Patents by Inventor Thomas Crooks

Thomas Crooks 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: 20060183073
    Abstract: A disposable dental instrument of the compressed air drive type is disclosed for use in performing dental procedures on a workpiece. The disposable dental instrument is constructed from two mating shells and a core. Each shell incorporates a mating surface and said shells are joined using various bonding methods to ensure a waterproof, high quality dental instrument. An elongated body has conduits penetrating a base at one end of the body. The conduits allow entry of a light beam, a pressurized water stream, and a compressed air stream into the body. The base includes attachment threads for securing the body to a source of the light beam, pressurized water stream, and compressed air stream. Pluralities of passageways are in communication with the conduits for conducting the light beam, the water stream, and the air stream through the body. A head at the opposite end of the body rotatably mounts a turbine shaft on bearing surfaces which inhibit vibration and noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry Browning, David Murphy, Thomas Crooks, Brian Babson
  • Patent number: 6882850
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling capacity in a communication system, based on zones in which subscribers are located. When a subscriber seeks to establish a communication session among multiple subscribers, a determination is made as to whether more than a threshold number of the subscribers are located in a common zone. If so, the excess subscribers in that zone are excluded from participating in the session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Von K. McConnell, Mark L. Yarkosky, Manish Mangal, Thomas A. Crook
  • Publication number: 20030186702
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling capacity in a communication system, based on zones in which subscribers are located. When a subscriber seeks to establish a communication session among multiple subscribers, a determination is made as to whether more than a threshold number of the subscribers are located in a common zone. If so, the excess subscribers in that zone are excluded from participating in the session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Von K. McConnell, Mark L. Yarkosky, Manish Mangal, Thomas A. Crook