Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Fletcher

Thomas A. Fletcher 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: 20090277466
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a web which is striped with add-on material, comprising: a first slurry supply which forms a sheet of base web and moves the sheet along a first path; a second slurry supply; and a moving orifice applicator operative so as to repetitively discharge the second slurry upon the moving sheet of base web. The moving orifice applicator includes a chamber box arranged to establish a reservoir of the second slurry across the first path, an endless belt having orifice groups, the endless belt received through the chamber box, and a drive arrangement operative upon the endless belt to continuously move the orifices along an endless-path and repetitively through the chamber box. The orifices communicate with the reservoir to discharge the second slurry as bands of add-on material to the base web. Orifices within the orifice groups can be spaced relative to one another to define bands of add-on material having a relative minimum in thickness or to define spaced apart bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Cunningham, Marc W. Rose, Thomas A. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20090089723
    Abstract: A circuit design method is provided that includes creating a plurality of macros each for one of a plurality of logic gates, storing the created macros, and creating a circuit design using a spreadsheet program, the circuit design being represented by the plurality of macros.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Matthew Morrise
  • Patent number: 7471645
    Abstract: An approach is provided for adapting multicast services originating from a terrestrial network over a satellite network. A request for establishing a multicast session corresponding to a network address of the terrestrial network is received at a hub station. The request specifies participating satellite terminals in the multicast session. The hub station assigns an address unique within the satellite network to map to the network address for the multicast session. The participating satellite terminals are configured with the assigned satellite address. A distribution mechanism is selected to transport dataflow of the multicast session to the participating satellite terminals. The distribution mechanism utilizes one or more spot beams covering the participating satellite terminals, wherein the selected distribution mechanism is switched to another one of the distribution mechanisms based on capacity of the satellite network and reachability of the participating satellite terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hughes Network Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Torres, Thomas Fletcher, Robert Aryee, Mangala Kannan
  • Publication number: 20070226739
    Abstract: A system is set forth that comprises a processor, such as a single processor or symmetric multiprocessor, and one or more memory storage units. The system also includes software code that is stored in the memory storage units. The software code is executable by the processor and comprises code for generating a plurality of adaptive partitions that are each associated with one or more software threads. Each of the adaptive partitions has a corresponding processor budget. The code also is executable to generate at least one sending thread and at least one receiving thread. The receiving thread responds to communications from the sending thread to execute one or more tasks corresponding to the communications. A scheduling system also forms at least part of the code that is executable by the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Dan Dodge, Attila Danko, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Peter Veen, Colin Burgess, Thomas Fletcher, Brian Stecher
  • Publication number: 20070082319
    Abstract: Provided is a jaw retention device and a corresponding method for retaining an individual's jaw in an open position during dental procedures. In its various embodiments, the device incorporates a mouthpiece and a handhold object which are interconnected by an elongate member. Both the handhold object and the mouthpiece may be moveably disposed about respective first and second end portions of the elongate member to allow the device to be selectively oriented as desired during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: HYT SYSTEM, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Paul Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7200251
    Abstract: Methods and systems for modeling objects and object image data using medial atoms are disclosed. Objects and object image data can be modeled using medial atoms. Each medial atom includes at least two vectors having a common tail and extending towards an implied boundary of a model. The medial atoms may be aligned along one or more medial axes in the model. The model may include multiple sub-components, referred to as figures. The model and each of its figures may be represented in model-based and figure-based coordinates. The model may be automatically deformed into target image data using a hierarchy of geometric or probabilistic transformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina
    Inventors: Sarang Joshi, Edward L. Chaney, Stephen M. Pizer, P. Thomas Fletcher, Andrew Thall
  • Publication number: 20070061788
    Abstract: A system is set forth that includes a processor, one or more memory storage units, and software code stored in the one or more memory storage units. The software code is executable by the processor to generate a plurality of adaptive partitions that are each associated with one or more process threads. Each of the plurality of adaptive partitions has one or more corresponding scheduling attributes that are assigned to it. The software code further includes a scheduling system that is executable by the processor for selectively allocating the processor to run the process threads based on a comparison between ordering function values for each adaptive partition. The ordering function value for each adaptive partition is calculated using one or more of the scheduling attributes of the corresponding adaptive partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Dan Dodge, Attilla Danko, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Peter Veen, Colin Burgess, Thomas Fletcher, Brian Stecher
  • Publication number: 20070061809
    Abstract: A system is set forth that includes a processor, one or more memory storage units, and software code stored in the one or more memory storage units. The software code is executable by the processor to generate a plurality of adaptive partitions that are each associated with one or more process threads. Each of the plurality of adaptive partitions has a corresponding processor budget that is assigned to it. The process threads include a mutex holding thread and a mutex waiting thread. The mutex holding thread is associated with a first adaptive partition and may gain exclusive access to a mutex object. The mutex waiting thread is associated with a second adaptive partition and must wait for access to the mutex object while the mutex object is held by the mutex holding thread. The software code further includes a scheduling system that selectively allocates the processor to run the process threads based, at least in part, on the processor budget of the associated adaptive partitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Dan Dodge, Attilla Danko, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Peter Veen, Colin Burgess, Thomas Fletcher, Brian Stecher
  • Publication number: 20060282440
    Abstract: A computer system having a computer, a custom filesystem, and a real filesystem is disclosed. The custom filesystem is comprised of virtual files that may be mapped to a subset of real files of the real filesystem. The custom filesystem may provide an arrangement of the virtual files to a user through the user interface. This limited arrangement may present the virtual files in a hierarchical arrangement that may be easily navigated and customized for a particular computer, group of computers, computer user, or group of computer users. The custom filesystem may maintain its own metafile information for the virtual files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Peter Van Der Veen, Dan Dodge
  • Publication number: 20060241719
    Abstract: Electrobiological stimulation is carried out transcranially by applying high frequency squarewave bursts exhibiting no d.c. term across the cranial region. Such stimulation is commenced employing ramp generators and positive and negative voltage converters which evolve the requisite baseform and burst frequencies having a voltage waveform which is square in nature. Both voltage and current are sensed and subjected to comparator logic in conjunction with predetermined thresholds and windows. Overcurrent detection and overvoltage detection is provided in hard wired fashion to assure rapid shutdown response. D.C offset detection is provided along with waveform balance tests to further assure the safety of the system. Diagnostic procedures as well as therapeutic procedures may be carried out with a system version which provides for the application of a stimulus in conjunction with safety monitoring and controller based development of stimulating waveforms, all of which exhibits no d.c. term.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: George Foster, Thomas Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20060206881
    Abstract: A system is set forth that includes a processor, one or more memory storage units, and software code stored in the one or more memory storage units. The software code is executable by the processor to generate a plurality of adaptive partitions that are each associated with one or more process threads. Each of the plurality of adaptive partitions has a corresponding processor time budget. One or more of the process threads are designated as critical threads. Each adaptive partition associated with a critical thread is assigned a corresponding critical time budget. The software code also includes a scheduling system that is executable by the processor for selectively allocating the processor to run the process threads based, at least in part, on the processor time budgets of the respective adaptive partitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Dan Dodge, Attilla Danko, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Peter van der Veen, Colin Burgess, Thomas Fletcher, Brian Stecher
  • Publication number: 20060206450
    Abstract: Computer systems with multiple users will typically store various versions of the same software; different versions being required for different platforms and to maintain compatibility with other software applications. These computer files are generally organized in a hierarchical structure to make their location and access easier, but this still results in a very complicated and inefficient system. The invention provides a custom file system which allows each user, node or system, to identify and manage only the files that are pertinent to it. This custom filesystem provides a custom hierarchical structure of files and folders, and links back to the real file locations in the main file system. The custom file system has priority over the main file system, in that a process manager will attempt to address requests on the custom filesystem before trying to place them on the main filesystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Peter Van Der Veen, Dan Dodge
  • Publication number: 20060206887
    Abstract: An adaptive partition scheduler is a priority-based scheduler that also provides execution time guarantees (fair-share). Execution time guarantees apply to threads or groups of threads when the system is overloaded. When the system is not overloaded, threads are scheduled based strictly on priority, maintaining strict real-time behavior. Even when overloaded, the scheduler provides real-time guarantees to a set of critical threads, as specified by the system architect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Dan Dodge, Attila Danko, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Peter Veen, Colin Burgess, Thomas Fletcher, Brian Stecher
  • Publication number: 20060206449
    Abstract: A file management system for use with a computer system is disclosed. The file management system comprises a real filesystem for accessing files stored on a storage medium and a custom filesystem. The custom filesystem comprises a hierarchical arrangement of links to a subset of files of the real filesystem. In operation, the custom filesystem has processing priority over the real filesystem. As such, the custom filesystem processes requests relating to files of the file subset prior to processing, if any, of the requests by the real filesystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Peter Van Der Veen, Dan Dodge
  • Publication number: 20060120547
    Abstract: A hearing instrument includes a faceplate and a shell. The faceplate is a round plate that has a moat defined in the surface of the plate and at least one feature associated with the plate for joining with a hearing instrument component. The moat is a trench or channel that is defined in the surface of the faceplate and includes a wall structure for coupling with a shell of a hearing instrument. The moat may be defined symmetrically about the at least one feature. The moat may be oval in shape and have a rectangular cross-section. A cut out is positioned on the faceplate for use in speeding the excising of material from the faceplate once the shell has been coupled to the faceplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Paul Coote, David Roy
  • Publication number: 20040132448
    Abstract: An approach is provided for adapting multicast services originating from a terrestrial network over a satellite network. A request for establishing a multicast session corresponding to a network address of the terrestrial network is received at a hub station. The request specifies participating satellite terminals in the multicast session. The hub station assigns an address unique within the satellite network to map to the network address for the multicast session. The participating satellite terminals are configured with the assigned satellite address. A distribution mechanism is selected to transport dataflow of the multicast session to the participating satellite terminals. The distribution mechanism utilizes one or more spot beams covering the participating satellite terminals, wherein the selected distribution mechanism is switched to another one of the distribution mechanisms based on capacity of the satellite network and reachability of the participating satellite terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Torres, Thomas Fletcher, Robert Aryee, Mangala Kannan
  • Patent number: 6732136
    Abstract: A small swing reducer circuit. An apparatus includes a first number of input terminals including at least two input terminals coupled to receive a differential small swing signal and a reducer circuit to generate differential, small swing sum and carry output signals based on data received via the input terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Feng Chen, Thomas Fletcher, Shahram Jamshidi
  • Publication number: 20030156111
    Abstract: Methods and systems for modeling objects and object image data using medial atoms are disclosed. Objects and object image data can be modeled using medial atoms. Each medial atom includes at least two vectors having a common tail and extending towards an implied boundary of a model. The medial atoms may be aligned along one or more medial axes in the model. The model may include multiple sub-components, referred to as figures. The model and each of its figures may be represented in model-based and figure-based coordinates. The model may be automatically deformed into target image data using a hierarchy of geometric or probabilistic transformations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Sarang Joshi, Edward L. Chaney, Stephen M. Pizer, P. Thomas Fletcher, Andrew Thall
  • Patent number: 6573755
    Abstract: A symmetric differential domino AND gate. In a further embodiment, the symmetric differential domino AND gate has a first evaluation block of transistors and a second evaluation block of transistors, and the first evaluation block and second evaluation block have the same number of transistors and the same size transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Giao Pham, Paul Madland
  • Publication number: 20030001622
    Abstract: A symmetric differential domino AND gate. In a further embodiment, the symmetric differential domino AND gate has a first evaluation block of transistors and a second evaluation block of transistors, and the first evaluation block and second evaluation block have the same number of transistors and the same size transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Fletcher, Giao Pham, Paul Madland