Patents by Inventor William A. Thomas

William A. 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).

  • Publication number: 20230362424
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing subscriptions. A media guidance application obtaining viewing patterns of a subscriber and determining a first and second media package of interest to the subscriber. A first and second release schedule are obtained related to media content in the first and second media packages. The media guidance application predicts a first viewing impact of the first subscription and a second viewing impact of the second subscription, for the upcoming time period, wherein the viewing impact indicates a total predicted amount of time spent viewing the media packages in the upcoming time period. An available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period is also determined. The media guidance application generates a subscription recommendation for the upcoming time period based on the first viewing impact, second viewing impact, and available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Adam Bates, Hafiza Jameela, Jesse F. Patterson, Mark K. Berner, Eric Dorsey, Jonathan A. Logan, David W. Chamberlin, Paul Stevens, Herbert A. Waterman, William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11750868
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing subscriptions. A media guidance application obtaining viewing patterns of a subscriber and determining a first and second media package of interest to the subscriber. A first and second release schedule are obtained related to media content in the first and second media packages. The media guidance application predicts a first viewing impact of the first subscription and a second viewing impact of the second subscription, for the upcoming time period, wherein the viewing impact indicates a total predicted amount of time spent viewing the media packages in the upcoming time period. An available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period is also determined. The media guidance application generates a subscription recommendation for the upcoming time period based on the first viewing impact, second viewing impact, and available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Bates, Hafiza Jameela, Jesse Patterson, Mark K. Berner, Eric Dorsey, Jonathan A. Logan, David W. Chamberlin, Paul Stevens, Herbert A. Waterman, William A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230007327
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing subscriptions. A media guidance application obtaining viewing patterns of a subscriber and determining a first and second media package of interest to the subscriber. A first and second release schedule are obtained related to media content in the first and second media packages. The media guidance application predicts a first viewing impact of the first subscription and a second viewing impact of the second subscription, for the upcoming time period, wherein the viewing impact indicates a total predicted amount of time spent viewing the media packages in the upcoming time period. An available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period is also determined. The media guidance application generates a subscription recommendation for the upcoming time period based on the first viewing impact, second viewing impact, and available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Adam Bates, Hafiza Jameela, Jesse Patterson, Mark K. Berner, Eric Dorsey, Jonathan A. Logan, David W. Chamberlin, Paul Stevens, Herbert A. Waterman, William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7127809
    Abstract: An LTCC module includes a base on one or more surfaces for receiving one or more external components to be attached to the module. A base is formed of a plurality of layers of metallization in a predetermined pattern. The layers include an adhesion layer on the LTCC module surface, with one or more intermediate layers, followed by a top layer. The module is fired with each application of the layers at a reduced temperature lower than the normal cofiring temperature of the LTCC module, but of sufficient value to partially sinter the layers. After the last applied top layer, the module is fired once at an elevated temperature to fully sinter the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia W. Berry, Alex E. Bailey, Robert Fisher, Tapan K. Gupta, Daniel Brosey, Steve M. Smalley, William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6779757
    Abstract: A preform is joined to converging surfaces of a structure, such as an airfoil, to form a structural edge. The preform has a body having an acute-angle edge at one end and connecting areas extending from the opposing end for connecting the preform to converging planar elements of a wing or other similar structure. In several embodiments, the acute angle of the preform generally matches the angle relative to converging ends of the planar elements, the preform forming the outer end of smooth, continuous outer surfaces after assembly. The connecting areas may be connected to interior or exterior surfaces of the elements, depending on the orientation of the preform and elements. In another embodiment, the entire preform is placed between the outer ends of the elements for aligning and supporting the elements at the desired location and angle relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Thomas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040000613
    Abstract: A preform is joined to converging surfaces of a structure, such as an airfoil, to form a structural edge. The preform has a body having an acute-angle edge at one end and connecting areas extending from the opposing end for connecting the preform to converging planar elements of a wing or other similar structure. In several embodiments, the acute angle of the preform generally matches the angle relative to converging ends of the planar elements, the preform forming the outer end of smooth, continuous outer surfaces after assembly. The connecting areas may be connected to interior or exterior surfaces of the elements, depending on the orientation of the preform and elements. In another embodiment, the entire preform is placed between the outer ends of the elements for aligning and supporting the elements at the desired location and angle relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6328534
    Abstract: An in-line combination steering pump with a shaft and water pump having a housing defining a pumping chamber into which the outer end of the shaft extends. The water pump housing supports an annular adapter member for supporting a seal which encompasses the shaft and is press mounted in the adapter. An impeller is removably secured to the outer end of the shaft adjacent the seal. A bushing encompasses the shaft between the seal and the impeller and is compressed by attachment of the impeller to the shaft so as press the seal firmly into the adapter. For replacement, the seal and bushing are removable over the outer end of the shaft after the impeller is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Keyes, Anthony C. Barr, Gary F. Korejwo, William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6241481
    Abstract: An in-line combination steering pump with a shaft and water pump having a housing defining a pumping chamber into which the outer end of the shaft extends. The water pump housing supports an annular adapter member for supporting a seal which encompasses the shaft and is press mounted in the adapter. An impeller is removably secured to the outer end of the shaft adjacent the seal. A bushing encompasses the shaft between the seal and the impeller and is compressed by attachment of the impeller to the shaft so as press the seal firmly into the adapter. For replacement, the seal and bushing are removable over the outer end of the shaft after the impeller is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Keyes, Anthony C. Barr, Gary F. Korejwo, William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5628403
    Abstract: A universal airplane jet engine turbine blade packing case assembly for securely holding a matched turbine blade pair of various shapes, sizes, and profiles for safe shipping and storage includes a molded housing having a base and a hinged lid, with the housing being partitioned into two sections, one section for each turbine blade. Each section includes a dial rotatably affixed to the inside of the base, with a tapered slot in the dial for slidably receiving and engaging a turbine blade root when the slot is in a vertical loading position. When the root has been slid into the dial, rotating the turbine blade causes the dial to also rotate, which causes the slot opening to rotate behind a portion of the housing such that the turbine root is now positively held within the dial. The turbine blade and dial are rotated further until the turbine blade chord is aligned vertically in a stow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Bill Thomas Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Thomas, Jose L. Ordonez
  • Patent number: 5127520
    Abstract: A lightweight impact resistant container for protecting aircraft brake assembly during shipment and minimizing the required amount of handling during installation and removal of the brake assembly from the aircraft is disclosed. The device is comprised of a cylindrical tube, a base portion, and a top portion, each of which are divided in half along the axis of the cylindrical tube. The two halves are hinged together to allow the two halves to pivot open and shut. When the container is shut, latches are used to secure the container in a closed position. The container further includes a threaded rod assembly with two conical members threaded on the rod for supporting and holding the brake assembly in a fixed position during shipment and storage. The threaded rod assembly mechanically interfits with the top portion and the base portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5128671
    Abstract: A hand-held joystick has spaced-apart groups of accelerometers and is free to move or rotate on multiple axes. Each group has, for example, three mutually perpendicular accelerometers, with each one producing an electrical signal responsive to linear acceleration along one axis. The signals are combined to derive a definition of acceleration of the joystick along the three mutually perpendicular linear axes and/or rotation about these axes. The combined signal is used by an electrical control system which provides input to a device being controlled. The signal to the device under control is responsive to the motion of the joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: LTV Aerospace and Defense Company
    Inventor: William A. Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5048679
    Abstract: A device for protecting a carbon disk stack used in an aircraft brake assembly is disclosed. The glove-like device is constructed of an impact-resistant, flexible material and is installed by sliding the device over the carbon disk assembly. The device may be used to ship a carbon disk stack fixed to a torque tube of the brake assembly or to ship a stack of carbon disks alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4893713
    Abstract: A protector for aircraft wheel assemblies comprises an annular upper main protective member and an annular lower main protective member, each extending in a radial direction over a respective tire sidewall for enclosing and sealing the hub, and for at least partially covering the tire sidewalls. Each main protective member includes one of a pair of mating portions so that wheel assemblies fitted with the protector may be stacked and transported horizontally. The main protective members are clamped to the wheel assembly using adjustable clamping means, including an externally threaded shaft member and a tubular shaft member for receiving the threaded shaft member. The threaded shaft member is further provided with a locking T-member which seats securely in a groove in a reinforcing member on the lower main protective member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4790430
    Abstract: A container for shipping brake assemblies includes a base support member, a body tube, and a top closure member. A threaded shaft is provided extending axially through the body tube from above the top closure member to a nut imbedded in the base support member. A snug nut is provided on the threaded shaft just above the top closure member and tightening the snug nut clamps together the body tube and top and base members. Upper and lower truncated cone-shaped assemblies are provided and mounted on the threaded shaft with the truncated ends facing one another and the lower assembly affixed to the base support member. A plug nut is provided for clamping the cone assemblies together and to the base support member when brake assemblies are mounted between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4729478
    Abstract: A bellows-type shock absorbing container includes a lower main base member, and an upper closure, which may be mounted to the main base member by engaging threads, or by using a hinge and latch closure. The base member is provided with an inwardly directed rib or shoulder having an upper surface upon which the mounting flange of a waste pump or other delicate equipment to be transported, is mounted. The top closure is provided with a downwardly directed cylindrical extension, which bears on the upper surface of the flange of the equipment to be transported to hold it firmly in place. Both the top cover member and the base include reentrant bellows-type structures which provide resiliency and resistance to shock. In addition, the molded top and bottom, after they are threaded together, completely seal the unit to enclose all possible fluids or odors from the equipment being transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventor: William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4304279
    Abstract: A wheel and bearing protector apparatus useful in protecting airplane wheels and bearings from damage or contamination and for preventing loss of bearings during handling prior to mounting on an airplane axle. The apparatus has two wheel and bearing protectors for being mounted on opposite sides of a wheel. Each wheel and bearing protector has an annular central concavity from which a central protrusion extends into the central bore of the bearing in position in a bearing-retaining region of the wheel. An adjacent, substantially radially, annular surface is positioned immediately adjacent to a bearing-retaining cavity in the wheel for holding the bearing snugly in the bearing-retaining cavity to prevent loss or damage. A peripheral rim fits snugly about the outer edge on one side of the wheel. A lock rod apparatus for clamping the two protectors together has a T-rod which is extended through a noncircular slot in the two protectors and through the center bore of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Inventor: William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4105852
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward pharmacologically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein A represents a nitrogen atom which may be substituted by a methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, di(C.sub.1-4 alkyl)aminoethyl, methoxymethyl or hydroxyethyl group and B represents a carbonyl group or A and B together represent a grouping of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.a represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl or hydroxymethyl group and X represents a nitrogen atom or C--R.sup.b wherein R.sup.b represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl or hydroxymethyl group; R represents a halogen atom or a nitro or trifluoromethyl group; R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R.sup.2 represents an acyl group derived from a naturally occurring amino acid (all such groups which contain an asymmetric carbon atom having the L- or D,L-configuration) and R.sup.3 represents a phenyl, halophenyl or 2-pyridyl group and acid addition salts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Cedric H. Hassall, William H. Johnson, Antonin Krohn, Carey E. Smithen, William A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4101086
    Abstract: Groove and corner having a side wall intersecting the groove in a textile yarn package tube results in the provision of an improved method for tying-up yarn to the yarn package tube and for forming a transfer tail, and in the further provision of apparatus for practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: William A. Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4022392
    Abstract: Apparatus for assisting an operator in doffing a yarn package from a textile winder, the yarn being wound on a hollow tube; the hollow tube in turn being mounted on and rotatively locked on a winding mandrel of the winder and having an end portion of the tube extending axially outwardly of the end of the winding mandrel. The apparatus comprises an abutting member for insertion within the extending tube end portion for abutment against the winding mandrel end and a series of gripping members concentric with the abutting member and actuatable for expanding radially outwardly into gripping engagement with the inside surface of the tube end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1977
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: William A. Thomas, Jr., James C. Baugh, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE30473
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward pharmacologically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein A represents a nitrogen atom which may be substituted by a methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, di(C.sub.1-4 alkyl)aminoethyl, methoxymethyl or hydroxyethyl group and B represents a carbonyl group or A and B together represent a grouping of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.a represents a hydrogen or a lower alkyl or hydroxymethyl group and X represents a nitrogen atom or C-R.sup.b wherein R.sup.b represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl or hydroxymethyl group; R represents a halogen atom or a nitro or trifluoromethyl group; R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R.sup.2 represents an acyl group derived from a naturally occurring amino acid (all such groups which contain an asymmetric carbon atom having the L- or D,L-configuration) and R.sup.3 represents a phenyl, halophenyl or 2-pyridyl group and acid addition salts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Cedric H. Hassall, William H. Johnson, Antonin Krohn, Carey E. Smithen, William A. Thomas