Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Thompson

Thomas M. Thompson 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: 20150258761
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a weather resistant wooden door and methods for manufacturing and assembling the weather resistant wooden door. The weather resistant wooden door includes at least two stiles, a bottom rail, and a top rail configured to form the door assembly. A moisture resistant overlay is attached to either the aforementioned door components before assembly into a door or to the door assembly itself. The overlay is bonded to the underlying member by placing the overlay and member into a press where the pressure in the press is elevated for a predetermined amount of time. The overlay inhibits the infiltration of moisture from the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas M. Thompson, Steve D. Beerbower, George Meyer
  • Patent number: 7815516
    Abstract: A golf training and simulation device measures a signal indicative of the displacement of a club and in an alternate embodiment, the detection of a golf ball after being struck. The measurement system can be used in conjunction with a golf simulator or as a golf training apparatus for diagnosing a golf swing. In one application, a putting stroke training device is described with the object to develop a smooth, consistent putting stroke by feedback to the golfer when the putter head has accelerated or decelerated too rapidly or when the golfer opens or closes the club face when striking a golf ball. Positive feedback can also be provided when the putting stroke is square at impact with the ball. The consistency in the repetition of a stroke may also be measured, statistically analyzed, recorded and displayed and thus used in advanced training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce J. P. Mortimer, Thomas M. Thompson, Gary A. Zets
  • Patent number: 5515800
    Abstract: A method of making lightweight, tear-resistant, and water-resistant wearing apparel comprises the steps of removing unwanted portions from used envelopes, connecting a plurality of the envelopes together into a sheet, cutting the sheet into apparel portions, and coupling the apparel portions together in order to form the wearing apparel. The used envelopes are made from a lightweight, substantially tear-resistant, and substantially water-resistant material such as TYVEK. This method also provides a desirable method for recycling used envelopes into useful wearing apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4474287
    Abstract: A variable length conveyor assembly for use in the continuous underground mining of coal. The conveyor assembly comprises a base from which are adapted to extend a plurality of telescoping support elements. The support elements carry belt supporting members at the upper surfaces thereof and a plurality of longitudinal supports at the side surfaces thereof. The longitudinal supports, in turn, carry a plurality of rollers. An endless belt is supported by the belt supporting members and the rollers. Drive elements are located in the base for the endless belt. Cable rollers are associated with the support elements for purposes of receiving a control cable which is threaded through the cable rollers. Cable drive elements are positioned in the base which are adapted to move the control cable in a manner to selectively expand and contract the conveyor assembly. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the telescoping support elements are moved inwardly and outwardly by hydraulic rams or, alternately, chain drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Inventor: Thomas M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4390211
    Abstract: A cutter assembly for a continuous miner adapted for use in the underground mining of coal. The cutter assembly includes a frame adapted to be pivotally supported by the continuous miner, a pair of spaced apart, generally longitudinally directed augers supported by the frame and a transverse auger extending generally between the longitudinally directed augers and rearwardly thereof. The longitudinally directed augers include cutters disposed at the forward end thereof which are adapted to be rotated into cutting engagement with a coal face or seam. A generally U-shaped pan supported by the frame is disposed below the longitudinally directed augers and the transverse auger and has an upwardly slopping rear wall which permits coal to be fed upward to a receiving belt. Drive means are provided for imparting a rotational force to the longitudinally directed augers and the transverse auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Inventor: Thomas M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4312540
    Abstract: A continuous mining apparatus and method for the underground mining of coal. The continuous mining apparatus includes a cutter assembly, conveyor assembly and base assembly. The base assembly is adapted to be maintained in a stationary position during a cutting operation. The cutter assembly is adapted to be projected outwardly from the stationary base assembly into the seam of coal for a substantial distance on the order of 80-100 feet. The conveyor assembly is positioned between the cutter assembly and the base assembly and, with the aid of telescoping members, provides two functions. First, the conveyor assembly provides for a variable length conveyor between the cutter assembly and the base assembly permitting the cutter assembly to project outwardly from the base assembly for varying distances of up to 80-100 feet. Second, the conveyor assembly serves as a means to crowd the cutter assembly into the coal seam without movement of the base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Inventor: Thomas M. Thompson