Patents by Inventor Thomas Robinson
Thomas Robinson 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: 20140138294Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J. Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
-
Patent number: 8597505Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Russell Thomas Joseph, James Roswell Braig, Victor Gura, David J. Mishelevich, Thomas Robinson, Charles Clemens, Milan Trcka, Clark Berg Foster, Daniele Ghidoli, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Mark Forrest Smith
-
Patent number: 8519862Abstract: A handheld computer includes a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and at least one light-emitting device that emits visible light as a visual indicator of an occurrence of a designated event. The processor is programmed to selectively activate the visual indicator in response to an occurrence of a designated event to provide the visual indicator to a user of the handheld computer. The processor is programmed to monitor for occurrence of two or more different types of designated events. The processor varies the visual indicator based on the type of the event for which occurrence is being signaled by that visual indicator, such that a different visual indicator is associated with each type of event for which the processor is programmed to monitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
-
Patent number: 8498826Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a condition of a machine are provided. The machine monitoring system includes a housing mounted to a surface of a machine, a plurality of sensors configured to generate respective output signals for a parameter indicative of a condition of the machine, and a voting module positioned within the housing and configured to generate a corrected output based on the respective output signals. The machine monitoring system also includes a memory device including a store location configured to store manual input functions relating to a construction of the machine, a life calculator communicatively coupled to the voting module and the memory device wherein the life calculator is configured to determine a life remaining in the machine using the corrected output and the manual input functions, and a display positioned within the housing and configured to display the life remaining in the machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roopesh Bhaskaran Nagathil, Mills Thomas Robinson, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20130107400Abstract: A system for monitoring a machine is provided. The system includes a digital protective relay, a communications network, and a central server. The digital protective relay is connected to the machine, and samples at least one parameter of the machine at a rate of at least about twelve samples per power cycle. The central server is located remotely from the machine for receiving the at least one parameter from the machine. The communications network provides a connection between the digital protective relay and the center server for sending a data signal representing the at least one parameter of the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xuedong Meng, David Lynn Linkenauger, Prabhakar Neti, Mills Thomas Robinson, Pinjia Zhang
-
Patent number: 8390464Abstract: A system allows a remote asset, via an Intelligent Device and interconnected Central Data Server to autonomously, and continuously monitor and update its status on various parameters; and from these, to calculate an overall asset state that may be caused by various combinations of the parameters and to infer the operational states and logistical position of a transport refrigeration unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Startrak Information Technologies, LLCInventors: Timothy Slifkin, Thomas A. Robinson, Venkateswaran Karuppanan
-
Patent number: 8301789Abstract: Techniques for port hopping are presented. A sender and a receiver engage in a communication session with one another and dynamically switch ports during that communication session. A decision to switch ports is based on a data length or packet count of a given transaction occurring during the communication session. The data length and packet count randomly and dynamically change during the communication session and varies from one transaction to another transaction. Any particular port to switch to during the communication session is also randomly and dynamically generated and varies from one transaction to another transaction.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: EMC CorporationInventors: Cameron Craig Morris, Lloyd Leon Burch, David Thomas Robinson
-
Patent number: 8284066Abstract: An automated and/or remote method for identifying and/or changing the source of power for these generator sets, which may apply to any environment where there are alternative sources of power available which must be managed remotely (such as for other powered containers not used for refrigeration transport).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Startrak Information Technologies, LLCInventors: Herbert Perten, Timothy Slifkin, Thomas A. Robinson, Swati Chiney
-
Publication number: 20120151031Abstract: A system allows a remote asset, via an Intelligent Device and interconnected Central Data Server to autonomously, and continuously monitor and update its status on various parameters; and from these, to calculate an overall asset state that may be caused by various combinations of the parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Venkateswaran Karuppanan, Herbert Perten, Thomas A. Robinson, Timothy P. Slifkin
-
Publication number: 20120136587Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a condition of a machine are provided. The machine monitoring system includes a housing mounted to a surface of a machine, a plurality of sensors configured to generate respective output signals for a parameter indicative of a condition of the machine, and a voting module positioned within the housing and configured to generate a corrected output based on the respective output signals. The machine monitoring system also includes a memory device including a store location configured to store manual input functions relating to a construction of the machine, a life calculator communicatively coupled to the voting module and the memory device wherein the life calculator is configured to determine a life remaining in the machine using the corrected output and the manual input functions, and a display positioned within the housing and configured to display the life remaining in the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Roopesh Bhaskaran Nagathil, Mills Thomas Robinson, JR.
-
Publication number: 20120112921Abstract: A handheld computer includes a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and at least one light-emitting device that emits visible light as a visual indicator of an occurrence of a designated event. The processor is programmed to selectively activate the visual indicator in response to an occurrence of a designated event to provide the visual indicator to a user of the handheld computer. The processor is programmed to monitor for occurrence of two or more different types of designated events. The processor varies the visual indicator based on the type of the event for which occurrence is being signaled by that visual indicator, such that a different visual indicator is associated with each type of event for which the processor is programmed to monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
-
Patent number: 8095968Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes implementing a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a wireless personal identification mechanism. Specifically, the wireless identification mechanism can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit which is incorporated on the inside of the rear housing (e.g., plastic) of the personal digital assistant. Once the radio frequency identification integrated circuit has been implemented with an authorized security code, the personal digital assistant in accordance with the present embodiment is capable of functioning as a “key” enabling entry into restricted areas which are secured with non-contact radio frequency security systems such as corporate campuses, buildings, and/or laboratories. In this manner, an authorized person does not have to carry around a separate radio frequency keycard in order to gain access to restricted areas.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson
-
Publication number: 20110315611Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Russell Thomas Joseph, James Roswell Braig, Victor Gura, David J. Mishelevich, Thomas Robinson, Charles Clemens, Milan Trcka, Clark Berg Foster, Daniele Ghidoli, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Mark Forrest Smith
-
Patent number: 8072344Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
-
Publication number: 20110254690Abstract: An automated and/or remote method for identifying and/or changing the source of power for these generator sets, which may apply to any environment where there are alternative sources of power available which must be managed remotely (such as for other powered containers not used for refrigeration transport).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Herbert Perten, Timothy Slifkin, Thomas A. Robinson, Swati Chiney
-
Publication number: 20110227723Abstract: A system for monitoring a machine includes a monitoring relay for coupling to one or more sensors on the machine and a communication device. The system also includes a remote monitoring unit (RMU) coupled to the monitoring device and the communication device, the RMU receiving data points from the monitoring relay and causing the data points to be provided over a communication to a server via an HTTP POST command.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert John Dewey, John Neil Baker, Thomas Gene Gustafson, Mills Thomas Robinson, JR., Michael Edward Sopko
-
Patent number: 8001288Abstract: A method and system for enabling personal digital assistants (PDAs) and protecting stored private data. Specifically, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp which plugs into a slot of a personal digital assistant. The removable expansion card, referred to as a personality card, is capable of storing all of a user's private information and data which is used within their personal digital assistant. By removing the personality card from the personal digital assistant, all of the user's private information and data may be removed from the personal digital assistant. Furthermore, the personal digital assistant may also be rendered totally or partially useless once the personality card is removed from it. There are several advantages associated with a personality card system in accordance with the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Access Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
-
Publication number: 20100328093Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for providing a layered map illustrating information associated with an emergency event location during an emergency event. The information can include pre-planning data, map data, and current data. The layered map can be accessed by emergency responders using user devices and administrators or other command center personnel. The information can be used to better respond and manage a response to an emergency event.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Aaron Thomas Robinson, John Richard Doherty, Albert Koenigsberg, Orval F. Hart
-
Publication number: 20100321179Abstract: A freight management arrangement includes a monitor system that communicates over wireless with a large number of freight assets by land and with smaller number of users each associated with a fleet of the freight assets. The monitor system polls sensed ambient data in the freight assets on the basis of requests from the users. The requests may be stored as data in the monitor system or occur on a real-time basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Arthur J. O'Toole, Thomas A. Robinson
-
Patent number: 7856618Abstract: A program feature set is compared to a processor feature set. The comparison may be performed in response to restoring the program onto a system or requesting its execution. The processor feature set represents zero, one or more optional hardware features supported by the processor, whereas the program feature set represents zero, one or more optional hardware features the program relies upon in its generated code. Comparison of the feature sets determines whether a particular program may run on a particular processor. Programs may be automatically or manually rebuilt to achieve full compatibility. If the comparison indicates that the program requires a feature not supported by the processor, the program is rebuilt based on the processor feature set. Alternatively, the program may be rebuilt in response to a rebuild request, rather than the comparison. The program is preferably rebuilt from an intermediate representation (IR) stored with or locatable from the program.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert John Donovan, Paul Lu Verne Godtland, Sherri Lynn McMeeking, Joseph Patrick Reynolds, Scott Thomas Robinson, Robert Ralph Roediger, William Jon Schmidt, Roger Wayne Southwick