Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Walter
Thomas H. Walter 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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Patent number: 7223473Abstract: Novel material for chromatographic separations, processes for its preparation, and separations devices containing the chromatographic material. In particular, the disclosure describes porous inorganic/organic hybrid particles having a chromatographically-enhancing pore geometry, which desirably may be surface modified, and that offer more efficient chromatographic separations than that known in the art.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Waters Investments LimitedInventors: Zhiping Jiang, Raymond P. Fisk, John O'Gara, Thomas H. Walter, Kevin D. Wyndham
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Patent number: 7196659Abstract: A portable GPS/radio unit communicates over a wireless radio network with at least one other unit which is transmitting radio signals over the network indicative of that unit's location. The GPS/radio unit comprises a GPS receiver for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of satellites, a radio receiver for receiving the radio signals transmitted by the other unit, a processor for calculating the unit's location as a function of the received satellite signals and for identifying the location of the other unit based on the received radio signals, and a display for indicating the location of the other unit. The display may indicate the respective locations of multiple units and may also display unique identifiers for each of the units. A system and method for indicating the location of one portable GPS/radio unit on the display of another portable GPS/radio unit involves at least two such units communicating with one another over a wireless radio network.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Garmin CorporationInventors: Lawrence W. Beason, Thomas H. Walters, Ronald B. Kabler
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Patent number: 7117088Abstract: A multi-function, portable, electronic device includes a housing, a processor located within the housing and a memory in communication with the processor. The electronic device includes a display in communication with the processor and positioned on a surface of the housing. The electronic device includes an apparatus for performing a first function, and an apparatus for performing a second function. One of the functions includes a navigational component. The navigational component includes an antenna attached to the housing and movable between a stowed position and a signal acquisition position. A deployment indicator indicates the antenna is in the signal acquisition position. An operational component of the navigational component is activated in response to the deployment indicator indicating the antenna is in the signal acquisition position.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Christopher J. Hanshew, Thomas H. Walters
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Patent number: 7099771Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for interfacing to navigation operations. An application programming interface (API) library is provided having navigation modules, guidance modules, routing modules, and mapping modules. The API is accessible to customized modules operating on a portable electronic device. The customized modules are operable to selectively access and process a number of the modules using the API library while the customized modules are processing on the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Cliff A. Pemble
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Patent number: 7099775Abstract: A multi-function, portable, electronic device includes a housing, a processor located within the housing and a memory in communication with the processor. The electronic device includes a display in communication with the processor and positioned on a surface of the housing. The electronic device includes an apparatus for performing a first function, and an apparatus for performing a second function. One of the functions includes a navigational component. The navigational component includes an antenna attached to the housing and movable between a stowed position and a signal acquisition position. A deployment indicator indicates the antenna is in the signal acquisition position. An operational component of the navigational component is activated in response to the deployment indicator indicating the antenna is in the signal acquisition position.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Christopher J. Hanshew, Richard J. Haigh, Thomas H. Walters
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Patent number: 7079947Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to display or otherwise provide addresses in proximity to the device, and to periodically update the addresses as the navigational aid device is transported along a road. The device is adapted to be transported on a road. The device includes a processor and a memory adapted to communicate with the processor. The processor and the memory are adapted to cooperate to provide an address that is proximate to the device. Another aspect includes a method. According to one method embodiment, an address proximate to a navigational aid device is estimated and displayed on the navigational aid device. Other aspects are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Shane R. Runquist, Stephen C. Robinson, Thomas H. Walters, Mark D. Tompkins
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Patent number: 7062374Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for interfacing to navigation operations. An application programming interface (API) library is provided having navigation modules, guidance modules, routing modules, and mapping modules. The API is accessible to customized modules operating on a portable electronic device. The customized modules are operable to selectively access and process a number of the modules using the API library while the customized modules are processing on the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Cliff A. Pemble
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Patent number: 7062378Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for an improved navigational route planning device which provides more understandable, accurate and timely route calculation capabilities. The navigational aid device with route calculation capabilities includes a processor connected to a memory. The memory includes cartographic data and a desired destination, the cartographic data including data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types. A display is connected to the processor and is capable of displaying the cartographic data. The device is adapted to calculate a route to navigate to the desired destination. And, the device is adapted to adjust a starting point for the route calculation to an appropriate location such that the device is on the route at a time when the route calculation is completed. The device processes travel along the route, recognizes when the device has deviated from the route, and calculates a new route to navigate to the desired destination.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Garmin, Ltd.Inventors: Jay Dee Krull, Michael Childs, Scott M. Burgett, Thomas H. Walters
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Patent number: 7034747Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly linking a GPS device (12) with a portable electronic device (14) to provide the portable electronic device (14) with GPS functions. The GPS device (12) includes a GPS receiver or sensor (16) operable for receiving OPS satellite signals from a plurality of GPS satellites and a transmitter (18) coupled with the GPS receiver for wirelessly transmitting information corresponding to the GPS satellite signals. The portable electronic device (14) includes a receiver for wirelessly receiving the information transmitted by the GPS device (12) and a display for displaying data corresponding to the GPS satellite signals. The transmitter (18) of the GPS device (12) and the receiver of the portable electronic device (14) 10 preferably wirelessly transmit and receive information via a short range wireless local area network (LAN) using infrared, unlicensed radio, or optical transmission methods.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Ronald B. Kabler
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Patent number: 7030810Abstract: A navigation apparatus (10) configured for removably coupling with and providing navigational capabilities to a portable, handheld computing device (12). The navigation apparatus (10) includes a navigation receiver (26) for receiving navigation signals from a plurality of sources; a processor (24) coupled with the navigation receiver (26) for determining a location of the navigation apparatus (10) as a function of the received navigation signals; and an interface/connector (44). The interface/connector (44) is either a Secure Digital slot connector or a Compact Flash slot connector. Location data stored in the navigation apparatus (10) and data representative of the location determined by the navigation apparatus (10) may be delivered from the processor (24) to the handheld computing device (12) so that it may be displayed and used by a user of the device (12).Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Garman Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Michael R. Wiegers, Robert M. Kalis
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Patent number: 7013216Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for interfacing to navigation operations. An application programming interface (API) library is provided having navigation modules, guidance modules, routing modules, and mapping modules. The API is accessible to customized modules operating on a portable electronic device. The customized modules are operable to selectively access and process a number of the modules using the API library while the customized modules are processing on the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Cliff A. Pemble
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Patent number: 6970130Abstract: A navigation apparatus (10) configured for removably coupling with and providing navigational capabilities to a portable, handheld computing device (12). The navigation apparatus (10) includes a navigation receiver (26) for receiving navigation signals from a plurality of sources; a processor (24) coupled with the navigation receiver (26) for determining a location of the navigation apparatus (10) as a function of the received navigation signals; and an interface/connector (44). The interface/connector (44) is either a Secure Digital slot connector or a Compact Flash slot connector. Location data stored in the navigation apparatus (10) and data representative of the location determined by the navigation apparatus (10) may be delivered from the processor (24) to the handheld computing device (12) so that it may be displayed and used by a user of the device (12).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Michael R. Wiegers, Robert M. Kalis
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Patent number: 6947838Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for an improved navigational route planning device which provides more understandable, accurate and timely route calculation capabilities. A PDA with route calculation capabilities includes a processor connected to a memory. The memory includes cartographic data and a desired destination, the cartographic data including data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types. A display is connected to the processor and is capable of displaying the cartographic data. The PDA is adapted to calculate a route to navigate to the desired destination. And, the PDA is adapted to adjust a starting point for the route calculation to an appropriate location such that the PDA is on the route at a time when the route calculation is completed. The PDA processes travel along the route, recognizes when the PDA has deviated from the route, and calculates a new route to navigate to the desired destination.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Jay Dee Krull, Michael E. Childs, Scott M. Burgett, Thomas H. Walters
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Patent number: 6934657Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for monitoring water temperature. One method includes receiving water temperature data and graphically presenting the data. The data is presented having the water temperature data graphically differentiated to indicate when the water temperature data crosses a threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Michael E. Carlson, Scott J. Brunk, Darrin W. Kabel, Thomas H. Walters
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Patent number: 6859721Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to display or otherwise provide addresses in proximity to the device, and to periodically update the addresses as the navigational aid device is transported along a road. The device is adapted to be transported on a road. The device includes a processor and a memory adapted to communicate with the processor. The processor and the memory are adapted to cooperate to provide an address that is proximate to the device. Another aspect includes a method. According to one method embodiment, an address proximate to a navigational aid device is estimated and displayed on the navigational aid device. Other aspects are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Shane R. Runquist, Stephen C. Robinson, Thomas H. Walters, Mark D. Tompkins
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Patent number: 6856899Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for an improved navigational route planning device which provides more understandable, accurate and timely route calculation capabilities. The navigational aid device with route calculation capabilities includes a processor connected to a memory. The memory includes cartographic data and a desired destination, the cartographic data including data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types. A display is connected to the processor and is capable of displaying the cartographic data. The device is adapted to calculate a route to navigate to the desired destination. And, the device is adapted to adjust a starting point for the route calculation to an appropriate location such that the device is on the route at a time when the route calculation is completed. The device processes travel along the route, recognizes when the device has deviated from the route, and calculates a new route to navigate to the desired destination.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Jay Dee Krull, Michael Childs, Scott M. Burgett, Thomas H. Walters
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Patent number: 6850844Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for portable navigation devices with various integrated positioning functionality. The apparatus includes a portable electronic device having a processor in communication with a memory. The memory is adapted to store navigation related data. The navigation related data includes cartographic data including a number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations. The portable electronic device includes a GPS receiver adapted to communicate with the memory and processor. And, the portable electronic device includes a dead reckoning component, including a rate gyro, pedometer, and/or accelerometer adapted to communicate to memory and processor.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Cliff A. Pemble, Min H. Kao
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Patent number: 6816782Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for navigation data transfer between portable devices are provided. A handheld electronic device is provided which includes a processor and a memory adapted to communicate with the processor. The memory is adapted to store navigation related data. The navigation related data includes cartographic data including a number of locations and data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types connecting certain ones of the locations. The memory is further adapted to store software including software operable to perform navigation applications such as routing algorithms. The handheld electronic device includes a transceiver. The transceiver is adapted to transmit and receive the navigation related data and applications wirelessly between an other portable electronic device and/or larger clients such as a remote server.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Jay Dee Krull, Ronald B. Kabler
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Patent number: 6801855Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for complementary navigation devices with various integrated positioning functionality. The navigation method includes providing a first navigation device. The first navigation device includes a triangulation positioning functionality. The method includes providing a second navigation device adapted to communicate with the first navigation device. The second navigation device includes one or more dead reckoning positioning components. The method further includes resolving a position of the first and the second navigation devices. Resolving the position includes using the one or more dead reckoning positioning components in complement to the triangulation positioning functionality to determine the position when the triangulation positioning functionality is degraded.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Walters, Cliff A. Pemble, Min H. Kao
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Publication number: 20040191516Abstract: Novel material for chromatographic separations, processes for its preparation, and separations devices containing the chromatographic material. In particular, the disclosure describes porous inorganic/organic hybrid particles having a chromatographically-enhancing pore geometry, which desirably may be surface modified, and that offer more efficient chromatographic separations than that known in the art.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Waters Investments LimitedInventors: Zhiping Jiang, Raymond P. Fisk, John O'Gara, Thomas H. Walter, Kevin D. Wyndham