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).

  • Trocar Simulation
    Publication number: 20180168743
    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: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Katherine J. Schmid, Eric W. Thompson, Cara Shapiro
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COUPLING A SURGICAL TOOL TO A TOOL DRIVER OF A ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180168744
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a robotic surgical tool with a tool driver of a robotic surgical system via a sterile barrier disposed between the tool and the driver. The tool has an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled thereto, as well as a mating interface member having a plurality of independently movable portions and a plurality of coupling features disposed about a perimeter of an outer wall of the mating interface member. The coupling features are configured to reversibly engage with a proximal end of a corresponding actuation member from a plurality of actuation members of the tool driver. The coupling features reversibly engage with the proximal ends of the actuation members so as to allow the actuation members to move in proximal and distal directions independently from one another to thereby control operation of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Robert L. Koch, JR., Jeffery Kirk, Andrew Beckman, Jeffery S. Swayze, Mark D. Overmyer, Eric W. Thompson, Kenneth Miller
  • Firearm bore cleaning apparatus, systems and methods
    Patent number: 9995554
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for cleaning the internal bore of the barrel of a firearm, is provided. More specifically, an apparatus, system and method is provided for efficiently and effective cleaning the bore of a firearm, wherein a cleaning cloth or patch is easily attached and removed from the body of the apparatus using a magnetic attachment. The cleaning cloth drapes over the body of the apparatus, which then fits tight, but moveable, within the bore for maximum contact with the interior surface. The result is an improved firearm cleaning apparatus that not only provides for more effective and less time consuming cleaning, but it also requires less cleaning cloths and solvent, which results in less waste and thus is more environmentally friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald W. Thompson
  • Solid state drive with holding file for atomic updates
    Patent number: 9983833
    Abstract: A method of updating a file in a solid state drive (SSD) and an SSD configured to update a file in the SSD is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes performing one or more writes to a holding file in an auxiliary memory, the one or more writes corresponding to an update for a target file in the auxiliary memory. The method further includes applying the update to the target file in the auxiliary memory when each of the one or more writes has been successfully written to the holding file, and resetting the holding file when less than all of the one or more writes have been successfully written to the holding file. In one embodiment, a flash controller in communication with the auxiliary memory performs the update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon W. Waidhofer, Ali Aiouaz, Christopher S. Delaney, Leland W. Thompson
  • RESERVED PROCESS AND THREAD IDENTIFIERS FOR TRACING
    Publication number: 20180052760
    Abstract: A system debugs software code and performs a method of debugging software code. The method includes starting execution of an instantiation of a process within the software code and determining whether the instantiation of the process corresponds with any entry in a database of reserved process identifiers (PIDs) and thread identifiers (TIDs). The system also includes assigning the PID and the TID from among the reserved PIDs and the TIDs in the database to the instantiation of the process based on the instantiation of the process corresponding with any entry in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Kurosh Khan-Afshar Mohammadi, Daniel A. Koo Mo Shan, Geert Oost, Robert W. Thompson
  • Steerable magnetic dipole antenna for measurement while drilling applications
    Patent number: 9885800
    Abstract: A steerable, magnetic dipole antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) or Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) applications. The antenna elements use a hole arrangement in addition to grooves in a steel tool body, which is typically a drill collar. This antenna embodiment is extremely robust, meaning that does not significantly reduce the structural integrity of the tool body in which it is disposed. The antenna embodiment is also relatively wear resistant. The resultant magnetic dipole generated by this antenna is also electrically steerable in inclination angle from a common origin. A variable dipole moment inclination angle combined with independently measured tool rotation orientation during normal drilling allows the antenna to generate a magnetic dipole moment that may be directed at any three dimensional angle and from a common origin point at the centroid of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Macmillan M. Wisler, Larry W. Thompson, Jian-Qun Wu, Lance Pate
  • Steerable magnetic dipole antenna for measurement while drilling applications
    Patent number: 9841528
    Abstract: A steerable, magnetic dipole antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) or Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) applications. The antenna elements use a hole arrangement in addition to grooves in a steel tool body, which is typically a drill collar. This antenna embodiment is extremely robust, meaning that does not significantly reduce the structural integrity of the tool body in which it is disposed. The antenna embodiment is also relatively wear resistant. The resultant magnetic dipole generated by this antenna is also electrically steerable in inclination angle from a common origin. A variable dipole moment inclination angle combined with independently measured tool rotation orientation during normal drilling allows the antenna to generate a magnetic dipole moment that may be directed at any three dimensional angle and from a common origin point at the centroid of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Macmillan M. Wisler, Larry W. Thompson, Jian-Qun Wu, Lance Pate
  • FILL UP TOOL
    Publication number: 20170321508
    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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    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
  • ARRANGEMENT FOR MOUNTING AN ACTUATOR BUTTON ONTO A RAIL OF A WINDOW COVERING
    Publication number: 20170314325
    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: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: RICHARD N. ANDERSON, EUGENE W. THOMPSON, ROBERT E. FISHER, II
  • Implantable restriction system tension release mechanism
    Patent number: 9750629
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Randal T. Byrum, Toralf Bork, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Richard W. Timm, Eric W. Thompson, Lauren S. Weaner
  • Method and device for measuring word pair relevancy
    Patent number: 9754020
    Abstract: A method and device provide a word pair relevancy measure for a seed word-keyword pair. A set of documents is provided from which a co-occurrence matrix is created. The co-occurrence matrix is utilized to determine a transition probability and an expected search depth from which the word pair relevancy is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jon T. Kosloski, John W. Thompson
  • Fill up tool
    Patent number: 9745810
    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: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    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
  • RUNTIME FILE SYSTEM CONSISTENCY CHECKING DURING BACKUP OPERATIONS
    Publication number: 20170235641
    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: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas ANCEL, Robert W. THOMPSON
  • INFLATABLE BULKHEAD USEFUL IN UNDERGROUND PIPE REFURBISHMENT
    Publication number: 20170234474
    Abstract: A method for refurbishing an existing host pipe, in which an in-situ longitudinal cut is made in the interior wall of a subterranean host pipe. An expansion tool is moved along a path inside the host pipe, stopping at one or more stations on the way. At each station, responsive to isolated outward radial force from the expansion tool, the interior diameter of the host pipe is increased via separation of the longitudinal cut. A new rigid liner pipe is inserted inside the expanded host pipe to operationally replace the host pipe. In some embodiments, grout is deployed in the annular space between liner pipe and host pipe. Expansion of the host pipe via separation of the longitudinal cut optimizes the refurbishment job and enables the original host pipe, as expanded, to contribute structurally to the refurbished pipe system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Roger W. Thompson
  • Protective cover for electronic device with surface for attaching building elements
    Patent number: 9723113
    Abstract: A protective cover for a handheld portable electronic device includes a front cover, and one or more mounting portions. The mounting portions can couple the front cover to the handheld portable electronic device. The front cover can cover the display screen of the portable electronic device. The front cover, the mounting portions, or both include studded surfaces or socket surfaces. The studded surfaces or socket surfaces couple with standard building elements of a play building set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Pono Paani, LLC
    Inventors: Hunter S. Thompson, James W. Thompson, Jamie Thompson, Frazier Newlin
  • Arrangement for mounting an actuator button onto a rail of a window covering
    Patent number: 9708850
    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: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N Anderson, Eugene W Thompson, Robert E Fisher, II
  • Solid state drive with holding file for atomic updates
    Publication number: 20170185350
    Abstract: A method of updating a file in a solid state drive (SSD) and an SSD configured to update a file in the SSD is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes performing one or more writes to a holding file in an auxiliary memory, the one or more writes corresponding to an update for a target file in the auxiliary memory. The method further includes applying the update to the target file in the auxiliary memory when each of the one or more writes has been successfully written to the holding file, and resetting the holding file when less than all of the one or more writes have been successfully written to the holding file. In one embodiment, a flash controller in communication with the auxiliary memory performs the update.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Gordon W. Waidhofer, Ali Aiouaz, Christopher S. Delaney, Leland W. Thompson
  • FIREARM BORE CLEANING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20170176126
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for cleaning the internal bore of the barrel of a firearm, is provided. More specifically, an apparatus, system and method is provided for efficiently and effective cleaning the bore of a firearm, wherein a cleaning cloth or patch is easily attached and removed from the body of the apparatus using a magnetic attachment. The cleaning cloth drapes over the body of the apparatus, which then fits tight, but moveable, within the bore for maximum contact with the interior surface. The result is an improved firearm cleaning apparatus that not only provides for more effective and less time consuming cleaning, but it also requires less cleaning cloths and solvent, which results in less waste and thus is more environmentally friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald W. Thompson
  • Arrangement for a component housing for use in a rail of a window covering
    Patent number: 9677330
    Abstract: The base and cover of a component housing are releasably assembled to each other with yokes on one of said base and cover, with at least one of said yokes flexing to slide over and snap around a respective boss on the other of said yoke and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N Anderson, Eugene W Thompson, Robert E Fisher, II
  • Case for electronic device with surface for attaching building elements
    Patent number: 9628131
    Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device includes a cavity and one or more studded surfaces. The cavity can receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device such that the portable electronic device is removable from the cavity through an opening in the cavity. The studded surfaces can be coupled with one or more building elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Pono Paani, LLC
    Inventors: Hunter S. Thompson, Jamie L. Thompson, James W. Thompson, Frazier Newlin