Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Roberts

Thomas J. Roberts 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: 20230154636
    Abstract: An example for continuous removal of fission products from a molten-salt fueled nuclear reactor enclosed in a reactor containment may include separating actinides from other fission products flowing out of the reactor, returning the separated actinides back to the reactor to be consumed, and removing the other fission products out of the containment while the reactor is operating. In various embodiments, the reactor can be a critical reactor, a subcritical (e.g., accelerator-drive) reactor, or another type of reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Rolland Paul Johnson, Thomas J. Roberts, Bruce Kevin McNamara, Robert Bruce Vogelaar
  • Patent number: 10719882
    Abstract: Location information may be gathered, managed, stored, and/or otherwise utilized to determine unique geo-referenced locations. The geo-referenced locations may be utilized to inform various processes and decisions such as insurance underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, and risk/loss control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Travelers Indemnity Company
    Inventors: Dean M. Collins, Thomas J. Roberts, Thomas J. Maddalena, Ann S. Tuttle, Michael Kimball
  • Publication number: 20180204287
    Abstract: Location information may be gathered, managed, stored, and/or otherwise utilized to determine unique geo-referenced locations. The geo-referenced locations may be utilized to inform various processes and decisions such as insurance underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, and risk/loss control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Dean M. Collins, Thomas J. Roberts, Thomas J. Maddalena, Ann S. Tuttle, Michael Kimball
  • Patent number: 9953369
    Abstract: Location information may be gathered, managed, stored, and/or otherwise utilized to determine unique geo-referenced locations. The geo-referenced locations may be utilized to inform various processes and decisions such as insurance underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, and risk/loss control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Travelers Indemnity Company
    Inventors: Dean M. Collins, Thomas J. Roberts, Thomas J. Maddalena, Ann S. Tuttle, Michael Kimball
  • Patent number: 9821528
    Abstract: A method for applying a lubricant to a pressure relief valve during the process of applying the pressure relief valve to packaging. The method includes temporarily separating layers of the valve with a vacuum applicator when the lubricant is applied. A pressurized nozzle sprays or atomizes the lubricant into the valve opening. Graphite suspended in liquid silicone is used as the lubricant; it is recirculated in a reservoir to keep the graphite in suspension. Optical sensors check for valves before the entrance to, and after exit from, the vacuum applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Steve Kaganovich, Thomas J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20170246826
    Abstract: A method for applying a lubricant to a pressure relief valve during the process of applying the pressure relief valve to packaging. The method includes temporarily separating layers of the valve with a vacuum applicator when the lubricant is applied. A pressurized nozzle sprays or atomizes the lubricant into the valve opening. Graphite suspended in liquid silicone is used as the lubricant; it is recirculated in a reservoir to keep the graphite in suspension. Optical sensors check for valves before the entrance to, and after exit from, the vacuum applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Steve Kaganovich, Thomas J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20150038309
    Abstract: A method for applying a lubricant to a pressure relief valve during the process of applying the pressure relief valve to packaging. The method includes temporarily separating layers of the valve with a vacuum applicator when the lubricant is applied. A pressurized nozzle sprays or atomizes the lubricant into the valve opening. Graphite suspended in liquid silicone is used as the lubricant; it is recirculated in a reservoir to keep the graphite in suspension. Optical sensors check for valves before the entrance to, and after exit from, the vacuum applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Steve Kaganovich, Thomas J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8926432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing various forms of feedback are provided and can be implemented in a system, for example, between a gamer and a gaming system. One or more embodiments might be included and directed toward providing feedback between a gamer and the gaming system by way of one or more various forms of controllers that might be used by a gamer in playing a game or in setting up or configuring the game. Various bio-feedback mechanisms might be implemented to provide feedback from the game controller to the game in response to the condition, state, or behavior or the user. For example, in one embodiment, heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, or other biological or physiological sensors can be included with, incorporated in or integrated into the controller to sense a gamer's biological or physiological sensors condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8604722
    Abstract: This discloses a device called a particle refrigerator that will reduce the emittance of a charged particle beam. The particle refrigerator device is particularly well-suited for beams of particles created by interactions or decays of other particles, such as anti-protons, pions, ions, and muons, which are inherently created with very large emittances. It is a compact and inexpensive device compared to other systems for the emittance reduction of such beams. This device works by injecting beam particles backwards into the device, using the particle turn-around to match an incoming beam into a frictional cooling channel; this increases the acceptance of that channel by perhaps a thousandfold, making it practical to produce beams of high intensity and brightness. The frictional cooling is very effective, and simulations of its operation and performance give emittance reduction factors exceeding 30,000, with transmissions as high as 70%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Muons, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130262530
    Abstract: Location information may be gathered, managed, stored, and/or otherwise utilized to determine unique geo-referenced locations. The geo-referenced locations may be utilized to inform various processes and decisions such as insurance underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, and risk/loss control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: THE TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY
    Inventors: Dean M. Collins, Thomas J. Roberts, Thomas J. Maddalena, Ann S. Tuttle, Michael Kimball
  • Publication number: 20130262153
    Abstract: Location information may be gathered, managed, stored, and/or otherwise utilized to determine unique geo-referenced locations. The geo-referenced locations may be utilized to inform various processes and decisions such as insurance underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, and risk/loss control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: THE TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY
    Inventors: Dean M. Collins, Thomas J. Roberts, Thomas J. Maddalena, Ann S. Tuttle, Michael Kimball
  • Publication number: 20130262152
    Abstract: Location information may be gathered, managed, stored, and/or otherwise utilized to determine unique geo-referenced locations. The geo-referenced locations may be utilized to inform various processes and decisions such as insurance underwriting, risk assessment, pricing, and risk/loss control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: THE TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY
    Inventors: Dean M. Collins, Thomas J. Roberts, Thomas J. Maddalena, Ann S. Tuttle, Michael Kimball
  • Patent number: 8522926
    Abstract: A lubricant applicator unit for pressure relief valves for a system for applying pressure relief valves to packaging during a packaging process, including a vacuum applicator for temporarily separating layers of the valve when the lubricant is applied. A pressurized nozzle sprays or atomizes the lubricant into the valve opening. Graphite suspended in liquid silicone is used as the lubricant; it is recirculated in a reservoir to keep the graphite in suspension. Optical sensors check for valves before the entrance to, and after exit from, the vacuum applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Steve Kaganovich, Thomas J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8469823
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating special effect are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving an input information from a game controller; generating an output data set based on the input information received by the game controller at a game console; transmitting the output data to a stage kit; and generating special effects at the stage kit based on the output data received from the game console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110074287
    Abstract: This discloses a device called a particle refrigerator that will reduce the emittance of a charged particle beam. The particle refrigerator device is particularly well-suited for beams of particles created by interactions or decays of other particles, such as anti-protons, pions, ions, and muons, which are inherently created with very large emittances. It is a compact and inexpensive device compared to other systems for the emittance reduction of such beams. This device works by injecting beam particles backwards into the device, using the particle turn-around to match an incoming beam into a frictional cooling channel; this increases the acceptance of that channel by perhaps a thousandfold, making it practical to produce beams of high intensity and brightness. The frictional cooling is very effective, and simulations of its operation and performance give emittance reduction factors exceeding 30,000, with transmissions as high as 70%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7845387
    Abstract: Disposable curtains, systems and methods to install a disposable curtain, and methods of manufacturing a disposable curtain are disclosed. A disclosed system to install a disposable curtain includes: a washable mesh upper curtain; an installation bag structured to be suspended from an installer during installation; a disposable curtain located in the installation bag; and a plurality of connectors to removably suspend the disposable curtain from the upper curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hospital Therapy Products
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roberts, Thomas J. Roberts, Daniel Stout
  • Publication number: 20090233710
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing various forms of feedback are provided and can be implemented in a system, for example, between a gamer and a gaming system. One or more embodiments might be included and directed toward providing feedback between a gamer and the gaming system by way of one or more various forms of gaming peripherals or devices that might be used by a gamer in playing a game. Various bio-feedback mechanisms might be implemented to provide feedback from the game controller to the game in response to the condition, state, or behavior or the user. For example, in one embodiment, heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, skin resistivity sensors, or other biological or physiological sensors can be included with, incorporated in or integrated into the gaming peripheral to sense a gamer's biological or physiological sensors condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20090186705
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating special effect are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving an input information from a game controller; generating an output data set based on the input information received by the game controller at a game console; transmitting the output data to a stage kit; and generating special effects at the stage kit based on the output data received from the game console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20090173458
    Abstract: Disposable curtains, systems and methods to install a disposable curtain, and methods of manufacturing a disposable curtain are disclosed. A disclosed system to install a disposable curtain includes: a washable mesh upper curtain; an installation bag structured to be suspended from an installer during installation; a disposable curtain located in the installation bag; and a plurality of connectors to removably suspend the disposable curtain from the upper curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roberts, Thomas J. Roberts, Daniel Stout
  • Patent number: 7523778
    Abstract: Disposable curtains, systems and methods to install a disposable curtain, and methods of manufacturing a disposable curtain are disclosed. A disclosed system to install a disposable curtain includes: a washable mesh upper curtain; an installation bag structured to be suspended from an installer during installation; a disposable curtain located in the installation bag; and a plurality of connectors to removably suspend the disposable curtain from the upper curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hospital Therapy Products
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roberts, Thomas J. Roberts, Daniel Stout