Patents by Inventor Joseph C. Smith

Joseph C. 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: 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: 20170137593
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of producing a aerogel comprising of reacting first monomer with a second monomer in a reaction solvent to form a composition comprising a precursor polymer; forming a gel; conducting a solvent exchange process on the gel such that the resulting gel comprises an exchange solvent that has a freezing point; cooling the gel to a temperature below the freezing point of the exchange solvent; and subjecting the cooled gel to vacuum conditions to obtain the aerogel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Rodman, Garrett D. Poe, Brandon S. Farmer, Joseph C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9562141
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing an aerogel, the method comprising reacting at least one acid monomer with at least one diamino monomer in a first solvent under conditions appropriate to form a polyimide polymer; conducting a solvent exchange wherein the first solvent is exchanged for a second solvent, said second solvent having a freezing point, wherein said solvent exchange further comprises (1) submersing the polyimide polymer in the second solvent in a pressure vessel and (2) creating a high pressure environment inside the pressure vessel for a first period of time; cooling the polyimide polymer to a first temperature below the freezing point of the second solvent; and subjecting cooled polyimide polymer to a first vacuum for a second period of time at a second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NEXOLVED CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Rodman, Garrett D. Poe, Brandon S. Farmer, Joseph C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9439798
    Abstract: The present invention includes a walking boot device which immobilizes the ankle at about a 90° angle using a single anterior post that is angled at about 90° at an ankle joint from a lateral view, and encompasses an anterior one half of a calf proximally, and a dorsal one half of a forefoot distally. The post includes medial and lateral wings. The present invention defines an area for a medial and lateral malleolus and is narrow at the ankle and wider at the calf for a more anatomical fit. The present invention is secured to a leg using hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping attached proximally around the calf posteriorly, away from any bony prominences. The hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping is attached to the medial and lateral wings through brackets that are riveted into the wings. The present invention further includes foam inserts and a pneumatic bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9408739
    Abstract: The present invention includes a walking boot device which immobilizes the ankle at about a 90° angle using a single anterior post that is angled at about 90° at an ankle joint from a lateral view, and encompasses an anterior one half of a calf proximally, and a dorsal one half of a forefoot distally. The post includes medial and lateral wings. The present invention defines an area for a medial and lateral malleolus and is narrow at the ankle and wider at the calf for a more anatomical fit. The present invention is secured to a leg using hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping attached proximally around the calf posteriorly, away from any bony prominences. The hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping is attached to the medial and lateral wings through brackets that are riveted into the wings. The present invention further includes foam inserts and a pneumatic bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160075847
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing an aerogel, the method comprising reacting at least one acid monomer with at least one diamino monomer in a first solvent under conditions appropriate to form a polyimide polymer; conducting a solvent exchange wherein the first solvent is exchanged for a second solvent, said second solvent having a freezing point, wherein said solvent exchange further comprises (1) submersing the polyimide polymer in the second solvent in a pressure vessel and (2) creating a high pressure environment inside the pressure vessel for a first period of time; cooling the polyimide polymer to a first temperature below the freezing point of the second solvent; and subjecting cooled polyimide polymer to a first vacuum for a second period of time at a second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: David L. Rodman, Garrett D. Poe, Brandon S. Farmer, Joseph C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9206298
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing an aerogel, the method comprising reacting at least one acid monomer with at least one diamino monomer in a first solvent under conditions appropriate to form a polyimide polymer; conducting a solvent exchange wherein the first solvent is exchanged for a second solvent, said second solvent having a freezing point, wherein said solvent exchange further comprises (1) submersing the polyimide polymer in the second solvent in a pressure vessel and (2) creating a high pressure environment inside the pressure vessel for a first period of time; cooling the polyimide polymer to a first temperature below the freezing point of the second solvent; and subjecting cooled polyimide polymer to a first vacuum for a second period of time at a second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NeXolve Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Rodman, Garrett D. Poe, Brandon S. Farmer, Joseph C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150313744
    Abstract: The present invention includes a walking boot device which immobilizes the ankle at about a 90° angle using a single anterior post that is angled at about 90° at an ankle joint from a lateral view, and encompasses an anterior one half of a calf proximally, and a dorsal one half of a forefoot distally. The post includes medial and lateral wings. The present invention defines an area for a medial and lateral malleolus and is narrow at the ankle and wider at the calf for a more anatomical fit. The present invention is secured to a leg using hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping attached proximally around the calf posteriorly, away from any bony prominences. The hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping is attached to the medial and lateral wings through brackets that are riveted into the wings. The present invention further includes foam inserts and a pneumatic bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150065935
    Abstract: The present invention includes a walking boot device which immobilizes the ankle at about a 90° angle using a single anterior post that is angled at about 90° at an ankle joint from a lateral view, and encompasses an anterior one half of a calf proximally, and a dorsal one half of a forefoot distally. The post includes medial and lateral wings. The present invention defines an area for a medial and lateral malleolus and is narrow at the ankle and wider at the calf for a more anatomical fit. The present invention is secured to a leg using hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping attached proximally around the calf posteriorly, away from any bony prominences. The hook and loop fastener (Velcro®) strapping is attached to the medial and lateral wings through brackets that are riveted into the wings. The present invention further includes foam inserts and a pneumatic bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140350134
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing an aerogel, the method comprising reacting at least one acid monomer with at least one diamino monomer in a first solvent under conditions appropriate to form a polyimide polymer; conducting a solvent exchange wherein the first solvent is exchanged for a second solvent, said second solvent having a freezing point, wherein said solvent exchange further comprises (1) submersing the polyimide polymer in the second solvent in a pressure vessel and (2) creating a high pressure environment inside the pressure vessel for a first period of time; cooling the polyimide polymer to a first temperature below the freezing point of the second solvent; and subjecting cooled polyimide polymer to a first vacuum for a second period of time at a second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: David L. Rodman, Garrett D. Poe, Brandon S. Farmer, Joseph C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8682888
    Abstract: A system for tasking, collecting, storing, and dispatching time-sensitive location-based information reports via an electronics communication network, comprising a central relational database management system, multiple computer-implemented services, and applications residing on computer-based mobile communication devices. The system provides: methods to convey the value of specific types of geospatial time-sensitive information from a world-wide population of information consumers to a world wide population of “eye witness” reporters (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph C Smith
  • Publication number: 20090096206
    Abstract: A vehicle identification system is disclosed that organizes pertinent data about an automobile and the automobile's owner on a card the size of a credit card. Various pictures of the vehicle are positioned on the card for quick visual inspection, and a bar code and magnetic strip interface with established national networks so that registration information can be gained instantaneously. Detailing performed on the vehicle can also be stored on the card via the bar code and/or magnetic strip to assist insurance and law enforcement employees in confirming a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph C. Smith, SR.
  • Patent number: 7281666
    Abstract: A vehicle identification system is disclosed that organizes pertinent data about an automobile and the automobile's owner on a card the size of a credit card. Various pictures of the vehicle are positioned on the card for quick visual inspection, and a bar code and magnetic strip interface with established national networks so that registration information can be gained instantaneously. Detailing performed on the vehicle can also be stored on the card via the bar code and/or magnetic strip to assist insurance and law enforcement employees in confirming a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph C Smith
  • Patent number: 6000542
    Abstract: The present invention is a seaming iron holder as used in the carpet installation industry. The invention totes the seaming iron and can be used during the seaming process. The holder is preferably made of a material which is flexible enough to lay flat, defining a surface above which the seaming is place intermittently during seaming, while also allowing said surface to be wrapped up around the seaming iron. Said surface then joining together at predetermined edges and defining a holder to tote said seaming iron from job to job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Joseph C. Smith
    Inventor: Joseph C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5813830
    Abstract: A carbon seal contaminant barrier system for a gas turbine engine including a lip seal for wiping the surface of a rotating seal runner, and a baffle spaced from the rotating seal runner to prevent the impingement of the contaminants on the lip seal. The lip seal and the baffle are spaced axially and cooperate to minimize the contaminants passed to a carbon sealing system. The circumferential carbon sealing ring having a plurality of passages therethrough for delivering pressurized gas adjacent the carbon sealing ring. The pressurized gas being utilized to reduce the drag on the lip seal and to reduce the migration of contaminants onto the carbon seal. The barrier system being utilized to reduce the contamination of the carbon seal and prevent the inherent leakages associated therewith and the potential contamination of the environmental system of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Allison Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Smith, Mark E. Bowman, Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: 5593165
    Abstract: A fluid cooled seal arrangement for a gas turbine engine including a first sealing element coupled to a mechanical housing of the engine, and a second sealing element connected to a shaft rotatable within the housing. The first and second sealing elements are arranged radially adjacent to one another to form a rubbing interface therebetween. A lubrication system for delivering cooling fluid to the second sealing element through a passageway arranged along the rotating shaft. The cooling fluid is discharged through a plurality of openings formed in one end of the passageway. During normal operation of the engine the centrifugal force from the rotation of the shaft flings the oil radially outward to a channel formed on the underside of the second sealing element. The channel receives the cooling fluid therein, and allows for the escape of the cooling fluid onto the underside of the second sealing element to provide a uniform thickness of cooling fluid thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Allison Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Murray, Joseph C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4360096
    Abstract: An automatic centering system is disclosed for use in connection with any two work stations in an automated assembly line, where the workpiece must be transferred, centered, and manipulated at the second work station. The workpiece is transferred along rollers to a staging area where it is restrained and then moved by items of machinery on the outer circumference and the inner circumference, respectively, of the workpiece. A tire released from the tire press may be restrained and then moved over a post-cure inflator apparatus and accurately centered for inflating. After inflating, the tire is directed from the automatic centering system to the next operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Harold S. Rocco
    Inventors: Harold S. Rocco, Joseph C. Smith