Patents by Inventor Thomas MacDonald
Thomas MacDonald 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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Patent number: 11958211Abstract: A block, block system and method of making a wall block. A block with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance. A mold box having a moveable liner and a stripper shoe that impart three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints onto an exposed surface of a block. The moveable liner and stripper shoe also impart a parting line onto the exposed surface of the block.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLCInventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Thomas S. Riccobene
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Patent number: 11943042Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for detecting a zone of communication between a user terminal and a satellite constellation including a plurality of satellites in non-geosynchronous (non-GEO) orbit includes one or more processors and memory. The memory stores instructions that, as a result of being executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to: determine a location of the device, wherein the location corresponds to a field of regard for detecting the zone of communication, and wherein the field of regard corresponds to an antenna aperture of the phased array antenna; evaluate a level of communication between the phased array antenna and the satellite constellation associated with the field of regard; and output, to a user of the device, an indication of the level of communication between the phased array antenna and the satellite constellation associated with the field of regard.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Space Exploration Technologies Corp.Inventors: Thomas Laurance Robinson, Calder Christiansen Foster Coalson, Jared Michael Greene, Steven Douglas Gregory, Elliott Macdonald Schwartz, Aidan Bauer
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Patent number: 11930728Abstract: A control system for a double-acting air cylinder of an agricultural implement includes a valve assembly configured to control a base end air pressure and a rod end air pressure of the double-acting air cylinder. The control system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the valve assembly. The controller is configured to determine a target base end air pressure and a target rod end air pressure based on a target force of the double-acting air cylinder and a target damping factor of the double-acting air cylinder. The controller is also configured to control the valve assembly such that a first difference between the base end air pressure and the target base end air pressure is less than a first threshold value and a second difference between the rod end air pressure and the target rod end air pressure is less than a second threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Chad Michael Johnson, Trevor Phillip Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy, Grant Thomas Macdonald
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Publication number: 20230320257Abstract: A product flow splitter is used to distribute agricultural product from a distribution line to a primary hopper and a secondary hopper. The splitter has an inlet segment, a primary outlet segment, and a secondary outlet segment. The inlet segment receives the agricultural product from the distribution line, the primary outlet segment outputs the agricultural product to the primary hopper, and the secondary outlet segment outputs the agricultural product to the secondary hopper. The primary outlet segment is aligned with the inlet segment along a common axis and the secondary outlet segment is curved to avoid plugging of the agricultural product in the product flow splitter. The primary outlet segment is positioned relative to the primary hopper so that an outlet of the primary outlet segment in the primary hopper is offset from an outlet of the primary hopper to a meter system to solve an overfilled situation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2022Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Chad Michael Johnson, Grant Thomas MacDonald
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Patent number: 11723302Abstract: A particle delivery assembly of an agricultural row unit includes a particle tube configured to receive a particle and to deliver the particle toward a trench in soil. The particle tube includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a hinge coupled to the first body portion and to the second body portion. The hinge is configured to enable the first body portion and the second body portion to pivot relative to one another between an open position of the particle tube and a closed position of the particle tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Brian John Anderson, Chad Michael Johnson, Patrick Dinnon, Grant Thomas Macdonald, Brent David Elwing
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Publication number: 20230232096Abstract: Systems to extend signal transfer used with a camera device comprise a first location station with a first receiver and a second receiver. The first receiver receives wireless signals from a user device that are changed and sent through a fiber optic cable to a second location station. The second receiver receives signals through the cable from the second location station, which signals are changed to wireless signals output to a user device. The second location station comprises a third receiver that receives from the cable from the first location station, which signals are changed to wireless signals output to a camera device. The second location comprises a fourth receiver that receives wireless signals from the camera device, which signals are changed at the first location to signals sent through the cable from the second location station to the first location station.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Richard L. Jamison, Scott Thomas MacDonald
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Patent number: 11546498Abstract: Systems to extend signal transfer used with a camera device comprise a first location station with a first receiver and a second receiver. The first receiver receives wireless signals from a user device that are changed and sent through a fiber optic cable to a second location station. The second receiver receives signals through the cable from the second location station, which signals are changed to wireless signals output to a user device. The second location station comprises a third receiver that receives from the cable from the first location station, which signals are changed to wireless signals output to a camera device. The second location comprises a fourth receiver that receives wireless signals from the camera device, which signals are changed at the first location to signals sent through the cable from the second location station to the first location station.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.Inventors: Richard L. Jamison, Scott Thomas MacDonald
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Publication number: 20220346300Abstract: A control system for a double-acting air cylinder of an agricultural implement includes a valve assembly configured to control a base end air pressure and a rod end air pressure of the double-acting air cylinder. The control system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the valve assembly. The controller is configured to determine a target base end air pressure and a target rod end air pressure based on a target force of the double-acting air cylinder and a target damping factor of the double-acting air cylinder. The controller is also configured to control the valve assembly such that a first difference between the base end air pressure and the target base end air pressure is less than a first threshold value and a second difference between the rod end air pressure and the target rod end air pressure is less than a second threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2021Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Chad Michael Johnson, Trevor Phillip Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy, Grant Thomas Macdonald
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Publication number: 20220185711Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the pH of a fluid, the method comprising adding an effective amount of a solution to the fluid for adjusting the pH thereof to a desired level, wherein the solution is prepared by mixing glycine in water to form a glycine solution; and adding hydrogen chloride to the glycine solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: John T. MacDonald, II, John Thomas MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20220174856Abstract: A monitoring system for an agricultural implement includes a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a position of at least one scraper of the agricultural implement relative to a surface of at least one respective disc. The at least one scraper is configured to engage the surface of the at least one respective disc to remove accumulated soil from the surface of the at least one respective disc. The monitoring system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to determine an amount of wear on the at least one scraper based on the position of the at least one scraper relative to the surface of the at least one respective disc, and the controller is configured to output a wear signal indicative of the amount of wear on the at least one scraper.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Austin Joseph McLuckie, Grant Thomas Macdonald, Johnathon Raymond Dienst, Brian John Anderson
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Publication number: 20220142041Abstract: A mounting assembly for an agricultural product meter includes an upper mount configured to support at least a portion of a weight of the agricultural product meter. The upper mount is configured to couple to a support structure. The mounting assembly also includes a pin configured to engage the agricultural product meter via movement of the pin along a longitudinal axis of the pin. In addition, the mounting assembly includes a lower mount configured to selectively receive the pin via movement of the pin along the longitudinal axis of the pin. The lower mount is configured to couple to the support structure, and the pin is configured to block movement of the agricultural product meter away from the support structure while the pin is engaged with the agricultural product meter and the lower mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Chad Michael Johnson, Grant Thomas Macdonald, Brian John Anderson, Mayur Kishorchandra Joshi
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Publication number: 20220024790Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the pH of a fluid, the method comprising adding an effective amount of a solution to the fluid for adjusting the pH thereof to a desired level, wherein the solution is prepared by mixing glycine in water to form a glycine solution; and adding hydrogen chloride to the glycine solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: John T. MacDonald, II, John Thomas MacDonald, III
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Patent number: 11089722Abstract: A scraper assembly of an agricultural row unit includes an inner scraper configured to engage an inner surface of a disc. The scraper assembly also includes a fastener configured to couple the inner scraper to an outer scraper configured to engage an outer surface of the disc. In addition, the inner scraper has an engagement feature configured to contact the outer scraper and/or a frame of the agricultural row unit to block rotation of the inner scraper about the fastener relative to the outer scraper.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Austin Joseph McLuckie, Brian J. Anderson, Johnathon R. Dienst, Grant Thomas MacDonald
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Patent number: 11034598Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the pH of a fluid, the method comprising adding an effective amount of a solution to the fluid for adjusting the pH thereof to a desired level, wherein the solution is prepared by mixing glycine in water to form a glycine solution; and adding hydrogen chloride to the glycine solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: GREEN PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.Inventors: John T. MacDonald, II, John Thomas MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20210059108Abstract: A particle delivery assembly of an agricultural row unit includes a first particle tube and a sensor housing coupled to the first particle tube. The sensor housing is configured to receive a particle from the first particle tube and to house a sensor configured to detect the particle. The particle delivery assembly includes a second particle tube coupled to the first particle tube and to the sensor housing and configured to receive the particle from the sensor housing and to expel the particle toward a trench in soil. Additionally, the particle delivery assembly includes a coupling mechanism extending between the second particle tube and the first particle tube along the sensor housing. The coupling mechanism is configured to couple the second particle tube to the first particle tube and to at least partially secure the sensor housing between the first particle tube and the second particle tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Brian John Anderson, Chad Michael Johnson, Patrick Dinnon, Grant Thomas Macdonald, Brent David Elwing
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Publication number: 20210059109Abstract: A particle delivery assembly of an agricultural row unit includes a particle tube configured to receive a particle and to deliver the particle toward a trench in soil. The particle tube includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a hinge coupled to the first body portion and to the second body portion. The hinge is configured to enable the first body portion and the second body portion to pivot relative to one another between an open position of the particle tube and a closed position of the particle tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Brian John Anderson, Chad Michael Johnson, Patrick Dinnon, Grant Thomas Macdonald, Brent David Elwing
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Publication number: 20200325044Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the pH of a fluid, the method comprising adding an effective amount of a solution to the fluid for adjusting the pH thereof to a desired level, wherein the solution is prepared by mixing glycine in water to form a glycine solution; and adding hydrogen chloride to the glycine solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: John T. MacDonald, II, John Thomas MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20200267882Abstract: A scraper assembly of an agricultural row unit includes an inner scraper configured to engage an inner surface of a disc. The scraper assembly also includes a fastener configured to couple the inner scraper to an outer scraper configured to engage an outer surface of the disc. In addition, the inner scraper has an engagement feature configured to contact the outer scraper and/or a frame of the agricultural row unit to block rotation of the inner scraper about the fastener relative to the outer scraper.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Austin Joseph McLuckie, Brian J. Anderson, Johnathon R. Dienst, Grant Thomas MacDonald
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Patent number: 10723640Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water. Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the pH of a fluid, the method comprising adding an effective amount of a solution to the fluid for adjusting the pH thereof to a desired level, wherein the solution is prepared by mixing glycine in water to form a glycine solution; and adding hydrogen chloride to the glycine solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Green Products & Technologies, L. L. C.Inventors: John T. MacDonald, II, John Thomas MacDonald, III
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Patent number: D892177Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Austin Joseph McLuckie, Brian J. Anderson, Johnathon R. Dienst, Grant Thomas MacDonald