Patents by Inventor Damon Smith

Damon 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: 11950547
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for weight measurement of grow towers and/or grow lines with grow towers disposed thereon. In various embodiments, compression type, tension type, and/or beam type load cells may be positioned at various locations within the apparatus to facilitate weight measurement. In one embodiment, a hook, which couples a grow tower to a grow line, includes a tension type load cell disposed between two portions of the hook. The load cell measures force applied thereto which can provide or be translated into a weight measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Damon Smith, Kevin Grauberger, Aunders Hallsten, Gage Coffin
  • Publication number: 20240016762
    Abstract: Herein is described a pharmaceutical composition for agonizing CB2 receptor activity, medical kits, therapeutic applications thereof, and methods of making and using such compositions. The composition comprises a combination of: —a first compound of Formula I: (E1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and —a second compound of Formula II: (E2) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Bradut MITRASCA, Piotr KUJAWA, Alexander CUNNINGHAM, Anna-Maria SZCZESNIAK, Melanie KELLY, Robert ZALEGA, Fouzia SOULHI, Sylvain CHEMTOB, Samy OMRI
  • Publication number: 20230397536
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses for plant harvesting. More specifically, apparatuses for harvesting vertically grown fruit (620), plants, or vegetables are described herein. In one embodiment a harvesting system includes a grow line (100, 102) and one or more grow towers (150) coupled to and moveable along the grow line (100, 102). A plurality of platforms (306) are disposed adjacent to the grow towers (150) and include one or more robots (302) disposed on the platforms (306).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Kevin GRAUBERGER, Aunders HALLSTEN, Nathaniel R. STOREY, Lucas WOODBURY, Paul KREINER
  • Publication number: 20230371450
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for mechanized pollination. Grow towers vertically disposed on a grow line are moved into a pollination chamber and mechanized pollination is performed utilizing pneumatic, acoustic, or mechanical methods to pollinate plants growing in the grow towers. In one embodiment, a plurality of rotatable brush towers are disposed on opposite sides of the grow line and bristles from the brush towers are rotated over the plants to facilitate pollination as the grow towers traverse along the grow line. In another embodiment, a plurality of conduits internal to the grow towers are coupled to one or more nozzles on a face of the grow towers. Pollen is delivered through the nozzles toward the plants utilizing pressurized gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Kevin GRAUBERGER, Aunders HALLSTEN, Michael BALDWIN, Lucas WOODBURY
  • Patent number: 11796379
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to plant propagation weight measurement apparatus and methods. Load cells are utilized to measure one or more of seedling trays, flood tables, support systems, and combinations thereof. The load cells are integrated in weight measurement systems and configured to enable weight detection of various system components. In certain embodiments, load cells are utilized to measure stationary system components. In other embodiments, load cells are utilized to measure conveyed system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventors: Damon Smith, Kevin Grauberger, Aunders Hallsten
  • Publication number: 20230270054
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for pollination within a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a pollination system (300) includes a pollination chamber (322) having air curtains (302, 304) and walls (402, 404, 406) defining a volume, a grow tower conveyance system, and ultra-violet light sources (314, 318, 330, 334) for illuminating the pollination volume. Pollinators, such as bees or the like, are positioned within the volume of the pollination chamber (322) and the light sources (314, 318, 330, 334) are utilized to control and encourage pollination and pollinator movement with the pollination chamber (322).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin GRAUBERGER, Aunders HALLSTEN, Damon SMITH, Lucas WOODBURY, Michael BALDWIN
  • Publication number: 20220408672
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus for growing plants. More specifically, apparatus described herein relate to an inverted controlled irrigation grow pot (100). In one embodiment, a plant pot includes a multi-walled tube which defines a plurality of volumes therein to facilitate inverted growth of a plant while accounting for the geotropic nature of root proliferation. Embodiments of the disclosure also provide for controlled irrigation of a plant grown in an inverted orientation. Further embodiments of the disclosure provide for plant propagation systems which include multiple plant pots. In certain embodiments, load cells (802, 1002, 1101, 1102, 1202) are incorporated in to the systems to enable detection and measurement of plant pot weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Matthew Arrington, Kevin GRAUBERGER, Aunders R. HALLSTEIN
  • Patent number: 11529419
    Abstract: There is provide an extended release dosage form comprising a release modifying excipient comprising high amylose starch, cross-linked hydroxypropylated amylopectin, and a pre-gelatinized common starch; wherein the release modifying excipient is substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylopectin and substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylose. It has been found that the extended release properties of conventional cross-linked high amylose starches (e.g., Contramid®) can be reproduced by intimately mixing i) cross-linked chemically modified amylopectin; ii) a high amylose, non-chemically modified starch and; iii) a pre-gelatinized common starch. Producing a release modifying excipient in this way means that no chemical cross linking between (a) amylose and amylopectin or (b) amylose and amylose has occurred—properties heretofore considered vital for Contramid® function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: ALTUS FORMULATION INC.
    Inventors: Marc Lemieux, Bradut Mitrasca, Sonia Gervais, Damon Smith
  • Publication number: 20220152208
    Abstract: There are provided PVP-PLA block copolymers as defined in Formula (1): I wherein, x is an initiator alcohol having a boiling point greater than I 45° C., n is, on average, from 20 and 40, and m is, on average, from 10 and 40, wherein the block copolymers have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 3000 Da. Polymers demonstrating flexibility in formulating multiple low solubility active pharmaceutical ingredients (APis) are described. Liquid and dry pharmaceutical formulations comprising an API are described, along with delivery methods, uses, and kits. APis may include, e.g. 11urbiprofon, celecoxib, acetaminophen, or propofol. Also provided is a method of synthesizing the PVP-PLA block copolymers by (i) initiating polymerization of D,L-Lactide from the initiator alcohol x to form poly(lactic acid), adding a xanthate to form a PLA macroinitiator, and polymerizing NVP onto the PLA macroinitiator, by controlled polymerization, to form the block copolymer compound of Formula (I).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Wilms BAILLE, Piotr KUJAWA
  • Patent number: 11266741
    Abstract: There are provided PVP-PLA block copolymers as defined in Formula (I): I wherein, x is an initiator alcohol having a boiling point greater than 145° C., n is, on average, from 20 and 40, and m is, on average, from 10 and 40, wherein the block copolymers have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 3000 Da. Polymers demonstrating flexibility in formulating multiple low-solubility active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are described. Liquid and dry pharmaceutical formulations comprising an API are described, along with delivery methods, uses, and kits. APIs may include, e.g. flurbiprofen, celecoxib, acetaminophen, or propofol. Also provided is a method of synthesizing the PVP-PLA block copolymers by (i) initiating polymerization of D,L-Lactide from the initiator alcohol x to form poly(lactic acid), adding a xanthate to form a PLA macroinitiator, and polymerizing NVP onto the PLA macroinitiator, by controlled polymerization, to form the block copolymer compound of Formula (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Altus Formulation Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Smith, Wilms Baille, Piotr Kujawa
  • Publication number: 20210360889
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for weight measurement of grow towers and/or grow lines with grow towers disposed thereon. In various embodiments, compression type, tension type, and/or beam type load cells may be positioned at various locations within the apparatus to facilitate weight measurement. In one embodiment, a hook, which couples a grow tower to a grow line, includes a tension type load cell disposed between two portions of the hook. The load cell measures force applied thereto which can provide or be translated into a weight measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Kevin GRAUBERGER, Aunders HALLSTEN, Gage COFFIN
  • Publication number: 20210364337
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to plant propagation weight measurement apparatus and methods. Load cells are utilized to measure one or more of seedling trays, flood tables, support systems, and combinations thereof. The load cells are integrated in weight measurement systems and configured to enable weight detection of various system components. In certain embodiments, load cells are utilized to measure stationary system components. In other embodiments, load cells are utilized to measure conveyed system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Kevin GRAUBERGER, Aunders HALLSTEN
  • Publication number: 20210322556
    Abstract: There are provided PVP-PLA block copolymers as defined in Formula (I): I wherein, x is an initiator alcohol having a boiling point greater than 145° C., n is, on average, from 20 and 40, and m is, on average, from 10 and 40, wherein the block copolymers have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 3000 Da. Polymers demonstrating flexibility in formulating multiple low-solubility active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are described. Liquid and dry pharmaceutical formulations comprising an API are described, along with delivery methods, uses, and kits. APIs may include, e.g. flurbiprofen, celecoxib, acetaminophen, or propofol. Also provided is a method of synthesizing the PVP-PLA block copolymers by (i) initiating polymerization of D,L-Lactide from the initiator alcohol x to form poly(lactic acid), adding a xanthate to form a PLA macroinitiator, and polymerizing NVP onto the PLA macroinitiator, by controlled polymerization, to form the block copolymer compound of Formula (I).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Wilms BAILLE, Piotr KUJAWA
  • Patent number: 11136591
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to plant cells and plants modified to increase resistance to necrotrophs or drought and methods of selecting and using the same. More specifically, the invention relates in part to plant cells and/or plants modified to eliminate or reduce as compared to control plants cell the NADPH oxidase activity or expression of certain respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) proteins and methods of selecting for and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Ashish Ranjan, Mehdi Kabbage, Damon Smith
  • Publication number: 20210299259
    Abstract: There is provide an extended release dosage form comprising a release modifying excipient comprising high amylose starch, cross-linked hydroxypropylated amylopectin, and a pre-gelatinized common starch; wherein the release modifying excipient is substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylopectin and substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylose. It has been found that the extended release properties of conventional cross-linked high amylose starches (e.g., Contramid®) can be reproduced by intimately mixing i) cross-linked chemically modified amylopectin; ii) a high amylose, non-chemically modified starch and; iii) a pre-gelatinized common starch. Producing a release modifying excipient in this way means that no chemical cross linking between (a) amylose and amylopectin or (b) amylose and amylose has occurred—properties heretofore considered vital for Contramid® function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Marc LEMIEUX, Bradut MITRASCA, Sonia GERVAIS, Damon SMITH
  • Patent number: 11058773
    Abstract: There is provide an extended release dosage form comprising a release modifying excipient comprising high amylose starch, cross-linked hydroxypropylated amylopectin, and a pre-gelatinized common starch; wherein the release modifying excipient is substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylopectin and substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylose. It has been found that the extended release properties of conventional cross-linked high amylose starches (e.g., Contramid®) can be reproduced by intimately mixing i) cross-linked chemically modified amylopectin; ii) a high amylose, non-chemically modified starch and; iii) a pre-gelatinized common starch. Producing a release modifying excipient in this way means that no chemical cross linking between (a) amylose and amylopectin or (b) amylose and amylose has occurred—properties heretofore considered vital for Contramid® function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Altus Formulation Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Lemieux, Bradut Mitrasca, Sonia Gervais, Damon Smith
  • Publication number: 20200323158
    Abstract: A hydroponic plant display that allows consumers to select and harvest fresh produce while shopping at their local market. The display system maintains the health and vitality of the produce until it is selected by the end consumer for harvesting. As such, the display system includes (i) a plant display, (ii) plant growth media that provides a suitable support system for each plant's root structure, and (iii) a moisture and nutrient transport system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: MJNN, LLC
    Inventors: Damon Smith, Nate Mazonson, Alexandre Le Roux, Michael Flynn, Taylor Brooke Wollert
  • Publication number: 20200297857
    Abstract: There is provide an extended release dosage form comprising a release modifying excipient comprising high amylose starch, cross-linked hydroxypropylated amylopectin, and a pre-gelatinized common starch; wherein the release modifying excipient is substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylopectin and substantially free of crosslinks between amylose and amylose. It has been found that the extended release properties of conventional cross-linked high amylose starches (e.g., Contramid®) can be reproduced by intimately mixing i) cross-linked chemically modified amylopectin; ii) a high amylose, non-chemically modified starch and; iii) a pre-gelatinized common starch. Producing a release modifying excipient in this way means that no chemical cross linking between (a) amylose and amylopectin or (b) amylose and amylose has occurred—properties heretofore considered vital for Contramid® function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Marc LEMIEUX, Bradut MITRASCA, Sonia GERVAIS, Damon SMITH
  • Patent number: 10561735
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a solid product comprising a liquid biologically active agent which is intimately associated to a stabilizing agent; particularly a solid product that can be reconstituted to a clear, stable, stabilized nanodispersion or loaded micelles comprising a polymer as a stabilizing agent and a liquid, preferably water immiscible, biologically active agent. The instant invention is further directed toward a process for the production of the above solid product; particularly to micelles or nanodispersions produced by hydration of a cake or powder of the solid product, produced via an effective treatment of a stabilized solution comprising for example a polymer as a stabilizing agent, such as an amphiphilic block copolymer or a small molecular weight surfactant, loaded with a liquid biologically active agent, such as propofol, an optional additive, and a suitable solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: Paladin Labs Inc., Paladin Labs Europe Limited, Paladin Labs (Barbados) Inc.
    Inventors: Francois Ravenelle, Sandra Gori, David Lessard, Laibin Luo, Dorothee Le Garrec, Damon Smith
  • Publication number: 20190085357
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to plant cells and plants modified to increase resistance to necrotrophs or drought and methods of selecting and using the same. More specifically, the invention relates in part to plant cells and/or plants modified to eliminate or reduce as compared to control plants cell the NADPH oxidase activity or expression of certain respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) proteins and methods of selecting for and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Ashish Ranjan, Mehdi Kabbage, Damon Smith