Patents by Inventor Walter Thomas

Walter Thomas 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).

  • Patent number: 11934278
    Abstract: A data storage library is described that protects against a malware attack by providing a scheduled write window of time where archive data can be written to tape cartridges in the tape library on behalf of a client. At times outside of the write window, the tape library is disabled from writing any archive data to any of the tape cartridges in the tape library. Accordingly, the tape library is protected from a malicious entity attempting to download malware to tape cartridges in the tape library outside of the designated write windows. The tape library is configured to provide or otherwise read archived data from a tape cartridge both in the write window and outside of the write window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Spectra Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr, Matthew Ninesling, Walter Wong
  • Patent number: 11936888
    Abstract: Methods and systems for frame rate scalability are described. Support is provided for input and output video sequences with variable frame rate and variable shutter angle across scenes, or for input video sequences with fixed input frame rate and input shutter angle, but allowing a decoder to generate a video output at a different output frame rate and shutter angle than the corresponding input values. Techniques allowing a decoder to decode more computationally-efficiently a specific backward compatible target frame rate and shutter angle among those allowed are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin Atkins, Peng Yin, Taoran Lu, Fangjun Pu, Sean Thomas McCarthy, Walter J. Husak, Tao Chen, Guan-Ming Su
  • Publication number: 20240089474
    Abstract: Methods and systems for frame rate scalability are described. Support is provided for input and output video sequences with variable frame rate and variable shutter angle across scenes, or for input video sequences with fixed input frame rate and input shutter angle, but allowing a decoder to generate a video output at a different output frame rate and shutter angle than the corresponding input values. Techniques allowing a decoder to decode more computationally-efficiently a specific backward compatible target frame rate and shutter angle among those allowed are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin Atkins, Peng Yin, Taoran Lu, Fangjun Pu, Sean Thomas McCarthy, Walter J. Husak, Tao Chen, Guan-Ming Su
  • Publication number: 20240080465
    Abstract: Methods and systems for frame rate scalability are described. Support is provided for input and output video sequences with variable frame rate and variable shutter angle across scenes, or for input video sequences with fixed input frame rate and input shutter angle, but allowing a decoder to generate a video output at a different output frame rate and shutter angle than the corresponding input values. Techniques allowing a decoder to decode more computationally-efficiently a specific backward compatible target frame rate and shutter angle among those allowed are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Atkins, Peng Yin, Taoran Lu, Fangjun Pu, Sean Thomas McCarthy, Walter J. Husak, Tao Chen, Guan-Ming Su
  • Patent number: 11851211
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are related unmanned aerial vehicles tethered to ground stations with an expendable airborne fiber-optic link. The tethers may be fiber-optic cables that can be used as a communications conduit between a ground station and a UAV for providing vehicle positioning/control information to the UAV as well as transmitting a large amount of information/data to the UAV. As the information being transmitted between to the UAV the ground station is critical, fiber-optic cables provide the bandwidth and transmission capabilities required with the added benefit of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) immunity, making this an ideal solution for these applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Sanmina Corporation
    Inventors: Max Edward Klein, David Porter, Walter Thomas Castleberry
  • Patent number: 11831997
    Abstract: A sky sensor device for measuring direct normal illuminance (DNE) value is described. One sky sensor device includes a camera sensor to capture a series of images, an illuminance sensor to measure illuminance, and a processing device coupled to the camera sensor and the illuminance sensor. The processing device determines a DNE value using the series of images and the illuminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Halio, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Humann, Walter Thomas Barnum, John B. Bogdan, Robert Don Bruhn, Andrew McNiel, Michael Scott Moulton, Benjamin Nagel
  • Publication number: 20230356980
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevator system having an elevator entryway, the elevator entryway including: a first door, which is an elevator door, a first controller operationally connected to the first door for opening and closing the first door to provide access to an elevator, wherein when the first door is closing: the first controller monitors for first instructions over a frequency applicable to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or a radio detection and ranging (RADAR), and upon receiving the first instructions, the first controller executes the first instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Joseph V. Mantese, Goran Djuknic, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes, Ziyou Xiong
  • Publication number: 20230298896
    Abstract: High aspect ratio features are formed in a substrate using etching and deposition processes. A partially etched feature is formed by exposure to plasma in a plasma etch chamber. A metal-based liner is subsequently deposited in the partially etched feature using the same plasma etch chamber. The metal-based liner is robust and prevents lateral etch in subsequent etching operations. The metal-based liner may be deposited at temperatures or pressures comparable to temperatures or pressures for etch processes. The metal-based liner may be localized in certain portions of the partially etched feature. Etching proceeds within the feature after deposition without lateral etching in regions where the metal-based liner is deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory Clinton Veber, Shuang Pi, Taner Ozel, Eric A. Hudson, Qing Xu, Merrett Wong, Amit Mukhopadhyay, Walter Thomas Ralston
  • Patent number: 11760605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring an elevator door, an elevator system, and a method for monitoring an elevator door. The elevator door has an open state or a closed state implemented by moving along an elevator sill. The system for monitoring an elevator door includes: one or more imaging sensors configured to collect image data and depth data of at least one section in the elevator sill that is exposed when the elevator door is in the open state; and a data processing device in communication with the imaging sensor and configured to receive and process the image data and the depth data to determine whether an obstacle preventing the elevator door from entering the closed state exists in the section. By applying the present invention, the safety of the elevator door can be improved effectively, and equipment property losses and personal injuries can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11763074
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for digital form integration and presentation. The method includes extracting one or more data input fields from a form and generating one or more user prompts to be presented to a user in order to complete at least one of the one or more entries of the one or more data input fields. The method further includes causing the transmission of at least one of the one or more user prompts to the user and receiving a prompt response from the user. The method also includes determining whether the prompt response meets one or more form requirements for a given entry and updating the form upon determination that the prompt response meets one or more form requirements for a given entry. The method further includes displaying to the user the form in an appropriate channel format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Indradeep Dantuluri, Charanjit S. Bagga, Muralidhar Chowdarapu, Burton M. Covnot, Sandeep Gandhi, Ryan Scott Heller, Saurabh Khanna, Silvia Adriana Krasuk, Mardochee Macxis, Walter Thomas Robinson, Rupal V. Shah, Mansoor Zafar
  • Patent number: 11745983
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevator system having an elevator entryway, the elevator entryway including: a first door, which is an elevator door, a first controller operationally connected to the first door for opening and closing the first door to provide access to an elevator, wherein when the first door is closing: the first controller monitors for first instructions over a frequency applicable to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or a radio detection and ranging (RADAR), and upon receiving the first instructions, the first controller executes the first instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Joseph V. Mantese, Goran Djuknic, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes, Ziyou Xiong
  • Patent number: 11704484
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for a template based design approach for cross channel digital data parsing and generation. The system allows for onboarding of various types of forms to push them out to users via multiple various user viewing channels. The invention identifies the sections or fields of the form that require user input and presents those fields using an advanced digital solution illustrated in the channel format. The system is expandable, allowing for a single backend upload of additional forms irrespective of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Indradeep Dantuluri, Charanjit S. Bagga, Muralidhar Chowdarapu, Burton M. Covnot, Sandeep Gandhi, Ryan Scott Heller, Saurabh Khanna, Silvia Adriana Krasuk, Mardochee Macxis, Walter Thomas Robinson, Rupal V. Shah, Mansoor Zafar
  • Patent number: 11691853
    Abstract: Disclosed is an escalator system having: escalator steps; and a plurality of state sensors including a master sensor and slave sensors, wherein the slave sensors are secured to different ones of the escalator steps, wherein the master sensor is configured to: receive slave sensor data from the slave sensors; and transmit data to an escalator call center upon detecting an occurrence of a fault condition from the slave sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes
  • Publication number: 20230202797
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a plurality of components respectively configured for at least one function during operation of the elevator system. A plurality of sensors are each associated with at least one of the components. Each sensor senses at least one characteristic of an actual performance of an associated one of the components. A processor is configured to receive respective indications from the sensors regarding the actual performance of the associated components, determine a difference between the actual performance and a desired performance of any of the components based on the respective indications, and determine an adjustment to the operation of the elevator system based upon the determined difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Soumalya Sarkar, Paul R. Braunwart
  • Patent number: 11686355
    Abstract: An actuating apparatus has a first and a second actuating element that delimit a pressure chamber. The actuating apparatus has a rotary decoupling bearing coupled via a compensation assembly to the second actuating element for joint movement along the spatial axis. The compensation assembly comprises a first ramp element which is supported axially on the second actuating element and is preloaded relative to the second actuating element by a first preloading apparatus for rotation about the spatial axis and a second ramp element coupled to the rotary decoupling bearing. An axial overall length of the compensation group along the spatial axis changes in the case of a rotation, of the first ramp element relative to the second actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Stephan Hahn, Michael Göb, Daniel Siegler, Matthias Abeska, Walter Thoma, Christopher Böhm
  • Patent number: 11685635
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for an elevator door of an elevator car, wherein a controller controls the elevator door to travel in a proximate direction when closing and travel in a distal direction when opening, the system including: a panel that forms an exterior surface of an elevator door, the panel including a front surface extending in a widthwise direction between a proximate end and an opposing distal end to form a front surface of the elevator door, the panel including a proximate end surface extending in a depthwise direction to form a proximate end surface of the elevator door, the proximate end surface of the panel comprising a resilient portion that is capable of engaging a sensor in the panel when the elevator door is closing, and thereafter the controller instructs the elevator door to reopen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph C. Rampone, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20230130591
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heating system comprising: a heating arrangement for heating a process medium; an inverter configured to receive an input direct-current voltage from a power supply and to produce an intermediate alternating-current voltage; a transformer configured to receive the intermediate alternating-current voltage produced by the inverter and to supply an output alternating-current voltage to the heating arrangement; a sensor arrangement configured to generate a first sensor output signal indicative of a thermodynamic parameter of the process medium or the heating arrangement; and a controller configured to control the inverter based on the first sensor output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Mark Trussler, Walter Thomas Robinson, Jie Chen
  • Patent number: 11618651
    Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a header beam and a first elevator cab supported by the header beam. A plurality of vertically oriented rods extend beneath the first elevator cab. A horizontally oriented mid-beam is coupled to a first one of the rods near a first end of the mid-beam and coupled to a second one of the rods near a second end of the mid-beam. A second elevator cab is situated beneath the first elevator cab and beneath the mid-beam. At least one linear actuator is supported at least partially on the mid-beam. The linear actuator selectively causes vertical movement of the second elevator cab relative to the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Enrico Manes, Walter Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20230098718
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heating system comprising: a heating element for heating a process medium; a DC power converter configured to receive an input direct-current voltage from a power supply and to deliver an output direct-current voltage to the heating element; a sensor arrangement configured to generate a first sensor output signal indicative of a thermodynamic parameter of the process medium or the heating element; and a controller configured to control the DC power converter based on the first sensor output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Mark Trussler, Walter Thomas Robinson, Jie Chen
  • Patent number: 11597629
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a plurality of components respectively configured for at least one function during operation of the elevator system. A plurality of sensors are each associated with at least one of the components. Each sensor senses at least one characteristic of an actual performance of an associated one of the components. A processor is configured to receive respective indications from the sensors regarding the actual performance of the associated components, determine a difference between the actual performance and a desired performance of any of the components based on the respective indications, and determine an adjustment to the operation of the elevator system based upon the determined difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Soumalya Sarkar, Paul R. Braunwart