electronic device, such as a mobile communication device, and a method are provided for selective access to certain homescreen panels displayable by the device. The device is provided with a homescreen display, which includes a plurality of panels. The panels include at least one panel that is a fullscreen view of a first application executing on the device. This first application can be a messaging application, and the fullscreen view can be a unified inbox view for a plurality of different message types. The panels also include at least one launch panel having a number of graphical user interface elements, such as icons, representing access points to a corresponding application on the device. When navigating from one of the launch panels to the fullscreen view, an intermediate lock interface for receiving an unlocking input is displayed. The unlocking input is received before the fullscreen view is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: David Bukurak, Thomas Carl Sanchez, Mihal Lazaridis, Donald James Lindsay, Todd Andrew Wood, Jason Tyler Griffin, Alistair Robert Hamilton, Robert Daniel Payne, Andrew Douglas Bocking, Daniel Tobias Rydenhag, Joseph Eytan Benedek, Danny Thomas Dodge
  • Publication number: 20170118598
    Abstract: The systems and techniques disclosed herein provide the ability to determine locations visited by a user and associate relevant location labels with the locations visited based on contact information. In some examples, a location label can be applied based on a match between a location visited and information stored in a user's contact list. In other examples, a user can efficiently designate a contact and location label to be associated with a location visited. In still other examples, if a location visited by a user is not listed in the user's contact list, but is otherwise known to the system, the location visited can be appropriately labeled and the corresponding contact in the user's contact list can be updated to include the location visited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Dale Kris Hawkins, Thomas Carl Stamm, Andrew Kirmse, Tushar Udeshi
  • Patent number: 9615940
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, Jr., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Patent number: D827901
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Dean Bret Dal Ponte, Michael Scott Neuer, Syed Ahmer Raza, Thomas Carl Lueken, Ruben Daniel Dominguez