Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Blair

Thomas J. Blair 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: 9744014
    Abstract: Oral engagement assemblies and methods of using the oral engagement assemblies are provided. In a general aspect, the oral engagement assembly includes a mouthpiece having a handle and a support attached to the handle. A diagnostic receptacle is insertable into the mouth-piece to form the oral engagement assembly. One or more diagnostic sensors can be fixedly or releasably inserted into the diagnostic receptacle. Kits useful for making the oral engagement assemblies and using such oral engagement assemblies for diagnosing a condition or disease in the animal are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Rebecca Smith, Thomas J. Blair, J. William Nottingham
  • Patent number: 8799015
    Abstract: Methods and systems related to wellcare management are disclosed. The methods comprise enrolling wellcare providers and consumers, offering wellcare plans, and providing automated payment processing and collection in connection with the wellcare plans. The methods also allow the wellcare management systems to interface with the wellcare provider's practice management software administered by a third party. Preferably, the wellcare plan providers are veterinarians, particularly independent veterinarians. Systems employing the methods over one or more computer networks are also disclosed, as are articles comprising computer readable media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec SA
    Inventors: David B. Goodnight, Steven R. Johnson, Thomas J. Blair
  • Publication number: 20130266905
    Abstract: The invention provides oral engagement assemblies and methods of using the oral engagement assemblies. In a general aspect, the oral engagement assembly includes a mouthpiece comprising a handle and a support attached to the handle. A diagnostic receptacle is insertable into the mouth-piece to form the oral engagement assembly. One or more diagnostic sensors can be fixedly or releasably inserted into the diagnostic receptacle. The invention also provides kits useful for making the oral engagement assemblies and using such oral engagement assemblies for diagnosing a condition or disease in the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Rebecca Smith, Thomas J. Blair, J. William Nottingham
  • Publication number: 20130090940
    Abstract: Methods and systems related to wellcare management are disclosed. The methods comprise enrolling wellcare providers and consumers, offering wellcare plans, and providing automated payment processing and collection in connection with the wellcare plans. The methods also allow the wellcare management systems to interface with the wellcare provider's practice management software administered by a third party. Preferably, the wellcare plan providers are veterinarians, particularly independent veterinarians. Systems employing the methods over one or more computer networks are also disclosed, as are articles comprising computer readable media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: David B. Goodnight, Steven R. Johnson, Thomas J. Blair