Patents by Inventor Richard W. Smith

Richard W. 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: 20240122598
    Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Bret W. Smith, Daniel J. Abbott, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chad P. Boudreaux, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • 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
  • 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: 11951035
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling a patient's body temperature by endovascular heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: ZOLL Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Thomas Dabrowiak, Jessica Megan Clayton, John Thomas Buckley, Christo P. Pamichev, Craig Wendell Pendry, Paul Eric Peterson, Richard Allen Smith, Sean W. Yip, John William Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 11941764
    Abstract: A computer system displays a representation of a field of view of the one or more cameras, including a representation of a portion of a three-dimensional physical environment that is in the field of view of the one or more cameras. The computer system receives a request to add a first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras. In response to receiving the request to add the first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras and in accordance with a determination that the first virtual effect requires a scan of the physical environment, the computer system initiates a scan of the physical environment to detect one or more features of the physical environment and displays a user interface that indicates a progress of the scan of the physical environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Harding, James A. Queen, Joseph-Alexander P. Weil, Joanna M. Newman, Ron A. Buencamino, Richard H. Salvador, Fernando Garcia, Austin T. Tamaddon, Omid Khalili, Scott W. Wilson, Thomas H. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20240092192
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction inverter and an electric motor operable to provide motive power for the vehicle based on electrical power received wirelessly from a modular power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, David E. Smith, Richard W. Davies
  • Publication number: 20240068781
    Abstract: An electronic aiming system includes an electro-mechanical reticle having a plurality of electrically powered holdover indicators disposed on a primary crosshair of the reticle, the holdover indicators configured to be individually selected and energized to a visible state, a rangefinder configured to generate range data, a computing device configured to generate ballistics data; and a processor configured to receive the range data and ballistics data, select, based at least in part on either or both of the range data and ballistics data, one or more of the holdover indicators, and energize the selected holdover indicator or indicators to the visible state
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew W. York, Gregory Scott Smith, Richard Bradley Brumfield, Joseph Fruechtel
  • Patent number: 10486957
    Abstract: A faucet assembly for a beverage dispensing container and container liner assembly with a tube, the container having a fitting assembly, includes a main body having a first surface and a connection assembly for connecting to the fitting assembly; a lid having a lid having a second surface and closed and open positions, the closed position including the first surface being held against the second surface so that the lid and the main body define a distal passageway for holding the tube and having a centerline, the centerline defining three points not on a straight line, and the open position including the first surface being in a position not held against the second surface; and a valve assembly connected with the main body for selectively pinching closed a tube extending through the distal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Richard W. Smith, Brent W. Todd, R. Randall Frisk
  • Publication number: 20190031491
    Abstract: A faucet assembly for a beverage dispensing container and container liner assembly with a tube, the container having a fitting assembly, includes a main body having a first surface and a connection assembly for connecting to the fitting assembly; a lid having a lid having a second surface and closed and open positions, the closed position including the first surface being held against the second surface so that the lid and the main body define a distal passageway for holding the tube and having a centerline, the centerline defining three points not on a straight line, and the open position including the first surface being in a position not held against the second surface; and a valve assembly connected with the main body for selectively pinching closed a tube extending through the distal passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Richard W. Smith, Brent W. Todd, R. Randall Frisk
  • Patent number: 10112820
    Abstract: A faucet assembly for a beverage dispensing container and container liner assembly with a tube, the container having a fitting assembly, includes a main body having a first surface and a connection assembly for connecting to the fitting assembly; a lid having a lid having a second surface and closed and open positions, the closed position including the first surface being held against the second surface so that the lid and the main body define a distal passageway for holding the tube and having a centerline, the centerline defining three points not on a straight line, and the open position including the first surface being in a position not held against the second surface; and a valve assembly connected with the main body for selectively pinching closed a tube extending through the distal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: DSS Rapak, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Smith, Brent W. Todd, R. Randall Frisk
  • Patent number: 8751105
    Abstract: Restricted operating modes are provided for a motor vehicle when driven by a secondary driver (such as a less experienced driver). A seat occupancy sensor detects the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. A controller includes a memory storing rules defining a restricted operating mode containing a plurality of limitations to be applied to operation of various vehicle accessories in conjunction with the secondary driver. The controller selectively controls the operation of at least one of the accessories according to one of the rules in response to simultaneously detecting the secondary driver and the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. Use of the rules may also depend on whether the rear seat passenger has an unbuckled seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rene A. Whelan, Richard W. Smith, Abraham Phillip, Thomas L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8577648
    Abstract: A method of simulating fluid flow in a three-dimensional volume with a moving boundary is presented. The moving boundary is provided within a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) mesh. The CFD mesh includes mesh points defining three-dimensional mesh cells. Locations of the mesh points at the moving boundary are revised predicated on known motion characteristics thereof such that the CFD mesh undergoes distortion near the moving boundary. The distortion is minimized using an elastic deformation model that does not involve dimensional physical parameters. As a result, a revised CFD mesh is generated. A fluid flow simulation is then computed for the three-dimensional volume using the revised CFD mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130179031
    Abstract: Restricted operating modes are provided for a motor vehicle when driven by a secondary driver (such as a less experienced driver). A seat occupancy sensor detects the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. A controller includes a memory storing rules defining a restricted operating mode containing a plurality of limitations to be applied to operation of various vehicle accessories in conjunction with the secondary driver. The controller selectively controls the operation of at least one of the accessories according to one of the rules in response to simultaneously detecting the secondary driver and the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. Use of the rules may also depend on whether the rear seat passenger has an unbuckled seat belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rene A. Whelan, Richard W. Smith, Abraham Phillip, Thomas L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120182833
    Abstract: A method for identifying a warhead in an aircraft launch tube includes providing a pattern of grooves on the surface of a warhead, with the pattern of grooves being associated with an identification code identifying the warhead or a characteristic of it, providing the warhead in an aircraft launch tube, providing a piezoelectric transducer on the launch tube, emitting an ultrasonic wave from the piezoelectric transducer to the pattern of grooves, where the wave encounters the pattern of grooves at an angle of less than 90° so that waves striking the interior of a groove are reflected back to the transducer as echo waves, while waves not striking the interior of a groove are reflected away from the transducer, and reading the pattern of returning echo waves to determine the identification code indicated by the pattern of grooves on the warhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Frans Lautzenhiser, Alex Mezheritsky, Patrick E. Gwin, Steven T. Morris, Richard W. Smith, Brian E. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8180585
    Abstract: A magnetic field is generated by at least one coil in magnetic communication with at least a portion of a vehicle responsive to a first time-varying signal operatively coupled to the at least one coil in series with a sense resistor. A second signal is generated responsive to a voltage across the sense resistor and is response to a magnetic condition of the at least one coil, which is response to the magnetic communication of the at least one coil with the portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard S. Cech, William Todd Watson, James D. Baal, Scott E. Bauer, Timothy J. Bomya, Richard W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7913213
    Abstract: A design tool for automatically identifying minimum timing violation corrections in an integrated circuit (IC) design includes program instructions executable by a processor to identify locations to add a delay along each circuit path having a minimum timing violation. The tool may also sequentially try each of a plurality of circuit changes that add the delay and to evaluate a result of each circuit change until an acceptable percentage of the minimum timing violation has been corrected. In response to each circuit change, the design tool may update an internal node report, which includes a listing of circuit nodes and a maximum timing slack available at each node, by reducing a maximum slack value of each affected node by an amount of the added delay. The design tool may generate an output report that includes a listing of the circuit changes which correct the minimum timing violations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7849430
    Abstract: A pruning algorithm for generating a reverse donut model (RDM) for running timing analysis for a block in an IC includes logic to reduce a hierarchical model of the IC to a single level flat model. A block from a plurality of blocks that make up the IC is identified from the single level flat model of the IC. The pruning algorithm is further used to initialize a timer and to define timing constraints associated with each of a plurality of input and output pins associated with the identified block. A RDM for the identified block is generated by identifying and including connectivity information associated with a plurality of input and output pins in an outer boundary of the identified block and at least one layer of interface connection between each of the plurality of input and output pins in the outer layer of the identified block and one or more circuit elements external to the identified block in the IC interfacing with each of the plurality of input and output pins in the identified block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Smith, Hang Kwan, Manzurul Khan
  • Patent number: 7772839
    Abstract: A magnetic field generated by at least one coil operatively associated with a first portion of a vehicle responsive to a first signal from a signal source causes an eddy current in at least one conductive element operatively associated with or at least a part of a second portion of the vehicle. In one aspect, a circuit operatively coupled to the at least one coil generates a second signal responsive to a self-impedance of the at least one coil, wherein the second signal is at least partially in-phase with the first signal. In another aspect, a magnetic sensor is responsive to an eddy current in the at least one conductive element. In yet another aspect, the at least one conductive element comprises a metal sheet, film or coating of paramagnetic or diamagnetic material that is relatively highly conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William Todd Watson, William Merrick, Leonard S. Cech, Timothy J. Bomya, Richard W. Smith, Hiroshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 7765503
    Abstract: A design tool for reducing half-cycle common path pessimism includes program instructions storable on a computer readable medium. The program instructions may be executable by a processor to receive a timing report for the IC. For each source clock path and destination clock path of each half-cycle timing path, the design tool may identify common circuit elements, and determine a process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) path delay value corresponding to PVT scaling of each identified common circuit element. The design tool may sum together the PVT path delay values of each identified common circuit element to obtain a total PVT compensation value. The design tool may also generate a new total skew value by subtracting the total PVT compensation value from a total compensated skew value, and generate a corrected timing report that includes the new total skew values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090319212
    Abstract: A magnetic field is generated by at least one coil in magnetic communication with at least a portion of a vehicle responsive to a first time-varying signal operatively coupled to the at least one coil in series with a sense resistor. A second signal is generated responsive to a voltage across the sense resistor and is response to a magnetic condition of the at least one coil, which is response to the magnetic communication of the at least one coil with the portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TK HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Leonard S. CECH, William Todd WATSON, James D. BAAL, Scott E. BAUER, Timothy J. BOMYA, Richard W. SMITH