Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Dennis

Thomas A. Dennis 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: 11036373
    Abstract: A mobile communication device is disclosed comprising a display, a processor, a non-transitory memory, and a client application that displays a transparent overlay on a lock screen on the display, receives a touch input to the display, and determines whether the touch input corresponds to a portion of the display displaying content of the transparent overlay. In response to determining that the touch input corresponds to the portion of the display displaying the content of the transparent overlay, the client application bypasses the lock screen and displays renewal content. In response to determining that the touch input does not correspond to the portion of the display displaying the content of the transparent overlay, the client application removes the transparent overlay from the display to allow touch inputs to go to the lock screen and enables a security feature to allow unlocking of the mobile communication device based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY L.P.
    Inventors: Drew Thomas Dennis, An Thanh Nguyen, M. Jeffrey Stone
  • Patent number: 10564823
    Abstract: A mobile communication device is disclosed comprising a display, a processor, a non-transitory memory, and a client application that displays a transparent overlay on a lock screen on the display, receives a touch input to the display, and determines whether the touch input corresponds to a portion of the display displaying content of the transparent overlay. In response to determining that the touch input corresponds to the portion of the display displaying the content of the transparent overlay, the client application bypasses the lock screen and displays renewal content. In response to determining that the touch input does not correspond to the portion of the display displaying the content of the transparent overlay, the client application removes the transparent overlay from the display to allow touch inputs to go to the lock screen and enables a security feature to allow unlocking of the mobile communication device based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Drew Thomas Dennis, An Thanh Nguyen, M. Jeffrey Stone
  • Patent number: 9360132
    Abstract: A valve comprising a housing defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid path, a valve chamber in the fluid path and having a valve seat, a valve member moveable between an open position in which the valve member is displaced from the valve seat such that the fluid inlet is connected to the fluid outlet and a closed position, and first and second opposed biasing members of unequal loading applying a resulting biasing force to the valve member so as to bias it towards the closed position, a first piston member movable in a first bore relative to the valve for moving the valve member in a first direction, and a second piston member for moving the valve member in a second direction, a first pressure compensation passage, and a second pressure compensation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Bifold Fluidpower Limited
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Dennis, Lee Jason Hardman
  • Patent number: 9198351
    Abstract: A front attachment for harvesting corn for use in a self-propelled combine harvester includes harvesting devices for grasping and guiding the corn stalks, for picking the corn cobs and for conveying the picked corn cobs. The front attachment has intake conveyor mechanisms extending across the width thereof, snapping devices disposed downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of the crop flow embodying snapping rollers rotating opposite to the direction of travel and a cross conveyor equipped with opposing auger sections. The cross conveyor draws harvested corn cobs together in the center of the front attachment and feeds them from there to a feed rake. The intake conveyor mechanisms and/or the snapping rollers and/or the cross conveyor are driven by a driven mechanism of the combine harvester, which driven mechanism is connected to a steplessly variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: CLAAS HUNGARIA KFT.
    Inventors: Thomas Tilly, Thomas Dennis Engler
  • Patent number: 9198352
    Abstract: A front attachment for an agricultural harvesting machine operates independently of rows of stalk crop to be harvested. The front attachment includes harvesting devices for harvesting the stalk crop, intake conveyor mechanisms extending across a width of the harvesting devices, snapping devices located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of the crop flow and a cross conveyor located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms and snapping devices. In the arrangement, the cross conveyor and snapping device driven by a common drive train, the front attachment is prefabricated to enable retrofitting with a second drive train and the second drive train functions as the drive for a retrofittable chopping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: CLAAS HUNGARIA KFT.
    Inventors: Thomas Tilly, Thomas Dennis Engler, Bernhard Aerdker, Tim Luetke Harmann
  • Publication number: 20140367599
    Abstract: A valve has a valve member (17) that is moveable along a first axis in a valve chamber ( ) between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the valve member is displaced from the valve seat such that a fluid inlet (pi) is connected to a fluid outlet (p2). In the closed position the valve member (17) is sealed against the valve seat so that the fluid path is closed. First (12) and second (46) opposed stacks of disc spring apply unequal loading resulting in a biasing force that biases the valve member towards the closed position. A first piston member (15) is movable in a first bore (14) relative to the valve member (17) and for moving the valve member in a first direction along the first axis. A second piston member (16) is movable in a second bore relative to the valve member (17) for moving the valve member along the first axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bifold Fluidpower Limited
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Dennis, Lee Jason Hardman
  • Publication number: 20140202127
    Abstract: A front attachment for harvesting corn for a self-propelled combine harvester includes a snapping unit for separating the corn cobs from the remaining components of the corn plant. The snapping unit has snapping rollers that rotate in opposite directions. An overload clutch is disposed within a drive train of the snapping unit. A drive system is optimized in that an overload clutch is directly assigned to each of the snapping rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Tilly, Thomas Dennis Engler, Bernd Albinger, Thomas Zegota
  • Publication number: 20140196186
    Abstract: A new and distinct Rhododendron cultivar named ‘ROBLEU’ is disclosed, characterized by distinctive vibrant magenta flowers and unique flowering from Spring through Autumn. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Dennis Meadows, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140020354
    Abstract: A front attachment for harvesting corn for use in a self-propelled combine harvester includes harvesting devices for grasping and guiding the corn stalks, for picking the corn cobs and for conveying the picked corn cobs. The front attachment has intake conveyor mechanisms extending across the width thereof, snapping devices disposed downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of the crop flow embodying snapping rollers rotating opposite to the direction of travel and a cross conveyor equipped with opposing auger sections. The cross conveyor draws harvested corn cobs together in the center of the front attachment and feeds them from there to a feed rake. The intake conveyor mechanisms and/or the snapping rollers and/or the cross conveyor are driven by a driven mechanism of the combine harvester, which driven mechanism is connected to a steplessly variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Tilly, Thomas Dennis Engler
  • Publication number: 20140020355
    Abstract: A front attachment for an agricultural harvesting machine operates independently of rows of stalk crop to be harvested. The front attachment includes harvesting devices for harvesting the stalk crop, intake conveyor mechanisms extending across a width of the harvesting devices, snapping devices located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms in the direction of the crop flow and a cross conveyor located downstream of the intake conveyor mechanisms and snapping devices. In the arrangement, the cross conveyor and snapping device driven by a common drive train, the front attachment is prefabricated to enable retrofitting with a second drive train and the second drive train functions as the drive for a retrofittable chopping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: CLAAS HUNGARIA KFT.
    Inventors: Thomas TILLY, Thomas Dennis ENGLER, Bernhard AERDKER, Tim LUETKE HARMANN
  • Publication number: 20110240154
    Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for sub sea applications comprises inter-engageable male and female connectors. The male connector defines a male member for receipt in a chamber defined by the female connector. Each connector has a respective check valve for controlling the flow of fluid through internal bores in the connectors. The check valves are actuable by an actuator between an open position in which hydraulic fluid may flow through the respective internal bore and a closed position in which such flow is interrupted, depending on the distance between the first and second check valves. The male and female connectors are moveable between an uncoupled position in which the check valves are in the closed position and a coupled position in which the male and female connectors are engaged and extend along a longitudinal axis with the male member occupying the chamber of the female connector in a sealed relationship. A pair of seals are provided one on the male member and the other on the in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BIFOLD FLUIDPOWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James Robert Renshaw, Michael Thomas Dennis
  • Patent number: 7712549
    Abstract: A drilling tool (10) includes a pilot bit (14) and a plurality of mills (16) encircling the pilot bit. The pilot bit and the plurality of mills are each driven by a separate, hydraulically powered turbine or positive displacement motor. (20) The drilling tool does not include a transmission for transmitting power from the turbine or motor to any of the plurality of mills or the pilot bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Dennis Tool Company
    Inventors: Mahlon Dennis, Thomas Dennis, Eric Twardowski
  • Publication number: 20060237234
    Abstract: An earth boring tool includes two coaxially-aligned, positive displacement motors. One motor turns a pilot bit and the other turns a reamer concentric with the pilot bit. The central bit bores the center of the hole and the reamer enlarges it. The central bit is rotated relatively faster, while rotation of the larger diameter reamer is relatively slow. The tool can thus be used to bore larger diameter holes without slowing drilling rates or adversely affecting performance of the cutter elements due to higher tangential velocities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Mahlon Dennis, Thomas Dennis, Eric Twardowski, Roy Powell
  • Publication number: 20060102388
    Abstract: A drilling tool (10) includes a pilot bit (14) and a plurality of mills (16) encircling the pilot bit. The pilot bit and the plurality of mills are each driven by a separate, hydraulically powered turbine or positive displacement motor. (20) The drilling tool does not include a transmission for transmitting power from the turbine or motor to any of the plurality of mills or the pilot bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Mahlon Dennis, Thomas Dennis, Eric Twardowski
  • Patent number: 6939941
    Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of liquid polysulfide polymers. In particular, the process allows for making the liquid form of the polysulfide polymer directly and eliminates the need to first make a solid polysulfide polymer and then convert it to a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Toray Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: John Richard Gilmore, Keith Bradley Potts, Steven John Hobbs, Marc Edward Halpern, Thomas Dennis Mundle
  • Publication number: 20030050511
    Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of liquid polysulfide polymers. In particular, the process allows for making the liquid form of the polysulfide polymer directly and eliminates the need to first make a solid polysulfide polymer and then convert it to a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: John Richard Gilmore, Keith Bradley Potts, Steven John Hobbs, Marc Edward Halpern, Thomas Dennis Mundle
  • Patent number: 5358644
    Abstract: A decanter apparatus and method of operating the same to decant liquid from adjacent the surface in a tank. The decanter apparatus includes a decanter receptacle having a top opening surrounded by a decanter rim, a decant pipe having an inlet end communicating with the decanter receptacle and a discharge end extending out the tank, and a float overlying the decanter receptacle and connected thereto for relative movement between a decanter closed position in which the float engages the decanter rim and a decanter open position in which the decanter rim is spaced below the float. The decanter receptacle when empty in the decanter closed position has sufficient positive buoyancy to buoyantly support the decanter assembly with the decanter rim above the surface of the liquid in the tank. The float has sufficient positive buoyancy to buoyantly support the decanter receptacle when the latter is in the decanter open position and filled with liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Dennis
  • Patent number: PP18331
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Loropetalum chinensis variety rubrum plant named ‘Shang-hi’, characterized by its dense, upright, globose growth habit, persistent dark purple foliage color, and abundance of dark pink flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Plant Development Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dennis Meadows, Jr., James Bryan Berry
  • Patent number: PP18403
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Raphiolepis indica named ‘Sodark’ found as an openly pollinated seedling of Raphiolepis indica ‘Conor’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,398. The new variety is unique with its dense, mounding growth habit, attractive leaf shape, dark foliage color, and abundance of dark pink flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Plant Development Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dennis Meadows, Jr., James Bryan Berry
  • Patent number: PP25074
    Abstract: A new and distinct Rhododendron cultivar named ‘ROBLEU’ is disclosed, characterized by distinctive vibrant magenta flowers and unique flowering from Spring through Autumn. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: PDSI
    Inventor: Thomas Dennis Meadows, Jr.