Patents by Inventor Thomas M Johnson

Thomas M Johnson 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: 20240125385
    Abstract: A zero turning radius mower park brake system includes a park brake pawl on a transmission which engages a park brake to a pair of independently driven traction wheels. A park brake link may be pivotably mounted to the park brake pawl and connected to a left steering lever and a right steering lever. The park brake link may pivot while moving the park brake pawl forward to a park brake engaged position if only one of the steering levers is moved outward from a neutral traction drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: JOSEAN J. MARTINEZ ACOSTA, THOMAS M. MESSINA, KENNETH M. REEP, WILLIAM P. JOHNSON, DAVID W. GEIGER, Margaret K. Martin
  • Patent number: 11924203
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for secure logon. One or more method includes: determining, via authentication information provided by a user of an electronic device, that the user is authorized to access an online account provided by the online account provider; providing the user with a selectable option to enable an expedited logon process by which the user can access the online account by solely providing a particular authentication item of the user; receiving a verification credential in response to a next logon attempt using the expedited logon process; and verifying that the received verification credential matches an assigned verification credential provided to the user for use in conjunction with the next logon attempt using the expedited logon process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Thomas B. Buckingham, Richard A. Davey, Tammy Sanclemente, Ryan M. Johnson, Adam J. Leatham, Christopher Thomas Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 11916306
    Abstract: Techniques are described for forming a gradient index (GRIN) lens for propagating an electromagnetic wave comprising receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a model comprising data specifying a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer of the plurality of layers comprises an arrangement of one or more volume elements comprising a first dielectric material and a second dielectric material, wherein the at least one layer of the plurality of layers has a dielectric profile that is made up of a plurality of different effective dielectric constants of the volume elements in the layer, and generating, with the manufacturing device by an additive manufacturing process, the GRIN lens based on the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jesme, Thomas J. Brace, Justin M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11639859
    Abstract: Identifying position of a first rotating shaft may comprise a first position detection system and a second position detection system. A controller may be coupled to a first sensor and a second sensor and may identify the position of the first shaft using the identified shaft position from either the first detection system or the second detection system, whichever is identified faster. The first shaft may have a first wheel disposed thereon with targets and one or more gaps disposed about the first wheel. A second shaft may have a second wheel disposed thereon with targets and one or more gaps disposed thereon. The second wheel is in a fixed relationship relative to the first wheel. The first detection system may use data simultaneously from the first sensor and the second sensor to eliminate targets to determine position. The second detection system uses data only from the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brian D. McGee, Kristin A. Molstad, Gary J. Treichel, Rodney W. Kvalvog, Stephen B. Lukas, Thomas M. Johnson, Jeffrey L. England
  • Publication number: 20210364324
    Abstract: Identifying position of a first rotating shaft may comprise a first position detection system and a second position detection system. A controller may be coupled to a first sensor and a second sensor and may identify the position of the first shaft using the identified shaft position from either the first detection system or the second detection system, whichever is identified faster. The first shaft may have a first wheel disposed thereon with targets and one or more gaps disposed about the first wheel. A second shaft may have a second wheel disposed thereon with targets and one or more gaps disposed thereon. The second wheel is in a fixed relationship relative to the first wheel. The first detection system may use data simultaneously from the first sensor and the second sensor to eliminate targets to determine position. The second detection system uses data only from the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brian D. McGee, Kristin A. Molstad, Gary J. Treichel, Rodney W. Kvalvog, Stephen B. Lukas, Thomas M. Johnson, Jeffrey L. England
  • Patent number: 9580061
    Abstract: A work vehicle including an engine, configured to supply power for driving a ground engaging traction device, and a hybrid power system to drive a powertrain. An engine controller is operatively coupled to the engine and is configured to generate a hybrid torque command received by a hybrid powertrain controller operatively coupled to the engine controller. The hybrid powertrain controller is configured to generate an available hybrid torque signal and a desired hybrid torque signal both of which are configured to be received by the engine controller. The engine controller generates an engine command signal configured to command the engine to operate at a commanded engine torque, in response to the available hybrid torque signal and the desired hybrid torque signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Pipho, Thomas M. Johnson, Christopher D. Turner
  • Publication number: 20160229388
    Abstract: A work vehicle including an engine, configured to supply power for driving a ground engaging traction device, and a hybrid power system to drive a powertrain. An engine controller is operatively coupled to the engine and is configured to generate a hybrid torque command received by a hybrid powertrain controller operatively coupled to the engine controller. The hybrid powertrain controller is configured to generate an available hybrid torque signal and a desired hybrid torque signal both of which are configured to be received by the engine controller. The engine controller generates an engine command signal configured to command the engine to operate at a commanded engine torque, in response to the available hybrid torque signal and the desired hybrid torque signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Pipho, Thomas M. Johnson, Christopher D. Turner
  • Patent number: 9249987
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank, and may include a shell disposed over at least a portion of the sensor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Regan Foster, Thomas M. Johnson, Don C. Kennedy, Lynn Fliger, Bruce L. Hill
  • Publication number: 20150091834
    Abstract: A display screen with dynamic tactile pixels includes a flexible cover, and a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells are beneath the flexible cover. Each of the cells contain an expandable fluid that may expand upon activation. Whereby, the flexible cover will stretch and rise to include the tactile pixels when the cells beneath it are activated and raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140209767
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank, and may include a shell disposed over at least a portion of the sensor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Regan Foster, Thomas M. Johnson, Don C. Kennedy, Lynn Fliger, Bruce L. Hill
  • Patent number: 7789968
    Abstract: A dishwasher operates to sense the need for a drain or purge operation based on dynamic characteristics of a respective washing operation such that an adaptive system is defined. In accordance with the invention, washing fluid used to spray clean kitchenware being washed is filtered and soil from the kitchenware is collected. When the filtering system becomes clogged, a flow signal is established to indicate the need for at least a partial drain operation. Most preferably, this arrangement is used in combination with signals from a turbidity sensor, as well as pump motor current signals, to provide an comprehensive, dynamically adaptive control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7788020
    Abstract: A system for detecting individual cylinder misfire in a multiple cylinder internal combustion (IC) engine having exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The system includes: a device for predicting EGR flow rate on a cylinder to cylinder basis; a device for sensing actual EGR flow rate on a cylinder to cylinder basis with all cylinders firing; and a device for comparing the predicted EGR flow rate to the actual EGR flow to determine individual cylinder misfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Wolf, Thomas M. Johnson, Wes Klingaman
  • Patent number: 7670439
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly having a chopper blade and apertured plate arrangement which function to chop soil particles entrained in a flow of washing fluid. The chopper blade floats or axially slides relative to a drive member from a first position spaced from the apertured plate to a second position closer to the apertured plate in order to macerate the soil particles. The chopper blade is actually mounted to a hub member including a shaft portion that extends into and abuts an inner portion of an impeller to maintain a desired spacing between the chopper blade and the apertured plate, while transferring drive from the drive member to both the chopper blade and impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Mark B. Neff
  • Publication number: 20090234562
    Abstract: A system for detecting individual cylinder misfire in a multiple cylinder internal combustion (IC) engine having exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The system includes: a device for predicting EGR flow rate on a cylinder to cylinder basis; a device for sensing actual EGR flow rate on a cylinder to cylinder basis with all cylinders firing; and a device for comparing the predicted EGR flow rate to the actual EGR flow to determine individual cylinder misfire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Adam J. Wolf, Thomas M. Johnson, Wes Klingaman
  • Patent number: 7472711
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a drain. In the event the filter chamber becomes clogged, a pressure relief valve opens a pressure regulation port to permit washing fluid in the filter chamber to enter the tub basin. In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is constituted by a check ball which is displaced by a pressure build up in the filter chamber. In another embodiment, the pressure relief valve is constituted by a flapper valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Johnson, John Trevor Morrison
  • Patent number: 7241347
    Abstract: A dishwasher operates to sense the need for a drain or purge operation based on dynamic characteristics of a respective washing operation such that an adaptive system is defined. In accordance with the invention, washing fluid used to spray clean kitchenware being washed is filtered and soil from the kitchenware is collected. When the filtering system becomes clogged, a flow signal is established to indicate the need for at least a partial drain operation. Most preferably, this arrangement is used in combination with signals from a turbidity sensor, as well as pump motor current signals, to provide an comprehensive, dynamically adaptive control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 6945614
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a frame extending around the tub, and a door pivotally secured to the frame for movement between a vertical closed position and a horizontal open position. Hinges are provided on each side of the door to provide a door pivot axis, and are fixed to the frame of the dishwasher. The hinges are accurately positioned relative to the tub by providing at least one boss on each side of the tub, and a recess or hole in each hinge to receive the boss. The hinges are then secured to the frame with screws or by welding. Thus, the hinges are accurately aligned with one another at the proper location on the frame so as to provide proper sealing between the door and the tub when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. Flowers, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 6827225
    Abstract: A clip is provided for mounting in a dishwasher rack to hold objects to be washed. The clip includes a base having opposite ends with an opening adjacent each end so that the clip can be mounted on at least a pair of rack tines. At least one resilient tab extends upwardly from the base and is adapted to retain a cup or other object in the rack. Mounting the clip on at least a pair of tines provides strength and stability for the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Miilu, Christopher W. Vaughn, Thomas M. Johnson, Karl R. C. Wendt, Barry E. Tuller
  • Publication number: 20040173245
    Abstract: A dishwasher operates to sense the need for a drain or purge operation based on dynamic characteristics of a respective washing operation such that an adaptive system is defined. In accordance with the invention, washing fluid used to spray clean kitchenware being washed is filtered and soil from the kitchenware is collected. When the filtering system becomes clogged, a flow signal is established to indicate the need for at least a partial drain operation. Most preferably, this arrangement is used in combination with signals from a turbidity sensor, as well as pump motor current signals, to provide an comprehensive, dynamically adaptive control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
  • Publication number: 20040159337
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a drain. In the event the filter chamber becomes clogged, a pressure relief valve opens a pressure regulation port to permit washing fluid in the filter chamber to enter the tub basin. In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is constituted by a check ball which is displaced by a pressure build up in the filter chamber. In another embodiment, the pressure relief valve is constituted by a flapper valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas M. Johnson, John Trevor Morrison