Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Gregory
Thomas M. Gregory 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: 11942988Abstract: In some embodiments, an optical communication system may include an optical source, a modulator, and a photoreceiver. The optical source may be configured to generate a beam comprising a series of light pulses each having a duration of less than 100 picoseconds. The photoreceiver may have a detection window duration of less than 1 nanosecond. When a first pulse travels through a variably refractive medium, photons in the first pulse may be refracted to travel along different ray paths to arrive at the photoreceiver according to a temporal distribution curve. A full width at half maximum (FWHM) value of the temporal distribution curve may be at least three times as large as a coherence time value of the first pulse, and the detection window of the photoreceiver may be at least six times as large as the FWHM value of the temporal distribution curve.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Attochron, LLCInventors: Thomas M. Chaffee, Wayne Harvey Knox, Alexander B. LeBon, Brian M. Gregory, Taz M. Colangelo
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Publication number: 20240027776Abstract: A lens module may include a first lens element, a lens shaping structure that is coupled to the first lens element, and a plurality of actuators that are configured to adjust a position of the lens shaping structure to adjust the first lens element. The lens module may also include a second lens element and a fluid-filled chamber between the first and second lens elements. To allow dynamic adjustments of the second lens element without requiring additional actuators, the second lens element may be a semi-rigid lens element. When the actuators adjust the curvature of the first lens element, the gauge pressure applied to the second lens element is changed. This causes a change in curvature of the second lens element. The actuators may therefore adjust the curvature of both the first and second lens elements even though none of the actuators are attached to the second lens element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: James E. Pedder, Igor Stamenov, Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory, Michael D. Simmonds
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Publication number: 20230379637Abstract: An in-ear electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that defines an interior chamber surrounding a transducer and an opening from the interior chamber to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and an acoustic valve comprising a driven member coupled to a driving member having a lever and a shape memory alloy operable to cause the driven member to open and close the opening upon application of a current.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory, Scott C. Grinker, Christopher J. Walton, Julia C. Canning, Michael B. Nussbaum
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Patent number: 11815329Abstract: A holster defining a holster cavity; a locking element extending from a rotation portion to a locking engagement portion, the rotation portion including a helical portion formed in or around at least a portion of the rotation portion, the locking engagement portion including a handgun locking portion, the locking element being rotatable between a locking element retention position and a locking element release position, in the locking element retention position at least a portion of handgun locking portion extends into at least a portion of the holster cavity; and a pushrod extending from a release lever, the pushrod being slidable between a release lever retention position and a release lever release position such that if the pushrod is urged to the release lever release position, interaction between the pushrod and the helical portion causes the locking element to rotate toward the locking element release position.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Sentry Solutions Products Group LLCInventors: Eric M. Yeates, Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Marcus Byrd
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Publication number: 20230350209Abstract: An electronic device may include a display module that generates image light and an optical system that redirects the light towards an eye box. The optical system may have first hologram structures that replicate the light over multiple output angles onto second hologram structures. The second hologram structures may focus the replicated light onto the eye box. If desired, the device may include an image sensor. The first and second hologram structures may include transmission and/or reflection holograms. The optical system may redirect a first portion of the light to the eye box and a second portion of the light to the sensor. The sensor may generate image data based on the second portion of the light. Control circuitry may compensate for distortions in the first portion of the light by performing feedback adjustments to the display module based on distortions in the image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Matthew D. Hollands, Michael D. Simmonds, Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory
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Publication number: 20230324676Abstract: A lens module may include a transparent lens element, a lens shaping structure that is coupled to the transparent lens element, and a plurality of actuators that are configured to adjust a position of the lens shaping structure to adjust the transparent lens element. The lens shaping structure may include a plurality of extensions that are each coupled to a respective actuator. To ensure the lens shaping structure has desired curvature between the extensions, the lens shaping structure may have a portion in one or more segments between adjacent extensions that has a property with a different magnitude than an additional portion of the lens shaping structure. The portion between the adjacent extensions may have an increased or decreased rigidity relative to the additional portions. The portion between the adjacent extensions may have a different width, thickness, or Young's modulus compared to the additional portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Igor Stamenov, Richard J. Topliss, Ran He, Peng Lv, Yuan Li, James E. Pedder, Thomas M. Gregory
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Patent number: 11740460Abstract: An electronic device may include a display module that generates image light and an optical system that redirects the light towards an eye box. The optical system may have first hologram structures that replicate the light over multiple output angles onto second hologram structures. The second hologram structures may focus the replicated light onto the eye box. If desired, the device may include an image sensor. The first and second hologram structures may include transmission and/or reflection holograms. The optical system may redirect a first portion of the light to the eye box and a second portion of the light to the sensor. The sensor may generate image data based on the second portion of the light. Control circuitry may compensate for distortions in the first portion of the light by performing feedback adjustments to the display module based on distortions in the image data.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Hollands, Michael D. Simmonds, Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory
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Patent number: 11714284Abstract: An augmented reality headset may include a reflective holographic combiner to direct light from a light engine into a user's eye while also transmitting light from the environment. The combiner and engine may be arranged to project light fields with different fields of view and resolution to match the visual acuity of the eye. The combiner may be recorded with a series of point to point holograms; one projection point interacts with multiple holograms to project light onto multiple eye box points. The engine may include a laser diode array, a distribution waveguide, scanning mirrors, and layered waveguides that perform pupil expansion and that emit wide beams of light through foveal projection points and narrower beams of light through peripheral projection points. The light engine may include focusing elements to focus the beams such that, once reflected by the holographic combiner, the light is substantially collimated.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Paul J. Gelsinger-Austin, Thomas M. Gregory, Richard H. Tsai, Alexander Shpunt
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Publication number: 20230228522Abstract: A holster for a handgun, having at least some of an at least partial cavity; a lever having a thumb button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a locking projection extending from at least a portion of the engagement portion, wherein the lever is pivotally attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster, approximately between the thumb button portion and the engagement portion; and a lockout element, wherein at least a portion of the lockout element is positionable to block movement of the lever to keep the lever from being pivoted to a disengaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Clifton L. Cook, Eric M. Yeates, Thomas A. Marx
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Patent number: 11695913Abstract: A mixed reality direct retinal projector system that may include a headset that uses a reflective holographic combiner to direct light from a light engine into an eye box corresponding to a user's eye. The light engine may include light sources coupled to projectors that independently project light to the holographic combiner from different projection points. The light sources may be in a unit separate from the headset that may be carried on a user's hip, or otherwise carried or worn separately from the headset. Each projector may include a collimating and focusing element, an active focusing element, and a two-axis scanning mirror to project light from a respective light source to the holographic combiner. The holographic combiner may be recorded with a series of point to point holograms; each projector interacts with multiple holograms to project light onto multiple locations in the eye box.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Apple, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory, Paul J. Gelsinger-Austin, Richard H. Tsai
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Patent number: 11567204Abstract: In some embodiments, a depth map acquisition system, includes a housing, a light source for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping, fixedly mounted to the housing, a mirror tilt actuator, fixedly mounted to the housing, for tilting a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to the objects, and a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory
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Patent number: 11561064Abstract: A holster for a handgun, having at least some of an at least partial cavity; a lever having a thumb button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a locking projection extending from at least a portion of the engagement portion, wherein the lever is pivotally attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster, approximately between the thumb button portion and the engagement portion; and a lockout element, wherein at least a portion of the lockout element is positionable to block movement of the lever to keep the lever from being pivoted to a disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLCInventors: Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Clifton L. Cook, Eric M. Yeates, Thomas A. Marx
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Patent number: 11435583Abstract: An electronic device may have back-to-back displays. A user-facing display may have microlenses, tunable lens structures, holograms, lasers, and other structures for displaying images in multiple eye boxes while the electronic device is being worn on the head of a user. In some configurations, a switchable diffuser may be incorporated into the user-facing display. In one mode, the switchable diffuser allows microlenses of the pixels of the user-facing display to provide images to eye boxes in which images from the display are viewable. In another mode, the switchable diffuser diffuses light from the pixels so that the user-facing display may be used while the device is being held in the hand of the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: James E. Pedder, James H. Foster, Paul G. Puskarich, Thomas M. Gregory, Richard J. Topliss, Patrick R. Gill
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Publication number: 20220128819Abstract: An augmented reality headset may include a reflective holographic combiner to direct light from a light engine into a user's eye while also transmitting light from the environment. The combiner and engine may be arranged to project light fields with different fields of view and resolution to match the visual acuity of the eye. The combiner may be recorded with a series of point to point holograms; one projection point interacts with multiple holograms to project light onto multiple eye box points. The engine may include a laser diode array, a distribution waveguide, scanning mirrors, and layered waveguides that perform pupil expansion and that emit wide beams of light through foveal projection points and narrower beams of light through peripheral projection points. The light engine may include focusing elements to focus the beams such that, once reflected by the holographic combiner, the light is substantially collimated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2021Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Paul J. Gelsinger-Austin, Thomas M. Gregory, Richard H. Tsai, Alexander Shpunt
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Patent number: 11280569Abstract: An overmolded/through-molded firearm magazine including at least some of one or more wall portions defining a magazine core, wherein the magazine core extends from a substantially open top portion to a substantially open bottom portion and at least partially defines a core cavity; at least one core aperture/recess formed through a portion of one or more of the one or more wall portions; and an overmolded body formed atop at least a portion of an exterior surface of the magazine core, wherein at least a portion of the overmolded body extends at least partially through the at least one core aperture/recess, forming a through-core protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Sentry Solutions Products Group LLCInventors: Eric M. Yeates, Thomas M. Gregory, James D. Smith, Graham J. Francis
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Patent number: 11215829Abstract: An augmented reality headset may include a reflective holographic combiner to direct light from a light engine into a user's eye while also transmitting light from the environment. The combiner and engine may be arranged to project light fields with different fields of view and resolution to match the visual acuity of the eye. The combiner may be recorded with a series of point to point holograms; one projection point interacts with multiple holograms to project light onto multiple eye box points. The engine may include a laser diode array, a distribution waveguide, scanning mirrors, and layered waveguides that perform pupil expansion and that emit wide beams of light through foveal projection points and narrower beams of light through peripheral projection points. The light engine may include focusing elements to focus the beams such that, once reflected by the holographic combiner, the light is substantially collimated.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Paul J. Gelsinger-Austin, Thomas M. Gregory, Richard H. Tsai, Alexander Shpunt
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Patent number: 11160560Abstract: A tourniquet system embedded within the garment, the tourniquet system including a band, an optional bar, and an anti-pinch plate. The bar comprises an elongate portion of material having a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, at least one aperture formed in the bar so as to accept the band and allow the band to pass therethrough, at least one locking protrusion that extends from at least one of the first end portion or the second end portion. The anti-pinch plate includes one or more band receiving apertures formed so as to accept the band and allow the band to pass therethrough, wherein the anti-pinch plate includes one or more locking notches formed substantially along an edge portion of the anti-pinch plate, wherein the locking notches provide a means for securing at least a portion of the bar to the anti-pinch plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: SALANG, LLCInventors: Keith J. Rose, Eric M. Yeates, Mark D. Gantar, Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Richard Siberell, Clifton L. Cook, Thomas A. Marx
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Patent number: 11122256Abstract: A mixed reality direct retinal projector system that may include a headset that uses a reflective holographic combiner to direct light from a light engine into an eye box corresponding to a user's eye. The light engine may include light sources coupled to projectors that independently project light to the holographic combiner from different projection points. The light sources may be in a unit separate from the headset that may be carried on a user's hip, or otherwise carried or worn separately from the headset. Each projector may include a collimating and focusing element, an active focusing element, and a two-axis scanning mirror to project light from a respective light source to the holographic combiner. The holographic combiner may be recorded with a series of point to point holograms; each projector interacts with multiple holograms to project light onto multiple locations in the eye box.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory, Paul J. Gelsinger-Austin, Richard H. Tsai
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Publication number: 20210215454Abstract: A holster for a handgun, having at least some of an at least partial cavity; a lever having a thumb button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a locking projection extending from at least a portion of the engagement portion, wherein the lever is pivotally attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster, approximately between the thumb button portion and the engagement portion; and a lockout element, wherein at least a portion of the lockout element is positionable to block movement of the lever to keep the lever from being pivoted to a disengaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Clifton L. Cook, Eric M. Yeates, Thomas A. Marx
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Patent number: 10962325Abstract: A holster for a handgun, having at least some of an at least partial cavity; a lever having a thumb button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a locking projection extending from at least a portion of the engagement portion, wherein the lever is pivotally attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster, approximately between the thumb button portion and the engagement portion; and a lockout element, wherein at least a portion of the lockout element is positionable to block movement of the lever to keep the lever from being pivoted to a disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLCInventors: Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Clifton L. Cook, Eric M. Yeates, Thomas A. Marx