Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Sexton

Thomas A. Sexton 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: 11933542
    Abstract: Large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser having heat exchanger panels independently loaded into and supported in a heat exchange frame section. A bottom bonnet runs along the bottom length of each heat exchanger panel for delivering steam to the bottom end of condenser tubes in the heat exchange panel and for receiving condensate formed in those same tubes. The tops of the tubes are connected to a top bonnet. Uncondensed steam and non-condensables are drawn into the top bonnet from the condenser tubes. A steam distribution manifold is suspended from the heat exchange section frame perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchange panels and beneath a center point of the heat exchange panels and delivers steam to each heat exchange panel via a single steam inlet located at a center point of each bottom bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Evapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Bugler, Jean-Pierre Libert, Mark Huber, Toby Athron, Wayne Sexton, Ben Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 11660996
    Abstract: A vehicle transport truck or trailer with a platform having at least a first section and a second section is configured such that the first section is operable to move to at least a raised position and a lowered position. A ramp is provided that connects the first section and the second section of the platform, the ramp being operable to move in conjunction with the first section. A linkage mechanism is also provided and is configured to move in conjunction with the first section of the platform. Moving the first section of the platform causes the linkage mechanism to correspondingly move the ramp such that when the first section is in the raised position the ramp is substantially aligned with the first section and when the first section is in the lowered position the ramp is not aligned with the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Cottrell Incorporated
    Inventors: Phillip Bryan Howes, Steven Thomas Sexton, Masaru Mike Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 11608001
    Abstract: An automatically extending and retracting step system according to the solution may reside in a retracted state when the deck of a car-carrying vehicle is substantially horizontal to the ground, i.e. when the deck is in a payload state. Advantageously, when the deck is tilted and extended to a ramp state for receiving cargo, the step system according to the solution extends laterally outward from beneath the deck, thereby providing a convenient and visible step for a user to use in getting down from the deck. When the deck is returned from the ramp state to its payload state, the step automatically retracts to a travel state beneath the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cottrell Incorporated
    Inventors: Matt Rahm, Steven Thomas Sexton, Gerard Biagi
  • Patent number: 11292392
    Abstract: An automatically extending and retracting step system according to the solution may reside in a retracted state when the deck of a car-carrying vehicle is substantially horizontal to the ground, i.e. when the deck is in a payload state. Advantageously, when the deck is tilted and extended to a ramp state for receiving cargo, the step system according to the solution extends laterally outward from beneath the deck, thereby providing a convenient and visible step for a user to use in getting down from the deck. When the deck is returned from the ramp state to its payload state, the step automatically retracts to a travel state beneath the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cottrell Incorporated
    Inventors: Matt Rahm, Steven Thomas Sexton, Gerard Biagi
  • Publication number: 20210309140
    Abstract: A vehicle transport truck or trailer with a platform having at least a first section and a second section is configured such that the first section is operable to move to at least a raised position and a lowered position. A ramp is provided that connects the first section and the second section of the platform, the ramp being operable to move in conjunction with the first section. A linkage mechanism is also provided and is configured to move in conjunction with the first section of the platform. Moving the first section of the platform causes the linkage mechanism to correspondingly move the ramp such that when the first section is in the raised position the ramp is substantially aligned with the first section and when the first section is in the lowered position the ramp is not aligned with the first section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Phillip Bryan Howes, Steven Thomas Sexton, Masaru Mike Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 11059411
    Abstract: A vehicle transport truck or trailer with a platform having at least a first section and a second section is configured such that the first section is operable to move to at least a raised position and a lowered position. A ramp is provided that connects the first section and the second section of the platform, the ramp being operable to move in conjunction with the first section. A linkage mechanism is also provided and is configured to move in conjunction with the first section of the platform. Moving the first section of the platform causes the linkage mechanism to correspondingly move the ramp such that when the first section is in the raised position the ramp is substantially aligned with the first section and when the first section is in the lowered position the ramp is not aligned with the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Cottrell Incorporated
    Inventors: Phillip Bryan Howes, Steven Thomas Sexton, Masaru Mike Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20200198517
    Abstract: Bridge apparatuses and systems for vehicle transportation are disclosed. Embodiments include a vehicle transport truck or trailer with a platform having at least a first section and a second section, the first section configured to move to at least a raised position and a lowered position. A ramp is provided and configured to move to a first position and a second position. A linkage mechanism is also provided and is configured to move in conjunction with the first section of the platform. Moving the first section of the platform causes the linkage mechanism to correspondingly move the ramp between the raised position substantially aligned with the first section of the platform and the lowered position not aligned with the first section of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Phillip Bryan Howes, Steven Thomas Sexton, Masaru Mike Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 10099596
    Abstract: Riser apparatuses and systems for vehicle transportation are disclosed. Embodiments include a riser with a top surface configured to receive a vehicle. The riser has a front end and a back end opposite the front end. The apparatus is configured such that rotating a lift mechanism causes a front end of the riser to move both in a first horizontal direction and in a first vertical direction to a first raised position such that the front end of the riser is supported by at least one rotatable leg. Rotating the lift mechanism also causes a back end of the riser to move in the first horizontal direction, and causes a latch to engage a carrier rod to secure the riser in the first raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Cottrell, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard P. Biagi, Steven Thomas Sexton
  • Patent number: 10009726
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for performing hybrid location monitoring of a mobile device. While performing region monitoring for a set of regions, a mobile device enters a first region. Upon entering a region, the mobile device requests region information for the region from a web server. Using the region information, the mobile device determines whether to enable location updates while within the region. Upon exiting the region, the mobile device determines whether to disable location updates. While performing location updates, the location of the mobile device can be tracked and be determined to be within other contained or partially contained irregularly shaped geofences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: PING4 INC.
    Inventors: Sean Nathan Roy, Kurt Alfred Dobbins, Mark Thomas Sexton, Sett Paing Oo, Rindress Andrew MacDonald, Tatsuki Nakano, Daniel Willis Post, Mohamed Jamal Fadlalla
  • Patent number: 9871650
    Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method selects rates at which received signals are sampled in a multi-user communication system. The signals are sampled at initial sampling rates during a first period. An estimate is made of the number of received signals, and selection is made of an updated sampling rate, based in part upon the estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Sexton, Sagar Dhakal, Paul James Lusina
  • Patent number: 9828038
    Abstract: A road debris system and apparatus for use with a car or vehicle transport trailer. Embodiments include a transport trailer coupled to a truck. A plurality of resistive mounting brackets are attached to the truck. Embodiments also include a plurality of cantilever rods, a first end of each of the cantilever rods attached to one of the plurality of mounting brackets. The second end of each of the plurality of cantilever rods extend away from the respective mounting bracket. A debris guard is coupled to the plurality of cantilever rods such that an edge of the debris guard distal from the mounting bracket may articulate up and down, and such that an end of the debris guard adjacent a front of the transport trailer may articulate up and down. The debris guard is dimensioned to fill a gap between a back end of the truck and the front of the transport trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cottrell, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Bryan Howes, Steven Thomas Sexton, Lawrence Scott Moore
  • Publication number: 20170034660
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for performing hybrid location monitoring of a mobile device. While performing region monitoring for a set of regions, a mobile device enters a first region. Upon entering a region, the mobile device requests region information for the region from a web server. Using the region information, the mobile device determines whether to enable location updates while within the region. Upon exiting the region, the mobile device determines whether to disable location updates. While performing location updates, the location of the mobile device can be tracked and be determined to be within other contained or partially contained irregularly shaped geofences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Sean Nathan ROY, Kurt Alfred DOBBINS, Mark Thomas SEXTON, Sett PAING OO, Rindress Andrew MACDONALD, Tatsuki NAKANO, Daniel Willis POST, Mohamed Jamal FADLALLA
  • Publication number: 20160344539
    Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method selects rates at which received signals are sampled in a multi-user communication system. The signals are sampled at initial sampling rates during a first period. An estimate is made of the number of received signals, and selection is made of an updated sampling rate, based in part upon the estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Sexton, Sagar Dhakal, Paul James Lusina
  • Patent number: 9356774
    Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method selects rates at which received signals are sampled in a multi-user communication system. The signals are sampled at initial sampling rates during a first period. An estimate is made of the number of received signals, and selection is made of an updated sampling rate, based in part upon the estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Sexton, Sagar Dhakal, Paul James Lusina
  • Publication number: 20130343208
    Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method selects rates at which received signals are sampled in a multi-user communication system. The signals are sampled at initial sampling rates during a first period. An estimate is made of the number of received signals, and selection is made of an updated sampling rate, based in part upon the estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Sexton, Sagar Dhakal, Paul James Lusina
  • Publication number: 20080319857
    Abstract: Content resources are managed. A request is received from a user for access to a source of content resources. It is determined that the user is authorized for access to the source. A portal Web page is generated based on a set of content element data applicable to the subscriber. The portal Web page is returned to the user. A system for use in managing content resources has a switch for receiving requests from Web browsers, a content resource management engine in communication with the switch, and a billing system in communication with the content resource management engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: ELLACOYA NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Dobbins, Jason P. Poirier, Andre C. Boutin, Justin William Haddad, Stephen G. Delahunty, David L. Cullerot, Mark Thomas Sexton, Adam Michael Lederman, Wouter Johan Weiss, Christopher Lawrence Cheetham, David Ruffen
  • Patent number: 7370364
    Abstract: Content resources are managed. A request is received from a user for access to a source of content resources. It is determined that the user is authorized for access to the source. A portal Web page is generated based on a set of content element data applicable to the subscriber. The portal Web page is returned to the user. A system for use in managing content resources has a switch for receiving requests from Web browsers, a content resource management engine in communication with the switch, and a billing system in communication with the content resource management engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ellacoya Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Dobbins, Jason P. Poirier, Wouter Johan Weiss, Andre C. Boutin, Justin William Haddad, Stephen G. Delahunty, David L. Cullerot, Mark Thomas Sexton, Adam Michael Lederman, Christopher Lawrence Cheetham, David Ruffen
  • Patent number: 7269207
    Abstract: A method and device for estimating a target chip index value in a code-division multiple access receiver. The receiver receives signals from a transmitter that uses a plurality of transmitted chips for data transmission through a plurality of multipath channels. As each channel is expressible as a channel impulse response at a given instant in time, the impulse response can be sampled and the samples indexed by a plurality of delay sample indices. The target chip index value can be determined based on the first moment of the delay sample indices over an impulse response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Lilleberg, Kim Rounioja, Thomas A. Sexton
  • Patent number: 7003055
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a systolic equalizer for Viterbi equalization of an 8-PSK signal distorted by passage through a communication channel. The systolic equalizer architecture is scalable to process, as examples, four, eight and 16 state received signals. An equalizer in accordance with this invention includes a logical arrangement of a plurality of instantiations of locally coupled processing elements forming a systolic array for processing in common received signal samples having distortion induced by passage through a communication channel. The equalizer outputs soft values for input to a decoder, the soft values representing an approximation of maximum a posteriori (MAP) probabilities. A trellis search procedure is employed to reconstruct estimates of a received signal sequence based on a reduced number of states. The reduced number of states is represented by a plurality of groups determined by partitioning a symbol constellation such that there are fewer groups than possible symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Sexton, Jari Parviainen
  • Patent number: 6956839
    Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for a radio, such as cellular, communication system to facilitate communications between a mobile station and the network infrastructure. When the mobile station registers in the communication system, a dedicated reverse-link channel is allocated to facilitate communications of packet data between the mobile station and the network infrastructure. By providing dedicated channels, the mobile station becomes functionally connected to the network infrastructure and are analogous to a hard wired connection of a computer in a local area network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Sexton, George Fry