Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Pike

Thomas A. Pike 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: 20240003587
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure include an enclosure. The enclosure includes a floor. The floor includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and floor apertures. The enclosure includes a ceiling having ceiling apertures. The enclosure includes interior walls extending, along a length of the interior walls, from the ceiling to at least the floor. The enclosure includes an exterior wall. The exterior wall includes a first portion extending from at least the ceiling of the enclosure to at least the first surface, a second portion extending below the first surface at least one exterior wall aperture. The at least one exterior wall aperture extends through a thickness of the exterior wall and is located no more than a distance, from at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the floor, equal to twenty percent of a total length of the exterior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Pike
  • Patent number: 11225332
    Abstract: The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes detachable motor arms. In this way, the UAV may be conveniently stored and transported, rapidly assembled in the field, and repaired in the event of a crash. The motor arms are also configured to separate from the fuselage in the event of a crash. An example unmanned aerial vehicle comprises: a fuselage and two motor arms. Each motor arm is detachably secured to the fuselage by two mechanical connectors and comprises a tube having a rotary wing propulsion system on each end and an electrical connector, positioned between the two rotary wing propulsion systems, configured to conductively interface with an electrical connector in an underside of the fuselage. The two mechanical connectors detachably securing each motor arm to the fuselage are configured to facilitate the separation of that motor arm from the fuselage during a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: James Thomas Pike
  • Publication number: 20190276128
    Abstract: Implementations of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fuselage are provided. In some implementations, the fuselage comprises a frame having a shell removably secured thereto. The frame of the fuselage is made of printed circuit board (PCB) material that includes conductive tracks configured to conductively connect electrical components of the UAV. Due to the inherent rigidity of PCB material, the transfer of vibration loads to electrical components secured to the frame of the fuselage is minimized. While the shell is secured to the frame, an enclosure for any electrical components on the topside of the frame is formed. In this way, the encased electrical components may be protected from the environment (e.g., rain) and direct impact during a crash. In some implementations, the frame of the UAV fuselage may include a plurality of stiffening inserts that are positioned and configured to increase the rigidity of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: Vortex Labs Inc.
    Inventors: James Thomas Pike, David Giessel, Bruce Hildesheim
  • Publication number: 20190263530
    Abstract: Implementations of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) provided with detachable motor arms are provided. In this way, the UAV may be conveniently stored and transported, rapidly assembled in the field, and repaired in the event of a crash. Also, the motor arms are configured to separate from the fuselage of the UAV upon crashing into the ground and/or another object. In this way, damage to the motors arms and/or the fuselage of the UAV may be minimized or prevented. An example UAV comprises a fuselage having two motor arms detachably secured thereto, each motor arm is detachably secured to the fuselage by two mechanical connectors (or fuses) and comprises a tube having a rotary wing propulsion system on each end thereof. The mechanical connectors securing each motor arm to the fuselage of the UAV are configured to facilitate the separation of the motor arm from the fuselage during a crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventor: James Thomas Pike
  • Patent number: 9869796
    Abstract: An accelerometer or a seismometer using an in-plane suspension geometry having a suspension plate and at least one fixed capacitive plate. The suspension plate is formed from a single piece and includes an external frame, a pair of flexural elements, and an integrated proof mass between the flexures. The flexural elements allow the proof mass to move in the sensitive direction in the plane of suspension while restricting movement in all off-axis directions. Off-axis motion of the proof mass is minimized by the use of intermediate frames disbursed within and between the flexural elements. Intermediate frames can include motion stops to prevent further relative motion during overload conditions. The device can also include a dampening structure, such as a spring or gas structure that includes a trapezoidal piston and corresponding cylinder, to provide damping during non-powered states. The capacitive plate is made of insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Kinemetrics, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thomas Pike, Ian Standley
  • Patent number: 9841761
    Abstract: A system is provided comprising a control station for remotely controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”). The control station is configured to display vehicle status data received from each UAV, including displaying a location of each UAV in a single interface. Through the single interface, the control station may receive a control command input associated with one of the UAVs. The control station may transmit the received control command, or a command derived therefrom, to the respective UAV. The single interface may provide for a user to view and control flight operation of each of the UAVs independently through the single interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: AERYON LABS INC.
    Inventors: Kareem Shehata, Matthew Thiffault, James Thomas Pike, Michael Peasgood, Thomas Nagy
  • Patent number: 9268814
    Abstract: Changes to a hierarchical organizational structure may be stored in different versions of a data structure depicting the hierarchical organizational structure. Each of these versions may include a validity period field representing a time period that the hierarchical organizational structure depicted in the version accurately reflects the organizational structure of the organization. Each of the versions may also be designated as active or inactive. In some instances, each of the versions may be designated as inactive except for a version that reflects the organizational structure of the organization at a particular time, which may change over time. Historical copies of versions may be stored and subsequently recalled to identify an organizational structure that was in effect at a particular time in the past. The recalled version may then be used to limit the results of a query to a selected node of the historical organizational structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: SAP SE
    Inventors: Le Ouyang, Thomas Pike, Huiming Zhang, Klaus Weiss, Houbing Liu
  • Publication number: 20150192692
    Abstract: An accelerometer or a seismometer using an in-plane suspension geometry having a suspension plate and at least one fixed capacitive plate. The suspension plate is formed from a single piece and includes an external frame, a pair of flexural elements, and an integrated proof mass between the flexures. The flexural elements allow the proof mass to move in the sensitive direction in the plane of suspension while restricting movement in all off-axis directions. Off-axis motion of the proof mass is minimized by the use of intermediate frames disbursed within and between the flexural elements. Intermediate frames can include motion stops to prevent further relative motion during overload conditions. The device can also include a dampening structure, such as a spring or gas structure that includes a trapezoidal piston and corresponding cylinder, to provide damping during non-powered states. The capacitive plate is made of insulating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: KINEMETRICS, INC.
    Inventors: William Thomas Pike, Ian Standley
  • Publication number: 20150142211
    Abstract: A system is provided comprising a control station for remotely controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”). The control station is configured to display vehicle status data received from each UAV, including displaying a location of each UAV in a single interface. Through the single interface, the control station may receive a control command input associated with one of the UAVs. The control station may transmit the received control command, or a command derived therefrom, to the respective UAV. The single interface may provide for a user to view and control flight operation of each of the UAVs independently through the single interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Kareem Shehata, Matthew Thiffault, James Thomas Pike, Michael Peasgood, Thomas Nagy
  • Publication number: 20140040303
    Abstract: Changes to a hierarchical organizational structure may be stored in different versions of a data structure depicting the hierarchical organizational structure. Each of these versions may include a validity period field representing a time period that the hierarchical organizational structure depicted in the version accurately reflects the organizational structure of the organization. Each of the versions may also be designated as active or inactive. In some instances, each of the versions may be designated as inactive except for a version that reflects the organizational structure of the organization at a particular time, which may change over time. Historical copies of versions may be stored and subsequently recalled to identify an organizational structure that was in effect at a particular time in the past. The recalled version may then be used to limit the results of a query to a selected node of the historical organizational structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Le Ouyang, Thomas Pike, Huiming Zhang, Klaus Weiss, Houbing Liu
  • Patent number: 8626796
    Abstract: A database, system and related method for storing, retrieving, manipulating and presenting nutritional information about food items includes functions and data tables arranged to enable nutritional value scoring and rating. The database, system and method are arranged to enable users to input nutritional information deemed pertinent to assessing the nutritional value of food items. The tables of the database include entities representing food item designations, and arrangements of nutritional information. The nutritional information may be acquired from external sources or generated internally, including for prepared foods. The system is arranged to enable users to generate customized reports based on all product and/or company information of interest or any selectable portions of such information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Guiding Stars Licensing Company
    Inventors: James L. McBride, Thomas A. Pike
  • Patent number: 8577841
    Abstract: Changes to a hierarchical organizational structure may be stored in different versions of a data structure depicting the hierarchical organizational structure. Each of these versions may include a validity period field representing a time period that the hierarchical organizational structure depicted in the version accurately reflects the organizational structure of the organization. Each of the versions may also be designated as active or inactive. In some instances, each of the versions may be designated as inactive except for a version that reflects the organizational structure of the organization at a particular time, which may change over time. Historical copies of versions may be stored and subsequently recalled to identify an organizational structure that was in effect at a particular time in the past. The recalled version may then be used to limit the results of a query to a selected node of the historical organizational structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Le Ouyang, Thomas Pike, Huiming Zhang, Klaus Weiss, Houbing Liu
  • Publication number: 20130117230
    Abstract: Changes to a hierarchical organizational structure may be stored in different versions of a data structure depicting the hierarchical organizational structure. Each of these versions may include a validity period field representing a time period that the hierarchical organizational structure depicted in the version accurately reflects the organizational structure of the organization. Each of the versions may also be designated as active or inactive. In some instances, each of the versions may be designated as inactive except for a version that reflects the organizational structure of the organization at a particular time, which may change over time. Historical copies of versions may be stored and subsequently recalled to identify an organizational structure that was in effect at a particular time in the past. The recalled version may then be used to limit the results of a query to a selected node of the historical organizational structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SAP AG
    Inventors: Le Ouyang, Thomas Pike, Huiming Zhang, Klaus Weiss, Houbing Liu
  • Publication number: 20090259564
    Abstract: A method, system, and storage device for an online content marketplace and exchange which enables independent content creators to protect their content while permitting interested buyers to financially compete over the rights to the content, thus achieving true market value for the creator based upon the market's willingness to pay for the content. The method is capable of receiving content (e.g. video, audio, image, etc.), transcoding the content, applying encryption and watermarks, configuring an auction, conducting the auction, finalizing the auction, and releasing the original content to the winning bidder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Pike Barkerding
  • Publication number: 20080091705
    Abstract: A database, system and related method for storing, retrieving, manipulating and presenting nutritional information about food items includes functions and data tables arranged to enable nutritional value scoring and rating. The database, system and method are arranged to enable users to input nutritional information deemed pertinent to assessing the nutritional value of food items. The tables of the database include entities representing food item designations, and arrangements of nutritional information. The nutritional information may be acquired from external sources or generated internally, including for prepared foods. The system is arranged to enable users to generate customized reports based on all product and/or company information of interest or any selectable portions of such information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Hannaford Licensing Corp.
    Inventors: James McBride, Thomas Pike
  • Patent number: 7036374
    Abstract: An accelerometer or a seismometer using an in-plane suspension geometry having a suspension plate and at least one fixed capacitive plate. The suspension plate is formed from a single piece and includes an external frame, a pair of flexural elements, and an integrated proof mass between the flexures. The flexural elements allow the proof mass to move in the sensitive direction in the plane of suspension while restricting movement in all off-axis directions. Off-axis motion of the proof mass is minimized by the use of intermediate frames disbursed within and between the flexural elements. Intermediate frames can include motion stops to prevent further relative motion during overload conditions. The device can also include a dampening structure, such as a spring or gas structure that includes a trapezoidal piston and corresponding cylinder, to provide damping during non-powered states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: William Thomas Pike, Ian Standley, Richard Syms
  • Patent number: 6776042
    Abstract: The present invention is a seismometer/velocimeter, and can be also made to function as an accelerometer. The invention comprises an in-plane suspension geometry combined with a transverse periodic-sensing-array position transducer. The invention can incorporate a feedback actuator of magnetic design, incorporating fixed magnets and planar coils on the surface of the proof mass allowing for much lower noise than an equivalent electrostatic actuator without requiring high voltages. The invention may also have a dual-axis configuration by using two sets of springs. The nested suspensions allow the proof mass to move in two orthogonal directions. A three-axis configuration is possible by combining the dual-axis version with sensing and actuation of the proof mass motion out of the plane. The position sensing for the out-of-plane motion can be made using schemes common in existing state-of-the-art sensors. Actuation for the sensors may be electrostatic or electromagnetic in each of the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kinemetrics, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thomas Pike, Ian Maxwell Standley, Amadej Trnkoczy
  • Publication number: 20030140699
    Abstract: The present invention is a seismometer/velocimeter, and can be also made to function as an accelerometer. The invention comprises an in-plane suspension geometry combined with a transverse periodic-sensing-array position transducer. The invention can incorporate a feedback actuator of magnetic design, incorporating fixed magnets and planar coils on the surface of the proof mass allowing for much lower noise than an equivalent electrostatic actuator without requiring high voltages. The invention may also have a dual-axis configuration by using two sets of springs. The nested suspensions allow the proof mass to move in two orthogonal directions. A three-axis configuration is possible by combining the dual-axis version with sensing and actuation of the proof mass motion out of the plane. The position sensing for the out-of-plane motion can be made using schemes common in existing state-of-the-art sensors. Actuation for the sensors may be electrostatic or electromagnetic in each of the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: William Thomas Pike, Ian Maxwell Standley, Amadej Trnkoczy
  • Patent number: 6196067
    Abstract: A silicon-based microaccelerometer for seismic application is provided using a low-resonant frequency (10 Hz), large proof mass (1 gram), and high Q suspension to achieve high sensitivity of less than 1 ng with a bandwidth a 0.05 to 50 Hz. The proof mass is cut away from a planar substrate in the form of a disk using abrasive cutting, which disk closely fits but does not touch a surrounding angular frame. The spring of the microaccelerometer between the angular frame and the proof mass is provided from two continuous, 3 microns thick membranes. The fixed capacitive electrodes are provided on separate, subsequently bonded substrates, and movable capacitive plates are provided on the membranes. By fabricating capacitive plates on the separate substrates, the gap between the fixed and movable capacitive plates in the differential capacitive sensor is closely controlled. The use of continuous membranes for the spring produces a shock resistant, robust sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard D. Martin, W. Thomas Pike
  • Patent number: 4864569
    Abstract: Differences between both the code and documentation of a revised generation of software and a previous generation are compared by a digital computer with the intended revisions stored in a release file. When all discrepancies have been eliminated, and for the original generation of the software, actual impacts in the form of the locations in the program where one routine is called by another and where common statements and public variables are used, are compared with expected impacts stored in the release file. When all actual impacts have been identified, the revised software, or the original version in the case of newly created software, is stored in a library with the code and documentation paired, and with each revision of each unit identified for later retrieval and reconstruction of any software generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: R. Ralph DeLucia, David W. Rockot, Daniel J. Wolf, Neil J. Musicante, Thomas A. Pike