Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Hughes

Thomas M. Hughes 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: 10485219
    Abstract: A method and device for training a canine to detect certain compounds is disclosed. A training aid material delivery device (TAMDD) includes a reservoir for a compound and capillary tube for allowing the diffusion of the compound into a testing area. Dimensions of the capillary tube can be changed to alter the diffusion rate and total diffused quantity of a compound. A trainer uses a series of smaller diameter and/or longer length capillary tubes to train the canine's scent detection ability. The TAMDD is low cost, comprised of durable and inert materials, has customizable emission rates, and delivers a consistent scent/odor profile during training sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Thomas M Hughes
  • Patent number: 9279748
    Abstract: A disseminated vapor capture device for challenging a gas sampling apparatus with a vapor stream, includes an inlet being adapted for connection to a vapor generating apparatus producing a vapor stream containing target particles or analytes, an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber in communication with the inlet, the inner chamber being adapted for passing the vapor stream therethrough, an outlet being adapted for connection to a vacuum source, the outlet being in communication with the inner chamber for passing the vapor stream out of the inner chamber, and at least one sampling port in communication with the inner chamber, the at least one sampling port each being configured for coupling engagement with a gas sampling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Thomas M. Hughes, Kwok Y Ong
  • Patent number: 7550693
    Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes internal flow passages through which filler media, gas, and coolant may flow. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, and includes an optics assembly disposed therein. The wand is configured such that the optics assembly, or portions thereof, may be readily serviced without having to breach coolant seals or remove a plurality of threaded screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Hughes, Clyde R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7307237
    Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes a main body that is dimensioned to be grasped by a hand and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a laser extension tip and a feeder material extension tip in a configuration that provides the hand-held laser welding wand with the capability of conducting laser welding operations in relatively deep crevices or other hard to reach places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Hughes, Clyde R. Taylor, James N. Brown
  • Patent number: 7112761
    Abstract: A hand-held laser-welding wand includes a gas lens assembly that develops an inert gas atmosphere around a weld pool. The lens assembly additionally reflects laser light and thermal radiation that is reflected off a work piece surface away from the hand of a user of the hand-held laser welding wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Hughes, Clyde R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7030337
    Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes one or more removable filler media delivery extension tips. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms may be supplied to the weld area on a workpiece using various types of delivery systems and methods, including fully automated, semi-automated, or manually. The filler media may be wholly or partially delivered via the filler media delivery passages. One or more of the extension tips may be inserted into the filler media delivery passages to efficiently, precisely, and robustly supply filler media of various types and forms to the workpiece weld area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin C. Baker, Federico Renteria, Clyde R. Taylor, Thomas M. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7012216
    Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes internal flow passages through which filler media, gas, and coolant may flow. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms, gas, and coolant may be supplied to the hand-held laser welding wand via external systems and delivery devices without substantially impairing operation of the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International
    Inventors: Martin C. Baker, Clyde R. Taylor, Thomas M. Hughes, Federico Renteria, William F. Hehmann
  • Patent number: 5054229
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder for mounting on a boat and being universally applied selectively either to the gunwale of the boat, or to round or square railings mounted on the boat. The holder includes a bracket having two members detachably secured to the railing and is formed with opposing surfaces of circular configuration adapted to encircle round railings having at least two different sizes. The members are also formed with opposing protruding elements having surfaces arranged to contact surfaces adjacent the corners of a square railing having a predetermined cross-section. Two embodiments of a spacer device are disclosed as having thicknesses to supplement the differences in cross-sectional dimensions for square railings of different sizes. One of the members is formed with a plurality of bores arranged for detachably mounting a fishing rod at a plurality of angles relative to the axis of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hughes
  • Patent number: 4674222
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder for mounting on the inside wall of the gunwale of a boat. The holder includes a bracket which pivotably secures a ring that is used for extending over the handle of the rod for holding the rod in an inclined position over the side of the boat. A pair of vertically extending bores are provided in the bracket for receiving a pair of vertically extending laterally spaced legs forming part of a restrictive member. Outwardly projecting arms are integral with the upper ends of the laterally spaced legs which are joined by a U-shaped member. The legs are vertically adjustable within said bores for positioning a base portion of the U-shaped member a predetermined distance below the rod handle. The outwardly projecting arms of the restricting member prevent the rod from rotating in the holder responsive to a fish striking. The rod is permitted to be raised directly upwardly from the holder when a fish strikes so as to set the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hughes
  • Patent number: 4587603
    Abstract: A lantern holder for supporting a lantern from a conventional cleat provided on the side of a boat. The lantern holder includes a pair of arms which are pivotally connected together adjacent the inner end of the lower arm and includes a U-shaped hook portion that can be readily inserted and removed from an opening provided in the conventional cleat. A substantially horizontally extending stabilizing projection is carried adjacent the U-shaped hook portion for restraining said attachment from lateral movement. A receiver is carried adjacent the outer end of the holder for receiving the holder of a conventional lantern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hughes