Patents by Inventor W. Thornton
W. Thornton 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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Publication number: 20240130471Abstract: An article of footwear having a heel region with a posterior end of the article of footwear, a mid-foot region, and a forefoot region with an anterior end of the article of footwear; a lateral side, and a medial side opposite the lateral side; an upper; a sole structure, the sole structure coupled to the upper, and wherein the sole structure has; a cushioning element disposed in the heel region, the cushioning element having a first tube and a second tube, wherein each of the first tube and the second tube extend from the lateral side of the article of footwear to the medial side of the article of footwear, wherein the first tube includes a contained fluid volume at a first pressure, and the second tube includes a contained fluid volume at a second pressure, wherein the first pressure and the second pressure are equal to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Roger Paul Murphy, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Jessica Small, Matthew W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20240130467Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having a first support element, the first support element including a first set of recesses; a second support element, the second support element including a second set of recesses, and wherein the second support element includes an opening extending therethrough; a coupling portion, the coupling portion including a third set of recesses, and wherein the coupling portion is disposed within the opening of the second support element; a cushioning element disposed between the first support element and the second support element, the cushioning element including a plurality of tubes, wherein the first set of recesses, the second set of recesses, and the third set of recesses form a continuous receiving area, and wherein the cushioning element is disposed within the continuous receiving area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Roger Paul Murphy, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Jessica Small, Matthew W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20240130469Abstract: An article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a cushioning element, comprising a plurality of tubes, wherein adjacent tubes are connected to one another by a respective web area, disposed between a first support element and a second support element, wherein one or more of the respective web areas is exposed to the external environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Roger Paul Murphy, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Jessica Small, Matthew W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20240130472Abstract: An article of footwear having a heel region including a posterior end, a mid-foot region, and a forefoot region including an anterior end. The article of footwear having a lateral side, and a medial side opposite the lateral side; an upper; and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure has a first cushioning element, having a plurality of first tubes and a plurality of first web areas. Adjacent first tubes are connected to one another by a respective first web area of the plurality of first web areas. The sole structure also having a second cushioning element, having a plurality of second tubes and a plurality of second web areas. Adjacent second tubes are connected to one another by a respective web area of the second plurality of web areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Shawn G. Carboy, Zachary M. Elder, Jonathan Kosenick, Roger Paul Murphy, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Jessica Small, Matthew W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20240130473Abstract: An article of footwear having a heel region including a posterior end, a mid-foot region, and a forefoot region including an anterior end. The article of footwear having an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure further has a first cushioning element having a first tube, a second tube, a third tube, and a fourth tube, and an outsole layer extending from the posterior end to the anterior end. The outsole layer is configured to directly receive a portion of the first cushioning element, and the outsole layer forms a ground-contacting surface of the article of footwear.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Fidencio Campos, II, Shawn G. Carboy, Zachary M. Elder, Jonathan Kosenick, Roger Paul Murphy, Thomas J. Rushbrook, Jessica Small, Matthew W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20230256695Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Matthew W. Thornton
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Patent number: 11667094Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Matthew W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20220117388Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a novel, twisted-in-wire type interproximal brush equipped with yarn strands. According to some embodiments, the yarn strands may be formed of nylon filament having compression memory characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventor: Brett W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20220072820Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Matthew W. Thornton
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Patent number: 11206918Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a novel, twisted-in-wire type interproximal brush equipped with yarn strands. According to some embodiments, the yarn strands may be formed of nylon filament having compression memory characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Parallel Capture Holdings Inc.Inventor: Brett W. Thornton
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Patent number: 11186055Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Matthew W. Thornton
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Patent number: 10951027Abstract: A smart load center panel (10) accepts two hot legs from each of two power sources, and selectively connects each of a plurality of breakers to one of the two power sources under processor control. A dielectric chassis (12) provides structural support and electrical isolation for a plurality of individual circuit boards (28), each including a pair of breaker stabs (26) and a relay (24) operative to selectively connect each breaker stab (26) to a different power source. A bus bar assembly (20) comprises two bus bars for the hot legs of each of two power sources, and insulates the bus bars from each other and from inadvertent contact. A master printed circuit board (40) comprises slits (43, 45) defining the individual circuit board (28) except at the edges. After mounting and soldering, the edges are cut away, yielding a plurality of individual circuit boards (28). Neutral and ground bus bars (46, 52) are mounted to the side of the panel housing (12), behind a flange of a front opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Koolbridge Solar, Inc.Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Paul Wilkinson Dent
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Publication number: 20210046313Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired glucose regulation in a subject comprising in one embodiment, applying a neural conduction block to a target nerve at a blocking site with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve pulses. In another embodiment, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to treat impaired glucose regulation. In other embodiments, up-regulation or down-regulation of various nerves, such as the vagus and its branches, and the splanchnic is used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, thereby controlling glucose levels. In yet further embodiments, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, to treat impaired glucose regulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Arnold W. Thornton, Dennis Dong-won Kim, Mark B. Knudson, Katherine S. Tweden, Richard R. Wilson
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Patent number: 10904111Abstract: A method, a computer program product, and a computer system for a lightweight framework with dynamic self-organizing coordination capacity for clustered applications are provided. The lightweight framework provides a means for managing tasks that require coordination between application nodes. A node receives a task and determines whether one of other nodes is processing the task. The node runs as an active node to process the task, in response to determining that none of the other nodes is processing the task. The node runs as one of one or more passive nodes that monitor processing of the task, in response to determining that the one of the other node is processing the task.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Anna Joffe, Howard A. Kelsey, Viktor Levine, Michael P. W. Thornton
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Patent number: 10891878Abstract: The present disclosure relates in general to methods for tracking web-based articles and methods of authenticating the origin of web-based articles. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a tracking system for web-based articles and to web-based articles having identifying marks that allow tracking and authentication of its origin.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Ronald K. Thery, Shawn P. Crosby, George G. Gentes, Rebecca C. Lee, Timothy W. Thornton
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Patent number: 10722714Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired glucose regulation in a subject comprising in one embodiment, applying a neural conduction block to a target nerve at a blocking site with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve pulses. In another embodiment, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to treat impaired glucose regulation. In other embodiments, up-regulation or down-regulation of various nerves, such as the vagus and its branches, and the splanchnic is used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, thereby controlling glucose levels. In yet further embodiments, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, to treat impaired glucose regulation.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: ReShape Lifesciences, Inc.Inventors: Arnold W. Thornton, Dennis Dong-won Kim, Mark B. Knudson, Katherine S. Tweden, Richard R. Wilson
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Publication number: 20200136385Abstract: A smart load center panel (10) accepts two hot legs from each of two power sources, and selectively connects each of a plurality of breakers to one of the two power sources under processor control. A dielectric chassis (12) provides structural support and electrical isolation for a plurality of individual circuit boards (28), each including a pair of breaker stabs (26) and a relay (24) operative to selectively connect each breaker stab (26) to a different power source. A bus bar assembly (20) comprises two bus bars for the hot legs of each of two power sources, and insulates the bus bars from each other and from inadvertent contact. A master printed circuit board (40) comprises slits (43, 45) defining the individual circuit board (28) except at the edges. After mounting and soldering, the edges are cut away, yielding a plurality of individual circuit boards (28). Neutral and ground bus bars (46, 52) are mounted to the side of the panel housing (12), behind a flange of a front opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2017Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Curtis W. Thornton, Paul Wilkinson Dent
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Publication number: 20190290412Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a novel, twisted-in-wire type interproximal brush equipped with yarn strands. According to some embodiments, the yarn strands may be formed of nylon filament having compression memory characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventor: Brett W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20190270267Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Matthew W. Thornton
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Publication number: 20190022393Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired glucose regulation in a subject comprising in one embodiment, applying a neural conduction block to a target nerve at a blocking site with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve pulses. In another embodiment, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to treat impaired glucose regulation. In other embodiments, up-regulation or down-regulation of various nerves, such as the vagus and its branches, and the splanchnic is used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, thereby controlling glucose levels. In yet further embodiments, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, to treat impaired glucose regulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Arnold W. Thornton, Dennis Dong-won Kim, Mark B. Knudson, Katherine S. Tweden, Richard R. Wilson