Patents by Inventor Thomas Tran
Thomas Tran 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: 12651537Abstract: Various embodiments of a three-dimensional (3D) tactile map system and methods of implementing the system are described. In one example, the tactile map system includes a map base having a substantially planar substrate defining an x-y plane. The map base includes a top base surface and a bottom base surface, where the top base surface includes a ground surface texture. The tactile map system also includes a 3D scaled representation of a structure attached to the top surface of the map base. The 3D scaled representation can be configured with dimensions that are in proportion to the structure and extend in a z-direction from the base. The z-direction being orthogonal to the x-y plane. The 3D scaled representation includes a plurality of identified surfaces, each of the plurality of identified surfaces having a surface type of a plurality of surface types, each surface type corresponding to a selected surface texture.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2021Date of Patent: June 9, 2026Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeInventors: Marybeth Lima, Bri Tramontana, Kenzie Dupont, Gracie Kennard, Tiffany Le, Cameron Matherne, J. Fischer Robinson, Thomas Tran, Blanche Faulk, Jennifer Gaudet, Anna Gayle, LaRonda Doakes, Stacy Jena
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Publication number: 20260150906Abstract: A session control system for a device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to detect when a session has started, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the session timer against a time threshold and the puff variable against a puff threshold, and in response to a session threshold being met, end the session. The session timer is configured to measure a length of the session and the puff variable corresponds to a total number of puffs taken.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2026Publication date: June 4, 2026Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
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Publication number: 20260051753Abstract: A charging system for an aerosol-generating device includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor and configured to store instructions is provided. The instructions define at least one of a disable mode, an intra-session mode, or an inter-session mode. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to detect when the device is connected to a charging device; activate a power source charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode; enable or disable a heater of the capsule dependent upon the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect if a session of the aerosol-generating device is ongoing; and if the session is ongoing, enable or suspend charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2025Publication date: February 19, 2026Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
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Patent number: 12550942Abstract: A session control system for a device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to detect when a session has started, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the session timer against a time threshold and the puff variable against a puff threshold, and in response to a session threshold being met, end the session. The session timer is configured to measure a length of the session and the puff variable corresponds to a total number of puffs taken.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2022Date of Patent: February 17, 2026Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLCInventors: Zack W. Blackmon, Thomas Tran, Terry Bache, Jarrett Keen, Niall Gallagher, Yannick Hourmand, Guillaume Michel, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Raymond W. Lau, Eric Hawes
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Patent number: 12529368Abstract: A rotor assembly for a peristaltic pump is provided. Each of a first pair of roller assemblies includes a first roller portion having a first diameter and a second roller portion having a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. Each of a second pair of roller assemblies includes a first roller portion having a first diameter and a second roller portion having a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The first and second pairs of roller assemblies are positionable around a circumference of a hub such that the first roller portion of the first pair of roller assemblies is aligned with the first roller portion of the second pair of roller assemblies and the second roller portion of the first pair of roller assemblies is aligned with the second roller portion of the second pair of roller assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2023Date of Patent: January 20, 2026Assignee: Blue-White Industries, Ltd.Inventors: John T. Nguyen, Patrick Michael Murphy, Robert E. Gledhill, III, Phong Thanh Phan, Thomas Tran, Hipolito Camacho
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Publication number: 20250377275Abstract: A test apparatus for a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component. The test apparatus includes a first support member configured to mechanically support a CMC component from a first side. The CMC component includes a T-joint and a pinhole. The test apparatus includes a second support member configured to mechanically support the CMC component from a second side opposite the first side. The first support member and the second support member are configured to be forced toward each other to cause the CMC component to fail at the pinhole and not at the T-joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2024Publication date: December 11, 2025Inventors: Kristopher Erlitz, Ronald Adolphus Bledsoe, Thomas Tran, Jason David Baker, Daniel Jozef Traudes, Stephen John Pattison
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Patent number: 12438383Abstract: A charging system for an aerosol-generating device includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor and configured to store instructions is provided. The instructions define at least one of a disable mode, an intra-session mode, or an inter-session mode. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to detect when the device is connected to a charging device; activate a power source charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode; enable or disable a heater of the capsule dependent upon the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect if a session of the aerosol-generating device is ongoing; and if the session is ongoing, enable or suspend charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2022Date of Patent: October 7, 2025Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLCInventors: Zack W. Blackmon, Thomas Tran, Terry Bache, Jarrett Keen, Niall Gallagher, Yannick Hourmand, Guillaume Michel, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Raymond W. Lau, Eric Hawes
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Publication number: 20240148060Abstract: A heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating device may include a capsule and a device body. The capsule may include an aerosol-forming substrate and a conductive component. The conductive component may include a first end section, an intermediate section, and a second end section. The intermediate section may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The first end section and the second end section may each have at least one surface discontinuity. The device body may include connector pins configured to engage with the at least one surface discontinuity of each of the first end section and the second end section of the conductive component so as to establish an electrical connection with the capsule.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: May 9, 2024Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Jarrett KEEN, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES, Dean TWITE, Ryan MCGINLEY, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Thomas TRAN, Yannick HOURMAND, Gary BROADFIELD
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Patent number: 11971216Abstract: In some examples, a multilevel retort assembly. The assembly includes a base defining a base perimeter; and a plurality of shells. Each shell has a diffuser plate support and a perimeter with a substantially similar shape as the base perimeter. The plurality of shells are stacked on each other, mechanically supported by the base, and surround an inner retort volume. The at least one shell of the plurality of shells defines a removable window. The assembly also includes a plurality of diffuser plates, each diffuser plate supported by a corresponding diffuser plate support of the plurality of diffuser plate supports.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Lukhard, Timothy Western, Thomas Tran
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Publication number: 20240110559Abstract: A rotor assembly for a peristaltic pump is provided. Each of a first pair of roller assemblies includes a first roller portion having a first diameter and a second roller portion having a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. Each of a second pair of roller assemblies includes a first roller portion having a first diameter and a second roller portion having a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The first and second pairs of roller assemblies are positionable around a circumference of a hub such that the first roller portion of the first pair of roller assemblies is aligned with the first roller portion of the second pair of roller assemblies and the second roller portion of the first pair of roller assemblies is aligned with the second roller portion of the second pair of roller assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: John T. Nguyen, Patrick Michael Murphy, Robert E. Gledhill, III, Phong Thanh Phan, Thomas Tran, Hipolito Camacho
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Publication number: 20240090587Abstract: A capsule monitoring system for an aerosol-generating device includes at least one processor and a memory. The memory is coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the capsule monitoring system to detect a mechanism detection switch of the aerosol-generating device being actuated, apply a first power to a first contact point of the aerosol-generating device, determine a first resistance between the first contact point and a second contact point, determine whether the first resistance is within a resistance operation range, and in response to the first resistance being within of the resistance operation range, display a capsule accepted indicator. The first contact point is configured to contact a heater. The second contact point is configured to contact the heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
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Publication number: 20240090589Abstract: A power control system for an aerosol-generating device includes at least one processor and a memory. The memory is coupled to the at least one processor and is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the power control system to determine whether a first power to be applied to a heater of the aerosol-generating device exceeds a power threshold, in response to the first power exceeding the power threshold, apply a second power to the heater, and in response to the first power not exceeding the power threshold, apply the first power to the heater. The first power is based on a desired heater temperature. The second power does not exceed the power threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Eric HAWES, Raymond W. LAU
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Publication number: 20240090574Abstract: A heat-not-burn aerosol-generating device includes a housing that defines a capsule-receiving cavity and a lid fixedly coupled to the housing at a first point and releasably coupleable to the housing at a second point that is different from the first point. The lid is configured to cover the capsule-receiving cavity in a closed position. The lid includes a first retainer and a replaceable mouthpiece coupleable to the lid such that air entering the housing and drawn through the capsule-receiving cavity exits out of the replaceable mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a second retainer that is configured to engage with the first retainer so as to releasably secure the replaceable mouthpiece to the lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Eric HAWES, Zack W. BLACKMON, Dean TWITE, Ryan MCGINLEY, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Jarrett KEEN, Raymond W. LAU, Thomas TRAN
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Publication number: 20240097463Abstract: A charging system for an aerosol-generating device includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor and configured to store instructions is provided. The instructions define at least one of a disable mode, an intra-session mode, or an inter-session mode. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to detect when the device is connected to a charging device; activate a power source charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode; enable or disable a heater of the capsule dependent upon the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect if a session of the aerosol-generating device is ongoing; and if the session is ongoing, enable or suspend charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
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Publication number: 20240090586Abstract: A session control system for a device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to detect when a session has started, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the session timer against a time threshold and the puff variable against a puff threshold, and in response to a session threshold being met, end the session. The session timer is configured to measure a length of the session and the puff variable corresponds to a total number of puffs taken.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
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Publication number: 20240091466Abstract: A cooldown system for a device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooldown system to detect when a session has ended, activate a cooldown timer to measure a cooldown time, provide an indication of a remaining time of the cooldown timer, and in response to the cooldown timer elapsing, return the device to normal operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
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Patent number: 11519279Abstract: A turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials includes a vane support core, an airfoil, and an end wall that at least partially defines a gas path. The turbine vane is formed from a plurality of ceramic plies or preforms that are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a one-piece ceramic matrix composite turbine vane.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignees: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc., Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Shinavski, Thomas Tran, Kevin Lukhard, Ted J. Freeman, Steffan Brown
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Publication number: 20220172645Abstract: Various embodiments of a three-dimensional (3D) tactile map system and methods of implementing the system are described. In one example, the tactile map system includes a map base having a substantially planar substrate defining an x-y plane. The map base includes a top base surface and a bottom base surface, where the top base surface includes a ground surface texture. The tactile map system also includes a 3D scaled representation of a structure attached to the top surface of the map base. The 3D scaled representation can be configured with dimensions that are in proportion to the structure and extend in a z-direction from the base. The z-direction being orthogonal to the x-y plane. The 3D scaled representation includes a plurality of identified surfaces, each of the plurality of identified surfaces having a surface type of a plurality of surface types, each surface type corresponding to a selected surface texture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Marybeth Lima, Brandon Tramontana, Kenzie Dupont, Gracie Kennard, Tiffany Le, Cameron Matherne, J. Fischer Robinson, Thomas Tran, Blanche Faulk, Jennifer Gaudet, Anna Gayle, LaRonda Doakes, Stacy Cox
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Publication number: 20220034233Abstract: A turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials includes a vane support core, an airfoil, and an end wall that at least partially defines a gas path. The turbine vane is formed from a plurality of ceramic plies or preforms that are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a one-piece ceramic matrix composite turbine vane.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Robert J. Shinavski, Thomas Tran, Kevin Lukhard, Ted J. Freeman, Steffan Brown
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Patent number: 11162377Abstract: A turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials. The turbine vane includes an vane support core, an airfoil, and a pair of end walls that are spaced apart from one another to define a gas path. The turbine vane is formed from a plurality of ceramic plies or preforms that are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a one-piece ceramic matrix composite turbine vane.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignees: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc., Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Shinavski, Thomas Tran, Kevin Lukhard, Ted J. Freeman, Steffan Brown