Patents by Inventor Thomas To

Thomas To 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).

  • HYDROSTATIC DRIVE FOR A MACHINE
    Publication number: 20130115014
    Abstract: A hydrostatic drive including a hydrostatic pump configured to supply a transmission fluid. The hydrostatic drive further includes an axle motor and a drum motor. The axle motor is configured to drive a set of traction wheels and the drum motor is configured to drive a drum. The hydrostatic drive also includes an axle drive line and a drum drive line. The axle drive line and the drum drive line are connected to the axle motor and the drum motor respectively to supply the transmission fluid. A manifold integrally connected to the hydrostatic pump to operatively couple the axle drive line and the drum drive line with the hydrostatic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Olson, Andrew R. Torkelson
  • WIDE BANDWIDTH, LOW LOSS PHOTONIC BANDGAP FIBERS
    Publication number: 20130114936
    Abstract: Various embodiments include photonic bandgap fibers (PBGF). Some PBGF embodiments have a hollow core (HC) and may have a square lattice (SQL). In various embodiments, SQL PBGF can have a cladding region including 2-10 layers of air-holes. In various embodiments, an HC SQL PBGF can be configured to provide a relative wavelength transmission window ??/?c larger than about 0.35 and a minimum transmission loss in a range from about 70 dB/km to about 0.1 dB/km. In some embodiments, the HC SQL PBGF can be a polarization maintaining fiber. Methods of fabricating PBGF are also disclosed along with some examples of fabricated fibers. Various applications of PBGF are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: IMRA AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Liang Dong, Brian K. Thomas, Shigeru Suzuki, Libin Fu
  • SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DEMAND-WEIGHTED SELECTION OF SALES OUTLETS
    Publication number: 20130117067
    Abstract: In embodiments disclosed herein, a computer may operate to determine, for each member in a set and each non-member under consideration for the set, an expected revenue to be passed to a parent organization. The expected revenue may be determined utilizing a plurality of weighted features. Members in the set may be ranked according to their expected revenues. Top performing members in the set may be protected to ensure their expected revenues. Bottom performing members may be removed from the set and/or replaced with new members outside of geographical protective areas of the top performing members. The optimization process can be repeated until the set of members can satisfy an existing demand while maximizing revenue for the parent organization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Sullivan, Isaac Lemon Laughlin, Tyson Fritz Nassauer, Michael Swinson
  • METHOD FOR SELECTING AND PROVIDING CONTENT OF INTEREST
    Publication number: 20130117161
    Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes detecting the contact area of a user's finger or a marking element marking a region of a touch-sensitive display, and recording a cumulative area contacted by the user's finger or the marking element during one marking motion. The cumulative area can be the selected content of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Andrea Waidmann, Irina Thoss, Freddie Geier, Andreas Geier, Michael Hermann, Thomas Hartmann
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING CHAIN SEGMENTS
    Publication number: 20130116075
    Abstract: A chain wheel designed to haul in, pay out and/or guide a mooring chain that includes multiple chain sizes. In one configuration, the chain wheel is a dual chain wheel that includes pockets sized to support a larger chain size and pockets sized to support a smaller chain size. The pockets include flat surfaces that support links of the chain as it passes over the chain wheel. The chain wheel also includes whelps designed to support and guide chain segments into proper alignment with the chain wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Miller, James Gilpin
  • INTERACTIVE IMAGE ANALYSIS
    Publication number: 20130117712
    Abstract: A system for interactive image analysis is disclosed, comprising an image visualization subsystem (1) for visualizing an image (8). An indicated position determiner (2) is arranged for determining an indicated position of a pointing device with respect to the image (8). A result determiner (3) is arranged for determining a result of a local image processing of the image (8) at the indicated position. A display subsystem (4) displays either at least part of the result of the local image processing (406) or a visible mark (407), based on the image processing result. The result of the local image processing is indicative of the presence or absence of an object (403) at or near the indicated position (404, 405), and the display subsystem (4) is arranged for displaying the visible mark (407) in the absence of such an object (403) at or near the indicated position (405).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Thomas Buelow, Sebastian Peter Michael Dries
  • PROGRAMMATIC INSTANTIATION, AND PROVISIONING OF SERVERS
    Publication number: 20130117426
    Abstract: A networked computing system is taught that may be operated as one or more provisioned servers, each of the provisioned servers including capabilities as identified by a corresponding set of specifications and attributes, according to various embodiments. Typically the specifications (or constraints) and attributes are specified with a Server Configuration File. The networked computing system may be provisioned into any combination and number of servers according to needed processing and I/O capabilities. Each of these servers may include distinct compute, storage, and networking performance. Provisioned servers may be managed similar to conventional servers, including operations such as boot and shutting down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Nakul Pratap Saraiya, Curtis M. Collins, Yuri Finkelstein, Thomas Dean Lovett, Shyam Mittur, Cosmos Nicolaou, Shreyas B. Shah, Fabio Onofrio Ingrao
  • RESIZE HANDLE ACTIVATION FOR RESIZABLE PORTIONS OF A USER INTERFACE
    Publication number: 20130117711
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for resize handle display management in a graphical user interface (GUI). In an embodiment of the invention, a method for resize handle display management in a GUI is provided. The method includes receiving a directive to display a resize handle for each resizable GUI control in a window, such as by way of a keyboard shortcut. The method additionally includes determining each resizable GUI control in the window, including any separators that separate two resizable regions of a window. Finally, the method includes displaying the window with at least one resize handle for each determined resizable GUI control in the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle E.B. Hayes, Christopher Monahan, Thomas L. Roach, Domanic Smith-Jones, Joseph R. Winchester
  • SUPERSTRUCTURE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130112816
    Abstract: A superstructure device (10) for a set of points having a switch support which is composed of a block of high-strength steel and which has stock and short point rails which delimit said switch support and are formed integrally from the block, wherein the block is connected to a lower part composed of a material other than the high-strength steel, such as mild steel, and is in particular connected in a materially joined fashion, wherein the block extends essentially over the entire length of a switch rail device as the superstructure device on both sides beyond the switch support, and the lower part is a means of supporting the block in the form of at least two supports which are spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Christ, Thomas Bergk, Jürgen Hellbach, Harald Kopilovitsch
  • TRAINING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM WITH MUSICAL FEEDBACK
    Publication number: 20130116091
    Abstract: A training apparatus includes adjustable resistance means; means for continuously determining an actual configuration of the training apparatus during exercise; means for generating a control signal for an audio device, the control signal being at least partially based on the actual configuration of the training apparatus; and means for outputting the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Fritz, John Dylan Haynes, Carlo Crovato
  • TUNABLE FILTER STRUCTURES AND DESIGN STRUCTURES
    Publication number: 20130113577
    Abstract: Tunable filter structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method of forming a filter structure includes forming a piezoelectric resonance filter over a cavity structure. The forming of the piezoelectric resonance filter includes: forming an upper electrode on one side of a piezoelectric material; and forming a lower electrode on an opposing side of the piezoelectric material. The method further includes forming a micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) cantilever beam at a location in which, upon actuation, makes contact with the piezoelectric resonance filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James W. ADKISSON, Panglijen Candra, Thomas J. Dunbar, Mark D. Jaffe, Robert K. Leidy, Anthony K. Stamper
  • SECURITY AND SAFETY MANAGER IMPLEMENTATION IN A MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR
    Publication number: 20130117803
    Abstract: A system includes a multi-core computer processor. One or more cores of the multi-core computer processor are configured as a security co-processor for the system and for other cores of the multi-core processor, and one or more cores of the multi-core computer processor are configured as a safety manager co-processor for the system and for other cores of the multi-core processor. An operating system of the security co-processor and an operating system of the safety manager co-processor are independent of operating systems of the other cores of the multi-core processor. The security co-processor and the safety manager co-processor are configured to boot before the other cores and to enforce security policy and/or safety policy on the other cores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Markham, Kevin Staggs
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND REPORTING ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATOR POWER CONSUMPTION AND SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE NEEDS
    Publication number: 20130116951
    Abstract: A system for, and method of, monitoring and reporting ERV power consumption and service and maintenance needs. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a processor configured to carry out a plurality of monitoring and reporting functions related to ERV power consumption and service and maintenance needs based on a model, and types and locations of sensors, of the ERV, (2) a memory coupled to the processor and configured to store data gathered from the sensors and (3) a commissioning database associated with the memory and configured to contain commissioning data regarding the model of the ERV and the service and maintenance needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Justin McKie, Eric Perez, Greg Thomas
  • ESCALATOR OR MOVING WALKWAY WITH A STEP-BELT OR PLATE-BELT BLOCKING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130112526
    Abstract: An escalator with a step belt or a moving walkway with a plate belt, which step belt or plate belt comprises at least one transport chain that is arranged to circulate between a first and second deflecting region of the escalator or moving walkway. Steps or plates are arranged at the transport chain and connected with the transport chain. In addition, at least one blocking device is arranged in stationary position and has at least one blocking arm. The blocking arm can be brought into a release position or into an engagement position, wherein this blocking arm in the engagement position engages in at least one link intermediate space of the transport chain and the blocking arm is fixable in the respective release position or engagement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Christoph Makovec, Thomas Illedits, Uwe Hauer, Michael Matheisl
  • LOCATION-BASED MICROCELL SEARCH
    Publication number: 20130115943
    Abstract: A network device may store information identifying a coverage area associated with each of one or more cells that are associated with the network device. The network device may receive information identifying a geographic location of a user device. The network device may compare the geographic location of the user device to one or more of the stored coverage areas. The network device may also determine, based on the comparing, that the user device is within a particular coverage area of a particular cell, of the one or more cells. The network device may further send, to the user device, and based on determining that the user device is located within the particular coverage area of the particular cell, an instruction for the user device to connect to the particular cell, where the user device is to attempt to connect to the particular cell in response to the instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: CELLCO PARTNERSHIP (D/B/A VERIZON WIRELESS), VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Derek Hongwei H. BAO, Steven R. RADOS, Patricia Ruey-Jane CHANG, Priscilla LAU, Yee Sin CHAN, Maria G. LAM, John F. MACIAS, Thomas H. TAN, Lalit R. KOTECHA, Thomas W. HAYNES, David CHIANG
  • Provisioning and Managing an Application Platform
    Publication number: 20130117749
    Abstract: Platform management may be provided. First, a package may be received. The received package may then be separated into a plurality of deployment groups. Next, a plurality of tasks may be created for deploying the plurality of deployment groups. Then the plurality of tasks may be executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A.J. Mechelke, Arshish Kapadia, Saji Varkey, Ryan David Yandle, Peter Adam Outcalt, Chandan Aggarwal, Howard M. Crow, Michael H. Ammerlaan, Gersh Payzer, Shailesh Panwar
  • EFFICIENT LIGHTWEIGHT VACUUM
    Publication number: 20130111695
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base having a volute air outlet and a beater bar housing that are substantially collinear is described. In some embodiments, the beater bar housing includes an air outlet, the volute includes a volute air inlet disposed parallel to the beater bar housing, and a volute air outlet disposed orthogonal to the beater bar housing, and an air duct connecting the volute air inlet and the air outlet of the beater bar housing; wherein the air outlet of the beater bar housing and the volute air outlet are substantially collinear. Additionally a vacuum cleaner comprising a unibody mount bracket is described. In some embodiments, the unibody mount bracket includes one or more handle receptacles, a dirty air outlet configured to receive a dirty air conduit, and a pivot joint disposed adjacent the dirty air outlet, wherein the pivot joint is configured to receive a bag mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBJECT RECOGNITION AND WARNING SYSTEM OF A PRIMARY VEHICLE FOR NEARBY VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20130117125
    Abstract: A vehicle to vehicle warning system comprises a transmitter associated with a primary vehicle alerting one or more secondary vehicles of its proximity through a receiver. The transmitter may emit a radio frequency signal which activates radio frequency receivers in surrounding vehicles. When in appropriate proximity, the signal is configured to initiate a warning at the secondary vehicle, such as light from a light-emitting device or sound from a sound-generating device. In another form, the primary vehicle includes a passive transmitter and the secondary vehicle includes a multi-frequency resonance tag/circuit having distinct frequencies for detection and discrimination. The passive transmitter creates electromagnetic waves which are generated as it passes by the secondary vehicle housing the multi-frequency resonance tag, setting off the secondary vehicle alarm system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Dave Thomas, Barry Markman
  • CONFIGURABLE THERMAL AND POWER MANAGEMENT FOR PORTABLE COMPUTERS
    Publication number: 20130117594
    Abstract: Improved approaches to providing thermal and power management for a computing device are disclosed. These approaches facilitate intelligent control of a processor's clock frequency and/or a fan's speed so as to provide thermal and/or power management for the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: C. Douglass Thomas, Alan E. Thomas
  • METHOD FOR SAFEGUARDING IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES IN A DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE EMITTING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
    Publication number: 20130116750
    Abstract: A method for safeguarding an implanted medical device from the electromagnetic radiation from a diagnostic device is provided. The method includes detecting the implanted medical device by a bidirectional communication with the diagnostic device, determining a device type of the medical device with the diagnostic device, checking whether the device type of the medical device may be operated without errors under the electromagnetic radiation of the diagnostic device and initiating a protective measure if the device type of the medical device cannot be operated without errors under the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Markus Schmidt, Jörg-Thomas Steiner, Christoph Zindel