Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Grant

Thomas A. Grant 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: 20140238353
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting leakage of a liquid fuel into a gas fuel rail of a dual-fuel system for an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The methods and systems include sending an injection signal from a controller to a fuel injector and subsequently injecting gas fuel and liquid fuel into a cylinder for combustion. A pressure in the gas rail detects the pressure in the gas rail over a pre-determined time period after the injection event. A controller measures pressure fluctuations in the gas rail over a pre-determined time period after the injection event. If the pressure in the gas rail fluctuates by more than the pre-determined amount, the controller is programmed to take at least one mitigating action to prevent or limit damage to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Michael A. Brown, Steven Thomas Grant, Daniel Reese Puckett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8793910
    Abstract: A frame for a sign. The frame comprises a plurality of struts and corner brackets. The struts have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. Each corner bracket slidably engages with two of the struts at an angle. The corner brackets also have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. The gripping means of the struts is substantially continuous with the gripping means of the corner brackets so that when the corner brackets and struts are engaged to form a polygon, the polygon includes a substantially continuous gripping means that is engageable with a sign to mount the sign on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Verde Fastframe Incorporated
    Inventors: Vito Saverio Froio, Scott Fraser, Antony Edward Rubino, Thomas Grant Nisbet
  • Patent number: 8793161
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing feedback to improve accuracy of order assembly. Images corresponding to items comprising an order transaction are presented in a display. As items are moved to an order assembly area, each item is detected and an image corresponding to the item is removed from the display. If an incorrect item is detected, an error message identifying the incorrect item is displayed. Once all items comprising the order have been detected, a completion message is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Robertson McNamara, Thomas Grant Kidd
  • Publication number: 20140202429
    Abstract: A system, related method and computer program product are disclosed for controlling fuel mass of CNG received by an engine. The system may comprise a heat exchanger configured to receive CLNG and supply coolant and to output CNG and return coolant, an injector configured to inject CNG into the engine, a gas line between the injector and heat exchanger, a control valve configured to receive return coolant from the heat exchanger and to change the amount of return coolant flowing through control valve, and a controller connected to the control valve. The gas line may be configured to carry CNG from the heat exchanger to the injector. The controller may be configured to maintain a Gas Line Temperature within an operating range by adjusting the amount of return coolant flowing through the control valve based, at least in part, on the Gas Line Temperature and a Target Return Coolant Temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Steven Thomas Grant, Frank Lombardi, Daniel Reese Puckett, Cory A. Brown, Joshua Wayne Steffen, Paul Joseph Desiderio
  • Publication number: 20140188372
    Abstract: A dual fuel common rail system may be operated in a regular mode in which a relatively large charge of gaseous fuel is ignited by compression igniting a relatively small injection quantity of liquid diesel fuel. The dual fuel system may be operated in a single fuel limp home mode in which liquid diesel fuel is injected at higher pressures. When transitioning from the single fuel limp home mode to the dual fuel regular mode, accumulated leaked liquid fuel in the gaseous nozzle chamber of each fuel injector is purged and burned in the respective engine cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Puckett, Steven Thomas Grant, Frank Lombardi
  • Publication number: 20140118368
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of modifying a graphics command. The method receives a graphics command comprising a drawing operation and a pattern (ROP3) of the region and obtains spatial frequencies of the pattern. The method determines if the obtained spatial frequencies of the pattern in the graphics command define a transparency attribute of the region to be rendered and replaces at least the pattern in the graphics command with a transparency coefficient based on the obtained spatial frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: THOMAS GRANT FRASER, JOSEPH LEIGH BELBIN
  • Patent number: 8462794
    Abstract: Connection-oriented services for packet switched data communications networks are provided, including distributed MAC and protocol alias addresses discovery. Link state topology exchanges provide each switch with network topology graphs to determine paths from source to destination end systems. Broadcast frames are resolved to unicast frames to reduce broadcast traffic. Policy restrictions may be applied prior to connection setup. Connection management includes source-routed mapping of connections on the desired path. Distributed call rerouting is provided so switches receive topology change notifications and unmap failed link connections. Broadcast/unknown services provide non-resolvable packet restricted flooding. Connection-oriented switching is provided based on source and destination MAC addresses. Resolution of networks outside the switch domain is enabled by listening for network and server route advertisements and maintaining best routes to the networks and servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Enterasys Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Dobbins, Thomas A. Grant, David J. Ruffen, Laura Kane, Theodore Len, Philip Andlauer, David H. Bahi, Kevin Yohe, Brendan Fee, Chris Oliver, David L. Cullerot, Michael Skubisz
  • Publication number: 20130037081
    Abstract: The solar tracker comprises a base (1) and a solar panel (2) having first and second opposite ends (2a, 2b). The first end (2a) can be connected to the base (1) by a first shaft (E1) and the second end (2b) can be connected to the base (1) by a second shaft (E2), such that said solar panel (2) can pivot with respect to the base (1) alternately around the first shaft (E1) and around the second shaft (E2) under the drive of a lifting mechanism. An automatic connection/disconnection device connects the second end (2b) of the solar panel (2) to the base (1) while at the same time disconnecting the first end (2a) of the solar panel (2) from the base (1), and vice versa, every time the solar panel (2) reaches a position parallel to the base (1) for inverting the inclination of the solar panel (2) with respect to the base (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: SOLTEC ENERGIAS REMOVABLES, S.L.
    Inventor: Thomas Grant
  • Publication number: 20130037082
    Abstract: The solar tracker comprises a base (1) and a solar panel (2) having first and second opposite ends (2a, 2b). The first end (2a) can be connected to the base (1) by a first shaft (E1) and the second end (2b) can be connected to the base (1) by a second shaft (E2), such that said solar panel (2) can pivot with respect to the base (1) alternately around the first shaft (E1) and around the second shaft (E2) under the drive of a lifting mechanism. An automatic connection/disconnection device connects the second end (2b) of the solar panel (2) to the base (1) while at the same time disconnecting the first end (2a) of the solar panel (2) from the base (1), and vice versa, every time the solar panel (2) reaches a position parallel to the base (1) for inverting the inclination of the solar panel (2) with respect to the base (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Grant
  • Publication number: 20120266940
    Abstract: The collector/concentrator includes a primary concave reflector (1) supported on a base body (3) obtained by injection moulding, which defines a central support (5) supporting a region around a central opening (6) of the primary reflector (1), a plurality of peripheral legs (7) supporting respective peripheral regions of the primary reflector (1) and first integral connection members (8) connecting said peripheral legs (7) with the central support (5). The peripheral legs (7) have bottom ends (7a) leaning on a substantially flat supporting surface and top ends (7b) located above the peripheral regions of the primary reflector (1) that are in contact with a substantially flat transparent panel (15) supporting a secondary convex reflector (2) that concentrates the solar radiation reflected by the primary reflector (1) towards a receiver unit (18) through the central opening (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SOLTEC ENERGÍAS RENOVABLES, SL
    Inventors: Thomas Grant, José Alfonso Teruel Hernández, Raúl Morales Torres
  • Publication number: 20120088561
    Abstract: Systems and methods for scoring familiarity are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises selecting a topic by a first user, presenting items associated with the topic to the first user, ranking a first set of the items by the first user, presenting the items to a second user, ranking a second set of the items by the second user, and scoring the second ranking relative to the first ranking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Luke H. Hohmann, Daniel J. O'Leary, Santiago Zavala de la Vega, Tamara S. Carter, Wako Takayama, Cesar Salazar, Lane B. Halley, Thomas A. Grant
  • Publication number: 20120073565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-axis solar tracker and solar power installation. The tracker comprising: a row H1 of coplanar and adjacent solar panels P secured to a horizontal common rotating shaft E1; a support structure wherein said common rotating shaft E1 is rotatably mounted, actuation means with a geared motor M in connection with a part P1 in the form of a circular sector secured to the common rotating shaft E1, and a support base B1 attached to the ground wherein said support structure and said geared motor M are secured. The solar power installation comprises the solar tracker proposed with its actuation mechanism in mechanical connection with a series of actuation mechanisms of other solar trackers included in the installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: SOLTEC ENERGIAS RENOVABLES, S.L.
    Inventors: Thomas Grant, Raul Morales torres
  • Patent number: 8023515
    Abstract: Connection-oriented services for packet switched data communications networks are provided, including distributed MAC and protocol alias addresses discovery. Link state topology exchanges provide each switch with network topology graphs to determine paths from source to destination end systems. Broadcast frames are resolved to unicast frames to reduce broadcast traffic. Policy restrictions may be applied prior to connection setup. Connection management includes source-routed mapping of connections on the desired path. Distributed call rerouting is provided so switches receive topology change notifications and unmap failed link connections. Broadcast/unknown services provide non-resolvable packet restricted flooding. Connection-oriented switching is provided based on source and destination MAC addresses. Resolution of networks outside the switch domain is enabled by listening for network and server route advertisements and maintaining best routes to the networks and servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Enterasys Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Dobbins, Thomas A. Grant, David J. Ruffen, Laura Kane, Theodore Len, Philip Andlauer, David H. Bahi, Kevin Yohe, Brendan Fee, Chris Oliver, David L. Cullerot, Michael Skubisz
  • Publication number: 20110185610
    Abstract: A frame for a sign. The frame comprises a plurality of struts and corner brackets. The struts have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. Each comer bracket slidably engages with two of the struts at an angle. The corner brackets also have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. The gripping means of the struts is substantially continuous with the gripping means of the comer brackets so that when the comer brackets and struts are engaged to form a polygon, the polygon includes a substantially continuous gripping means that is engageable with a sign to mount the sign on the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Vito Saverio Froio, Scott Fraser, Antony Edward Rubino, Thomas Grant Nisbet
  • Patent number: 7990981
    Abstract: Connection-oriented services for packet switched data communications networks are provided, including distributed MAC and protocol alias addresses discovery. Link state topology exchanges provide each switch with network topology graphs to determine paths from source to destination end systems. Broadcast frames are resolved to unicast frames to reduce broadcast traffic. Policy restrictions may be applied prior to connection setup. Connection management includes source-routed mapping of connections on the desired path. Distributed call rerouting is provided so switches receive topology change notifications and unmap failed link connections. Broadcast/unknown services provide non-resolvable packet restricted flooding. Connection-oriented switching is provided based on source and destination MAC addresses. Resolution of networks outside the switch domain is enabled by listening for network and server route advertisements and maintaining best routes to the networks and servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Enterasys Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Dobbins, Thomas A. Grant, David J. Ruffen, Laura Kane, Theodore Len, Philip Andlauer, David H. Bahi, Kevin Yohe, Brendan Fee, Chris Oliver, David L. Cullerot, Michael Skubisz
  • Publication number: 20110071912
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing feedback to improve accuracy of order assembly. Images corresponding to items comprising an order transaction are presented in a display. As items are moved to an order assembly area, each item is detected and an image corresponding to the item is removed from the display. If an incorrect item is detected, an error message identifying the incorrect item is displayed. Once all items comprising the order have been detected, a completion message is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Robertson McNamara, Thomas Grant Kidd
  • Publication number: 20100312607
    Abstract: An advertisement delivery method for occupants of vehicles. The advertisement delivery method includes determining an advertisement by a host computer system, and sending the advertisement to a computer system in a vehicle by the host computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Grant Kidd
  • Publication number: 20100182934
    Abstract: Method and apparatus providing connection-oriented services for packet switched data communications networks. Directory services include distributed discovery of MAC addresses and protocol alias addresses. Topology services include a link state topology exchange among switches, which provides each switch with a complete topology graph of the network. This enables an access switch receiving a data packet to determine a complete path from a source end system to a destination end system. Another service includes resolution of broadcast frames to unicast frames, in order to reduce the amount of broadcast traffic. Policy restrictions may be applied prior to connection setup. Path determination services enable multiple paths from a source to a destination. Connection management includes source routed mapping of connections on the desired path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ENTERASYS NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Dobbins, Thomas A. Grant, David J. Ruffen, Laura Kane, Theodore Len, Philip Andlauer, David H. Bahi, Kevin Yohe, Brendan Fee, Chris Oliver, David L. Cullerot, Michael Skubisz
  • Publication number: 20100177778
    Abstract: Method and apparatus providing connection-oriented services for packet switched data communications networks. Directory services include distributed discovery of MAC addresses and protocol alias addresses. Topology services include a link state topology exchange among switches, which provides each switch with a complete topology graph of the network. This enables an access switch receiving a data packet to determine a complete path from a source end system to a destination end system. Another service includes resolution of broadcast frames to unicast frames, in order to reduce the amount of broadcast traffic. Policy restrictions may be applied prior to connection setup. Path determination services enable multiple paths from a source to a destination. Connection management includes source routed mapping of connections on the desired path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ENTERASYS NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Dobbins, Thomas A. Grant, David J. Ruffen, Laura Kane, Theodore Len, Philip Andlauer, David H. Bahi, Kevin Yohe, Brendan Fee, Chris Oliver, David L. Cullerot, Michael Skubisz
  • Patent number: 7720076
    Abstract: Method and apparatus providing connection-oriented services for packet switched data communications networks. Directory services include distributed discovery of MAC addresses and protocol alias addresses. Topology services include a link state topology exchange among switches, which provides each switch with a complete topology graph of the network. This enables an access switch receiving a data packet to determine a complete path from a source end system to a destination end system. Another service includes resolution of broadcast frames to unicast frames, in order to reduce the amount of broadcast traffic. Policy restrictions may be applied prior to connection setup. Path determination services enable multiple paths from a source to a destination. Connection management includes source routed mapping of connections on the desired path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Enterasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Dobbins, Thomas A. Grant, David J. Ruffen, Laura Kane, Theodore Len, Philip Andlauer, David H. Bahi, Kevin Yohe, Brendan Fee, Chris Oliver, David L. Cullerot, Michael Skubisz