Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Smith

Thomas 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).

  • Patent number: 11974745
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises a surgical end effector, a handle that is connected to the surgical end effector and has a controller, and an interchangeable part removably connected to the surgical end effector and having an encryption device in electrical communication with the controller. The encryption device is programmed to authenticate the interchangeable part when the interchangeable part is at the surgical end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GmbH International
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Carlos Rivera, Matthew A. Palmer
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 11929428
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate; a group III-Nitride barrier layer; a source electrically coupled to the group III-Nitride barrier layer; a gate on the group III-Nitride barrier layer; a drain electrically coupled to the group III-Nitride barrier layer; a p-region being arranged at or below the group III-Nitride barrier layer; and a recovery enhancement circuit configured to reduce an impact of an overload received by the gate. Additionally, at least a portion of the p-region is arranged vertically below at least one of the following: the source, the gate, an area between the gate and the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Wolfspeed, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Jr., Saptharishi Sriram, Charles W. Richards, IV
  • Publication number: 20240071593
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide smart alerts to users, e.g., alerts to users about diabetic states that are only provided when it makes sense to do so, e.g., when the system can predict or estimate that the user is not already cognitively aware of their current condition, e.g., particularly where the current condition is a diabetic state warranting attention. In this way, the alert or alarm is personalized and made particularly effective for that user. Such systems and methods still alert the user when action is necessary, e.g., a bolus or temporary basal rate change, or provide a response to a missed bolus or a need for correction, but do not alert when action is unnecessary, e.g., if the user is already estimated or predicted to be cognitively aware of the diabetic state warranting attention, or if corrective action was already taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Anna Leigh DAVIS, Scott M. BELLIVEAU, Naresh C. BHAVARAJU, Leif N. BOWMAN, Rita M. CASTILLO, Alexandra Elena CONSTANTIN, Rian W. DRAEGER, Laura J. DUNN, Gary Brian GABLE, Arturo GARCIA, Thomas HALL, Hari HAMPAPURAM, Christopher Robert HANNEMANN, Anna Claire HARLEY-TROCHIMCZYK, Nathaniel David HEINTZMAN, Andrea Jean JACKSON, Lauren Hruby JEPSON, Apurv Ullas KAMATH, Katherine Yerre KOEHLER, Aditya Sagar MANDAPAKA, Samuel Jere MARSH, Gary A. MORRIS, Subrai Girish PAI, Andrew Attila PAL, Nicholas POLYTARIDIS, Philip Thomas PUPA, Eli REIHMAN, Ashley Anne RINDFLEISCH, Sofie Wells SCHUNK, Peter C. SIMPSON, Daniel S. SMITH, Stephen J. VANSLYKE, Matthew T. VOGEL, Tomas C. WALKER, Benjamin Elrod WEST, Atiim Joseph WILEY
  • Patent number: 11126430
    Abstract: A vector processor includes a grouping memory functional unit coupled to grouping memory having multiple bins. The vector processor also includes a bitformatting functional unit that performs bit-level data arrangements using any suitable technique or network, such as a Benes network. The vector processor receives and reads an input vector of data that includes portions (e.g., bits) of multiple data streams, and writes each portion corresponding to a respective data stream to a respective bin in parallel using the bitformatting functional unit to align the data. The vector processor also or alternatively receives and reads multiple outgoing data streams, writes portions of the data streams in respective bins of the grouping memory, and intersperses the portions in an outgoing vector of data in parallel, using the bitformatting functional unit to align the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Parakalan Venkataraghavan, Thomas W. Smith, Silpa Naidu Chirumavilla, Ravi Shekhar
  • Publication number: 20200356368
    Abstract: A vector processor includes a grouping memory functional unit coupled to grouping memory having multiple bins. The vector processor also includes a bitformatting functional unit that performs bit-level data arrangements using any suitable technique or network, such as a Benes network. The vector processor receives and reads an input vector of data that includes portions (e.g., bits) of multiple data streams, and writes each portion corresponding to a respective data stream to a respective bin in parallel using the bitformatting functional unit to align the data. The vector processor also or alternatively receives and reads multiple outgoing data streams, writes portions of the data streams in respective bins of the grouping memory, and intersperses the portions in an outgoing vector of data in parallel, using the bitformatting functional unit to align the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Parakalan Venkataraghavan, Thomas W. Smith, Silpa Naidu Chirumavilla, Ravi Shekhar
  • Patent number: 10299473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to phenol containing disinfectants that have superior broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy versus traditional chemistry such as quaternary ammonium-containing disinfectants or aliphatic alcohols. Hydrotropic surfactants are utilized in combination with generally environmentally friendly phenol containing compounds such as ortho-benzyl parachlorophenol (OBPCP), ortho phenylphenol (OPP), or parachloro-meta-cresol (PCMC) in the presence of suitable solvents such as an aliphatic alcohol and also in the presence of an inorganic acid, such as phosphoric acid. The solutions are free of para tertiary amylphenol (PTAP), have a low pH and are very stable with respect to gamma irradiation. They can be used with respect to hard surface disinfection, and also as a tuberculocide, a fungicide, a bactericide, and a virucide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Christopher C. Heisig, Nancy-Hope E. Kaiser, Thomas W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180310554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to phenol containing disinfectants that have superior broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy versus traditional chemistry such as quaternary ammonium-containing disinfectants or aliphatic alcohols. Hydrotropic surfactants are utilized in combination with generally environmentally friendly phenol containing compounds such as ortho-benzyl parachlorophenol (OBPCP), ortho phenylphenol (OPP), or parachloro-meta-cresol (PCMC) in the presence of suitable solvents such as an aliphatic alcohol and also in the presence of an inorganic acid, such as phosphoric acid. The solutions are free of para tertiary amylphenol (PTAP), have a low pH and are very stable with respect to gamma irradiation. They can be used with respect to hard surface disinfection, and also as a tuberculocide, a fungicide, a bactericide, and a virucide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. HEISIG, Nancy-Hope E. KAISER, Thomas W. SMITH
  • Patent number: 9939323
    Abstract: Sensors, systems including sensors, and methods of using such sensors and systems are provided. In one aspect, a sensor includes a sensor element at least partially positioned within the housing. The sensor element includes a plurality of interconnected segments with each segment comprising a pyroelectric crystal and wherein the sensor may generate a single, unitary signal upon exposure of any segment to infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140183361
    Abstract: Sensors, systems including sensors, and methods of using such sensors and systems are provided. In one aspect, a sensor includes a sensor element at least partially positioned within the housing. The sensor element includes a plurality of interconnected segments with each segment comprising a pyroelectric crystal and wherein the sensor may generate a single, unitary signal upon exposure of any segment to infrared radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8455551
    Abstract: A broad spectrum disinfectant includes a quaternary ammonium halogen, an alkaline agent, a chelating agent, a nonionic surfactant coupler, at least one alkoxylated nonionic surfactant, and water or any aliphatic alcohol. The disinfectant composition is phenol-free, is effective in eradicating microorganisms such as various fungi, and is stable to gamma-irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Christopher C. Heisig, Thomas W. Smith, Peter N. Karanja, Nancy-Hope E. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20120225948
    Abstract: A broad spectrum disinfectant includes a quaternary ammonium halogen, an alkaline agent, a chelating agent, a nonionic surfactant coupler, at least one alkoxylated nonionic surfactant, and water or any aliphatic alcohol. The disinfectant composition is phenol-free, is effective in eradicating microorganisms such as various fungi, and is stable to gamma-irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN STERILIZER COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher C. Heisig, Thomas W. Smith, Peter N. Karanja, Nancy-Hope E. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7112394
    Abstract: A toner composition includes a thermoset resin, cross-linking agent, and optionally additives such as colorants. The thermally cross-linkable toner composition may be fixed, using standard fusing systems, to yield images that withstand rigorous processing conditions, such as, for example, the high temperatures reached in flexible packaging processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7074853
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of one of the formulae wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 each, independently of the others, is an alkyl group, an aryl group, an arylalkyl group, or an alkylaryl group, R11 and R12 each, independently of the others, is an alkylene group, an arylene group, an arylalkylene group, or an alkylarylene group, G is a cationic moiety, A is an anionic moiety, n is an integer representing the number of repeat —OSi(R7)(R8)— monomer units, a is an integer representing the number of repeat —OSi(R10)(R12-lightfastness moiety)- monomer units, and c is an integer representing the number of repeat —OSi(R9)(R11-hydrophilic moiety)- monomer units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Smith, Kathleen M. McGrane
  • Patent number: 6972304
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aqueous ink composition comprising an aqueous liquid vehicle, a colorant, and an additive wherein, when the ink has been applied to a recording substrate in an image pattern and a substantial amount of the aqueous liquid vehicle has either evaporated from the ink image, hydrogen bonds of sufficient strength exist between the additive molecules so that the additive forms hydrogen-bonded oligomers or polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Smith, David J. Luca, Kathleen M. McGrane
  • Patent number: 6962949
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition comprising (a) water, (b) an anionic dye, (c) a polyquaternary amine compound, and (d) a quaternary ammonium substituted UV absorbing compound. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an ink composition comprising (a) water, (b) a complex of (i) an anionic dye and (ii) a polyquaternary amine compound, and (c) a quaternary ammonium substituted UV absorbing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Smith, Kathleen M. McGrane
  • Patent number: 6918083
    Abstract: Enclosed is a tool that is used to review and/or alter electronic documents each of which may have a different format. The mark-up tool is provided with a color-coded scheme to highlight where an electronic document is to be changed and to indicate the status of the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6906118
    Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change ink composition comprising a colorant and an ink vehicle, the ink being a solid at temperatures less than about 50° C. and exhibiting a viscosity of no more than about 20 centipoise at a jetting temperature of no more than about 160° C., wherein at a first temperature hydrogen bonds of sufficient strength exist between the ink vehicle molecules so that the ink vehicle forms hydrogen-bonded dimers, oligomers, or polymers, and wherein at a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature the hydrogen bonds between the ink vehicle molecules are sufficiently broken that fewer hydrogen-bonded dimers, oligomers, or polymers are present in the ink at the second temperature than are present in the ink at the first temperature, so that the viscosity of the ink at the second temperature is lower than the viscosity of the ink at the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: H. Bruce Goodbrand, Thomas W. Smith, Daniel A. Foucher, Kathleen M. McGrane, Dina Popovic