Patents by Inventor John R. Smith

John R. 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).

  • Patent number: 11974522
    Abstract: A method for forming a bale of crop material in an agricultural baler. The method includes rotating a baler power-take-off (PTO) shaft at a rotational speed, rotating a bale of crop material in a bale chamber, and sensing, by at least one sensor, at least one bale ejection condition. The at least one sensor is configured to provide at least one bale ejection condition value corresponding to the at least one sensed bale ejection condition. The method further includes receiving, by a controller, the at least one bale ejection condition value, and adjusting, by the controller, the rotational speed of the baler PTO shaft responsive to the at least one bale ejection condition value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John R. McClure
  • Patent number: 11973374
    Abstract: A brushless direct-current motor is provided includes an inner stator and an outer rotor. The rotor includes a rotor core disposed around the stator, an inner annular member mounted on a rotor shaft, and a plurality of radial blades extending angularly from the rotor core to the inner annular member forming a fan. A first end cap is provided including a radial back plate proximate the fan and a center opening in the radial back plate through which the rotor shaft extends. A second end cap is provided including a main body disposed adjacent the stator opposite the fan. The radial back plate of the first end cap includes at least one sloped surface forming at least one air gap such that the airflow generated by the fan is centrifugally guided within the first end cap by the sloped surface and caused to exit through the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Fogle, Dustin Jeffries, Michael R. Marjomaa, Kevin L. Pulley, Vincent W. Zou, Jarrett A. Dunston, David J. Smith, Rene Thieme, Tim Heimrich, Tobias Heep, Daniel Bernhart, Dieter Schmidtfrerick
  • Patent number: 11963691
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Rivard, Fajian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11957893
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Joel A. Anderson, Michael J. Ebert, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith
  • Patent number: 11957894
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Chasensky, Bernard Q. Li, Brad C. Tischendorf, Chris J. Paidosh, Christian S. Nielsen, Craig L. Schmidt, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Eric H. Bonde, Erik R. Scott, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Gordon O. Munns, Joel A. Anderson, John E. Kast, Joseph J. Viavattine, Markus W. Reiterer, Michael J. Ebert, Phillip C. Falkner, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Randy S. Roles, Reginald D. Robinson, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Thomas P. Miltich, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei
  • Publication number: 20240122080
    Abstract: A superconductor device includes a high superconductivity transition temperature enhanced from the raw material transition temperature. The superconductor device includes a matrix material and a core material. The enhancing matrix material and the core material together create a system of strongly coupled carriers. A plurality of low-dimensional conductive features can be embedded in the matrix. The low-dimensional conductive features (e.g., nanowires or nanoparticles) can be conductors or superconductors. An interaction between electrons of the low-dimensional conductive features and the enhancing matrix material can promote excitations that increase a superconductivity transition temperature of the superconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Philipp Braeuninger-Weimer, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Cameron Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y.H. Wood, David R. Smith, John Brian Pendry, Charles Whitmer, William Henry Mangione-Smith, Brian C. Holloway, Stuart A. Wolf, Vladimir Z. Kresin
  • Publication number: 20240108265
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for generating a void profile for user void events. The method includes receiving by a processing element a plurality of outputs from a fluid level sensor corresponding to a plurality of levels of fluid flowing through a voiding device during a flow event; determining by the processing element a beginning and an end time of the fluid flow into the voiding device during the flow event; analyzing the plurality of outputs of the fluid level sensor over a time interval defined by the beginning and end time of the fluid flow to determine at least one of a fluid flow rate data and an accumulated volume data for the fluid flowing through the voiding device; and storing the fluid flow rate data and the accumulated flow volume data in a memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Brent Laing, John Green, Paul R. Johnson, Robert John Smith, Robert Edwin Schneider, Magnus Hargis, Elise Geolat Edson, Elizabeth A. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20240094120
    Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“PMIDA”), and more particularly to methods for control of the conversion of PMIDA, for the identification of reaction end points relating to PMIDA conversion and the preparation of glyphosate products having controlled PMIDA content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Leonard AYNARDI, David Z. BECHER, Robert E. BYRD, Eduardo Aurelio CASANOVA, James P. COLEMAN, David R. EATON, Walter K. GAVLICK, Eric A. HAUPFEAR, Oliver LERCH, Carl MUMFORD, Alfredo OBA, Stephen D. PROSCH, Peter E. ROGERS, Bart ROOSE, Mark D. SCAIA, Lowell R. SMITH, Donald D. SOLETA, John WAGENKNECHT
  • Publication number: 20240093587
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for trapping particles disposed in a fluid. The apparatus may comprise one or more cavities disposed axially along a length of a tubular housing, one or more connecting components disposed at opposing ends of the housing, and may optionally comprise a check valve system. Alternate embodiments are provided for forming each of the one or more cavities, which may comprise a combination of a cavity frame and cavity surface. The method may comprise flowing a fluid into a first end of a particle trap apparatus at a rate of fluid flow, directing the fluid flow at least partially through one or more cavity sub-assemblies disposed in the particle trap apparatus, collecting the particulate matter in one or more of the cavity sub-assemblies when the rate of fluid flow may slow or become suspended, and clearing collected particles from the one or more cavity sub-assemblies upon restoration of fluid flow in a primary direction of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: PetroQuip Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Joe Coon, Roddie R. Smith, John Lee Emerson, Josh Hornsby
  • Publication number: 20240084056
    Abstract: Elastomeric polyolefin-based ionomers and methods for making same. The ionomers can include a copolymer comprising: C2-C60 ?-olefin monomer units; optional C2-C60 ?-olefin comonomer units different than the monomer units; optional diene units; and about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % metal alkenyl units, based on the weight of the copolymer, wherein the metal alkenyl units have the formula —R(A?)—, wherein R is an alkyl group containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and A? is an anionic group. The copolymer can further include one or more metal cations derived from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, group 3-12 metals, group 13-16 metals, and combination(s) thereof. The ionomer has a glass transition temperature of ?60° C. to 5° C., and a weight average (Mw) of 50 to 5,000 kg/mol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Tzu-Pin Lin, Carlos R. Lopez-Barron, Avery R. Smith, Brian J. Rohde, Alex E. Carpenter, Matthew W. Holtcamp, Jo Ann M. Canich, John R. Hagadorn
  • Patent number: 11925465
    Abstract: Uroflowmeters and methods for processing data generated therefrom are disclosed. In one aspect, the uroflowmeter is a handheld device. The uroflowmeter includes a handle, a flow chamber coupled to the handle, and a sensor associated with the flow chamber that detects a parameter of urine received in the flow chamber. The uroflowmeter may include both reusable and disposable components. As a uroflowmeter it can identify and record data corresponding to the rate of flow over the measured duration of a void of urine, but may also timestamp the voiding act and communicate the data to an external data collection center for additional analysis and incorporation into a comprehensive voiding report or voiding diary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ClearTrac Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Laing, John Green, Paul R. Johnson, Robert John Smith, Robert Edwin Schneider, Magnus Hargis, Elise Geolat Edson, Elizabeth A. O'Brien, Joseph L. Kapushion
  • Publication number: 20240018026
    Abstract: An enhanced multiple compartmented (segmented or chambered) supplemental tank system that (i) adds another media to enhance wood chip denitrification, and (ii) includes a component for recycling treated wastewater back to the front end of the system with mainly nitrate-N recycled back and combined with organic carbon (present in wastewater) under anoxic to form nitrogen gas and CO2. The latter uses an aeration pump and tubing to reduce soluble organics and assist with the conversion of ammonia-N to nitrite-N and nitrate-N.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: John R. Smith, Andrew C. Middleton, Robin L. Weightman, Robert Horger, Richard Donahue, Jaw Fu
  • Patent number: 11865962
    Abstract: A flatbed, step-deck, double-drop deck, or lowboy trailer assembly comprises a plurality of metal crossmembers extending in a transverse direction of the trailer assembly; a metal deck supported by the plurality of crossmembers, the metal deck having an upper deck surface and a lower deck surface; and a pair of parallel wooden boards extending in a longitudinal direction of the trailer assembly proximate respective laterally opposite sides of the trailer assembly. Each wooden board in the pair of wooden boards is located in a respective recessed portion of the metal deck. The lower deck surface is situated between and separates a lower surface of each wooden board from the plurality of metal cross members. The lower deck surface is welded to the plurality of crossmembers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Fontaine Commercial Trailer, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230416124
    Abstract: A septic tank system includes a multiple compartmented (or chambered) supplemental tank. The supplemental tank has a cover/lid with a plurality of strategically situated access holes (both small and large ports) for servicing the various chambers from above ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: John R. Smith, Ron Keffer, Robert Horger, Andrew C. Middleton, Robin L. Weightman, Peter Goodale, Richard Donahue
  • Patent number: 11830241
    Abstract: A method and system for auto-curating a media are provided. Media content is received over the network interface. A set of markers is identified for the media content, each marker corresponding to one of a plurality of visible and audible cues in the media content. Segments in the media content are identified based on the identified set of markers. An excitement score is computed for each segment based on the identified markers that fall within the segment. A highlight clip is generated by identifying segments having excitement scores greater than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michele Merler, Dhiraj Joshi, Quoc-Bao Nguyen, Stephen C. Hammer, John Joseph Kent, John R. Smith, Rogerio Feris
  • Publication number: 20220144159
    Abstract: A flatbed, step-deck, double-drop deck, or lowboy trailer assembly comprises a plurality of metal crossmembers extending in a transverse direction of the trailer assembly; a metal deck supported by the plurality of crossmembers, the metal deck having an upper deck surface and a lower deck surface; and a pair of parallel wooden boards extending in a longitudinal direction of the trailer assembly proximate respective laterally opposite sides of the trailer assembly. Each wooden board in the pair of wooden boards is located in a respective recessed portion of the metal deck. The lower deck surface is situated between and separates a lower surface of each wooden board from the plurality of metal cross members. The lower deck surface is welded to the plurality of crossmembers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: Fontaine Commercial Trailer, Inc. d/b/a Fontaine Heavy-Haul
    Inventor: John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 11282249
    Abstract: A method and system of stitching a plurality of image views of a scene, including grouping matched points of interest in a plurality of groups, and determining a similarity transformation with smallest rotation angle for each grouping of the matched points. The method further includes generating virtual matching points on non-overlapping area of the plurality of image views and generating virtual matching points on overlapping area for each of the plurality of image views.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Ching Lin, Sharathchandra U. Pankanti, Karthikeyan Natesan Ramamurthy, Aleksandr Y. Aravkin, John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 11172225
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for finding objects in a collection of images or video, the method comprising: assessing a similarity between two subgraphs; detecting the objects in the collection; assessing a relationship between the objects; finding attributes of the objects; constructing a collection graph for the collection where each of the objects is the vertices and nodes of the collection graph and their relationships with other objects and attributes are edges of the collection graphs; recursively identifying coherent subgraphs and turning the coherent subgraphs into new meta-nodes of the collection graph; identification of the stable graph reducing the collection graph into zero or more distinct stories; assigning a similarity score for each pair of the stories based on a similarity between the corresponding stories; linking the stories into inlier stories based on the similarity score being greater than a first pre-determined threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Ching Lin, Sharathchandra U. Pankanti, John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 11170270
    Abstract: Techniques for content generation are provided. A plurality of discriminative terms is determined based at least in part on a first plurality of documents that are related to a first concept, and a plurality of positive exemplars and a plurality of negative exemplars are identified using the plurality of discriminative terms. A first machine learning (ML) model is trained to classify images into concepts, based on the plurality of positive exemplars and the plurality of negative exemplars. A second concept related to the first concept is then determined, based on the first ML model. A second ML model is trained to generate images based on the second concept, and a first image is generated using the second ML model. The first image is then refined using a style transfer ML model that was trained using a plurality of style images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michele Merler, Mauro Martino, Cicero Nogueira Dos Santos, Alfio Massimiliano Gliozzo, John R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210117736
    Abstract: Techniques for content generation are provided. A plurality of discriminative terms is determined based at least in part on a first plurality of documents that are related to a first concept, and a plurality of positive exemplars and a plurality of negative exemplars are identified using the plurality of discriminative terms. A first machine learning (ML) model is trained to classify images into concepts, based on the plurality of positive exemplars and the plurality of negative exemplars. A second concept related to the first concept is then determined, based on the first ML model. A second ML model is trained to generate images based on the second concept, and a first image is generated using the second ML model. The first image is then refined using a style transfer ML model that was trained using a plurality of style images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Michele Merler, Mauro Martino, Cicero NOGUEIRA DOS SANTOS, Alfio Massimiliano Gliozzo, John R. Smith