Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Smith

Thomas J. 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).

  • Patent number: 9312652
    Abstract: A switchable modular jack assembly includes a housing which defines a receptacle for receiving an RJ14 modular plug, and a socket for receiving a pre-wired adapter plug. Each of the RJ14 modular plug and the adapter plug has electrical contacts on an exposed surface thereof. The jack assembly also includes leaf spring electrical contacts which extend into the receptacle and socket. When no RJ14 modular plug is received by the receptacle, the leaf spring electrical contacts contact the electrical contacts of the adapter plug. When an RJ14 modular plug is received by the receptacle, the leaf spring electrical contacts contact the electrical contacts of the RJ14 modular plug, but not the electrical contacts of the adapter plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Tii Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Raymond Pepe
  • Publication number: 20150211437
    Abstract: Exemplary pistons and methods are disclosed. A method may include depositing a scuff and seizure resistant material via a thermal spray method on the surface of a piston pin bore used in internal combustion engines. Exemplary pistons may have a crown and a skirt. The piston crown may define a combustion bowl and a ring land extending circumferentially around the combustion bowl, the skirt supporting the crown, the skirt including a pair of pin bosses, the pin bosses each defining a pin bore configured to receive a piston pin, each pin bore defining a pin bore surface extending circumferentially about the piston pin bore, the bore surface formed of a first material. The method may further include applying a coating comprising at least a second material different from the first material to the pin bore surfaces using a thermal spray process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Stong, Thomas J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150184748
    Abstract: Exemplary oil control rings and methods are disclosed. An oil control ring may include an upper lamella having a first outer radial surface and a lower lamella having a second outer radial surface. An expander ring is in communication with the upper lamella and the lower lamella and generates an expander radial outward force on the lamellas. At least one of the first outer radial surface and the second outer radial surface is comprised of a first contact section and a first tapered section. The first tapered section is configured to generate a first radially inward force greater than or equal to the expander radial outward force when moved in a first direction and a second radially inward force less than the expander radial outward force when moved in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Steven J. Sytsma, Thomas J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8893580
    Abstract: A connecting rod having a small end and a large end, the small end including a pin bore defined by a pin bore surface. A thermal spray coating applied to at least a portion of the pin bore surface and a method of applying the thermal spray coating to the pin bore surface using a thermal spray technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: David Domanchuk, Michael T. Lapp, Wolfgang Rein, Christopher Hall, Thomas Stong, Thomas J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140296834
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a drug delivery device. The device can comprise at least one core with a first active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), coated with a first layer that is permeable or semi-permeable to the API, coated with a second layer that is impermeable to the API, and having a delivery window to allow passage of the API through the device and into body fluids or tissues. The device can also have a wicking material to modify the rate of transport of the API into the body fluid or tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: OAKCREST INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
    Inventors: John A. Moss, Thomas J. Smith, Marc M. Baum
  • Publication number: 20140287053
    Abstract: Described herein are injectable corticosteroid-loaded microparticles, pharmaceutical composition thereof and methods for reducing inflammation or pain in a body compartment such as a joint, an epidural space, a vitreous body of an eye, a surgically created space, or a space adjacent to an implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC
    Inventors: James A. Helliwell, Amanda M. Malone, Thomas J. Smith, Marc M. Baum
  • Publication number: 20140273649
    Abstract: A switchable modular jack assembly includes a housing which defines a receptacle for receiving an RJ14 modular plug, and a socket for receiving a pre-wired adapter plug. Each of the RJ14 modular plug and the adapter plug has electrical contacts on an exposed surface thereof. The jack assembly also includes leaf spring electrical contacts which extend into the receptacle and socket. When no RJ14 modular plug is received by the receptacle, the leaf spring electrical contacts contact the electrical contacts of the adapter plug. When an RJ14 modular plug is received by the receptacle, the leaf spring electrical contacts contact the electrical contacts of the RJ14 modular plug, but not the electrical contacts of the adapter plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Tii Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Raymond Pepe
  • Publication number: 20140234549
    Abstract: Some embodiments comprise systems, methods, compositions, and apparatus including, but not limited to, thermally sprayed titanium-nitride ceramic particles encapsulated in one of several pure metals or metallic alloys; for producing a high wear-resistant coating on the contacting friction surfaces of machined component parts, including among them, piston rings, piston connecting rods and cylinder liners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: THOMAS J. SMITH, Thomas Stong
  • Publication number: 20130091980
    Abstract: A connecting rod having a small end and a large end, the small end including a pin bore defined by a pin bore surface. A thermal spray coating applied to at least a portion of the pin bore surface and a method of applying the thermal spray coating to the pin bore surface using a thermal spray technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: David Domanchuk, Michael T. Lapp, Wolfgang Rein, Christopher Hall, Thomas Stong, Thomas J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8421122
    Abstract: A monolithic high power radio frequency switch includes a substrate, and first and second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors on the substrate. Each of the first and second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors includes a respective source, drain and gate terminal. The source terminal of the first gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor is coupled to the drain terminal of the second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, and the source terminal of the second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor is coupled to ground. An RF input pad is coupled to the drain terminal of the first second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, an RF output pad is coupled to the source terminal of the first gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor and the drain terminal of the second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, and a control pad is coupled to the gate of the first gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Jr., Matthew Wills, Saptharishi Sriram
  • Publication number: 20130025561
    Abstract: A piston including a piston crown, the piston crown having a combustion surface that further defines a combustion bowl rim area and a bowl root area. A thermal spray coating is applied to the bowl rim and/or the bowl root area of the piston to increase the resistance of the piston to thermal mechanical fatigue. The thermal spray coating may be metal or alloy based and may be applied using any suitable process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Dieter Gabriel, Wolfgang Rein, Thomas Stong, David Domanchuk, Thomas J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120180747
    Abstract: Thermal spray coatings are described herein. The coatings include at least one base material having a thickness. Within at least a portion of the thickness is a dispersion of solid lubricant particles. The thermal spray coatings may be applied to at least a portion of a component that has a mating surface with another component. The mating surface may cause the thermal spray coating to wear down and become thinner. As the coating becomes thinner, particles of solid lubricant entrapped deeper within in the base material become exposed and impart friction reducing properties to the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: David Domanchuk, Thomas Stong, Thomas J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120164177
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to peptide vaccines. More specifically, the present invention relates to vaccines against rhinoviruses and other related and non-related pathogenic animal viruses. In addition, the present invention relates generally to methods of designing and producing vaccines against viruses and, in certain embodiments, against rhinoviruses and other pathogenic viruses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: DONALD DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Umesh C. Katpally
  • Patent number: 8153760
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to peptide vaccines. More specifically, the present invention relates to vaccines against rhinoviruses and other related and non-related pathogenic animal viruses. In addition, the present invention relates generally to methods of designing and producing vaccines against viruses and, in certain embodiments, against rhinoviruses and other pathogenic viruses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Umesh C. Katpally
  • Patent number: 8138583
    Abstract: A diode structure having a reduced on-resistance in the forward-biased condition includes semiconductor layers, preferably of silicon carbide. The anode and cathode of the device are located on the same side of the bottom semiconductor layer, providing lateral conduction across the diode body. The anode is positioned on a semiconductor mesa, and the sides of the mesa are covered with a nonconductive spacer extending from the anode to the bottom layer. An ohmic contact, preferably a metal silicide, covers the surface of the bottom layer between the spacer material and the cathode. The conductive path extends from anode to cathode through the body of the mesa and across the bottom semiconductor layer, including the ohmic contact. The method of forming the diode includes reacting layers of silicon and metal on the appropriate regions of the diode to form an ohmic contact of metal silicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Saptharishi Sriram, Thomas J. Smith, Jr., Helmut Hagleitner
  • Publication number: 20120049973
    Abstract: A monolithic high power radio frequency switch includes a substrate, and first and second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors on the substrate. Each of the first and second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors includes a respective source, drain and gate terminal. The source terminal of the first gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor is coupled to the drain terminal of the second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, and the source terminal of the second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor is coupled to ground. An RF input pad is coupled to the drain terminal of the first second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, an RF output pad is coupled to the source terminal of the first gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor and the drain terminal of the second gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, and a control pad is coupled to the gate of the first gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, JR., Matthew Wills, Saptharishi Siriam
  • Publication number: 20120016467
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a prodrug having a solubility less than about 1 mg/ml dispersed in the polymer. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the prodrug and may be non-release rate limiting with respect to the rate of release of the prodrug from the polymer. This permits improved drug delivery within a body in the vicinity of a surgery via sustained release rate kinetics over a prolonged period of time, while not requiring complicated manufacturing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: pSivida Inc.
    Inventors: Jianbing Chen, Paul Ashton, Thomas J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110056131
    Abstract: A self-orientating plant pot and tray system is provided. The pot includes a top and/or a body and is provided with a first drain opening. The top has a first substantially elliptical cross-section and/or the body has a first tapering substantially elliptical cross-section. The tray defines at least one receiving area each for securingly receiving a plant pot in a desired orientation relative therewith. The receiving area includes an upper chamber and/or a body chamber, which are each respectively defined by a depression and/or a receptacle. The depression has a second substantially elliptical cross-section for mating with the top and/or the receptacle has a second tapering substantially elliptical cross-section for mating with the body. The receptacle can be provided with a second drain opening for fluid communication with the first drain opening. The pots can include indicia facing substantially the same direction when assembled with the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Henry L. Huntington
  • Patent number: 7818918
    Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Henry L. Huntington
  • Publication number: 20100154303
    Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Henry L. Huntington