Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Kirk

Thomas A. Kirk 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: 10515119
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to a sequential recommender system for virtualized network services. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a recommender system can receive user input regarding a service project interest expressed by a user. In response to the user input, the recommender system can consult a knowledge base to determine a recommended service based upon the user input regarding the service project interest expressed by the user. The recommender system can then present the recommended service to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Kirk, Rittwik Jana, Mazin E. Gilbert, John F. Murray, Tan Xu
  • Patent number: 10486328
    Abstract: A fastening system includes a carriage moveably mounted to a frame between first and second positions extensive with and beyond a fixture. The fixture is horizontally movably mounted in the frame to receive components to be fastened of differing sizes, with slide bars vertically moveably mounted relative to the fixture and simultaneously horizontally movable with the fixture. Adjustable spacers, in the form of a body having different extents or telescopic pillars, are positioned in the frame to abut with the components received in the fixture. Wheels rotatably mounted to first and second platforms of the carriage are received in U-shaped channels of the frame, with the first and second platforms being moved by endless belts clamped thereto. Nail guns are movably mounted between vertical posts of the platforms and include a plunger which is biased against a drum carrying a belt of fasteners and include a flat board tangential to a roller having a V-shaped circumferential groove receiving the heads of nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Palletec, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Howard Wagner, James Thomas Kirk, Jon Denney, Marcus Keith Drayton
  • Publication number: 20190303966
    Abstract: A method for determining a condition under which a sign has been viewed includes receiving a uniform resource locator from a user endpoint device, where the uniform resource locator is embedded in a machine-readable code displayed on the sign, and extracting information from the uniform resource locator, where the information describes the condition under which the sign was viewed by a user of the user endpoint device. A method for transmitting information describing a condition under which a sign is currently viewable includes generating the information describing the condition under which the sign is currently viewable and inserting the information in a uniform resource locator, where the uniform resource locator is embedded in a machine-readable code displayed on the sign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Kirk, Thomas J. Killian, Christopher W. Rice
  • Patent number: 10413683
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kirk, Bradley D. Robb, Todd W. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 10325282
    Abstract: A method for determining a condition under which a sign has been viewed includes receiving a uniform resource locator from a user endpoint device, where the uniform resource locator is embedded in a machine-readable code displayed on the sign, and extracting information from the uniform resource locator, where the information describes the condition under which the sign was viewed by a user of the user endpoint device. A method for transmitting information describing a condition under which a sign is currently viewable includes generating the information describing the condition under which the sign is currently viewable and inserting the information in a uniform resource locator, where the uniform resource locator is embedded in a machine-readable code displayed on the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Kirk, Thomas J. Killian, Christopher W. Rice
  • Publication number: 20190044802
    Abstract: An intelligent agent monitors operation of at least one software virtualized network (VN). Context information associated with the VN is used to analyze a state of the VN. At least one configuration change is caused to the VN in response to analysis of the state of the VN. A change is identified to the state of the VN caused by the configuration change. A determination is made as to whether or not the change to the state of the VN is an improvement to operation of the VN. A response to the determination is made by causing at least one other configuration change to the VN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: David Gibbon, Thomas Kirk, Behzad Shahraray, John Murray, Mazin Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20180300731
    Abstract: A cloud services composition system allows customers to interactively create service constructs from network function virtualization resources. The network function virtualization primitives are modeled using a standard modeling language. An expert system suggests network function virtualization resources for use in the service construct, based on an expert system learning algorithm. The customer uses a graphical user interface to interconnect the resources and create the service construct. The process may involve collaboration with the network provider. The resulting construct is validated for use in a communications network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Rittwik Jana, Thomas Kirk, Syed Anwar Aftab, John F. Murray, Mazin E. Gilbert, Shu Shi, Serban Jora, Avi Zahavi
  • Publication number: 20180215067
    Abstract: A fastening system includes a carriage moveably mounted to a frame between first and second positions extensive with and beyond a fixture. The fixture is horizontally movably mounted in the frame to receive components to be fastened of differing sizes, with slide bars vertically moveably mounted relative to the fixture and simultaneously horizontally movable with the fixture. Adjustable spacers, in the form of a body having different extents or telescopic pillars, are positioned in the frame to abut with the components received in the fixture. Wheels rotatably mounted to first and second platforms of the carriage are received in U-shaped channels of the frame, with the first and second platforms being moved by endless belts clamped thereto. Nail guns are movably mounted between vertical posts of the platforms and include a plunger which is biased against a drum carrying a belt of fasteners and include a flat board tangential to a roller having a V-shaped circumferential groove receiving the heads of nails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Howard Wagner, James Thomas Kirk, Jon Denney, Marcus Keith Drayton
  • Patent number: 10037536
    Abstract: A cloud services composition system allows customers to interactively create service constructs from network function virtualization resources. The network function virtualization primitives are modeled using a standard modeling language. An expert system suggests network function virtualization resources for use in the service construct, based on an expert system learning algorithm. The customer uses a graphical user interface to interconnect the resources and create the service construct. The process may involve collaboration with the network provider. The resulting construct is validated for use in a communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Rittwik Jana, Thomas Kirk, Syed Anwar Aftab, John F. Murray, Mazin E. Gilbert, Shu Shi, Serban Jora, Avi Zahavi
  • Publication number: 20180132585
    Abstract: An improved mobile device case with an embedded card holder is provided. The mobile device case may include a card slot recessed into the back of the case and fitted for insertion of a card, such as a credit card. A flexural binder formed from opposite-facing surfaces molded as part of the case flexes the card widthwise and lengthwise such that the forces resisting flexure exerted by the flexed card hold the card in place. One opposite-facing surface, a retainer, may be connected to non-recessed areas of the back of the case that extends over the recessed slot. Another opposite-facing surface is a raised edge on the recessed surface of the interior back of the case bordering both sides and the rear of the recessed slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Slide and Swipe, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob James Marvin, Thomas Kirk Marvin, Matthew Laurence Arksey, Scott Robert Leatham
  • Patent number: 9925305
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating a particulate biomaterial with a liquid biomaterial includes a vacuum device and a valve for withdrawing a gas from the particulate biomaterial and introducing the liquid biomaterial. The valve includes a hub, a valve body, a particulate port, a vacuum port, and a liquid port. The valve body selectively moves between first and second positions. The valve body at least partially defines a first passage and a second passage. The particulate port, the vacuum port, and the liquid port are each configured to fluidly connect to a particulate container, the vacuum device, and the liquid container, respectively. In the first position, the first passage fluidly connects the vacuum port to the particulate port for withdrawing the gas from the particulate container. In the second position, the second passage fluidly connects the liquid port to the particulate port for hydrating the particulate biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Anderson, Kevin C. Geppert, Thomas A. Kirk, Huadong Lou, Mark Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9901151
    Abstract: An improved mobile device case with an embedded card holder is provided. The mobile device case may include a card slot recessed into the back of the case and fitted for insertion of a card, such as a credit card. A flexural binder formed from opposite-facing surfaces molded as part of the case flexes the card widthwise and lengthwise such that the forces resisting flexure exerted by the flexed card hold the card in place. One opposite-facing surface, a retainer, may be connected to non-recessed areas of the back of the case that extends over the recessed slot. Another opposite-facing surface is a raised edge on the recessed surface of the interior back of the case bordering both sides and the rear of the recessed slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventors: Jacob James Marvin, Thomas Kirk Marvin, Matthew Laurence Arksey, Scott Robert Leatham
  • Publication number: 20170236128
    Abstract: A cloud services composition system allows customers to interactively create service constructs from network function virtualization resources. The network function virtualization primitives are modeled using a standard modeling language. An expert system suggests network function virtualization resources for use in the service construct, based on an expert system learning algorithm. The customer uses a graphical user interface to interconnect the resources and create the service construct. The process may involve collaboration with the network provider. The resulting construct is validated for use in a communications network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Rittwik Jana, Thomas Kirk, Syed Anwar Aftab, John F. Murray, Mazin E. Gilbert, Shu Shi, Serban Jora, Avi Zahavi
  • Patent number: 9707319
    Abstract: A device and method for improving hydration of a biomaterial includes a syringe having a cavity therein and a distal opening, an end cap, and a wall operatively coupled to the end cap. The end cap has a distal plate with an inlet and is removably attached to the syringe to cover the distal opening. The wall is positioned proximate to the inlet and at least partially defines a volume in fluid communication with the inlet. An orifice extends through the wall and fluidly connects the volume to the cavity. A flow of a liquid component of biomaterial diffuses through the orifice and is introduced into a particulate component of biomaterial. As such, the liquid component of biomaterial hydrates the particulate component of biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin C. Geppert, Thomas A. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20170168690
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to a sequential recommender system for virtualized network services. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a recommender system can receive user input regarding a service project interest expressed by a user. In response to the user input, the recommender system can consult a knowledge base to determine a recommended service based upon the user input regarding the service project interest expressed by the user. The recommender system can then present the recommended service to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Kirk, Rittwik Jana, Mazin E. Gilbert, John F. Murray, Tan Xu
  • Publication number: 20170136151
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating a particulate biomaterial with a liquid biomaterial includes a vacuum device and a valve for withdrawing a gas from the particulate biomaterial and introducing the liquid biomaterial. The valve includes a hub, a valve body, a particulate port, a vacuum port, and a liquid port. The valve body selectively moves between first and second positions. The valve body at least partially defines a first passage and a second passage. The particulate port, the vacuum port, and the liquid port are each configured to fluidly connect to a particulate container, the vacuum device, and the liquid container, respectively. In the first position, the first passage fluidly connects the vacuum port to the particulate port for withdrawing the gas from the particulate container. In the second position, the second passage fluidly connects the liquid port to the particulate port for hydrating the particulate biomaterial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Anderson, Kevin C. Geppert, Thomas A. Kirk, Huadong Lou, Mark Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9592321
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating a particulate biomaterial with a liquid biomaterial includes a vacuum device and a valve for withdrawing a gas from the particulate biomaterial and introducing the liquid biomaterial. The valve includes a hub, a valve body, a particulate port, a vacuum port, and a liquid port. The valve body selectively moves between first and second positions. The valve body at least partially defines a first passage and a second passage. The particulate port, the vacuum port, and the liquid port are each configured to fluidly connect to a particulate container, the vacuum device, and the liquid container, respectively. In the first position, the first passage fluidly connects the vacuum port to the particulate port for withdrawing the gas from the particulate container. In the second position, the second passage fluidly connects the liquid port to the particulate port for hydrating the particulate biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Anderson, Kevin C. Geppert, Thomas A. Kirk, Huadong Lou, Mark Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20160206062
    Abstract: An improved mobile device case with an embedded card holder is provided. The mobile device case may include a card slot recessed into the back of the case and fitted for insertion of a card, such as a credit card. A flexural binder formed from opposite-facing surfaces molded as part of the case flexes the card widthwise and lengthwise such that the forces resisting flexure exerted by the flexed card hold the card in place. One opposite-facing surface, a retainer, may be connected to non-recessed areas of the back of the case that extends over the recessed slot. Another opposite-facing surface is a raised edge on the recessed surface of the interior back of the case bordering both sides and the rear of the recessed slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Slide and Swipe, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob James Marvin, Thomas Kirk Marvin, Matthew Laurence Arksey, Scott Robert Leatham
  • Publication number: 20160104252
    Abstract: A system, computer program and method is provided for intelligent classification of data is provided. The system includes an external cloud based computing environment that is operable to provide access to one or more subscribers to one or more computer-implemented accounting or bookkeeping services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Kirk SIMPSON, James LOCHRIE
  • Publication number: 20160051752
    Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a fluid for use during a medical procedure includes a dispensing body for containing the fluid. The dispensing body includes a conduit, and a mixing tip operatively connected to the conduit for receiving the fluid from the dispensing body. The mixing tip includes a tip body having an interior passage. The interior passage includes an inlet at a first end fluidly connected to the conduit for receiving the fluid from the conduit and an outlet in a distal wall at a second end opposite to the first end. An insert body is positioned within the interior passage. A first passage is positioned between the insert body and the tip body and fluidly couples the interior passage with the outlet in the distal wall. A mixing chamber is positioned between the insert body and the distal wall. The mixing chamber includes a static mixing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas A. Kirk