Patents by Inventor Bradley A. Smith
Bradley A. Smith 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: 20170014746Abstract: A filter that is retained in a shell housing by the use of a snap connection. The filter includes an endplate having snap features that interact with a groove in an inner portion of the shell housing. The groove may extend 360 degrees around an inner circumference of the shell housing. Accordingly, when the shell is unthreaded from the head for service (e.g., during a filter replacement service), the shell only needs to be displaced the length of the inner radial seal interface between the shell and the head, not the entire length of the filter media thereby minimizing the stroke length needed to service the filter assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.Inventors: Bradley A. Smith, Chirag D. Parikh, Brian K. Wagner, Scott Manke
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Patent number: 9500177Abstract: An electrical generation system based on tidal flow includes a reservoir and a fluid inlet tube extending between a tidal source and the reservoir. The inlet tube has at least one inlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid inlet tube extends along a first level. A fluid outlet tube extends between the reservoir and the tidal source. The fluid outlet tube has at least one outlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid outlet tube extends along a second level vertically lower than the first level. During high tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal source, into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet turbine generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at the tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into the fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine generator, and to the tidal source.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Tidal Fan, LLCInventor: Bradley Smith
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Patent number: 9452408Abstract: A method of starting up one or more units, the method comprising the steps of: (a) starting up a first unit including a microchannel reactor housing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by initially feeding a carbon monoxide source and a hydrogen source to the first unit and through the microchannel reactor; (b) processing, within the microchannel reactor, at least a portion of the carbon monoxide source and the hydrogen source; (c) monitoring at least one of internal pressure, temperature, and concentration at least one of within the microchannel reactor and downstream from the microchannel reactor; (d) at least partially containing the microchannel reactor using a wall of a containment device, the wall cooperating with the microchannel reactor to delineate at least one of a first inlet cavity and a first outlet cavity of the microchannel reactor, where at least one of the first inlet cavity and the first outlet cavity is not in fluid communication with at least one of a second inlet cavity and a second outlet cavity;Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: William Allen Rogers, Jr., Christopher Paul Weil, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ronald Chester Pasadyn, George Bradley Smith, Charles Robert Miele, Thomas Peter Forte, Jimmy Glen Pelham
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Patent number: 9403142Abstract: The present invention includes a removable microchannel unit including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in fluid communication with a plurality of microchannels distributed throughout the removable microchannel unit, and a pressurized vessel adapted have the removable microchannel unit mounted thereto, the pressurized vessel adapted to contain a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon at least a portion of the exterior of the removable microchannel unit. The invention also includes a microchannel unit assembly comprising a microchannel unit operation carried out within a pressurized vessel, where pressurized vessel includes a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, and where the microchannel unit operation includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with an interior of the pressurized vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Inventors: William Allen Rogers, Jr., Paul William Neagle, Michael Alan Marchiando, Christopher Paul Weil, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ronald Chester Pasadyn, G. Bradley Smith, Charles Robert Miele, Thomas Peter Forte, Jimmy Glen Pelham
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Patent number: 9353092Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the synthesis and use of croconaine compounds. The disclosed compounds are easily prepared from croconic acid. A halothiophene is reacted with an alkanolamine, the resulting aminothiophene is modified by appending a desired functional group to the hydroxyl group, and the modified aminothiophene is reacted with croconic acid to form the final compound. Applications of such croconaine compounds include photothermal imaging, photothermal therapy, light-activated drug release, and tissue welding.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: University of Notre Dame du LacInventor: Bradley Smith
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Publication number: 20160138558Abstract: An electrical generation system based on tidal flow includes a reservoir and a fluid inlet tube extending between a tidal source and the reservoir. The inlet tube has at least one inlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid inlet tube extends along a first level. A fluid outlet tube extends between the reservoir and the tidal source. The fluid outlet tube has at least one outlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid outlet tube extends along a second level vertically lower than the first level. During high tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal source, into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet turbine generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at the tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into the fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine generator, and to the tidal source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: May 19, 2016Applicant: Tidal Fan LLCInventor: Bradley Smith
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Patent number: 9290192Abstract: A controller for a spring wing on a frog that utilizes a floating piston rod carrying a fixed piston valve and a free-moving piston head is provided. When the piston rod is actuated by the opening movement of the spring wing, the piston valve separates from the piston head briefly, allowing oil to flow through the piston head in a relatively unrestricted manner. The piston head is spring biased towards the piston valve; upon contact between the piston head and the piston valve, the oil flow through the piston head stops, helping to hold the spring wing in the open position. When the spring wing begins to close, the adjustable oil flow through the controller allows the piston rod to move at a controlled rate, thereby controlling the closure rate of the spring wing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Voestalpine Nortrak Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner, Bradley Smith, Martin Webb
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Patent number: 9243608Abstract: An electrical generation system based on tidal flow includes a reservoir and a fluid inlet tube extending between a tidal source and the reservoir. The inlet tube has at least one inlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid inlet tube extends along a first level. A fluid outlet tube extends between the reservoir and the tidal source. The fluid outlet tube has at least one outlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid outlet tube extends along a second level vertically lower than the first level. During high tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal source, into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet turbine generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at the tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into the fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine generator, and to the tidal source.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Tidal Fan, LLCInventor: Bradley Smith
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Publication number: 20160017860Abstract: An electrical generation system based on tidal flow includes a reservoir and a fluid inlet tube extending between a tidal source and the reservoir. The inlet tube has at least one inlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid inlet tube extends along a first level. A fluid outlet tube extends between the reservoir and the tidal source. The fluid outlet tube has at least one outlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid outlet tube extends along a second level vertically lower than the first level. During high tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal source, into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet turbine generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at the tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into the fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine generator, and to the tidal source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Applicant: TIDAL FAN LLCInventor: Bradley Smith
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Patent number: 9157424Abstract: An electric motor is provided, including a stator having two electromagnetic poles diametrically opposite each other, a rotor including a rotor core configured for being rotatably mounted with a shaft for rotation relative to the stator. The rotor core is formed by stacking a plurality of laminations each of which has a central hole and a plurality of generally radially extending teeth. The stator and the rotor have geometric attributes such that: R1=G*0.9968, wherein G is defined as thickness of a field yoke, and R1 is defined as a distance from an outside edge of a central hole to bases of the teeth. A compressor assembly is also provided that employs the present motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: MAT Industries, LLCInventors: Steven Bradley Smith, Robert Louis Hite, Jerry David Phillips
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Patent number: 9134203Abstract: A blood sample apparatus includes a blood sample tube, a cap, and an indicator. The blood sample tube has an exterior surface, an inner cavity disposed within the exterior surface, and an open end. The cap closes the open end of the blood sample tube. The inner cavity is under a vacuum-seal or connected to a suction device for drawing a blood sample into the inner cavity. The indicator is attached to or includes a portion of the blood sample tube for indicating a type, or lack thereof, of blood additive disposed within the inner cavity. When the cap is removed from the open end of the blood sample tube the indicator remains attached to or still includes the portion of the blood sample tube. If the indicator is a label it extends around at least half of a perimeter of the blood sample tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Bradley Smith, Sarah Benson
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Publication number: 20150245635Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method of making a frozen confectionary product such as ice cream or sorbet in which a confectionary mix is churned in a vessel whilst a liquid gas such as liquid nitrogen is added. Existing churning apparatus moves a stirrer through the ice cream mix in an epicyclical motion. This tends to splash liquid nitrogen so that it evaporates without contributing to the freezing of the ice cream. In the improved mixing method, the stirrer is repeatedly drawn against the inside wall(s) of the vessel. This reduces splashing of the liquid nitrogen. The drawing action also removes build up of frozen confectionary product on both the stirrer and the vessel walls and allows unfrozen confectionary mix to move to the edges of the vessel and be preferentially frozen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventor: Bradley SMITH
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Publication number: 20150207864Abstract: Described herein is technology adapted to enable devices for delivering data in a lockdown mode, methods for operating such devices, and technology for reporting on activity at tablet devices that provide remote content. For example, one embodiment provides a computer implemented method for operating a client device in server-lockdown mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2013Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: Blocks Global P/LInventors: Paul Wilson, Nick Marfleet, Bradley Smith
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Publication number: 20150159332Abstract: A controller for a spring wing on a frog that utilizes a floating piston rod carrying a fixed piston valve and a free-moving piston head is provided. When the piston rod is actuated by the opening movement of the spring wing, the piston valve separates from the piston head briefly, allowing oil to flow through the piston head in a relatively unrestricted manner. The piston head is spring biased towards the piston valve; upon contact between the piston head and the piston valve, the oil flow through the piston head stops, helping to hold the spring wing in the open position. When the spring wing begins to close, the adjustable oil flow through the controller allows the piston rod to move at a controlled rate, thereby controlling the closure rate of the spring wing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: voestalpine Nortrak Inc.Inventors: Gary CLICK, Brent DUFFNER, Bradley SMITH, Martin WEBB
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Publication number: 20150137486Abstract: A spherical plain bearing is configured for use within an articulated joint in an articulating vehicle. The spherical plain bearing includes an outer member defining an exterior surface and an interior surface which defines an interior engagement surface, and an inner member is encircled at least partially by the outer member. The inner member has an interior surface defining a bore therethrough, and an exterior surface defining an exterior engagement surface. A radial gap extends between the interior engagement surface and the exterior engagement surface. A lubricant is disposed in the radial gap and a diamond chromium composite matrix hard coating is disposed on the interior engagement surface and the exterior engagement surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: ROLLER BEARING COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Bradley Smith, James Voisine
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Patent number: 8986539Abstract: In an inside-out flow filter, a transition pressure recovery member is provided at the inlet and has structured contoured guide surfaces guiding fluid flow therealong into the hollow interior of an annular filter element to minimize transition pressure loss from the inlet to the hollow interior. The transition pressure recovery member includes transition flow deceleration surfaces gradually decelerating flow of fluid into the hollow interior and minimizing pressure drop.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Bradley A. Smith, Benjamin L. Scheckel
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Patent number: 8974567Abstract: A gas-liquid rotating coalescer includes first and second sets of one or more detent surfaces on a rotary drive member and a driven annular rotating coalescing filter element which engagingly interact in interlocking mating keyed relation to effect rotation of the coalescing filter element by the rotary drive member. Designated operation of the coalescer requires that the coalescing filter element include the second set of detent surfaces. A coalescing filter element missing the second set of detent surfaces will not effect the noted designated operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.Inventors: Barry M. Verdegan, Howard E. Tews, Roger L. Zoch, Bradley A. Smith, Kwok-Lam Ng, Benoit Le Roux, Chirag D. Parikh
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Patent number: 8940068Abstract: A gas-liquid rotating separator has first and second sets of magnetically permeable members magnetically interacting with each other to effect rotation of a separator element. A nonauthorized replacement separator element missing the second set of magnetically permeable members will not effect designated operation, thus ensuring, at maintenance servicing, installation of an authorized replacement separator element.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.Inventors: Bradley A. Smith, Kurt M. A. Badeau, Howard E. Tews, Roger L. Zoch
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Publication number: 20150005501Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the synthesis and use of croconaine compounds. The disclosed compounds are easily prepared from croconic acid. A halothiophene is reacted with an alkanolamine, the resulting aminothiophene is modified by appending a desired functional group to the hydroxyl group, and the modified aminothiophene is reacted with croconic acid to form the final compound. Applications of such croconaine compounds include photothermal imaging, photothermal therapy, light-activated drug release, and tissue welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: University of Notre Dame du LacInventor: Bradley Smith
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Publication number: 20140364518Abstract: A method of starting up one or more units, the method comprising the steps of: (a) starting up a first unit including a microchannel reactor housing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by initially feeding a carbon monoxide source and a hydrogen source to the first unit and through the microchannel reactor; (b) processing, within the microchannel reactor, at least a portion of the carbon monoxide source and the hydrogen source; (c) monitoring at least one of internal pressure, temperature, and concentration at least one of within the microchannel reactor and downstream from the microchannel reactor; (d) at least partially containing the microchannel reactor using a wall of a containment device, the wall cooperating with the microchannel reactor to delineate at least one of a first inlet cavity and a first outlet cavity of the microchannel reactor, where at least one of the first inlet cavity and the first outlet cavity is not in fluid communication with at least one of a second inlet cavity and a second outlet cavity;Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: William Allen Rogers, JR., Christopher Paul Weil, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ronald Chester Pasadyn, George Bradley Smith, Charles Robert Miele, Thomas Peter Forte, Jimmy Glen Pelham