Patents by Inventor Robert D. Smith

Robert D. 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: 20240155665
    Abstract: Techniques for delegated peer-to-peer scheduling are provided. A first peer-to-peer device determines one or more wireless channels allocated for peer-to-peer communication, and receives a request indicating a set of transmission characteristics from a second peer-to-peer device that uses the first peer-to-peer device as a communications proxy. The first peer-to-peer device schedules wireless resources of the one or more wireless channels to a plurality of peer-to-peer devices based at least in part on the set of transmission characteristics, and performs peer-to-peer communications with the second peer-to-peer device in accordance with the scheduled wireless resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Brian D. HART, Malcolm M. SMITH, Pooya MONAJEMI, Jerome HENRY, Robert E. BARTON
  • Publication number: 20240151895
    Abstract: A variety of illumination devices are disclosed that are configured to manipulate light provided by one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs). In general, embodiments of the illumination devices feature one or more optical couplers that redirect illumination from the LEEs to a reflector which then directs the light into a range of angles. In some embodiments, the illumination device includes a second reflector that reflects at least some of the light from the first reflector. In certain embodiments, the illumination device includes a light guide that guides light from the collector to the first reflector. The components of the illumination device can be configured to provide illumination devices that can provide a variety of intensity distributions. Such illumination devices can be configured to provide light for particular lighting applications, including office lighting, task lighting, cabinet lighting, garage lighting, wall wash, stack lighting, and downlighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Ingo Speier, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York, Hans Peter Stormberg
  • Publication number: 20240155710
    Abstract: Techniques for improved peer-to-peer communication are provided. A set connectivity metrics among a set of wireless devices on a plurality of wireless channels in a wireless network is collected, and a wireless channel of the plurality of wireless channels is identified, based on the set of connectivity metrics, to use for peer-to-peer communication. A request is received, from a peer-to-peer device, for peer-to-peer communications, and the wireless channel is indicated to the peer-to-peer device, where the peer-to-peer device uses the first wireless channel for peer-to-peer communications in response to the indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Brian D. HART, Malcolm M. SMITH, Pooya MONAJEMI, Jerome HENRY, Robert E. BARTON, Matthew A. SILVERMAN
  • Publication number: 20240131332
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for neurostimulation via vestibular stimulation are described. One example is a device for administering thermal stimulation to an ear canal of a subject. The device may include an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the subject; a thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece and configured to heat and/or cool the earpiece to thereby heat and/or cool the ear canal of the subject; and a controller configured to administer a selected treatment plan including administering a caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) stimulus to the ear canal of the subject in a condition-treatment effective amount during a first treatment interval. The treatment plan may be effective to produce a durable improvement in at least one symptom of the condition for a time of at least 1 week following cessation of the administering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Lanty L. Smith, Lesco L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 11950819
    Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Paul Dayton, Sean F. Scanlan, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, John T. Treace, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, Joe W. Ferguson
  • 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: 20240094357
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a light source configured to emit local-oscillator (LO) light and pulses of light, the emitted pulses of light including a first emitted pulse of light, where an optical frequency of the first emitted pulse of light is offset from an optical frequency of the LO light by a first frequency offset. The lidar system further includes a receiver configured to detect the LO light and a first received pulse of light, the first received pulse of light including light from the first emitted pulse of light scattered by a target located a distance from the lidar system. The receiver includes a detector, where: the LO light and the first received pulse of light are coherently mixed together at the detector, and the detector is configured to produce a photocurrent signal corresponding to the coherent mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Philip W. Smith, David H. Minasi, Joseph G. LaChapelle, Roger S. Cannon, Robert D. Still, Elias Soto, Zachary Ronald Dylan Thomas Bush
  • Publication number: 20240091536
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for neurostimulation via vestibular stimulation are described. One example is a device for administering thermal stimulation to an ear canal of a subject. The device may include an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the subject; a thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece and configured to heat and/or cool the earpiece to thereby heat and/or cool the ear canal of the subject; and a controller configured to administer a selected treatment plan including administering a caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) stimulus to the ear canal of the subject in a condition-treatment effective amount during a first treatment interval. The treatment plan may be effective to produce a durable improvement in at least one symptom of the condition for a time of at least 1 week following cessation of the administering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Lanty L. Smith, Lesco L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 11934161
    Abstract: System and method provide wireless distributed lighting control systems implementing a secure peer-to-peer, self-organizing and self-healing mesh network of actuators and system inputs. The system and method can be designed specifically for indoor and outdoor lighting where actuators include in-fixture, on-fixture and circuit control modules with ON/OFF and full range dimming capabilities, and system inputs include occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight sensors and switches. A unique messaging protocol facilitates wireless and wired communication between actuators and system inputs, and provides web-based commissioning and monitoring of the lighting control system using a wireless access point accessible from a local network or Internet which can provide an intuitive and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: HLI SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore E. Weber, Terrence R. Arbouw, Ronald K. Bender, Ronald J. Cummings-Kralik, Michael D. Crane, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Robert A. Martin, Peter A. Moyle, Gregory F. Smith, Stephan K. Zitz
  • Patent number: 11931312
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, John G. Byers, Scott M. Corbin, Richard H. Heimbrock, Michael A. Knecht, Bradley T. Smith, Lori Ann Zapfe, Robert M. Zerhusen, Kenneth L. Lilly, Jonathan D. Turner, James L. Walke, Joseph T. Canter, Richard J. Schuman, Sr., John V. Harmeyer
  • Publication number: 20240081843
    Abstract: Systems, techniques, and devices are described that may be used in a minimally invasive bone realignment procedure. In some examples, a method of performing a minimally invasive metatarsal correction procedure involves using a bone preparation guide having a guide surface with a length less than a diameter of a bone to be cut using the guide surface. The clinician can guide a bone preparation instrument along the guide surface and angle the bone preparation instrument beyond one or both ends of the guide surface to cut the end of the underlying bone beyond one or both of the ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, Paul Dayton, Mark Erik Easley, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Michael Stedham
  • Publication number: 20240081816
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant system can be used to fixate two bones (e.g., to portions of a single bone) relative to each other during a surgical procedure. In some configurations, the implant system includes a staple having at least two legs separated by a bridge. The staple can include at least two couplings on either side of the bridge accessible through a top surface of the staple connectable to two corresponding coupling shafts. The coupling shafts can attach through the top surface of the staple without extending below an underside of the staple. The coupling shafts can be used to bias the at least two legs of the staple away from each other for insertion into holes formed into two bones. By attaching the coupling shafts through the top of the staple, the staple can be inserted flush with the two bones before releasing the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Adriaan Kuyler, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley
  • Publication number: 20240081817
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant system can be used to fixate two bones (e.g., to portions of a single bone) relative to each other during a surgical procedure. In some configurations, the implant system includes a staple having at least two legs separated by a bridge. The staple can include at least two couplings on either side of the bridge accessible through a top surface of the staple connectable to two corresponding coupling shafts. The coupling shafts can attach through the top surface of the staple without extending below an underside of the staple. The coupling shafts can be used to bias the at least two legs of the staple away from each other for insertion into holes formed into two bones. By attaching the coupling shafts through the top of the staple, the staple can be inserted flush with the two bones before releasing the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Adriaan Kuyler, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley
  • Publication number: 20240082015
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant system can be used to fixate two vertebral bones relative to each other during a surgical procedure. In some configurations, the implant system includes a staple having at least two legs separated by a bridge. The staple can include at least two couplings on either side of the bridge accessible through a top surface of the staple connectable to two corresponding coupling shafts. The coupling shafts can attach through the top surface of the staple without extending below an underside of the staple. The coupling shafts can be used to bias the at least two legs of the staple away from each other for insertion into holes formed into two bones. By attaching the coupling shafts through the top of the staple, the staple can be inserted flush with the two bones before releasing the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Madeline Lindemann, Bryan Wilcox, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Adriaan Kuyler, Robert D. Santrock, Mark Erik Easley
  • Publication number: 20240075815
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, an energy storage device supported by the chassis and configured to provide electrical power to a prime mover, wherein activation of the prime mover selectively drives the refuse vehicle, a body for storing refuse therein supported by the chassis, a first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, a second first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, and a motor coupled to at least one of the body or the chassis and configured to drive the first hydraulic pump and drive the second hydraulic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey Koga, Emily Davis, Jerrod Kappers, Vince Schad, Robert S. Messina, Christopher K. Yakes, Vincent Hoover, Clinton T. Weckwerth, Zachary L. Klein, John Beck, Brendan Chan, Skylar A. Wachter, Nader Nasr, Chad K. Smith, Logan Gary, Derek A. Wente, Shawn Naglik, Mike J. Bolton, Jacob Wallin, Quincy Wittman, Christopher J. Rukas, Dylan Hess, Jason Rice, Zhenyi Wei, Bashar Amin, Catherine Linsmeier, Joshua D. Rocholl, Dale Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11911085
    Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe W. Ferguson, John T. Treace
  • Publication number: 20230270606
    Abstract: The invention provides aeromedical ambulance equipment. In some embodiments, the equipment includes a module base comprising a mount assembly having an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The mount assembly preferably can be adjusted between the unlocked and locked configurations by a tool-free operation. In addition, certain embodiments provide a module base having an advantageous system for releasably locking a stretcher onto the module base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Justin R. Mahler, Robert D. Smith, JR., Michael E. Gallagher, Craig M. Mueller, Matthew T. Huntting
  • Patent number: 11390327
    Abstract: Subframe brace apparatus and related assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle assembly includes a subframe of a vehicle, a vehicle body structure, and a brace attaching the subframe to the vehicle body structure. A body of the brace includes a first end coupled to the subframe and a second end coupled to the vehicle body structure. The first end of the body is configured to remain connected to the subframe during an offset frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a first load to the first end. The first end of the body is also configured to separate from the subframe during a full frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a second load to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, INC.
    Inventors: Kyler A. Tolman, Alex B. Taylor, Ryan M. Mahn, Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210316792
    Abstract: Subframe brace apparatus and related assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle assembly includes a subframe of a vehicle, a vehicle body structure, and a brace attaching the subframe to the vehicle body structure. A body of the brace includes a first end coupled to the subframe and a second end coupled to the vehicle body structure. The first end of the body is configured to remain connected to the subframe during an offset frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a first load to the first end. The first end of the body is also configured to separate from the subframe during a full frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a second load to the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, INC.
    Inventors: Kyler A. TOLMAN, Alex B. TAYLOR, Ryan M. MAHN, Robert D. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20210197752
    Abstract: An airbag for a vehicle including a main bag body and a tail bag body is provided. The tail bag body extends forward from the main bag body in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The airbag is operable between an undeployed state and a deployed state such that, when the airbag is in the deployed state, the tail bag body extends into a cavity of an instrument panel defined by an upper wall, a front wall, and a lower wall. When in the deployed state, the tail bag body contacts at least one of the upper wall, the front wall, and a lower wall in order to inhibit movement of the main bag body in a vehicle vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Colby S. Williams, Robert D. Smith, Jessica A. Riffe