Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Smith

Kenneth J. 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: 6892217
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for transmitting advertising information to a mobile terminal over a first connection during a synchronization session and storing the advertising information in a local memory of the mobile terminal. A rich text document is transmitted to the mobile terminal over a second connection, wherein the rich text document comprises conditional code comprising advertising display criteria including a first identifier for retrieving selected advertising information stored in the local memory of the mobile terminal and a second identifier for downloading the selected advertising information from the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lee Hanmann, Anil Sareen, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040247665
    Abstract: A device for extruding a carrier for enclosing pills, tablets, or capsules allowing for ease of oral consumption by the recipient. The device dispenses a material from a stored volume to a formed tubular chamber allowing for the insertion of medication therein. The carrier can then be deformable to enclose and secure the medication within the chamber. The carrier may be used to mask the scent of medication and further provide a lubricant to allow for ease of consumption. The carrier is preferably formed from a composition of wheat flour, water, natural vegetarian based beef and mesquite flavors, preservatives, lubricants, with the remainder of the materials being inert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Roy Smith, Kenneth J. Smith, Ralph Palermo
  • Patent number: 6827141
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle is constructed from two modules, one for the engine compartment and a second for the passenger compartment. The engine compartment module has a base formed for positioning on at least two locations on a dash panel, a outside air inlet, a secondary air inlet for communication with the passenger compartment, an air outlet and defining a air transport conduit connecting the outside air inlet or the secondary air inlet with the air outlet. Downstream from the engine compartment is a passenger compartment module having a slide slot for a heater core, an inlet for communication with the air outlet from the engine compartment module, an air manifold, a panel exhaust from the air manifold, a defrost exhaust from the air manifold, a compartment door providing access to the slide in friction slot, and an air channel from the inlet to the air manifold. The heater core is positioned in the slide in slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Smith, Carl B. Dalkert, Michelle R. Gehres, Gregory J. Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 6826614
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for transmitting advertising information comprising a plurality of banner ads to a mobile terminal over a first connection during a synchronization session and storing the advertising information in a local memory of the mobile terminal. A web page is transmitted to the mobile terminal over a second connection, wherein the web page comprises web page content including a banner ad display area for displaying a banner ad. During a first time interval, a first one of the banner ads is retrieved from the local memory and the web page content is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal together with the first one of the banner ads in the banner ad display area. During a second time interval, a second one of the banner ads is retrieved from the local memory and the web page content is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal together with the second one of the banner ads in the banner ad display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Western Digital Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lee Hanmann, Anil Sareem, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040182562
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle is constructed from two modules, one for the engine compartment and a second for the passenger compartment. The engine compartment module has a base formed for positioning on at least two locations on a dash panel, a outside air inlet, a secondary air inlet for communication with the passenger compartment, an air outlet and defining a air transport conduit connecting the outside air inlet or the secondary air inlet with the air outlet. Downstream from the engine compartment is a passenger compartment module having a slide slot for a heater core, an inlet for communication with the air outlet from the engine compartment module, an air manifold, a panel exhaust from the air manifold, a defrost exhaust from the air manifold, a compartment door providing access to the slide in friction slot, and an air channel from the inlet to the air manifold. The heater core is positioned in the slide in slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Smith, Carl B. Dalkert, Michelle R. Gehres, Gregory J. Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 6709328
    Abstract: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for busses achieve improved air distribution by the use of ducts to distribute the air throughout the passenger compartment. The ducts have a varying cross sectional area so that the impedance to air flow appears constant at all points along the duct. The quantity of air distributed from each of a plurality of vents is substantially even is effectively equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Sunil K. Jain, Aaron D. Lindsey, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020117296
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle is constructed from two modules, one for the engine compartment and a second for the passenger compartment. The engine compartment module has a base formed for positioning on at least two locations on a dash panel, a outside air inlet, a secondary air inlet for communication with the passenger compartment, an air outlet and defining a air transport conduit connecting the outside air inlet or the secondary air inlet with the air outlet. Downstream from the engine compartment is a passenger compartment module having a slide slot for a heater core, an inlet for communication with the air outlet from the engine compartment module, an air manifold, a panel exhaust from the air manifold, a defrost exhaust from the air manifold, a compartment door providing access to the slide in friction slot, and an air channel from the inlet to the air manifold. The heater core is positioned in the slide in slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Smith, Carl B. Dalkert, Michelle R. Gehres, Gregory J. Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 6319445
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for heating and cutting a suture tip formed from a length of unfinished surgical suture material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6035751
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a surgical suture at a first and second different location along its length. The apparatus having a first and a second cutting die with channels for receiving at least a portion of the cross-section of the surgical suture at each location. Each of the first and second cutting dies respectively is provided with an opposing cutting die to further restraint the suture. A blade is also provided at each cutting location for cutting the suture at a point adjacent to the respective cutting dies when the suture is restrained between the sets of dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, John J. Price, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6024757
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cut end of a surgical suture tip. The apparatus including a first and second cutting dies with a channel for receiving a suture. Mechanical actuators are provided to moving the cutting dies from an open to a closed position. The cutting dies are adapted to trap and compressing the suture. A cutting blade is provided for cutting the surgical suture tip adjacent to the first and second cutting dies when the cutting dies are closed.A second cutting die having a notch which is aligned to insert in said channel and secure a suture there between. A mechanical activator is provided to move said dies. A cutting blade is provided to cut the suture secured between said dies. A method for forming cut ends of a suture tip is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6001121
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermally forming a surgical suture tip from a length of unfinished surgical suture material having a varying cross-section. The thermally formed surgical suture tip has a generally uniform cross-section along its length, and the varying cross-section corresponds to a distribution of different cross-sectional sizes along the length of the unfinished surgical suture material. A first heating die has a first face with a first groove therein for receiving a portion of the length of the unfinished surgical suture material, and a second heating die has a second face with a second groove therein. The first and second grooves extend along a common axis. At least one mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first face of the first heating die against the second face of the second heating die and for contacting the first and second grooves against an outer surface of the unfinished surgical suture material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, John J. Price, Kenneth J. Smith, Hal B. Woodrow
  • Patent number: 5975876
    Abstract: A combined apparatus for heating and cutting a suture tip formed from a length of unfinished surgical suture material. First and second heating dies are provided for heating the length of unfinished surgical suture material to form the suture tip, and first and second cutting dies are provided for cutting the suture tip. At least one heating die mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first heating die between a retracted and an extended position and for moving the second heating die between a retracted and an extended position, the first and second heating dies occupying a combined heating and cutting space adjacent to the unfinished surgical suture material only when the first and second cutting dies are in their retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5934061
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling and disassembling roller chain and the like is provided. The apparatus includes a base portion made up of a baseplate and side plates, a rotatable cam and an interchangeable die set inserted into the base portion which is in contact with the cam. The die set is sized to fit a particular type and size of chain. The particular die set may be designed to punch out connecting pins in a link of the chain. Alternatively, the die set may be for purposes of installing a link plate onto connecting pins or for purposes of deforming the ends of connecting pins during the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5855156
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cut end of a surgical suture tip. The apparatus including a first and second cutting dies with a channel for receiving a suture. Mechanical actuators are provided to moving the cutting dies from an open to a closed position. The cutting dies are adapted to trap and compressing the suture. A cutting blade is provided for cutting the surgical suture tip adjacent to the first and second cutting dies when the cutting dies are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5813303
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a surgical suture at a first and second different location along its length. The apparatus having a first and a second cutting die with channels for receiving at least a portion of the cross-section of the surgical suture at each location. Each of the first and second cutting dies respectively is provided with an opposing cutting die to further restraint the suture. A blade is also provided at each cutting location for cutting the suture at a point adjacent to the respective cutting dies when the suture is restrained between the sets of dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, John J. Price, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5792181
    Abstract: A surgical suture comprised of a first thermally formed tip portion having a first length which is adjacent to a body portion having a second length. The first thermally formed tip portion has a generally uniform cross-section perpendicular to the first length, while the body portion has a varying cross-section which corresponds to a distribution of different cross-sectional sizes along the second length. The generally uniform cross-section of the first thermally formed tip portion has an average cross-sectional size that is less than the average of the different cross-sectional sizes along the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, John J. Price, Kenneth J. Smith, Hal B. Woodrow
  • Patent number: 5726422
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a surgical suture which includes a moving clamp for griping surgical suture material. The moving clamp has a gripping state and a non-gripping state. A heating station is provided for heating a length of surgical suture material. A first actuator, coupled to the moving clamp, is provided for translating the moving clamp from a position on a first side of the heating station to a position on a second side of the heating station opposite the first side when the moving clamp is in its gripping state, and for translating the moving clamp from the position on the second side of the heating station to the position on the first side of the heating station when the moving clamp is in its non-griping state. A stationary camp is provided for gripping the surgical suture material after the first actuator has translated the moving clamp from the position on the first side of the heating station to the position on the second side of the heating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Haase, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5125494
    Abstract: A drive pulley system is provided for a handrail drive mechanism of a passenger conveyor. The system includes a pulley, with a handrail drive belt wrapped about the pulley for rotation therewith. A pair of disc-like members are disposed on opposite sides of the pulley to sandwich the pulley therebetween. The disc-like members have diameters greater than that of the pulley and are rotatable relative to the pulley, or the disc-like members may be fixed to the pulley and be fabricated of low friction material. The handrail is wrapped about the outer peripheries of the disc-like members, spacing the handrail from the drive belt, and thereby allowing differential linear movement between the handrail drive belt and the handrail due to the relative rotation between the disc-like members and the pulley, or due to slippage between the handrail and the low friction disc-like members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Montgomery Elevator Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Nurnberg, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5115900
    Abstract: An air supporting system is provided for a handrail of a passenger conveyor and includes a plenum. An air supply provides air flow to the plenum. A guide is mounted on one side thereof to the plenum. The guide includes at least one air pocket. A handrail is slidably engaged with the guide. An orifice through the guide allows air to pass from the enclosed space to the air pocket. The air in the pocket generates pressure and lift to the handrail as it is driven to decrease friction between the handrail and the guide and to support the handrail above the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Montgomery Elevator Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Nurnberg, Ernie G. Seggebruch, Kenneth J. Smith
  • Patent number: 4828480
    Abstract: An injection mold having a fixed mold member and a movable mold member, a sprue bushing assembly mounted in the fixed member containing an automatically actuated gate slidably mounted therein for opening and closing the sprue hole in response to the positioning of the mold members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Smith