Patents by Inventor W. Thompson

W. 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: 20200146760
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for supporting an elongate shaft on a surgical tool during robotic surgery. For example, a tool holder is provided with an elongate carrier arm configured to couple to a distal end of a surgical robotic arm. The tool holder has a housing that is removably mounted on the carrier arm and that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface without extending into tissue. The tool holder thus simulates a trocar. The housing has an opening formed therethrough for receiving an elongate shaft of a surgical tool, and the opening has an inner diameter that is configured to dynamically adjust in size to adapt to and resist movement of elongate shafts of varying diameters inserted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Eric W. Thompson, Cara Shapiro
  • Patent number: 10626690
    Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmy Duane Wiens, Yury P. Gutsu, Benson Thomas, Karsten Heidecke, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Rodney Stephens, Russell W. Thompson, Patrick James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10607690
    Abstract: A memory device may include a memory array with multiple memory cells and one or more sense amplifiers connected to the memory array. Each sense amplifier may include a matched pair of transistors. An active matching fill feature may also be included proximate to at least one transistor of the matched pair of transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve V. Cole, Benjamin A. Millemon, Toby D. Robbs, J. W. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20200075083
    Abstract: A memory device may include a memory array with multiple memory cells and one or more sense amplifiers connected to the memory array. Each sense amplifier may include a matched pair of transistors. An active matching fill feature may also be included proximate to at least one transistor of the matched pair of transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Steve V. Cole, Benjamin A. Millemon, Toby D. Robbs, J. W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10568706
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for supporting an elongate shaft on a surgical tool during robotic surgery. For example, a tool holder is provided with an elongate carrier arm configured to couple to a distal end of a surgical robotic arm. The tool holder has a housing that is removably mounted on the carrier arm and that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface without extending into tissue. The tool holder thus simulates a trocar. The housing has an opening formed therethrough for receiving an elongate shaft of a surgical tool, and the opening has an inner diameter that is configured to dynamically adjust in size to adapt to and resist movement of elongate shafts of varying diameters inserted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Eric W. Thompson, Cara Shapiro
  • Patent number: 10571065
    Abstract: Techniques for refurbishing an existing host pipe, useful in deployments in confined spaces or providing limited access to the host pipe. In currently preferred embodiments, a plurality of cartridges each include (1) a liner pipe section, (2) at least one rod and (3) at least one centering ball, wherein each rod and centering ball is received inside its corresponding liner pipe section such that each rod is stabilized within its corresponding liner pipe section via contact between at least one centering ball and the liner pipe section. Once the first cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, a second cartridge is concatenated to the first by connection of their respective rods and liner pipe sections. The second cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, and so on. Upon completion, the rods and centering balls may be withdrawn from the concatenated string of liner pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: FHE USA LLC
    Inventor: Roger W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10557304
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting an actuator button to a rail wherein the fastener for securing the button housing to the rail is hidden from view of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson, Robert E. Fisher, II
  • Publication number: 20190383093
    Abstract: A handle is releasably secured to a rail wall by means of fasteners extending from inside the rail. An actuator shaft pushes against a contact plate to move a movable braking member to stop the rotation of a rod inside the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson, Robert E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 10508450
    Abstract: A kick out flashing includes a base for placement adjacent a roof, a sidewall for placement adjacent a wall by the roof, a first kick out wall angled away from the sidewall, an intermediate wall joined with the first kick out wall, distal from and optionally parallel to the sidewall, and a second kick out wall angled away from the intermediate wall, the second kick out wall distal from the sidewall and downstream from the first kick out wall. The sidewall, intermediate wall and a bottom wall can form a channel that receives a J channel or other wall covering. The first kick out wall can prevent water from traveling directly under the bottom wall and/or the channel, diverting it away from the sidewall. The second kick out wall can further divert water away from the channel and/or sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: American Flashings and Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Leon W. Thompson, Nathan L. Thompson, Jacob M. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190318021
    Abstract: Well data is retrieved from a connected database for data analysis of well data. One or more Constraints are applied to the retrieved well data to determine if the retrieved well data includes low-quality or incorrect data. Upon determination of the presence of low-quality or incorrect data in the retrieved well data, the determination is reported. The low-quality or incorrect data is analyzed for quality control. The low-quality or incorrect data is remediated based on the quality control analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Martin D. Hiu, Troy W. Thompson, Murtadha I. Habib
  • Patent number: 10418093
    Abstract: A memory device may include a memory array with multiple memory cells and one or more sense amplifiers connected to the memory array. Each sense amplifier may include a matched pair of transistors. An active matching fill feature may also be included proximate to at least one transistor of the matched pair of transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve V. Cole, Benjamin A. Millemon, Toby D. Robbs, J. W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10407981
    Abstract: A handle is releasably secured to a rail wall by means of fasteners extending from inside the rail. An actuator shaft pushes against a contact plate to move a movable braking member to stop the rotation of a rod inside the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson, Robert E. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20190247737
    Abstract: A support assembly for use with snow sports boards includes a base configured to be attached to the snow sports board. A frame has a first portion extending downward and a second portion extending rearward from the first portion. A seat is mounted on the second portion of the frame. A shock absorber extends between the base and the first portion of the frame. During use, the support assembly is configured to support a rider sitting on the seat in a face-forward position with the rider's knees vertically below and forward of the rider's hips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: Yak Board, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190219214
    Abstract: Techniques for refurbishing an existing host pipe, useful in deployments in confined spaces or providing limited access to the host pipe. In currently preferred embodiments, a plurality of cartridges each include (1) a liner pipe section, (2) at least one rod and (3) at least one centering ball, wherein each rod and centering ball is received inside its corresponding liner pipe section such that each rod is stabilized within its corresponding liner pipe section via contact between at least one centering ball and the liner pipe section. Once the first cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, a second cartridge is concatenated to the first by connection of their respective rods and liner pipe sections. The second cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, and so on. Upon completion, the rods and centering balls may be withdrawn from the concatenated string of liner pipe sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventor: Roger W. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190178029
    Abstract: A covering for an architecture opening has a horizontal movable rail supported by cords, with a variety of configurations which allow the movable rail to be moved up and down while concealing the cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson, Steven R. Haarer
  • Publication number: 20190161973
    Abstract: A kick out flashing includes a base for placement adjacent a roof, a sidewall for placement adjacent a wall by the roof, a first kick out wall angled away from the sidewall, an intermediate wall joined with the first kick out wall, distal from and optionally parallel to the sidewall, and a second kick out wall angled away from the intermediate wall, the second kick out wall distal from the sidewall and downstream from the first kick out wall. The sidewall, intermediate wall and a bottom wall can form a channel that receives a J channel or other wall covering. The first kick out wall can prevent water from traveling directly under the bottom wall and/or the channel, diverting it away from the sidewall. The second kick out wall can further divert water away from the channel and/or sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Leon W. Thompson, Nathan L. Thompson, Jacob M. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190154184
    Abstract: Techniques for refurbishing an existing host pipe, useful in deployments in confined spaces or providing limited access to the host pipe. In currently preferred embodiments, a plurality of cartridges each include (1) a liner pipe section, (2) at least one rod and (3) at least one centering ball, wherein each rod and centering ball is received inside its corresponding liner pipe section such that each rod is stabilized within its corresponding liner pipe section via contact between at least one centering ball and the liner pipe section. Once the first cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, a second cartridge is concatenated to the first by connection of their respective rods and liner pipe sections. The second cartridge is inserted into the host pipe, and so on. Upon completion, the rods and centering balls may be withdrawn from the concatenated string of liner pipe sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Roger W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10258419
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing robotic surgery. In general, a surgical system is provided including an electromechanical tool with a first mode of operation in which the electromechanical tool mimics movement of a controller, and a second mode of operation in which the tool mirrors movement of the controller. A hybrid surgical device is also provided including an adapter matable to a handle assembly such that the adapter is electronically coupled to a motor of the handle assembly and is configured to communicate with the motor. A robotic laparoscopic surgical device is also provided including a motion sensor configured to sense movement of an electromechanical tool and an electromechanical arm that assists movement of the tool. A robotic surgical device is also provided including an electromechanical driver associated with a trocar and being configured to rotate and to translate a tool disposed through a passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Auld, Kevin D. Felder, Steven G. Hall, Eric W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10261863
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to maintaining file system consistency on a mounted storage device in a computing system during system runtime. In one embodiment, a method generally includes locking access to a file stored in a file system on the mounted storage volume and metadata associated with the file. A computing system determines one or more properties associated with the file and examines the metadata for inconsistencies between the metadata and the determined properties. Upon determining that the metadata and the determined properties are consistent, the computing system generates a backup copy of the file, commits the backup copy to a backup data repository, and unlocks access to the file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Ancel, Robert W. Thompson
  • Patent number: D851263
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Donald W Thompson