Patents by Inventor Thomas Hicks
Thomas Hicks 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: 9278577Abstract: A decorative fabricated covering includes a first piece of vinyl. A first ink layer is printed on the first piece of vinyl and a textured layer is printed on top of the first ink layer. A second ink layer is printed on a second separate piece of vinyl. The first and second pieces of vinyl are then laminated together. An overprint layer may be printed on top of the textured layer and a second textured layer may be printed on top of the overprint resin layer. A domed layer may be formed on top of the second ink layer and a reflective material, such as glitter, may be mixed in the second textured layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Artscape, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Hicks
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Publication number: 20160041319Abstract: A bird anti-collision film prevents birds from flying into windows by disrupting visible habitat reflections that might appear on the outside of the windows. The anti-collision film blocks and/or absorbs light that may normally be reflected by a window and also actively scatters, and fluoresces light creating an active light disturbance. The disrupted light includes a light range highly visible by many birds but only partially visible by humans. A textured surface in combination with a fluorescent dye in the anti-collision film increases the intensity and range of the light disturbance. The anti-collision film may be attached to the inside of a window providing the unique advantages of easy inside window installation and insulation from external weather conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicant: Artscape Inc.Inventor: Thomas HICKS
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Publication number: 20150160385Abstract: A bird anti-collision film prevents birds from flying into windows by disrupting visible habitat reflections that might appear on the outside of the windows. Instead of simply blocking or absorbing light, the anti-collision film actively refracts and scatters light generating an active light disturbance. The refracted light includes an ultraviolet light range visible by many birds. A textured surface and an optical brightener increase the intensity of the refracted light disturbance. The anti-collision film increases active light disturbance intensity when attached to the inside of a window providing the unique advantages of easy inside window installation and insulation from external weather conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: Artscape Inc.Inventor: Thomas HICKS
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Publication number: 20150140270Abstract: A decorative fabricated covering includes a first piece of vinyl. A first ink layer is printed on the first piece of vinyl and a textured layer is printed on top of the first ink layer. A second ink layer is printed on a second separate piece of vinyl. The first and second pieces of vinyl are then laminated together. An overprint layer may be printed on top of the textured layer and a second textured layer may be printed on top of the overprint resin layer. A domed layer may be formed on top of the second ink layer and a reflective material, such as glitter, may be mixed in the second textured layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: ARTSCAPE, INC.Inventor: Thomas Hicks
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Patent number: 8140369Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the manufacturing workforce and reducing workforce boredom in an assembly plant is provided. A master database contains all the plant workers along with all of the assembly tasks required to be performed at the assembly plant for a predetermined period, a repetitive threshold value for each worker, and a burden value for each assembly task. Each worker is assigned to a particular assembly task based upon the attributes of the worker and the assembly task requirements. A first schedule is generated by matching assembly tasks to a worker. The first schedule is then used to generate a second schedule such that workers do not exceed a repetitive value threshold or a burden value threshold. Thus the method and system generates schedules such that workers are given a variety of assembly tasks and therefore are not bored by performing the same task repetitively.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Robin Paul, Thomas Hicks, Dan Ryder, Angela Colleen Weber-Hicks, Gregory Evers
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Patent number: 8007896Abstract: A textured window film has a prismatic effect that allows a substantial amount of incoming light to pass through a window while refracting the light at random or semi-random angles in a manner that distorts viewed images. The result is a window film that is brighter and more vibrant while also providing visual privacy. The textured window film can therefore better simulate real textured and colored glass.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Artscape, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hicks, Michael John Kyne
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Publication number: 20100049574Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the manufacturing workforce and reducing workforce boredom in an assembly plant is provided. A master database contains all the plant workers along with all of the assembly tasks required to be performed at the assembly plant for a predetermined period, a repetitive threshold value for each worker, and a burden value for each assembly task. Each worker is assigned to a particular assembly task based upon the attributes of the worker and the assembly task requirements. A first schedule is generated by matching assembly tasks to a worker. The first schedule is then used to generate a second schedule such that workers do not exceed a repetitive value threshold or a burden value threshold. Thus the method and system generates schedules such that workers are given a variety of assembly tasks and therefore are not bored by performing the same task repetitively.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Robin Paul, Thomas Hicks, Dan Ryder, Angela C. Weber-Hicks, Gregory Evers
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Publication number: 20090068408Abstract: A textured window film has a prismatic effect that allows a substantial amount of incoming light to pass through a window while refracting the light at random or semi-random angles in a manner that distorts viewed images. The result is a window film that is brighter and more vibrant while also providing visual privacy. The textured window film can therefore better simulate real textured and colored glass.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: Artscape, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hicks, Michael John Kyne
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Patent number: 7468203Abstract: A textured window film has a prismatic effect that allows a substantial amount of incoming light to pass through a window while refracting the light at random or semi-random angles in a manner that distorts viewed images. The result is a window film that is brighter and more vibrant while also providing visual privacy. The textured window film can therefore better simulate real textured and colored glass.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Artscape, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hicks, Michael John Kyne
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Publication number: 20070275167Abstract: A textured window film has a prismatic effect that allows a substantial amount of incoming light to pass through a window while refracting the light at random or semi-random angles in a manner that distorts viewed images. The result is a window film that is brighter and more vibrant while also providing visual privacy. The textured window film can therefore better simulate real textured and colored glass.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: Artscape, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Hicks, Michael Kyne
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Patent number: 7248955Abstract: A method is provided for operating a proximity sensing unit for controlling an accessory device of a vehicle. A plurality of proximity sensors is disposed in a sequential pattern within a sensing unit whereby the proximity sensors are responsive to a manual activation. At least two activation signals are received from at least two proximity sensors in response to the manual activation. An activation sequence of at least two activation signals is determined. One of a plurality of control actions associated with the activation sequence is selected. A control action is initiated for controlling an operation of the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: David A. Hein, Thomas Hicks, James A. Mulvihill, Lori A. Edwards
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Publication number: 20070069541Abstract: A modular floor storage system that may be easily and quickly mounted, dismounted, and locked into position without the need for elaborate mounting track systems. Further the modular floor storage system may be configured in many ways by the user and located in several locations within the vehicle. Electrical connection may also be provided allowing power to be supplied for purposes such as battery-charging, lighting and the incorporation of cooling or heating capacity to the storage system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2005Publication date: March 29, 2007Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Alan Sturt, James Mulvihill, Todd DePue, Thomas Hicks, Won-Tai Kim, David Cauvin
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Publication number: 20060261566Abstract: A spare tire container is provided that includes first and second housing portions hingedly connected to one another and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to one of the housing portions. Each housing portion includes a tire-receiving cavity formed therein. The first and second housing portions may be connected with a living hinge and integrally formed with the living hinge as a unitary construction using a blow molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2005Publication date: November 23, 2006Inventors: James Mulvihill, Thomas Hicks, Jason Gamache
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Patent number: 7121601Abstract: An integrated storage system for vehicles includes an expandable container secured to and extendable from a vertical panel of the vehicle to at least one predetermined position to accommodate cargo. The container is collapsible so that it is substantially flush with the vertical panel when not in use and may be made of fabric or netting, for example. A semi-rigid end panel with a handle may be secured to the container to facilitate deploying and stowing the container. Depending on the application, the container may be removable from the vehicle to transport cargo. The storage system may be integrated into various locations including a cargo area, behind a seat or seats, in a truck bed, or in the trunk of a vehicle, for example.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: James A Mulvihill, Tracy Simpson, Thomas Hicks, Douglas Kroll
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Publication number: 20060022479Abstract: An integrated storage system for vehicles includes an expandable container secured to and extendable from a vertical panel of the vehicle to at least one predetermined position to accommodate cargo. The container is collapsible so that it is substantially flush with the vertical panel when not in use and may be made of fabric or netting, for example. A semi-rigid end panel with a handle may be secured to the container to facilitate deploying and stowing the container. Depending on the application, the container may be removable from the vehicle to transport cargo. The storage system may be integrated into various locations including a cargo area, behind a seat or seats, in a truck bed, or in the trunk of a vehicle, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2004Publication date: February 2, 2006Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: James Mulvihill, Tracy Simpson, Thomas Hicks, Douglas Kroll
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Publication number: 20050255292Abstract: A textured window film has a prismatic effect that allows a substantial amount of incoming light to pass through a window while refracting the light at random or semi-random angles in a manner that distorts viewed images. The result is a window film that is brighter and more vibrant while also providing visual privacy. The textured window film can therefore better simulate real textured and colored glass.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2004Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: Thomas Hicks, Michael Kyne
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Publication number: 20050218680Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly for a vehicle cargo area includes a storage panel and a flange portion extending outwardly from an end of the storage panel. The flange portion is adapted to be mounted to an interior component of a vehicle such that the storage panel is positionable to a stowed position, and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the storage panel divides at least a portion of the vehicle cargo area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2004Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: James Mulvihill, Thomas Hicks, Won-Tai Kim
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Publication number: 20050155696Abstract: A method of affixing a gasket to a transparent substrate utilizing a fixture having a channel formed therein, into which the gasket is inserted and held in place by, for example, a vacuum. Alternatively, a removable form may be inserted into the channel, and the elastomeric member/gasket is inserted into the removable form. A suitable substrate is precisely positioned on the fixture in a predetermined position relative to the elastomeric member. An adhesion promoting primer may be applied to the substrate, and an adhesive may be applied to the gasket, or to the substrate. The elastomeric member is then bonded to the transparent substrate. Finally, the completed assembly is removed from the fixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Charles Ash, Thomas Hicks
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Publication number: 20050132564Abstract: A seal attachment fixture is provided for attaching a seal to an encapsulated gasket disposed on a work piece, for example, an automotive window assembly. The seal attachment fixture includes wedge portions, which slidably move into contact with openable lip portions on the gasket, thus exposing a retention slot defined therein. With the gasket retention slot open, a seal is then inserted within the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2005Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: Thomas Hicks, Thomas Lingle
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Publication number: 20050137765Abstract: A method is provided for operating a proximity sensing unit for controlling an accessory device of a vehicle. A plurality of proximity sensors is disposed in a sequential pattern within a sensing unit whereby the proximity sensors are responsive to a manual activation. At least two activation signals are received from at least two proximity sensors in response to the manual activation. An activation sequence of at least two activation signals is determined. One of a plurality of control actions associated with the activation sequence is selected. A control action is initiated for controlling an operation of the accessory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: David Hein, Thomas Hicks, James Mulvihill, Lori Edwards