Patents by Inventor Thomas Blank

Thomas Blank 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: 20190242723
    Abstract: A method for operating an electronic consumption data module. Consumption data are transmitted via a communication system to a receiver, and different keys are provided for different software authorizations. Command authorizations are defined as software authorizations in the consumption data module. A consumption data module has a memory, a control and/or regulating unit, and a communication device for the consumption data transmission. Different keys are provided for different software authorizations, and the command authorizations are defined as software authorizations in the consumption data module. The consumption data module is operable by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: THOMAS BLANK, PETRA JOPPICH-DOHLUS, STEFAN SCHMITZ, ACHIM SCHMIDT, CHRISTIAN JAMBOR
  • Patent number: 10352896
    Abstract: A cell and/or a measuring instrument are arranged for coulometric titration. The cell has first and second electrochemical half-cells, each of which is connected into a regulated circuit and each of which has an associated electrode. The second electrode (3) is immersed in an electrolyte (2) that is solid or solidified and fills a second housing (1). The second housing is closed, with charge and material exchange only possible through a diaphragm (4) that is disposed between the respective electrochemical half-cells. The electrolyte contains a first redox partner that, along with at least one second redox partner, is part of a redox system. The redox partners are selected to substantially suppress gas development inside the cell during operation. The first electrode and the second housing are disposed in a first housing so that at least the diaphragm and the first electrode are in contact with a sample during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: METTLER-TOLEDO GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, Günter Pfuhl, Félix Bécheiraz
  • Publication number: 20190156721
    Abstract: Techniques are described for collecting feedback on a display comprising a plurality of emitters arranged in a column. Each emitter is driven by a respective emitter cell that generates a driving current for the emitter based on digital data or an analog representation thereof. The digital data or analog representation is sequentially shifted through the entire column. An electrical signal associated with a last emitter to be driven based on the digital data or analog representation is measured, along a feedback path formed by selectively opening or closing a first switch and a second switch, which are respectively connectable to an anode and a cathode of the last emitter. Since each emitter cell contributes to the electrical signal, the value of the electrical signal is indicative of whether there is a problem with an emitter cell somewhere in the column. The subsequently driving of the emitters is adjusted accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: William Thomas BLANK, Ilias PAPPAS
  • Publication number: 20190156720
    Abstract: Techniques are described for operating a display comprising an array of emitters arranged in at least one column. Data is shifted through the emitters of the column using a data shifting circuit. The data can be shifted sequentially, one emitter at a time. The data shifting circuit includes storage elements for temporary storage of the data as it is shifted down the column. The data can be stored as a charge on a capacitor, where the capacitor is charged to a particular voltage according to a current from a current mirror. The shifting can be performed in synchronization with scanning of the emitters by a scanning assembly, where the scanning produces an output image for viewing by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: William Thomas BLANK, Ilias PAPPAS
  • Publication number: 20190020858
    Abstract: A scanning type display device includes a light source that includes multiple rows and columns of light emitters. The display device also includes a rotatable mirror that projects light to different areas of an image field as the mirror rotates. There can be a redundant number to light emitters in the light source to increase the brightness of the pixels in the image field. A data driver may replicate and shift data values among light emitters of the same columns. The light emitters may operate in conjunction with the mirror in a synchronized manner. Owing to the shift in data value and the rotation of the mirror, the mirror may first project light from a first light emitter to a pixel and may then project light from a second light emitter with the same brightness level to the same pixel. The shifting may continue for additional light emitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Ilias Pappas, William Thomas Blank
  • Publication number: 20180213195
    Abstract: A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Steven Bathiche, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9961315
    Abstract: A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Steven Bathiche, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170099453
    Abstract: The interactive and shared surface technique described herein employs hardware that can project on any surface, capture color video of that surface, and get depth information of and above the surface while preventing visual feedback (also known as video feedback, video echo, or visual echo). The technique provides N-way sharing of a surface using video compositing. It also provides for automatic calibration of hardware components, including calibration of any projector, RGB camera, depth camera and any microphones employed by the technique. The technique provides object manipulation with physical, visual, audio, and hover gestures and interaction between digital objects displayed on the surface and physical objects placed on or above the surface. It can capture and scan the surface in a manner that captures or scans exactly what the user sees, which includes both local and remote objects, drawings, annotations, hands, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Bruce Arnold Cleary, III, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9560314
    Abstract: The interactive and shared surface technique described herein employs hardware that can project on any surface, capture color video of that surface, and get depth information of and above the surface while preventing visual feedback (also known as video feedback, video echo, or visual echo). The technique provides N-way sharing of a surface using video compositing. It also provides for automatic calibration of hardware components, including calibration of any projector, RGB camera, depth camera and any microphones employed by the technique. The technique provides object manipulation with physical, visual, audio, and hover gestures and interaction between digital objects displayed on the surface and physical objects placed on or above the surface. It can capture and scan the surface in a manner that captures or scans exactly what the user sees, which includes both local and remote objects, drawings, annotations, hands, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Bruce Arnold Cleary, III, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20160161447
    Abstract: A cell and/or a measuring instrument are arranged for coulometric titration. The cell has first and second electrochemical half-cells, each of which is connected into a regulated circuit and each of which has an associated electrode. The second electrode (3) is immersed in an electrolyte (2) that is solid or solidified and fills a second housing (1). The second housing is closed, with charge and material exchange only possible through a diaphragm (4) that is disposed between the respective electrochemical half-cells. The electrolyte contains a first redox partner that, along with at least one second redox partner, is part of a redox system. The redox partners are selected to substantially suppress gas development inside the cell during operation. The first electrode and the second housing are disposed in a first housing so that at least the diaphragm and the first electrode are in contact with a sample during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, Günter Pfuhl, Félix Bécheiraz
  • Patent number: 9220416
    Abstract: Different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising one or more heating elements, a plurality of sensors, insulation, and a processor. The plurality of sensors includes at least a skin temperature sensor and an oven temperature sensor. The insulation is configured to thermally isolate the skin temperature sensor form the oven temperature sensor. The processor is configured to receive temperature data from the plurality of sensors and to control the one or more heating elements using the temperature data received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Molly Annalise Buckley Blank, Michael Jack Sinclair, William Thomas Blank
  • Publication number: 20150097928
    Abstract: A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Steven Bathiche, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8941397
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement sensor that comprises a plurality of plate-type layers on which individual sensors are arranged. The layers are configured in the way set forth in the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Karlsruher Institut Fuer Technologie, Sensolute GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, Marco Hager, Dominic Huber
  • Patent number: 8928735
    Abstract: A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Steven Bathiche, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8787832
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides for systems and/or methods for a dynamic range wireless access point to initiate deliberate and/or selective communications with one or more wireless devices over a short range radio path. One embodiment of an access point system comprises a processor that transfers one or more wireless devices to a long range radio path once a transition condition has been met. In another embodiment, an access point system may affect transactions between user/customer's smart devices and a commercial place of business where the access point system and the smart devices initiate communications when the smart devices are deliberately placed within the proximity of the access point antenna and/or the smart devices are brought within the vicinity of the access point antenna such as by passing through the entrance or exit to the place of business.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Andrew Herron, Gerald Reuben DeJean, II, Darko Kirovski, Miller Thomas Abel, Craig Scott Brenner, William Thomas Blank
  • Publication number: 20130341315
    Abstract: Different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising one or more heating elements, a plurality of sensors, insulation, and a processor. The plurality of sensors includes at least a skin temperature sensor and an oven temperature sensor. The insulation is configured to thermally isolate the skin temperature sensor form the oven temperature sensor. The processor is configured to receive temperature data from the plurality of sensors and to control the one or more heating elements using the temperature data received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Molly Annalise Buckley Blank, Michael Jack Sinclair, William Thomas Blank
  • Publication number: 20130221994
    Abstract: Disclosed is a movement sensor that comprises a plurality of plate-type layers on which individual sensors are arranged. The layers are configured in the way set forth in the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Sensolute GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, Marco Hager, Dominic Huber
  • Publication number: 20130090064
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides for systems and/or methods for a dynamic range wireless access point to initiate deliberate and/or selective communications with one or more wireless devices over a short range radio path. One embodiment of an access point system comprises a processor that transfers one or more wireless devices to a long range radio path once a transition condition has been met. In another embodiment, an access point system may affect transactions between user/customer's smart devices and a commercial place of business where the access point system and the smart devices initiate communications when the smart devices are deliberately placed within the proximity of the access point antenna and/or the smart devices are brought within the vicinity of the access point antenna such as by passing through the entrance or exit to the place of business.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Andrew Herron, Gerald Reuben DeJan, II, Darko Kirovski, Miller Thomas Abel, Craig Scott Brenner, William Thomas Blank
  • Publication number: 20120320158
    Abstract: The interactive and shared surface technique described herein employs hardware that can project on any surface, capture color video of that surface, and get depth information of and above the surface while preventing visual feedback (also known as video feedback, video echo, or visual echo). The technique provides N-way sharing of a surface using video compositing. It also provides for automatic calibration of hardware components, including calibration of any projector, RGB camera, depth camera and any microphones employed by the technique. The technique provides object manipulation with physical, visual, audio, and hover gestures and interaction between digital objects displayed on the surface and physical objects placed on or above the surface. It can capture and scan the surface in a manner that captures or scans exactly what the user sees, which includes both local and remote objects, drawings, annotations, hands, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Bruce Arnold Cleary, III, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20120320157
    Abstract: A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Steven Bathiche, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson