Patents by Inventor John P. Smitherman

John P. Smitherman 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: 20130098488
    Abstract: A valve including a plastic valve plug capable of operation at 5000 PSI is described. Taken alone or in combination, various features including the design and material selection of the valve plug account for the heretofore-unknown performance achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Michael H. Weems, John P. Smitherman
  • Patent number: 7748267
    Abstract: A thermal anemometer or mass flow meter typically having temperature and flow velocity sensor elements is provided in which a thin film temperature sensor is used in the heated sensor of the fluid velocity sensor element of the system. At least one thin-film RTD sensor is held within a spacer or interface member and the spacer, optionally, received within a housing. The thermal anemometer is preferably constructed to offer sufficient precision and accuracy in its design to be suitable for sensitive scientific and industrial applications. This goal is achieved while using cost effective parts by employing a construction approach in which the spacer and RTD sensor(s) is secured in place by solder, braze or another compound flowed into place while inserting the spacer and/or sensor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sierra Insturments, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Olin, John P. Smitherman
  • Publication number: 20090260431
    Abstract: A thermal anemometer or mass flow meter typically having temperature and flow velocity sensor elements is provided in which a thin film temperature sensor is used in the heated sensor of the fluid velocity sensor element of the system. At least one thin-film RTD sensor is held within a spacer or interface member and the spacer, optionally, received within a housing. The thermal anemometer is preferably constructed to offer sufficient precision and accuracy in its design to be suitable for sensitive scientific and industrial applications. This goal is achieved while using cost effective parts by employing a construction approach in which the spacer and RTD sensor(s) is secured in place by solder, braze or another compound flowed into place while inserting the spacer and/or sensor(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: John G. Olin, John P. Smitherman
  • Patent number: 5879082
    Abstract: An elongate temperature probe is provided for extending into a fluid flow. First an second temperature sensors are mounted in the temperature probe, spaced apart from each other along the length of the probe. The first and second temperature sensors provide temperature signals to a data processor. The data processor in use determines the temperature of the fluid flow from the temperature signals and at least one other fluid parameter, using a mathematical model of the heat transfer along the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sierra Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Smitherman, John G. Olin
  • Patent number: 5540774
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a viscous material upon a portion of a substrate positioned substantially within a first plane proximate the apparatus during relative movement between the apparatus and the substrate including a nozzle member for selectively dispensing the material in a predetermined pattern and with a predetermined frequency and for eliminating dispensing, dripping and stringing of any residual material after dispensing is stopped, the nozzle including at least one material flow path therethrough having a first end forming a nozzle outlet facing the substrate and a second end in operable communication with a material supply, at least a portion of the material flow path proximate the first nozzle outlet end being substantially linear and positioned at an acute angle with respect to the first plane to eliminate material dripping and stringing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Smitherman
  • Patent number: 5487507
    Abstract: A quick release and connect nozzle assembly for use with a material dispensing head including a nozzle engagement member on a portion of the dispensing head, a nozzle member having an aperture therethrough for operable communication with the dispensing head to provide dispensing of the material in a predetermined pattern, and a connecting member integral with the nozzle member for engagement with the engagement member of the dispensing head, wherein the connecting member is operable by hand and provides quick release and connection of the nozzle member from the dispensing head so as to enable cleaning or replacement of the nozzle member as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. McDonald, John P. Smitherman
  • Patent number: 5305955
    Abstract: A nozzle bar apparatus for applying a pattern of a viscous material upon a portion of a substrate where the apparatus is adjustable to vary the length, width and position of the pattern relative to the substrate including a nozzle member for selectively dispensing the material in a predetermined pattern and frequency including at least one material flow path through the nozzle member, the flow path having a first end forming an outlet facing the substrate for dispensing the material to the substrate and a second end in operable communication with a material supply for providing a flow of viscous material, the outlet having a predetermined range defining a width of the pattern, the nozzle member being activated for a selected period of time to control a length of the pattern and including a pattern control mechanism for selectively varying the width as well as the position of the pattern anywhere across the range of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Smitherman, Danny M. Low