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).
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Publication number: 20240125385Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: JOSEAN J. MARTINEZ ACOSTA, THOMAS M. MESSINA, KENNETH M. REEP, WILLIAM P. JOHNSON, DAVID W. GEIGER, Margaret K. Martin
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Patent number: 11924203Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventors: Thomas B. Buckingham, Richard A. Davey, Tammy Sanclemente, Ryan M. Johnson, Adam J. Leatham, Christopher Thomas Wilkinson
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Patent number: 11916306Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 4, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ronald D. Jesme, Thomas J. Brace, Justin M. Johnson
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Patent number: 11639859Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brian D. McGee, Kristin A. Molstad, Gary J. Treichel, Rodney W. Kvalvog, Stephen B. Lukas, Thomas M. Johnson, Jeffrey L. England
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Publication number: 20210364324Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2020Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brian D. McGee, Kristin A. Molstad, Gary J. Treichel, Rodney W. Kvalvog, Stephen B. Lukas, Thomas M. Johnson, Jeffrey L. England
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Patent number: 9580061Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Michael J. Pipho, Thomas M. Johnson, Christopher D. Turner
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Publication number: 20160229388Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Pipho, Thomas M. Johnson, Christopher D. Turner
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Patent number: 9249987Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Regan Foster, Thomas M. Johnson, Don C. Kennedy, Lynn Fliger, Bruce L. Hill
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Publication number: 20150091834Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Thomas M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20140209767Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Regan Foster, Thomas M. Johnson, Don C. Kennedy, Lynn Fliger, Bruce L. Hill
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Patent number: 7789968Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
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Patent number: 7788020Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Adam J. Wolf, Thomas M. Johnson, Wes Klingaman
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Patent number: 7670439Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Mark B. Neff
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Publication number: 20090234562Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Adam J. Wolf, Thomas M. Johnson, Wes Klingaman
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Patent number: 7472711Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Johnson, John Trevor Morrison
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Patent number: 7241347Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
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Patent number: 6945614Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Christopher L. Flowers, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
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Patent number: 6827225Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: John H. Miilu, Christopher W. Vaughn, Thomas M. Johnson, Karl R. C. Wendt, Barry E. Tuller
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Publication number: 20040173245Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
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Publication number: 20040159337Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventors: Thomas M. Johnson, John Trevor Morrison