Patents by Inventor Thomas Brooks
Thomas Brooks 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).
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Publication number: 20170076234Abstract: An automated computing device for providing a planning and analytics tool is disclosed. In some embodiments, the automated computing device may include a reports module configured to receive a data request for activity data associated with a plurality of entities, locate and retrieve data corresponding to the request, and provide the data corresponding to the request to a client device. In some embodiments, the automated computing device may also include a planning module configured to receive the activity data, identify at least one task for a user to complete based on the activity data, and provide the identified at least one task to the client device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Adrian Pendell, Thomas Brooks, Jeppe Heidemann
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Publication number: 20160318257Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing or repairing a part. The method includes building a fixture for retaining the part using an additive manufacturing apparatus, wherein material is consolidated using an energy beam, the fixture built on a build plate retained in a set position within the additive manufacturing apparatus, mounting the part to the fixture and causing the additive manufacturing apparatus to consolidate material onto the part when the build plate, with the fixture and part attached thereto, is retained substantially in the set position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2014Publication date: November 3, 2016Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Ian Thomas BROOKS, Christopher SUTCLIFFE
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Publication number: 20160272101Abstract: System and methods for managing operations of one or more machines are disclosed. One method includes receiving first information relating to an operation of a dump body of a hauling machine operating in at least a partially autonomous manner, determining a failure condition of the operation based at least on the received first information, transmitting a notification relating to the failure condition, and causing a boost pressure to be applied to the dump body of the hauling machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2015Publication date: September 22, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Andrew Vitale, Jeffery McCullough, Thomas Brooks, Michael Hudson
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Publication number: 20160115760Abstract: A supplementary closure device system comprising: a tubular, a supplementary closure device disposed in the tubular, wherein the supplementary close device comprises a housing and one or more flapper fingers disposed on the housing, and a pack-off device and associated methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Robert Thomas BROOKS
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Patent number: 9167929Abstract: A boot removal assistance device uses a base plate and a removal plate joined by a post. The removal plate has a bottom leg and an arcuate shaped top leg joined by a pair of opposing side members defining a central opening that is wider side to side relative to the top to bottom distance. A user places a boot into the central opening while standing on the base plate with the other leg. The heel of the boot is braced against the inside edge of the bottom leg while the toe portion of the boot is braced underneath the top leg. The boot is now braced and the user pulls his or her leg out of the boot.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Inventor: Thomas Brooks Henry
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Publication number: 20150112758Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus that is configured to receive data from a mobile operator, process the data by, at least, anonymizing and aggregating the data to identify at least one market opportunity within a predefined market footprint, and generate a report that highlights the at least one market opportunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Steven Charles Garcia, James Thomas Brooks
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Publication number: 20140228178Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for strengthening the thenar muscles of the hand. Generally, a device comprises a base shaped to be held in the hand, a thumb rest having a hinge attached to the base such that one end of the thumb rest can be pivoted relative to the base, and an elastic member attached to the base and the thumb rest, which resists the pivoting motion of the thumb rest relative to the base. The user can place the device in his or her hand, and place his or her thumb on the thumb rest. When the user presses the thumb rest toward the base with his or her thumb, the elastic member supplies a force resisting the pressing motion, which exercises the thenar muscles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: Steven Ray Brooks, Stacey Marie Brooks, David Patrick Bishop, Angela Jo Crary, Alyssa Grace Harvey, Laura Allyson Evans, Andrew Jonathon Leonard, Lauren Christann Salee, Calista Ann Dittmer, Michael Norman Greeb, Michael Alan Rohrssen, Jared Thomas Brooks, Jared Daniel Moore, Noah Peden
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Patent number: 8695357Abstract: A pressure control system comprises separate conduits for supplying liquefied gas and vapor from a cryogen space defined by a cryogenic storage tank. A first conduit can deliver liquefied gas to a use device through a heater and then a first flow controller. A second conduit can deliver vapor to the use device with flow therethrough controlled by a second flow controller. The first flow controller is not exposed to liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures because it is located downstream from the heater. For automatic operation a pressure sensor measures pressure inside the cryogen space and the first and second flow controllers are independently operable to maintain the pressure inside the cryogen space within a predetermined range. In a preferred embodiment the liquefied gas is a combustible fuel that is consumed by an internal combustion engine, which is the use device.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Westport Power Inc.Inventors: Thomas Brook, Valerie LeBlanc
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Publication number: 20120078679Abstract: A facility is described for enabling workflow applications. The facility receives a request to identify an optimized resource list that identifies resources capable of performing a workflow process task. The workflow process task can be associated with a document type relating to a document associated with a workflow envelope. The workflow envelope can store multiple documents of at different document types. The facility includes a workflow engine and a simulation engine. The workflow engine performs workflow process tasks based on the tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can employ modeling and historical data from a workflow metrics data source to generate the optimized resource list and identify identifying resources matching the workflow process tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can be used to model the workflow process to adapt, modify or otherwise control the workflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Brian Hodges, Colin Kinahan, Simon Orrell, Thomas Denny, Rick R. Roth, Christian Stephens, Thomas Brooks, Scott I. Tattrie, Marvin K. Lum, Kirk Slone, Eric Jobin, Daren Yong
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Patent number: 8090611Abstract: A facility is described for enabling workflow applications. The facility receives a request to identify an optimized resource list that identifies resources capable of performing a workflow process task. The workflow process task can be associated with a document type relating to a document associated with a workflow envelope. The workflow envelope can store multiple documents of at different document types. The facility includes a workflow engine and a simulation engine. The workflow engine performs workflow process tasks based on the tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can employ modeling and historical data from a workflow metrics data source to generate the optimized resource list and identify identifying resources matching the workflow process tasks identified in the workflow envelope.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Open Text S.A.Inventors: Brian Hodges, Colin Kinahan, Simon Orrell, Thomas W. Denny, Rick R. Roth, Christian Stephens, Thomas Brooks, Scott Ian Tattrie, Marvin Keith Lum, Kirk Slone, Eric Jobin, Daren Yong
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Publication number: 20110314839Abstract: A pressure control system comprises separate conduits for supplying liquefied gas and vapor from a cryogen space defined by a cryogenic storage tank. A first conduit can deliver liquefied gas to a use device through a heater and then a first flow controller. A second conduit can deliver vapor to the use device with flow therethrough controlled by a second flow controller. The first flow controller is not exposed to liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures because it is located downstream from the heater. For automatic operation a pressure sensor measures pressure inside the cryogen space and the first and second flow controllers are independently operable to maintain the pressure inside the cryogen space within a predetermined range. In a preferred embodiment the liquefied gas is a combustible fuel that is consumed by an internal combustion engine, which is the use device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Thomas Brook, Valerie LeBlanc
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Publication number: 20110137702Abstract: A facility is described for enabling workflow applications. The facility receives a request to identify an optimized resource list that identifies resources capable of performing a workflow process task. The workflow process task can be associated with a document type relating to a document associated with a workflow envelope. The workflow envelope can store multiple documents of at different document types. The facility includes a workflow engine and a simulation engine. The workflow engine performs workflow process tasks based on the tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can employ modeling and historical data from a workflow metrics data source to generate the optimized resource list and identify identifying resources matching the workflow process tasks identified in the workflow envelope.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Brian Hodges, Colin Kinahan, Simon Orrell, Thomas Denny, Rick R. Roth, Christian Stephens, Thomas Brooks, Scott I. Tattrie, Marvin K. Lum, Kirk Slone, Eric Jobin, Daren Yong
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Patent number: 7739941Abstract: A hydraulic drive system comprises a hydraulic actuator comprising a piston reciprocable between two cylinder heads for actuating a machine. A flow switching device reverses the direction of hydraulic fluid flow to and from chambers on opposite sides of the piston. The piston stops at the end of each piston stroke when a shuttle valve associated with the piston opens to allow hydraulic fluid to flow between the chambers cancelling the differential pressure that acts on the piston to cause reciprocal movement. A controller is programmed to determine when the piston reaches the end of each stroke based upon at least one of hydraulic pump speed, hydraulic fluid pressure, or elapsed time, with each of these measured during each stroke. The controller then sends an electronic signal to command the flow switching device to reverse the direction of hydraulic fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Westport Power Inc.Inventors: Stephen Noble, Greg Harper, Thomas Brook
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Publication number: 20090077957Abstract: A hydraulic drive system comprises a hydraulic actuator comprising a piston reciprocable between two cylinder heads for actuating a machine. A flow switching device reverses the direction of hydraulic fluid flow to and from chambers on opposite sides of the piston. The piston stops at the end of each piston stroke when a shuttle valve associated with the piston opens to allow hydraulic fluid to flow between the chambers cancelling the differential pressure that acts on the piston to cause reciprocal movement. A controller is programmed to determine when the piston reaches the end of each stroke based upon at least one of hydraulic pump speed, hydraulic fluid pressure, or elapsed time, with each of these measured during each stroke. The controller then sends an electronic signal to command the flow switching device to reverse the direction of hydraulic fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Stephen Noble, Greg Harper, Thomas Brook
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Patent number: 7356996Abstract: The apparatus comprises a double walled vacuum insulated vessel defining a cryogen space for holding a cryogenic fluid, a pump assembly comprising a pump with a suction inlet disposed within the cryogen space, and at least one elongated member extending from the pump to a drive unit disposed outside the cryogen space. The elongated member comprises an elongated non-metallic section that has a thermal conductivity that is less than that of a structurally equivalent elongated stainless steel member of the same length. In preferred embodiments, the elongated member can be one or both of a drive shaft or a rigid structural member for supporting the pump and holding it in a fixed relationship to the drive unit. The method employs the apparatus to increase hold times for holding cryogenic fluids by reducing heat leak into the cryogen space.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Westport Power Inc.Inventors: Thomas Brook, Gregory C. Harper, Valeria-Nadia LeBlanc
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Publication number: 20070250335Abstract: A facility is described for enabling workflow applications. The facility receives a request to identify an optimized resource list that identifies resources capable of performing a workflow process task. The workflow process task can be associated with a document type relating to a document associated with a workflow envelope. The workflow envelope can store multiple documents of at different document types. The facility includes a workflow engine and a simulation engine. The workflow engine performs workflow process tasks based on the tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can employ modeling and historical data from a workflow metrics data source to generate the optimized resource list and identify identifying resources matching the workflow process tasks identified in the workflow envelope.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventors: Brian Hodges, Colin Kinahan, Simon Orrell, Thomas Denny, Rick Roth, Christian Stephens, Thomas Brooks, Scott Tattrie, Marvin Lum, Kirk Slone, Eric Jobin, Daren Yong
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Publication number: 20070020099Abstract: A reduction in noise radiating from a side of a deployed aircraft flap is achieved by locating a slot adjacent the side of the flap, and then forcing air out through the slot with a suitable mechanism. One, two or even three or more slots are possible, where the slot is located at one or more locations selected from a group of locations comprising a top surface of the flap, a bottom surface of the flap, an intersection of the top and side surface of the flap, an intersection of the bottom and side surfaces of the flap, and a side surface of the flap. In at least one embodiment the slot is substantially rectangular. A device for adjusting a rate of the air forced out through the slot can also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2005Publication date: January 25, 2007Inventors: Florence Hutcheson, Thomas Brooks
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Publication number: 20070000259Abstract: The apparatus comprises a double walled vacuum insulated vessel defining a cryogen space for holding a cryogenic fluid, a pump assembly comprising a pump with a suction inlet disposed within the cryogen space, and at least one elongated member extending from the pump to a drive unit disposed outside the cryogen space. The elongated member comprises an elongated non-metallic section that has a thermal conductivity that is less than that of a structurally equivalent elongated stainless steel member of the same length. In preferred embodiments, the elongated member can be one or both of a drive shaft or a rigid structural member for supporting the pump and holding it in a fixed relationship to the drive unit. The method employs the apparatus to increase hold times for holding cryogenic fluids by reducing heat leak into the cryogen space.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Thomas Brook, Gregory Harper, Valeria-Nadia LeBlanc
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Publication number: 20060256975Abstract: A method and system for mapping acoustic sources determined from a phased microphone array. A plurality of microphones are arranged in an optimized grid pattern including a plurality of grid locations thereof. A linear configuration of N equations and N unknowns can be formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. A full-rank equation derived from the linear configuration of N equations and N unknowns can then be iteratively determined. A full-rank can be attained by the solution requirement of the positivity constraint equivalent to the physical assumption of statically independent noise sources at each N location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2005Publication date: November 16, 2006Applicant: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the NASAInventors: Thomas Brooks, William Humphreys
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Publication number: 20060213488Abstract: A high-pressure fuel system supplies gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine. Gaseous fuel pressure within the system is at least 17 MPa during normal operation. The system comprises a number of components and conduits and at least one resilient member for sealing at an interface between two components. The resilient member consists essentially of thermoplastic polyurethane. A corresponding method provides sealing between components containing gaseous fluids at pressures that can be above 17 MPa, in which the gaseous fluids routinely undergo rapid reductions in pressure. The method comprises disposing a resilient member, which consists essentially of thermoplastic polyurethane, at an interface between the components. Gas pressure fluctuations can occur during operation of the components or when the high-pressure gas is vented from the components upon shut down of the high-pressure system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Adrian Post, Thomas Brook