Patents by Inventor Stanley B. Smith III
Stanley B. Smith III 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).
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Publication number: 20110147194Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
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Publication number: 20110011078Abstract: A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. An airlock is included between the workspace and the crankcase and a seal is included for sealing the workspace from the airlock and crankcase.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Michael G. Norris, Stanley B. Smith, III, Christopher M. Werner, David J. Peretz, Brian H. Yoo, Felix Winkler
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Publication number: 20110011079Abstract: A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. An airlock is included between the workspace and the crankcase and a seal is included for sealing the workspace from the airlock and crankcase.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Michael G. Norris, Stanley B. Smith, III, Christopher M. Werner
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Publication number: 20100296935Abstract: An aerodynamic brake assembly for use with an airfoil such as the blade of a wind turbine rotor comprises deployable upper and/or lower spoiler plates incorporated in or attached to the airfoil. The spoiler plates can deploy under the influence of centrifugal forces when the rotating airfoil or rotor blade reaches a pre-determined rotational speed. The aerodynamic brake assembly may be integrated within the airfoil or attached to the tip of the airfoil such that, when not deployed, the upper and lower spoiler plates have a profile that approximately conforms to the profile of the part of the airfoil to which it the brake assembly is attached. Thus in a non-deployed state, the spoiler plates have a non-detrimental effect on the performance of the airfoil, and may even contribute to its aerodynamic lift properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Christopher M. Werner
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Publication number: 20100274365Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, John Matthew Kerwin, Stewart M. Coulter, Stanley B. Smith, III, Keith David Violette, Steven W. Nickson, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Alexander H. Muller, Gerald Michael Guay
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Publication number: 20100199657Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pass. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael G. Norris, Stanley B. Smith, III, Jonathan M. Strimling
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Publication number: 20100101929Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Chrsitopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
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Publication number: 20090145737Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Prashant Bhat, Ryan LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Otis L. Clapp
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Publication number: 20090042462Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage having a forward section and an aft section, at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the forward section of the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the aft section of the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism attached to the fuselage and the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Stanley B. Smith, III, James M. Knight, Thomas S. Schnellinger
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Publication number: 20090025399Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: DEKA Produsts Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Prashant Bhat, Ryan LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Otis L. Clapp
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Publication number: 20080314356Abstract: A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected to the piston and the distal end is connected to the rocking beam by an end pivot. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. A crankshaft coupled to the rocking beam by way of a connecting rod is also included. The rotary motion of the rocking beam is transferred to the crankshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III
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Publication number: 20080288088Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Christopher O. Evans, Stanley B. Smith, III, Alexander H. Muller, John M. Kerwin, Thomas S. Schnellinger, G. Michael Guay, Dirk A. Van der Merwe
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Patent number: 7310945Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the pressure between work-space and crankcase in a pressurized engine, such as a Stirling engine. The device consists of a two-way valve connected between the work-space and the crankcase. The valve is connected to the work-space with a passageway including a constriction to provide an mean pressure for monitoring purposes. The valve connects the work-space and crankcase allowing the pressure to equalize when the mean pressure of the work-space exceeds the crankcase pressure by a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Thomas Q. Gurski, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
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Patent number: 7308787Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael G. Norris, Stanley B. Smith, III, Jonathan M. Strimling
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Patent number: 7131706Abstract: Improvements to personal vehicles including self-propelled and balancing personal vehicles. Ready detachability of a seat, footrest, seat back, control unit, wheels and caster assembly is provided using quick disconnect mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Marc A. Nisbet, Stanley B. Smith, III, Thomas Alan Brindley
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Patent number: 6857260Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael Norris, Ryan Keith LaRocque, Stanley B. Smith III, Jonathan Strimling
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Patent number: 6715845Abstract: Improvements to personal vehicles including self-propelled and balancing personal vehicles. Ready detachability of a seat, footrest, seat back, control unit, wheels and caster assembly is provided using quick disconnect mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Marc A. Nisbet, Stanley B. Smith, III, Thomas Alan Brindley
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Patent number: 6591608Abstract: A system for supporting lateral loads on a piston undergoing reciprocating motion along a longitudinal axis in a cylinder includes a guide link for coupling the piston to a crankshaft undergoing rotary motion about a rotation axis of the crankshaft where the longitudinal axis and the rotation axis are substantially orthogonal to each other. A first guide element is located along the length of the guide link and includes a spring mechanism for urging the first guide element into contact with the guide link. The spring mechanism includes a first spring with a first natural frequency of oscillation and a second spring with a second natural frequency of oscillation. A second guide element is in opposition to the first guide element.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Thomas Q. Gurski, Stanley B. Smith, III
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Patent number: 6547026Abstract: A safety mechanism for a personal vehicle that provides for separation of the motion of a body support from a ground contacting assembly of the vehicle in case of accident. In one embodiment, the body support is attached to the ground contacting module via a slide mechanism that permits the body support to continue upright motion despite overturning of the ground contacting assembly in order to prevent injury to the passenger. Another embodiment provides for coupling of the body support or the ground contacting assembly via either a real or virtual pivot located above the respective centers of mass of the body support and ground contacting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert Ambrogi, John B. Morrell, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, James H. Steenson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6543215Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: New Power Concepts LLCInventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael Norris, Ryan Keith LaRocque, Stanley B. Smith, III, Jonathan Strimling