Patents by Inventor Thomas Andrew Payne

Thomas Andrew Payne 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: 10807676
    Abstract: A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20190135375
    Abstract: A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20190127019
    Abstract: A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Patent number: 10160513
    Abstract: A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20180134341
    Abstract: A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Patent number: 9669895
    Abstract: A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20160039493
    Abstract: A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Patent number: 9194459
    Abstract: A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Patent number: 9085840
    Abstract: A thread feeding mechanism for actively feeding embroidery thread out of a cartridge through a hollow needle, such that a thread break at or near the needle tip is automatically overcome through normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: BROTHER INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Patent number: 9032889
    Abstract: A sewing apparatus and method therefor includes a drive mechanism, a thread feed mechanism, and a needle engagement mechanism for engaging the thread feed mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a drive motor configured to transmit power from the drive motor to the needle engagement mechanism such that it drives a needle within a cartridge without moving the entire cartridge. A method and sewing apparatus includes a plurality of thread feed mechanisms and a needle engagement mechanism for selecting and engaging each of the thread feed mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: BROTHER INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20140265217
    Abstract: A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Patent number: 8434418
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging a frame to a frame driving mechanism in a sewing machine. The mating alignment feature allows engagement of the embroidery frame to the apparatus where the frame engagement mechanism is at least partially obscured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Brother International Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20120222599
    Abstract: A thread feeding mechanism for actively feeding embroidery thread out of a cartridge through a hollow needle, such that a thread break at or near the needle tip is automatically overcome through normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20120222596
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging a frame to a frame driving mechanism in a sewing machine. The mating alignment feature allows engagement of the embroidery frame to the apparatus where the frame engagement mechanism is at least partially obscured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20120222594
    Abstract: A sewing apparatus and method therefor includes a drive mechanism, a thread feed mechanism, and a needle engagement mechanism for engaging the thread feed mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a drive motor configured to transmit power from the drive motor to the needle engagement mechanism such that it drives a needle within a cartridge without moving the entire cartridge. A method and sewing apparatus includes a plurality of thread feed mechanisms and a needle engagement mechanism for selecting and engaging each of the thread feed mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne