Patents by Inventor Thomas Foster

Thomas Foster 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: 20120219404
    Abstract: A turbine shroud includes a body having a plurality of sides. A first inward facing groove is defined by a first side of the body, and a first seal covers the first inward facing groove to define a first fluid passage in the first inward facing groove along the first side of the body. A first inlet port through the first seal fluid communication through the first seal into the first fluid passage. A method for forming a turbine shroud includes forming an inner surface and forming an outer surface opposed to the inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured for exposure to a hot gas path. The method further includes defining a first slot in the inner surface and extending a first seal across the first slot to define a first fluid passage in the first slot along the inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Wayne Weber, Gregory Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20120022439
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. HOOPER, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 8057748
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 7942152
    Abstract: The present invention, a SOFT HAND RESTRAINT DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING PRISONERS comprising a fabric pouch, a retaining clip mechanism, a wrist retaining strap, restraint grommets, a handcuff retainer and a splay device seeks to provide law enforcement personnel a means of safely transporting prisoners, whereby the ability of a prisoner to grasp objects or persons and exercise his hands in an offensive posture is temporarily debilitated. This is accomplished by maintaining the hand in a position whereby the middle and ring finger are splayed apart at a predetermined distance by a splay device, which interferes with the grip ergonomics, wherein the prisoner is unable to exert sufficient force to overcome the splay device and hence is unable to form a grip. Additional embodiments providing differing arrangements of the primary elements are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: John Thomas Foster, Glenda Louise Hill-Foster
  • Publication number: 20110085899
    Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly is disclosed, the shroud assembly including an outer shroud, at least one inner shroud attached to the outer shroud, and at least one discourager enclosed within the inner shroud. The discourager prevents the hot gas or steam in the turbine from having a direct line of access to the outer shroud. In one embodiment, one inner shroud is provided for the shroud assembly, with one discourager enclosed within the inner shroud, the discourager positioned offset from the inner shroud so as to extend past the inner shroud and into an inner shroud of a neighboring shroud assembly. In another embodiment, a plurality of inner shrouds are provided, each inner shroud enclosing a discourager, the discouragers being adjacent to each other within the inner shrouds and positioned offset from the inner shrouds so as to cover a gap between the inner shrouds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Andres Jose Garcia Crespo, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Patent number: 7785641
    Abstract: A method of keeping an alcoholic beverage in an open topped vessel cool, said beverage comprising a water content and a dissolved gas content, and said method comprising forming ice in the beverage in the open-topped vessel said ice having a cooling effect on the beverage, said ice being formed in the beverage from water of said water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Simon Daniel Scullion, Peter Thomas Foster, Stephen Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 7739056
    Abstract: A statistical and functional correlation strategy to identify changes in cellular pathways specifically linked to impaired cognitive function with aging. Analyses using the strategy identified multiple groups of genes expressed in the hippocampi of mammals, where the genes were expressed at different levels for several ages. The aging changes in expression began before mid-life. Many of the genes were involved in specific neuronal and glial pathways with previously unrecognized relationships to aging and/or cognitive decline. These identified genes and the proteins they encode can be used as novel biomarkers of brain aging and as targets for developing treatment methods against age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Philip Landfield, Eric Blalock, Kuey-Chu Chen, Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20090263804
    Abstract: A statistical and functional correlation strategy to identify changes in cellular pathways specifically linked to impaired cognitive function with aging. Analyses using the strategy identified multiple groups of genes expressed in the hippocampi of mammals, where the genes were expressed at different levels for several ages. The aging changes in expression began before mid-life. Many of the genes were involved in specific neuronal and glial pathways with previously unrecognized relationships to aging and/or cognitive decline. These identified genes and the proteins they encode can be used as novel biomarkers of brain aging and as targets for developing treatment methods against age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Philip Landfield, Eric Blalock, Kuey-Chu Chen, Thomas Foster
  • Patent number: 7588749
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for delivering a sterile unit dose of ozone that may include concentrating oxygen from air, which can include pressurizing at least one zeolite chamber having at least one zeolite material where the at least one zeolite material selectively adsorbs a substantial amount of nitrogen and not a substantial amount of oxygen. An oxygen-ozone cell may be filled with substantially concentrated oxygen from the at least one zeolite chamber. The oxygen-ozone cell may then be sequestered. The oxygen-ozone cell may be removed and may be engaged with an ozone conversion unit. The ozone conversion unit may charge the substantially concentrated oxygen generating a predetermined concentration of ozone. The oxygen-ozone cell may be disengaged from the ozone conversion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Publication number: 20090221921
    Abstract: An optical probe has multiple side-firing optical fibers which terminate in a linearly staggered fashion. A central fiber can be used as well. In diagnostic techniques, one fiber can be used as an emitter, while the others are used as receivers, or various fibers can be used as emitters and receivers at different times to form a map of the area. In therapeutic techniques, the treatment light can be emitted from the fibers in parallel or in sequence, and the fluence can be independently adjusted for each of the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: William J. Cottrell, Thomas Foster
  • Patent number: 7556600
    Abstract: A retractor may be used during spinal surgery. The retractor may include a frame and one or more retractor blades. Each retractor blade may include a coupling arm, a retainer, and a retraction component. The coupling arms may be coupled to the frame such that the coupling arms are able to move inward or outwards relative to the frame. The retainer may secure the retraction component to the coupling arm. In some embodiments, the retraction blades may be made of a radiolucent material that allows radiological images to be taken during a surgical procedure with the retractor in place. A position of retraction components relative to the frame may be changed during a surgical procedure. One or more of the retraction components may be replaced during a surgical procedure without removing the retractor from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Bruce A. Riceman, Thomas A. Foster
  • Publication number: 20090152098
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe device, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. A sterility case can enclose a syringe portion and can maintain sterility while the syringe device is interfaced to an ozone generator. A valvably-controlled fluid channel can extend from the barrel of the syringe through the case. Conducting elements can be attached to the case and can breach the case. The conductive elements can be connected to electrodes. The electrodes can be attached to the syringe. The syringe portion can be filled with oxygen gas via the valvably-controlled fluid channel. An electric current can be provided to the conductive elements from an ozone generator resulting in a corona discharge from at least one electrode. A therapeutic amount of ozone gas can be produced from the oxygen gas and the syringe delivered into the sterile field without compromise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Publication number: 20090131187
    Abstract: FIG. 1, the Golf Ball and Club Alignment Kit, has two separate but necessary integral fixtures consisting of an indoor/outdoor carpet with a surface to simulate the ball action on a putting green, but laid out with a grid of contrasting color FIG. 2, the grid lines are laid out to be contiguous with any additional FIG. 2's forming a larger practice area, each square may match the size of a regulation golf hole making it multi-directional and multi-purpose, however, size of squares is not essential to its operation as a ball conveyor. A two-mode surface attaching non-diverting vertically or laterally for accurately putted balls receptacle FIG. 3, can be placed anywhere on or off the FIG. 2, along with any selected teeing spot known as a “tee box”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Leslie Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20090110614
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 7524327
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods are provided for treating a patient through the use of ultraviolet light activated gene therapy. Embodiments of the present invention include methods for the utilization of light activated gene therapy to repair and/or rebuild damaged cartilage by introducing a desired gene into a patient's tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Edward M. Schwarz, Regis J. O'Keefe, Thomas Foster, Jarod C. Finlay
  • Publication number: 20090093867
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods are provided for treating a patient through the use of ultraviolet light activated gene therapy. Embodiments of the present invention include methods for the utilization of light activated gene therapy to repair and/or rebuild damaged cartilage by introducing a desired gene into a patient's tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Edward M. Schwarz, Regis J. O'Keefe, Thomas Foster, Jarod C. Finlay
  • Patent number: 7478583
    Abstract: A draught beverage (170) which may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, for example a lager or cider in an open-topped drinking vessel or glass (172). The beverage comprises a water content and dissolved gas content. The draught beverage is dispensed from a font at a cooled temperature below the freezing point of water at ambient atmospheric pressure. The dispense temperature may be in the range of ?1° C. to ?12° C. The beverage in the glass may or may not be subjected to external excitement energy, for example ultra-sound, to encourage formation of nucleation sites in the beverage. Either way dissolved gas bubbles out of the beverage causing occurrence of nucleation sites at which ice (188A, 188B) from the water content forms. At least in part the ice has a slushy character. A head (174) also forms on the dispensed draught beverage and below the head the ice (188A, 188B) locates and develops downwards into the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Coors EMEA Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Daniel Scullion, Peter Thomas Foster, Stephen Paul Smith
  • Patent number: D608953
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kufbag, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Foster, Glenda Louise Hill-Foster
  • Patent number: D633656
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: John Thomas Foster, Glenda Louise Hill-Foster
  • Patent number: D636130
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kufbag, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Foster, Glenda Louise Hill-Foster