Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Thompson

Thomas F. Thompson 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: 11966202
    Abstract: Motorized window treatment systems are disclosed. A motorized window treatment system may include a covering material, a sensor circuit, and a control circuit. The sensor circuit may be configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a position of the covering material. The control circuit may be configured to determine a present sensor state of the sensor circuit, determine a predicted sensor state for the sensor circuit based at least in part on a power-down position recorded at a first time and a final position recorded at a second time, compare the predicted sensor state with the present sensor state, and determine a present position of the covering material based on the comparison of the predicted sensor state and the present sensor state. Methods of adjusting a position of a covering material of a motorized window treatment also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rebbert, Robert J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20210087471
    Abstract: Polyolefin hollow articles prepared via a rotomolding process are provided flame retardancy by incorporating therein a phosphonate ester, an N-alkoxy hindered amine and melamine cyanurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: John A. Sigler, Thomas F. Thompson, Stephen Mark Andrews
  • Patent number: 8436131
    Abstract: Disclosed are phosphinic acid compounds of formula I, II or III where R1 and R1? are for instance straight or branched C1-C50alkyl, R2 is for instance straight or branched C22-C50alkyl, R3 and R3? are for instance straight or branched C1-C50alkyl, R4 is for instance straight or branched C1-C50alkylene and m is from 2 t 100. Also disclosed are polyester compositions comprising the compounds of formula I, II and III.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Paul Odorisio, Stephen M. Andrews, Thomas F. Thompson, Si Wu, Paragkumar Thanki, Deepak M. Rane, Delina Joseph, Jianzhao Wang
  • Publication number: 20130035451
    Abstract: Disclosed are phosphinic acid compounds of formula I, II or III where R1 and R1? are for instance straight or branched C1-C50alkyl, R2 is for instance straight or branched C22-C50alkyl, R3 and R3? are for instance straight or branched C1-C50alkyl, R4 is for instance straight or branched C1-C50alkylene and m is from 2 to 100. Also disclosed are polyester compositions comprising the compounds of formula I, II and III.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Odorisio, Stephen M. Andrews, Thomas F. Thompson, Si Wu, Paragkumar Thanki, Deepak M. Rane, Delina Joseph, Jianzhao Wang
  • Patent number: 8258253
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the solid state polymerization (SSP) rates of metal catalyzed polyesters. The method comprises in a first step, reacting a dicarboxylic acid or a C1-C4 dicarboxylic diester with a diol at a suitable temperature and pressure to effect esterification or transesterification to prepare a precondensate and in a second step, reacting the precondensate to effect polycondensation at a suitable temperature and pressure to prepare a high molecular weight polyester and in a third step, further increasing the molecular weight and viscosity of the polyester under SSP conditions of a suitable temperature and pressure, where a metal catalyst is added in the first step or in the second step as a reaction catalyst, and where a certain phosphinic acid compound is added in the first step, in the second step or just prior to the third step. The polyester product exhibits low aldehyde formation during melt processing steps as well as excellent color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Paul Odorisio, Stephen M. Andrews, Thomas F. Thompson, Si Wu, Paragkumar Thanki, Deepak M. Rane, Delina Joseph, Jianzhao Wang
  • Publication number: 20110306710
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the solid state polymerization (SSP) rates of metal catalyzed polyesters. The method comprises in a first step, reacting a dicarboxylic acid or a C1-C4 dicarboxylic diester with a diol at a suitable temperature and pressure to effect esterification or transesterification to prepare a precondensate and in a second step, reacting the precondensate to effect polycondensation at a suitable temperature and pressure to prepare a high molecular weight polyester and in a third step, further increasing the molecular weight and viscosity of the polyester under SSP conditions of a suitable temperature and pressure, where a metal catalyst is added in the first step or in the second step as a reaction catalyst, and where a certain phosphinic acid compound is added in the first step, in the second step or just prior to the third step. The polyester product exhibits low aldehyde formation during melt processing steps as well as excellent color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Odorisio, Stephen M. Andrews, Thomas F. Thompson, Si Wu, Paragkumar Thanki, Deepak M. Rane, Delina Joseph, Jianzhao Wang
  • Patent number: 8030435
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the solid state polymerization (SSP) rates of metal catalyzed polyesters. The method comprises in a first step, reacting a dicarboxylic acid or a C1-C4 dicarboxylic diester with a diol at a suitable temperature and pressure to effect esterification or transesterification to prepare a precondensate and in a second step, reacting the precondensate to effect polycondensation at a suitable temperature and pressure to prepare a high molecular weight polyester and in a third step, further increasing the molecular weight and viscosity of the polyester under SSP conditions of a suitable temperature and pressure, where a metal catalyst is added in the first step or in the second step as a reaction catalyst, and where a certain phosphinic acid compound is added in the first step, in the second step or just prior to the third step. The polyester product exhibits low aldehyde formation during melt processing steps as well as excellent color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ciba Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Odorisio, Stephen M. Andrews, Thomas F. Thompson, Si Wu, Paragkumar Thanki, Deepak M. Rane, Delina Joseph, Jianzhao Wang
  • Patent number: 7776182
    Abstract: Selected chlorohydrin and cationic compounds containing nitroxide or hydroxylamine moieties are effective in stabilizing pulp or paper, especially pulp or paper containing lignin, against yellowing and discoloration due to the adverse effects of light. These compounds are added at various points in the paper-making process, especially at the wet ends, making the need for water soluble or water dispersible materials having high affinity for pulp or paper essential. This performance is often further enhanced by the presence of one or more coadditives selected from the group consisting of the UV absorbers, the polymeric inhibitors, the nitrones, the fluorescent whitening agents and metal chelating agents. Combinations of hydroxylamines or their salts, benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorbers and a metal chelating agent are particularly effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Glen T. Cunkle, David Devore, Thomas F. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090253888
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the solid state polymerization (SSP) rates of metal catalyzed polyesters. The method comprises in a first step, reacting a dicarboxylic acid or a C1-C4 dicarboxylic diester with a diol at a suitable temperature and pressure to effect esterification or transesterification to prepare a precondensate and in a second step, reacting the precondensate to effect polycondensation at a suitable temperature and pressure to prepare a high molecular weight polyester and in a third step, further increasing the molecular weight and viscosity of the polyester under SSP conditions of a suitable temperature and pressure, where a metal catalyst is added in the first step or in the second step as a reaction catalyst, and where a certain phosphinic acid compound is added in the first step, in the second step or just prior to the third step. The polyester product exhibits low aldehyde formation during melt processing steps as well as excellent color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Odorisio, Stephen M. Andrews, Thomas F. Thompson, Si Wu, Paragkumar Thanki, Deepak M. Rane, Delina Joseph, Jianzhao Wang
  • Patent number: 7312332
    Abstract: Selected chlorohydrin and cationic compounds containing nitroxide or hydroxylamine moieties are effective in stabilizing pulp or paper, especially pulp or paper containing lignin, against yellowing and discoloration due to the adverse effects of light. These compounds are added at various points in the paper-making process, especially at the wet ends, making the need for water soluble or water dispersible materials having high affinity for pulp or paper essential. This performance is often further enhanced by the presence of one or more coadditives selected from the group consisting of the UV absorbers, the polymeric inhibitors, the nitrones, the fluorescent whitening agents and metal chelating agents. Combinations of hydroxylamines or their salts, benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorbers and a metal chelating agent are particularly effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Glen T. Cunkle, David Devore, Thomas F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6989449
    Abstract: Selected chlorohydrin and cationic compounds containing nitroxide or hydroxylamine moieties are effective in stabilizing pulp or paper, especially pulp or paper containing lignin, against yellowing and discoloration due to the adverse effects of light. These compounds are added at various points in the paper-making process, especially at the wet ends, making the need for water soluble or water dispersible materials having high affinity for pulp or paper essential. This performance is often further enhanced by the presence of one or more coadditives selected from the group consisting of the UV absorbers, the polymeric inhibitors, the nitrones, the fluorescent whitening agents and metal chelating agents. Combinations of hydroxylamines or their salts, benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorbers and a metal chelating agent are particularly effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Glen T. Cunkle, David Devore, Thomas F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6416627
    Abstract: Selected polymeric stabilizers with pendant nitroxide, hydroxylamine or hydroxy-ammonium salt groups B are water soluble or water dispersible and have high affinity to pulp or paper. These stabilizers prevent the loss of brightness and enhance resistance to yellowing in pulp or paper, especially pulp or paper containing lignin. These compounds are added at various points in the paper-making process, especially at the wet ends, making the need for water soluble or water dispersible materials having high affinity for pulp or paper essential. This performance is often further enhanced by the presence of one or more coadditives selected from the group consisting of the UV absorbers, the polymeric inhibitors, the nitrones, the fluorescent whitening agents and metal chelating agents. Combinations of hydroxylamines or their salts, benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorbers and a metal chelating agent are particularly effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Glen T. Cunkle, David Devore, Thomas F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6218536
    Abstract: 1,2-Bis-adducts of stable hindered nitroxide compounds with substituted ethylenes are prepared by reacting two equivalents of nitroxyl compound with an ethylenically unsaturated compound such as styrene or an acrylate ester. These adducts are very effective inhibitors to prevent the premature polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers when such monomers are distilled, processed or stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemcials Corporation
    Inventors: Glen Thomas Cunkle, Thomas F. Thompson, Volker H. von Ahn, Roland A. E. Winter
  • Patent number: 6117276
    Abstract: When a nitroxyl compound is heated in an oxygen-free atmosphere with a vinyl aromatic monomer at 50-140.degree. C. for up to 60 days, it forms an activated inhibitor mixture which is superior to the nitroxyl compound itself in preventing the premature polymerization of a vinyl aromatic monomer during its processing and purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Nalco/Exxon Energy Chemicals, L.P.
    Inventors: Glen T. Cunkle, Thomas F. Thompson, Volker H. von Ahn, Roland A. E. Winter
  • Patent number: 6080864
    Abstract: Selected derivatives of 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine are surprisingly effective as inhibitors to prevent the premature polymerization of acrylic and methacrylic acids, their esters, their amides, vinyl acetate and acrylonitrile in the presence of water. Some of these derivatives are new compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Glen T. Cunkle, Matthew E. Gande, Raymond Seltzer, Thomas F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5932735
    Abstract: Selected derivatives of 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine are surprisingly effective as inhibitors to prevent the premature polymerization of acrylic and methacrylic acids, their esters, their amides, vinyl acetate and acrylonitrile in the presence of water. Some of these derivatives are new compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Glen T. Cunkle, Matthew E. Gande, Raymond Seltzer, Thomas F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5844025
    Abstract: 1,2-Bis-adducts of stable hindered nitroxide compounds with substituted ethylenes are prepared by reacting two equivalents of nitroxyl compound with an ethylenically unsaturated compound such as styrene or an acrylate ester. These adducts are very effective inhibitors to prevent the premature polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers when such monomers are distilled, processed or stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Glen Thomas Cunkle, Thomas F. Thompson, Volker H. von Ahn, Roland A. E. Winter
  • Patent number: 4996908
    Abstract: A through hole rotating cylinder for controlling a workpiece gripping chuck associated with a rotary machine tool. The cylinder includes a cylinder body assembly, piston tube and fluid distributor section rotatable within a housing and defining a central axial opening. Bearings supported between the housing and cylinder body assembly are lubricated by flow from a hydraulic system used to move the piston tube in the cylinder body assembly. A coolant collector receives coolant liquid travelling through the central axial opening. A seal assembly between the coolant collector and the bearings prevents coolant from contaminating the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Logansport Machine Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4722536
    Abstract: A chuck for gripping a workpiece during a rotary operation includes a chuck body with a master jaw movably mounted on the chuck body. The master jaw includes a bayonet type locking structure. The master jaw also includes a face with at least one pin reciprocally mounted in and extending perpendicularly from the face. The pin is mechanically coupled to a piston reciprocally mounted in a piston chamber in the master jaw. The piston chamber is in communication with a source of pressurized fluid. The pin is reciprocated by selected communication of pressurized fluid to the piston chamber. A quick-change top jaw is also provided that may be quickly attached to and removed from the master jaw. The top jaw includes a bayonet type locking structure complementary to the bayonet type locking structure on the master jaw. The top jaw also includes an insert for capturing the pin in the master jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Logansport Machine Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Lane, Thomas F. Thompson, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 4160209
    Abstract: A method and apparatus using a single-frequency oscillator as a source for resonating, selectively, an infinite number of different higher-frequency resonant circuits. The oscillator signal is clipped, and this clipped signal is processed in an infinitely adjustable amplifier to change the slopes of leading and trailing edges thereof. The amplifier also functions to cause these modified edges to extend over a predetermined signal-level range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Inventor: Thomas F. Thompson