Patents by Inventor Charles A. Smith

Charles A. 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).

  • Publication number: 20160103077
    Abstract: A liquid contaminant sensor system and method. An example system includes at least one light source. The example system includes at least one light detector to receive a light signal from the at least one light source. The example system includes a signal processor to compare the light signal received at the at least one light detector with a reference signal and determine if a particle is present in a liquid. An example liquid contaminant sensor method includes emitting a light into a detection path and a reference path, detecting a light signal from the detection path and the reference path, and comparing the light signal with a reference signal to determine if a particle is present in a fluid. In an example, a fluid path is split into a detection path and a reference path. In another example, the fluid path includes both the detection path and reference path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20160090650
    Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for depositing film on substrates. In these embodiments, the substrates are processed in batches. Due to changing conditions within a reaction chamber as additional substrates in the batch are processed, various film properties may trend over the course of a batch. Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for minimizing the trending of film properties over the course of a batch. More specifically, film property trending is minimized by changing the amount of RF power used to process substrates over the course of the batch. Such methods are sometimes referred to as RF compensation methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Jun Qian, Frank L. Pasquale, Adrien LaVoie, Chloe Baldasseroni, Hu Kang, Shankar Swaminathan, Purushottam Kumar, Paul Franzen, Trung T. Le, Tuan Nguyen, Jennifer Petraglia, David Charles Smith, Seshasayee Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 9300182
    Abstract: A dynamo-electric machine, for example a marine propulsion unit, includes a stator and a rotor in the form of an impeller. The impeller is rim-driven and includes an annular core of ferromagnetic material, on which are provided layers in the form of an environmental enclosure and electrically conductive sleeves. Appropriate selection of the materials and thicknesses of the layers enables the starting and normal running performance of the machine to be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Stephen Mark Husband, Alexander Charles Smith, Paul Tuohy
  • Patent number: 9247752
    Abstract: A shaping assembly for producing a discrete spiral shaped food product includes a die that defines at least one aperture that is centered on an aperture axis. The at least one aperture extends to an aperture exit and allows for the movement of a stream of food mass through the aperture and out the aperture exit. A shaping tool includes at least one slicing blade that is disposed over at least a portion of the aperture exit to slice the stream of food mass into a plurality of food mass portions. A coupling arrangement engages the shaping tool to facilitate rotation of the slicing blade to spin the plurality of food mass portions into a spiral shaped stream of food mass. The slicing blade simultaneously slices and spins the stream of food mass to create the spiral shaped stream of food mass. A crimper is used to cut the spiral shaped stream of food mass into the discrete spiral shaped food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Norbert Gimmler, Charles A. Smith, Chris Willoughby
  • Patent number: 9242758
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container is provided. The blank includes two end panels, two side panels, and four corner panels connected in series along a plurality of fold lines. The blank further includes a plurality of bottom panels each extending from one panel of the end panels and the side panels. The plurality of bottom panels is configured to define a locking slot and a locking tab that is insertable into the locking slot to form a bottom wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: David Joe Brundage, Kenneth Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150353256
    Abstract: A container for dispensing beverages is provided. The container includes at least six side walls coupled together along a plurality of parallel fold lines. The at least six side walls include two end panels and at least two side panels, and the at least six side walls define a substantially cylindrical shape of the container. A bottom wall is coupled to at least one of the two end panels, wherein a shape of the bottom wall corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the at least six side walls. The container further includes a spout cutout removably defined in a first end panel of the two end panels proximate to a fold line connecting the first end panel to the bottom wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
  • Patent number: 9202082
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes determining a first security status for first information and a second security status for second information, the second security status being more secure than the first security status; establishing a first communication path between the system and a first local computing node via a first wireless path; conveying the first information to the first local computing node via the first wireless path based on the first security status; and withholding the second information from the first local computing node based on the second security status; wherein the first and second information are stored on at least one of the system and a remotely located computing node. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yoav Hochberg, Glen Anderson, Guy Ben Haim, Charles Smith, Brian Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150336706
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, and two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel. The blank also includes a foldover panel that is configured to lock the container in at least a partially formed position. The blank further includes a reinforcing panel assembly that includes an outer reinforcing corner panel extending from the first side panel, an outer reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing corner panel, an inner reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing end panel, an inner reinforcing corner panel extending from the inner reinforcing end panel, and an inner reinforcing side panel extending from the inner reinforcing corner panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Charles Smith, Craig W. Buscema
  • Publication number: 20150323098
    Abstract: Municipal valve key which includes a valve actuator engaging end; an elongated extension portion capable of extending into a municipal valve box; and a handle portion. The valve actuator engaging portion has a valve opening key end and includes a light for illumination of the valve actuator in the valve box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Charles Smith, Gregory Coventry
  • Publication number: 20150308030
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide systems and methods for bleaching textiles that are more reliable and reproducible. This disclosure provides for process control that allows a particular dosage rate or concentration of ozone to be held throughout the process. This disclosure also provides a hybrid washing machine that includes a blowing system for recirculating ozonated air during the bleaching process. The hybrid washing machine may incorporate features of a sealed vessel, a washing machine, and the air circulation volume typically associated with commercial dryers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: THOMAS R. ALLEN, CHARLES SMITH, THORAM CHARANDA, DAVID TUBERT
  • Publication number: 20150307224
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a container is provided. The blank includes a series of four generally rectangular panels connected along a plurality of substantially parallel fold lines. The panels include a first spaced-apart pair of panels and a second spaced-apart pair of panels. Each of the second spaced-apart pair of panels is connected to at least one panel of the first spaced-apart pair of panels. The blank also includes a corner panel extending from each side edge of each panel of the first pair of panels, and a lateral flap extending from each side edge of each panel of the second pair of panels, wherein each lateral flap has free side edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150299002
    Abstract: Activated carbon filter (ACF) system and method are disclosed. An example of the ACF system includes a plurality of activated carbon electrodes, The ACF system includes at least one current spreader for each of the plurality of activated carbon electrodes. The ACF system includes an electrical connection to provide electrical power to the plurality of activated carbon electrodes via the at least one current spreader. The ACF system includes an inlet and an outlet configured to provide fluid through a flow path in the plurality of activated carbon electrodes to remove contaminant from the fluid. The ACE system actively deionizes and removes chemical, biological, and/or other particles from a fluid (e.g., tap water).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150299000
    Abstract: A fluid handling system is disclosed as it may be implemented to purify water. In an example, a single-unit fluid handling system includes a stationary filter, a mobile tank, and an end effector subsystem. The stationary filter has a Capacitive Deionization (CDI) subsystem. The stationary filter also has a mix and filter subsystem, and an output subsystem. The mobile tank has a tank subsystem, and a tank liner subsystem. The system may also include a waste handling component having a waste tank subsystem. In an example, purified fluid is maintained in physical, chemical, and biological isolation from waste fluid on the same device. Although not limited in end-use, the fluid handling system may be configured to further combine the purified water with medical fluid concentrate, store the fluid, and then dispense the product, e.g., via a medical device for use in a medical treatment procedure and/or surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150298999
    Abstract: A water purification system is disclosed. An example of the water purification system includes a transportable water machine to generate purified water. The example transportable water machine includes fluid treatment subsystems including at least a pre-treatment subsystem, a Capacitive Deionization (CDI) subsystem, a mix and filter subsystem, and an output subsystem. The example transportable water machine also includes a mechanical subsystem to support the pre-treatment subsystem, CDI subsystem, mix and filter subsystem, and the output subsystem. The example transportable water machine also includes an electrical subsystem to support the pre-treatment subsystem, CDI subsystem, mix and filter subsystem, and the output subsystem. in an example, influent (e.g., tap water) to the water purification system is passed through one or more filter (e.g., a series of filters) to remove large particles, ions, organic molecules, inorganic molecules, and biological material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150294072
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for supporting a veterinary practice are provided. Further, systems and techniques for the collection and display of animal wellness information are provided. Animal wellness data relating to a single animal patient or group of animal patients are collected and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location or on a mobile device so that a veterinarian can review the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Devon Lyle, Daniel Charles Smith
  • Patent number: 9156578
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel, two opposing outer side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, and an inner side panel extending from each top edge of one outer side panel of the two outer side panels. Each inner side panel includes a central portion, a corner portion extending from each side of the central portion, an inner end portion extending from each side of one of the corner portions, and a plurality of elongated relief cutouts. One elongated relief cutout of the plurality of elongated relief cutouts is defined between each corner portion and the central portion and between each inner end portion and an adjacent corner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150284132
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, and two opposing end panels. Each side panel extends from a side edge of the bottom panel, and each end panel extends from an end edge of the bottom panel. Each end panel includes at least one major stacking extension extending from a top edge thereof. The blank further includes a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side edge of a first end panel of the two end panels. The reinforcing panel assembly includes an inner end panel having a minor stacking extension extending from a top edge thereof. The minor stacking extension is configured to align with a respective major stacking extension to form a stacking tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150282641
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a base, at least two support arms pivotally coupled to the base, a seat support, and at least one resilient member. One side of the seat support is coupled to one of the support arms and configured to pivot about the support arm. Another side of the seat support is coupled to the resilient member, which is also coupled to the other support arm. The resilient member coupled one side of the seat support while the other side of the seat support is pivotally coupled to one of the support arms enable the infant support structure to serve as an infant jumper. The infant support is reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a storage configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin CRANE, Kurt J. HUNTSBERGER, Charles SMITH
  • Patent number: 9113657
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a substantially spiral shaped food product is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a die defining a plurality of apertures disposed in a circle about a center. The apparatus also includes at least one cutting blade disposed for rotation about the center and operable to intermittently pass fully across each of the apertures during rotation. The apparatus also includes a plurality of slicing blades arranged for individual rotation about one of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of slicing blades are also arranged for continuous extension less than fully across the one aperture. The apparatus also includes a planetary coupling arrangement operably disposed to facilitate reciprocating rotation between the at least one cutting blade and the plurality of slicing blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Chris Willoughby, Charles A. Smith, Norbert Gimmler
  • Patent number: 9114921
    Abstract: A container for dispensing beverages is provided. The container includes at least six side walls coupled together along a plurality of parallel fold lines. The at least six side walls include two end panels and at least two side panels, and the at least six side walls define a substantially cylindrical shape of the container. A bottom wall is coupled to at least one of the two end panels, wherein a shape of the bottom wall corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the at least six side walls. The container further includes a spout cutout removably defined in a first end panel of the two end panels proximate to a fold line connecting the first end panel to the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith