Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Steele

Thomas M. Steele 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: 12250016
    Abstract: An accessory for a smart device and a method from controlling the same includes at least one transducer per receiver of the smart device, each transducer physically located in close proximity to a physical location of each receiver. An amplifier outputs noisy frequency signals to each transducer at a power level sufficient to cause the signal-to-noise ratio at each receiver to be negative. A controller outputs the noisy frequency signals for each transducer to the amplifier according to a mode, the controller randomly hopping the noisy frequency signals for each transducer in a manner sufficient to prevent audio processing software associated with each receiver from being able to identify and cancel the noisy frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: i Privacy Now LLC
    Inventors: Phillip D. Caputo, Thomas M. Steel, Gerard Patrick Murray
  • Patent number: 8422537
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a method for reducing interference in a wireless distributed antenna systems. In an embodiment, interference is reduced by selectively placing a first wireless remote unit in a reduced signal interference mode. A controller sends a signal, such as a reverse link power-down signal, to the first remote unit after detecting less than a threshold incoming signal strength at the first remote unit. In an alternative embodiment, the controller requests that a given remote unit switch to the reduced signal interference mode when the controller is receiving signals from a mobile station through at least two different remote units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Dae-Sik Oh, Mark Yarkosky, Kristin A. Hayne, Thomas M. Steele
  • Patent number: 8243632
    Abstract: To provide high-data-rate wireless communication in both directions between a pair of nodes, the present invention provides for operating at least two asymmetric wireless connections in parallel but in reverse directions between the nodes. One of the asymmetric wireless connections will provide a high-data-rate forward link in one direction between the nodes, while the other asymmetric wireless connection will concurrently provide a high-data-rate forward link in the other direction between the nodes. The lower-data-rate reverse links provided by the asymmetric wireless connections can then be used to carry overhead control data or can be used to supplement the primary high-data-rate communication provided by the forward links. Preferably, 1xEV-DO will be used for both asymmetric wireless data links, but other asymmetric air interface protocols could be used instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Dae-Sik Oh, Tim W. Sill, Thomas M. Steele, Saad Z. Asif, Leo R. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7844034
    Abstract: A method and system for bridging third parties into calls. When a subscriber places a call to a designated number, such as 9-1-1 for instance, the network will automatically connect the call to a conference bridge and to the called party. Further, the network will automatically generate and send to a designated third party contact person an alert message that will invite the contact person to call into the conference bridge, so that the contact person can listen to the call. Advantageously, the invention may thus enable a close friend or relative to more quickly learn about an emergency being reported by the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Dae-Sik Oh, Thomas M. Steele
  • Publication number: 20100178875
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a method for reducing interference in a wireless distributed antenna systems. In an embodiment, interference is reduced by selectively placing a first wireless remote unit in a reduced signal interference mode. A controller sends a signal, such as a reverse link power-down signal, to the first remote unit after detecting less than a threshold incoming signal strength at the first remote unit. In an alternative embodiment, the controller requests that a given remote unit switch to the reduced signal interference mode when the controller is receiving signals from a mobile station through at least two different remote units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: SPRINT SPECTRUM L.P.
    Inventors: Dae-Sik Oh, Mark Yarkosky, Kristin A. Hayne, Thomas M. Steele
  • Patent number: 7715466
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a method for reducing interference in a wireless distributed antenna systems. In an embodiment, interference is reduced by selectively placing a first wireless remote unit in a reduced signal interference mode. A controller sends a signal, such as a reverse link power-down signal, to the first remote unit after detecting less than a threshold incoming signal strength at the first remote unit. In an alternative embodiment, the controller requests that a given remote unit switch to the reduced signal interference mode when the controller is receiving signals from a mobile station through at least two different remote units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Dae-Sik Oh, Mark Yarkosky, Kristin A. Hayne, Thomas M. Steele
  • Patent number: 5204070
    Abstract: A reactor for processing a catalyst material comprises a reaction chamber including a support for the catalyst material. A laser radiation entry means, a gas inlet and an exhaust are provided, each in communication with the reaction chamber. The gas inlet permits entry in the chamber of an oxidizing gas which assists in processing the catalyst material when exposed to laser radiation entering the chamber. Any resulting exhaust gases are then removed from the chamber through the exhaust. A drive means is provided to move the support in a manner such that the catalyst is moved through the laser radiation. The apparatus is useful in reactivate deactivated catalysts, such as hydroprocessing catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada
    Inventors: Michael F. Wilson, Thomas M. Steel, Walter W. Duley
  • Patent number: 5037785
    Abstract: A process for regeneration of a deactivated hydroprocessing catalyst is provided. The process comprises exposing the catalyst to laser radiation in the presence of an oxidizing gas. The process may be used to regenerate supported or unsupported metal catalysts which have been fouled by coking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources
    Inventors: Michael F. Wilson, Thomas M. Steel, Walter W. Duley
  • Patent number: D691680
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Steven M. Steele, Thomas M. Steele, Howard S. Steele, Theodore D. Steele