Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Smith
Thomas 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).
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Patent number: 7584570Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Inventor: Thomas D. Smith
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Publication number: 20090205239Abstract: A system and method for use of an enhanced aiming system which includes a marker displayed at a first position in an aiming scope, a user input of a start position and an ending position to measure a desired impact zone, a calculator for determining a range to the target based on the known dimension of the impact zone and the magnification value of the aiming scope, and a display in the aiming scope for showing an aiming point dot or bar to compensate for projectile drop at the calculated range, and optionally for windage and optionally for moving target hold-over.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Publication number: 20090183417Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Patent number: 7343707Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Publication number: 20080007016Abstract: An apparatus for determining wheel assembly alignment comprises a contact assembly, a light source, and a light beam receiving assembly. The contact assembly engages the wheel assembly to define a plane of orientation of the wheel assembly and the light source projects a beam of light with respect to the contact assembly. The light beam receiving assembly receives the light beam and forms an image of the light beam indicating the orientation of the wheel assembly with respect to a predetermined position. The receiving assembly may include a Fresnel lens for directing the received light beam to a target and a camera device for imaging the light beam on the target, with the camera device adapted to provide toe and camber information of the wheel assembly based on the location at which the light beam impinges upon the target. The contact assembly may be pressed against the wheel assembly without being secured thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: BURKE E. PORTER MACHINERY COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Hoenke, Jack A. Hulbert, James R. Lehman, Todd K. Menkveld, Gregory J. Momber, Thomas D. Smith
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Patent number: 7237355Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Patent number: 7222452Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Patent number: 7194838Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Patent number: 7069684Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Patent number: 6661524Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ground height in front of a vehicle, such as a vehicle for clearing buried land mines, in which a scanning pulsed laser to used to scan along one or more lines in front of the vehicle, with such scanning being executed more slowly in certain regions where data is collected and more quickly in intermediate regions where data is not collected. The time of flight along those lines is measured, and using that measurement, the ground height calculated and stored, with the higher elevations being discarded as the representing the tops of vegetation and the lower elevations being representative of the ground height or elevation in front of blade. A dozer blade on the vehicle is then adjusted in response to the calculated height to position the blade for the proper depth of cut in order to effectively uncover and remove the buried mines.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: United Defense, L.P.Inventors: Thomas D. Smith, Peter Henry
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Patent number: 6591537Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a rifle. The indicia include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a cross-wind of 10 mph at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Thomas D. Smith
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Publication number: 20030007160Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ground height in front of a vehicle, such as a vehicle for clearing buried land mines, in which a scanning pulsed laser to used to scan along one or more lines in front of the vehicle, with such scanning being executed more slowly in certain regions where data is collected and more quickly in intermediate regions where data is not collected. The time of flight along those lines is measured, and using that measurement, the ground height calculated and stored, with the higher elevations being discarded as the representing the tops of vegetation and the lower elevations being representative of the ground height or elevation in front of blade. A dozer blade on the vehicle is then adjusted in response to the calculated height to position the blade for the proper depth of cut in order to effectively uncover and remove the buried mines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Thomas D. Smith, Peter Henry
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Publication number: 20020139030Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a rifle. The indicia include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a cross-wind of 10 mph at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Thomas D. Smith
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Patent number: 6357158Abstract: A gunsight reticle having a system of critically dimensioned and positioned target spanning indicia improves the aiming of a rifle. The indicia include orthogonally intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four horizontal range-marker lines of sequentially incremental length disposed below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. The effectiveness of the gunsight is enhanced by a shooter's training program, interactive with the gunsight, which emphasizes the thought processes involving the planning, aiming and execution of a shot.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III
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Patent number: 5934337Abstract: There is provided an insulation kit comprising an inner waterproof layer for contacting a pipe to be insulated. On the outside of the inner waterproof layer there is insulation. Then, on the outside of the insulation there is a protective layer to guard the insulation from being damaged by rock, hammer blows, knife marks and the like. The insulation kit can be taken to the field and applied to the exterior of the pipe in a relatively short period of time. The electrical fusion wire can be activated by a voltage of 120 volts or 240 volts in about 12 amps. There results insulation around the pipe to be protected and which insulation provides an inner moisture-proof barrier; the insulation; and, a tough material to resist objects such as screw drivers, knives, rocks and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Inventors: Anthony Fiala, Thomas D. Smith, Sr., Thomas D. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 4918801Abstract: Insulation of multiturn high voltage stator windings is effected by applying interturn insulation in the form of glass-backed mica paper pre-treated with resin taken to a B-stage cure, at least to straight slot-engaging parts of the windings. The interturn insulation is mechanically consolidated and thermally cured and main insulation is then applied to the slot-engaging parts and end parts of the windings and consists of glass backed mica paper pre-treated with resin without a curing agent. The slot engaging parts are next mounted on the stator and the end parts of the windings are connected to them to form electrically completed windings which are then impregnated with a resin compound by a vacuum and pressure process followed by a thermal cure.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1988Date of Patent: April 24, 1990Assignee: Laurence, Scott & Electromotors Ltd.Inventors: Kurt K. Schwarz, Thomas D. Smith
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Patent number: 4865498Abstract: A tool for use in dressing the electrode tips of a welding machine. It is to be used in combination with conventional rotary dressing tools whereby one person can apply sufficient pressure on the tool to properly dress the welding tip. It consists of a clamping device to attach the tool of the invention to an electrode shank, and an adjustable lever arm to apply pressure to the dressing tool against the welding tip.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1988Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Inventors: Frank J. Schoettler, Thomas D. Smith
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Patent number: 4628955Abstract: A valve which can be applied to a water pipe while the pipe remains in service. The body of the valve is formed in two sections which can be applied to the outside surface of the water pipe and secured together in precise alignment with one another by tapered pins. A reciprocating gate which forms the valve element is bifurcated and includes a pair of gate sections carrying knife edges which cut through the pipe wall when the gate is initially moved to its closed position. This cuts away a ring from the water pipe and permits the gate to function to control water flow through the valve. The scrap ring which is cut away from the pipe is forced by the gate into a cavity disposed out of the flow line. The gate crushes the ring against a complemental convex surface of the cavity. Camming interaction between the leading ends of the gate sections and the convex surface mechanically forces the gate sections away from one another to press them firmly against the valve seats when the gate is fully closed.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1985Date of Patent: December 16, 1986Inventor: Thomas D. Smith
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Patent number: D456057Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Thomas D. Smith, III