Patents by Inventor Kenneth Wayne Smith

Kenneth Wayne 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).

  • Publication number: 20210360963
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 11019842
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Publication number: 20170111418
    Abstract: Technologies are described for providing a two-way interactive streaming media experience. For example, streaming media comprising streaming video can be received along with overlay control data and a web overlay. The web overlay can be composited on top of the streaming video according to timing information in the overlay control data. Users can interact with the web overlay (e.g., select buttons or perform other actions). Indications of user interactions can be provided to a server environment and updated streaming media, new web overlays, and/or new web content can be received as a result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce F.M. Warren, Jacqueline Nicole Montplaisir, Karlo Reyes, Corey Harrison Smith, Daniel Brunner, Richard Jonathon Charles Winn, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Derrick Vaughan Houger, Nicholas Jordan Holman, Matthew Agee McMillan, Mary Gov
  • Patent number: 8486266
    Abstract: A waste treatment method includes the concentration of selected strains of bacteria in a selected medium in the presence of nutrients and water, under aerobic conditions. This concentrated batch is discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation. A cultivation chamber having inlet ports and a circular vent port allows for adequate air introduction and heat release. Aeration is achieved by recirculation of the fluid medium from the top of the apparatus through a pipe that runs the length of the inner wall and is specially configured at the top to minimize cell damage. Fluid can be routed tangentially in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The conical bottom has an orifice allowing for recirculation of the fluid medium tangentially to the sidewalls. Upon completion of batch cultivation, the medium and bacteria are discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation of paper mill, chemical plant, oil refinery, and other industrial effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Environmental Business Specialists, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Harvey Foster, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Bronwyn Duos, Elizabeth Claire Guidotti
  • Patent number: 8282826
    Abstract: A waste treatment method includes the concentration of selected strains of bacteria in a selected medium in the presence of nutrients and water, under aerobic conditions. This concentrated batch is discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation. A cultivation chamber having inlet ports and a circular vent port allows for adequate air introduction and heat release. Aeration is achieved by recirculation of the fluid medium from the top of the apparatus through a pipe that runs the length of the inner wall and is specially configured at the top to minimize cell damage. Fluid can be routed tangentially in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The conical bottom has an orifice allowing for recirculation of the fluid medium tangentially to the sidewalls. Upon completion of the batch cultivation, the medium and bacteria are discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation of paper mill, chemical plant, oil refinery, and other industrial effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Environmental Business Specialists, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Harvey Foster, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Bronwyn Duos, Elizabeth Claire Guidotti
  • Patent number: 8052873
    Abstract: A waste treatment method includes the concentration of selected strains of bacteria in a selected medium in the presence of nutrients and water, under aerobic conditions. This concentrated batch is thereafter discharged for downstream applications in wastewater remediation. The present invention employs a cultivation chamber having inlet ports and a circular vent port that allows for adequate air introduction and heat release. Aeration is achieved by recirculation of the fluid medium from the top of the apparatus through a pipe that runs the length of the inner wall and is specially configured at the top to minimize cell damage. Fluid can be routed tangentially in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions within the chamber. The conical bottom also has an orifice allowing for recirculation of the fluid medium tangentially to the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Environmental Business Specialists, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Harvey Foster, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Bronwyn Duos, Elizabeth Claire Guidotti
  • Publication number: 20110232658
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 7984719
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Publication number: 20110023896
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 7836895
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 7793665
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Publication number: 20040261807
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 6695924
    Abstract: A method for improving the flavor and aroma characters of a smoking article is provided. A mixture consisting essentially of a reducing sugar and optionally a hydroxide of an alkali metal is subjected to heat treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to produce a flavorful composition. The flavorful composition is then applied to tobacco leaves or cut filler made thereof, and smoking articles are prepared from the tobacco leaves or cut filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Luis Mayan Dominguez, Chi-Kuen Shu, Elwood Lee Williams, Jr., Kenneth Wayne Smith, William Monroe Coleman, III
  • Patent number: 6440223
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for improving the flavor and aroma properties in a smoking article. A high fructose corn syrup, ammonium hydroxide and diammonium phosphate are reacted with each other for a time and under conditions sufficient to provide a heat activatable flavorant-generating composition, which comprises 2-deoxy 2-amino glucose. The composition is incorporated into a component of said smoking article without heat treatment. The resultant smoking articles, when smoked, exhibit highly desirable flavor and aroma properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, William Monroe Coleman, III, Luis Mayan Dominguez, Kenneth Wayne Smith
  • Patent number: 6286392
    Abstract: A hitch cover for the hitch tube of a vehicle includes a bottle opener. One illustrated hitch tube cover includes a wire form attached thereto for being inserted into the hitch tube and securing a face plate across the open end of the hitch tube. A lock or pin extends through the conventional hitch tube openings, passing through the wire form to prevent removal of the hitch cover. Also illustrated are face plates which have the bottle opener as an integral part thereof or an insert formed as a part of the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Bergamot Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth Wayne Smith
  • Patent number: 5798757
    Abstract: The system of the present invention comprises a development system having an Expression Builder for assisting a user with creating an expression. With full syntax checking enabled, the user builds an expression in "token" mode. As the user enters each token element, the system attempts to validate the expression and, if the expression is valid, displays the result. If the expression is incomplete or invalid, however, the system displays a message explaining what is needed. The Expression Builder of the present invention employs placeholders or "proxies" for representing elements in an expression which should be replaced before the expression is valid. The expression is dynamically adjusted during user editing as required to maintain expression validity. In this manner, the user is provided with in situ assistance in constructing syntactically-correct expressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Borland International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Wayne Smith