Patents by Inventor Thomas Franz

Thomas Franz 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: 20160122911
    Abstract: A luminous woven fabric comprises a woven textile support comprising warp yarns and weft yarns selected from binding yarns and optical fibers capable of emitting light sideways. The binding yarns comprise glass yarns representing at least 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the binding yarns forming the woven textile support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN ADFORS
    Inventors: Thomas FRANZ, Josef FASCHING, Bohuslav MIKULECKY, Nadege OMBE WANDJI, Catherine JACQUIOD, Philippe ESPIARD
  • Publication number: 20150375169
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and apparatus to reduce emissions of target emission gasses such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon oxides from combustion exhaust such as marine engine exhaust by gas membrane separation and liquid carrier chemical absorption. The membrane separation system consists of an absorption system containing semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes through which is circulated a liquid absorbent. Exhaust gases contact the exterior surface of the membranes and the target gasses selectively permeate the membrane wall and are absorbed by the liquid carrier(s) within the bore and thereby are removed from the exhaust stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Amir YOUSSEF, Benedetto REGINELLA, Edoardo PANZIERA, Frank DEBELLIS, Thomas Franz Josef GEHRING, Henry TOY, John LEAVITT, Steven HAI
  • Publication number: 20140379010
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C. Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8906082
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F Wolf, Paul Human
  • Publication number: 20140265838
    Abstract: A control device for lights having at least one input wherein a coded resistor can be connected to the input, and having at least one input wherein a passive temperature sensor 20a, 20c, particularly a PTC or an NTC, can be connected to the same. The invention also relates to an arrangement of such a control device and at least one light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HELLA KGaA and Company
    Inventors: Ralf Edelmeier, Thomas Franz Fark
  • Publication number: 20140203049
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a component 112, 165 for a fluid dispenser 110 which defines a dosing chamber 120 for a piston member 114 to stroke in and has an end 160 adapted for engaging a fluid outlet 152 of the fluid dispenser or a seal 154 which overlies the fluid outlet 152 to selectively close and open the fluid outlet 152 or seal 154. Other aspects are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: James Terence COLLINS, Thomas Franz Paul GRATZFELD, Heiko HARMS, Werner HERTRAMPF, Richard David LINTERN, Gerdhard NIEBECKER, Allen John PEARSON, Paul Kenneth RAND, Karl Heinz WAITZ, Karl Gisbert WELP
  • Patent number: 8747451
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Helmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael C. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8678243
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a component for a fluid dispenser which defines a dosing chamber for a piston member to stroke in and has an end adapted for engaging a fluid outlet of the fluid dispenser or a seal which overlies the fluid outlet to selectively close and open the fluid outlet or seal. Other aspects are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Glaxo Group Limited, MeadWestVaco Calmar GmbH
    Inventors: James Terence Collins, Thomas Franz Paul Gratzfeld, Heiko Harms, Werner Hertrampf, Richard David Lintern, Gerdhard Niebecker, Allen John Pearson, Paul Kenneth Rand, Karl Heinz Waitz, Karl Gisbert Welp
  • Publication number: 20140039352
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut C. Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8454640
    Abstract: A powered surgical apparatus can be used with a source of irrigation fluid and a source of suction. The powered surgical apparatus can include a cutting blade assembly and a handle. The handle can include an upper portion defining a distal section connectable to the cutting blade assembly and a lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion. The handle can be connectable to the source of irrigation fluid and the source of suction. The system can also include a manually actuable input device that provides at least one signal relevant to at least one operation of the system, and a controller that receives the at least one input signal and provides an output signal to perform the at least one operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Gyrus Ent L.L.C.
    Inventors: Constance Elaine Johnston, Phillip Andrew Ryan, Carrie Deanne Mills, Perry Robin Mykleby, Andrew Christopher Burroughs, Benjamin Leo Rush, Tasos George Karahalios, Jacob Shieffelin Brauer, Rodney Hal Monson, Eric Christopher Sugalski, Dickon Isaacs, James Gerard Tappel, Thomas Franz Enders, Benjamin Mark Chow, Energy Cruse, II, Scott Andrew Brenneman
  • Patent number: 8382814
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F Wolf, Paul Human
  • Publication number: 20120116495
    Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8172746
    Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Narenk Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20110304824
    Abstract: A screen having a display angle of 360°, wherein in the light path of a projection means and in the area of the central axis of a projection surface closed about 360° formed by a pillar a mirror is located, wherein the mirror is configured as a spherical mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Franz Lechner, David Gabriel Lechner, Gregor Sebastian Lechner
  • Publication number: 20110295157
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 8057537
    Abstract: A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7998188
    Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kips Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Paul Zilla, Nasser Rafiee, Deon Bezuidenhout, Thomas Franz, Mark Yeoman, Hellmut Bowles, Nareak Douk, Michael F. Wolf, Paul Human
  • Patent number: 7978852
    Abstract: A method of partially scrambling a data stream (6) including transport stream packets (7), each transport stream packet (7) having a header (8) and a payload (9), wherein a sequence of transport stream packets (7) has payloads carrying encoded data elements, arranged in units (15), includes: selecting transport stream packets (7) forming a subsequence of the sequence, and scrambling at least part of the payloads (9) of each transport stream packet (7) in the subsequence. The method further includes monitoring the payloads (9) of at least some of the transport stream packets (7) in the sequence for the presence of data (22) indicating a boundary between two subsequent units (15), and, for selected units (15), including at least one of the transport stream packets (7) carrying data forming part of the selected unit (15) in the sub-sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Irdeto Access B.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Augustine Wajs, Gerard Johan Dekker, David Neil Siedle, Roelof Van Wijk, Ronaldus Petrus Johannes Hoogenboom, James Stewart Crosbie Palmer, Thomas Franz Stockhammer
  • Publication number: 20110083109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with an electronic display system including a display surface wherein the system is capable of identifying a touch location on at least a portion of the display surface of a contact with the display surface, the display surface having a display area, the method for moving a cursor icon about at least a portion of the display area and comprising the steps of identifying first and second areas within the display area having first and second area surfaces, respectively, sensing a touch location on the first area surface and presenting a cursor icon on the second area surface as a function of the touch location on the first area surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Peter W. Hildebrandt, Scott Paul Gillespie, Lynda Alison Deakin, Scott E. Wilson, Ian G. Hutchinson, Timothy J. Prachar, James D. Watson, Michael H. Dunn, Guy L. Williams, Ari T. Adler, Tony P. Patron, Stephen J. Senatore, Peter S. Macdonald, Matthew A. Desmond, Graham MacDonald Hicks, David Gilmore, Katrin Wegener, Jeanne M. Ragan, Thomas Franz Enders, Douglas R. Bourn, Eric Allan Macintosh, Mark A. Zeh
  • Publication number: 20100298467
    Abstract: A condensation curable silyl functional hydrocarbon polymer composition with improved adhesion to substrates. The composition comprises: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organic hydrocarbon polymer having a number average molecular weight of about 500 to about 300,000, and on average at least 1 hydrolyzable silyl group per molecule; (B) 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Stammer, Andreas Thomas Franz Wolf