Patents by Inventor Brian S. Smith

Brian S. 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: 11963691
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Rivard, Fajian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11951761
    Abstract: Environmental monitors for monitoring a predetermined environmental exposure, for example, an historical heat exposure such as a cumulative ambient heat exposure and/or a peak ambient heat exposure may include an environmental indicator material and a security material. The environmental monitor may be configured to attach to a host product for monitoring the predetermined environmental exposure of the host product, and additionally serve as an anti-counterfeiting indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marielle K. Smith, Mohannad Abdo, Thi N. Do, Brian S. Huffman
  • Publication number: 20240005063
    Abstract: A system includes a storage device, a processor, and an output device. The storage device is configured to store first results generated by perturbations of a structure, and store input parameters of a model of the structure. The processor is configured to generate results by exercising the model with the perturbations, and train a neural network to replicate the second results. The neural network includes input nodes and output nodes. A subset of the input nodes represent the input parameters. The output nodes represent the second results. The processor is further configured to run a propagation through the neural network as inverted from the output nodes to the input nodes to identify the input parameters that impact the second results, and generate gradient values that represent how the second results deviate from the first results. The output device is configured to present a gradient graph of the gradient values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Sreenivasa Prasath Subramani
  • Patent number: 11853126
    Abstract: A system for configuring a server including a portable housing having a front panel, a back panel, and a cutout disposed on the front panel, a control board disposed within the portable housing, the control board having a socket configured to operably receive and couple to a network interface card that is insertable into and removable from the housing only through the cutout, and a rib disposed within the portable housing between the front panel and the back panel, the rib having a support configured and dimensioned to engage the network interface card when the network interface card is inserted within the housing in an aligned configuration with the socket, a cooling system coupled to and powered via the control board, the cooling system including one or more fans disposed at least partially disposed within the portable housing, and a power supply system coupled to the control board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
    Inventors: Joseph Buton, Brian S. Smith
  • Patent number: 11751162
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques to enable a mobile device to determine a Z-axis coordinate based on altitudes associated with Wi-Fi access points detected in a Wi-Fi scan by the mobile device. One embodiment provides for an electronic device configured to compute a weighted average of Z-axis coordinates associated with detected Wi-Fi access points and determine a Z-axis coordinate for the electronic device based on the weighted average.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Robert W. Mayor, Wei Kong, Lei Wang
  • Patent number: 11690041
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques to enable a mobile device to determine a Z-axis coordinate based on altitudes associated with Wi-Fi access points detected in a Wi-Fi scan by the mobile device. One embodiment provides for an electronic device configured to compute a weighted average of Z-axis coordinates associated with detected Wi-Fi access points and determine a Z-axis coordinate for the electronic device based on the weighted average.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Robert W. Mayor, Wei Kong
  • Publication number: 20210400618
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques to enable a mobile device to determine a Z-axis coordinate based on altitudes associated with Wi-Fi access points detected in a Wi-Fi scan by the mobile device. One embodiment provides for an electronic device configured to compute a weighted average of Z-axis coordinates associated with detected Wi-Fi access points and determine a Z-axis coordinate for the electronic device based on the weighted average.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Robert W. Mayor, Wei Kong
  • Publication number: 20210400615
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques to enable a mobile device to determine a Z-axis coordinate based on altitudes associated with Wi-Fi access points detected in a Wi-Fi scan by the mobile device. One embodiment provides for an electronic device configured to compute a weighted average of Z-axis coordinates associated with detected Wi-Fi access points and determine a Z-axis coordinate for the electronic device based on the weighted average.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Robert W. Mayor, Wei Kong, Lei Wang
  • Patent number: 10502622
    Abstract: A custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) may provide strong signal integrity while reducing the load to a thermal system. Control and analog-to-digital conversion may be pushed into components close to the detector to maximize signal integrity. Processing functions may be performed at relatively high temperature, or the highest allowable temperatures, simplifying the system-level thermal design by not cooling components that do not require such cooling to function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Markus Loose, Atul Joshi, Greg T. Alkire, Daniel P. Kelly, Edward S. Cheng
  • Patent number: 9949137
    Abstract: In some implementations, a server device can improve Wi-Fi based location availability for sparse signal locations by augmenting Wi-Fi access point location data with additional Wi-Fi scan data that was collected near the sparse signal locations. The server can receive Wi-Fi access point scans from client devices, determine the locations of the Wi-Fi access points, and generate Wi-Fi access point tiles that include data describing the locations of access points in the geographic areas corresponding to the Wi-Fi access point tiles. After the tiles are generated, the server device can augment the access point tiles by inserting additional Wi-Fi access point scan information into the access point tiles near identified sparse signal locations. The server device can deliver the augmented access point tile data to a client device. The client device can determine the current location of the client device based on the augmented access point tile data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, David B. Millman, Rob Brumley, Rob Mayor, Ben Detwiler
  • Publication number: 20180003559
    Abstract: A custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) may provide strong signal integrity while reducing the load to a thermal system. Control and analog-to-digital conversion may be pushed into components close to the detector to maximize signal integrity. Processing functions may be performed at relatively high temperature, or the highest allowable temperatures, simplifying the system-level thermal design by not cooling components that do not require such cooling to function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: BRIAN S. SMITH, MARKUS LOOSE, ATUL JOSHI, GREG T. ALKIRE, DANIEL P. KELLY, EDWARD S. CHENG
  • Publication number: 20170026850
    Abstract: In some implementations, a server device can improve Wi-Fi based location availability for sparse signal locations by augmenting Wi-Fi access point location data with additional Wi-Fi scan data that was collected near the sparse signal locations. The server can receive Wi-Fi access point scans from client devices, determine the locations of the Wi-Fi access points, and generate Wi-Fi access point tiles that include data describing the locations of access points in the geographic areas corresponding to the Wi-Fi access point tiles. After the tiles are generated, the server device can augment the access point tiles by inserting additional Wi-Fi access point scan information into the access point tiles near identified sparse signal locations. The server device can deliver the augmented access point tile data to a client device. The client device can determine the current location of the client device based on the augmented access point tile data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, David B. Millman, Rob Brumley, Rob Mayor, Ben Detwiler
  • Patent number: 9500387
    Abstract: An access panel for an opening in a duct is provided. The access panel includes an exterior and an interior. The access panel further includes a section positioned on the interior and having a profile substantially corresponding to the opening in the duct. A plurality of fasteners is positioned about the section. Each fastener has a dip configured to move to a position defined to extend away from the profile of the section on the interior. When the access panel is positioned with the section on the interior against the opening in the duct and the fasteners are moved to the locking position the clips rotate to extend over the profile and secure a portion of the duct adjacent to the opening against the interior of the access panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin R. Chwala, Brian S. Smith
  • Patent number: 9028271
    Abstract: The present invention is a diagnostic, intermediate connector for electrically coupling a first external apparatus having a male Deutsch connector and a second external apparatus having a female Deutsch connector. The diagnostic connector includes a male and female plug assemblies having electrical inlets, embedded circuit with LEDs, and having a portion generally shaped as Deutsch connector. Light emitting diodes visually indicate a complete circuit with coupled external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Brian S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140377982
    Abstract: The present invention is a diagnostic, intermediate connector for electrically coupling a first external apparatus having a male Deutsch connector and a second external apparatus having a female Deutsch connector. The diagnostic connector includes a male and female plug assemblies having electrical inlets, embedded circuit with LEDs, and having a portion generally shaped as Deutsch connector. Light emitting diodes visually indicate a complete circuit with coupled external apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Brian S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8905230
    Abstract: A golf bag having an internal strap channel is disclosed herein. The strap channel is affixed to a top collar, is located proximate a rear portion of the golf bag body, and extends from one side to the other side of the bag body. In some embodiments, the strap channel includes a center portion and two openings, which may further include rims made of rubber or another lightweight polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Brian S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140061076
    Abstract: A golf bag having an internal strap channel is disclosed herein. The strap channel is affixed to a top collar, is located proximate a rear portion of the golf bag body, and extends from one side to the other side of the bag body. In some embodiments, the strap channel includes a center portion and two openings, which may further include rims made of rubber or another lightweight polymeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventor: Brian S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030024329
    Abstract: A process of sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles comprising the steps of disposing a receptacle in fluid communication with the elucidate from the comestibles, transporting the elucidate in the receptacle, dispensing the sample of elucidate from the receptacle, and analyzing the sample. A device for sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles includes a fluid flow conduit having two ends where the first end is designed to communicate with the elucidate and the second end is disposed in fluid communication with the sampling means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth W. McMillin, Jerry Mitchell, Brian S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6413343
    Abstract: An improved shaft for a golf club and methods of manufacturing the same. A plurality of layers of composite fiber bound within a thermoset resin are bonded to one or more layers of composite fiber bound within a thermoplastic resin using a high peet strength nylon epoxy adhesive. Preferably, the layer(s) of composite fiber bound within the thermoplastic resin comprise the outermost layer of a golf club shaft. In one preferred form, a plurality of plies of pre-preg composite sheet including a thermoset resin are wrapped around a mandrel and pre-cured. Thereafter, a layer of adhesive is wrapped over the pre-cured plies, at least one ply of pre-preg composite sheet including a thermoplastic resin is wrapped over the adhesive, and a cellophane or polypropylene tape is wrapped over the outermost layer of pre-preg. Thereafter, the ply wrapped mandrel is placed in a mold and heated to a predetermined temperature for a time sufficient to allow curing of all of the plies comprising the golf club shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Herbert Reyes, James M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6132323
    Abstract: An improved shaft for a golf club and methods of manufacturing the same. A plurality of layers of composite fiber bound within a thermoset resin are bonded to one or more layers of composite fiber bound within a thermoplastic resin using a high peel strength nylon epoxy adhesive. Preferably, the layer(s) of composite fiber bound within the thermoplastic resin comprise the outermost layer of a golf club shaft.In one preferred form, a plurality of plies of pre-preg composite sheet including a thermoset resin are wrapped around a mandrel and pre-cured. Thereafter, a layer of adhesive is wrapped over the pre-cured plies, at least one ply of pre-preg composite sheet including a thermoplastic resin is wrapped over the adhesive, and a cellophane or polypropylene tape is wrapped over the outermost layer of pre-preg. Thereafter, the ply wrapped mandrel is placed in a mold and heated to a predetermined temperature for a time sufficient to allow curing of all of the plies comprising the golf club shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Brian S. Smith, Herbert Reyes, James M. Murphy