Patents by Inventor Daniel E. Smith

Daniel E. 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: 11638891
    Abstract: A water filter system comprising a container configured to contain water, a lid configured to attach to the container, a filter element configured to filter the water and movable within the container, and a plunger coupled to the filter element and movable through the lid. The water filter system is at least one of powered by a mechanical force directly from a user or self-powered and is not electrically powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Chanseol Chung, Tsung-Yu Lu, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10827068
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, system and non-transitory computer program product configured to process user call responses and assign caller specific preferences to the user based on the caller's feedback. One example method of processing spoken words from a user of a calling platform may include operations, such as calling a user via a call processing device, and sending a call prompt message to the user after the user has answered the call, the call prompt message soliciting a user response. The user may respond and the response is received as a spoken call greeting from the user in response to the call prompt message. Other operations may include recording the spoken call greeting, and determining whether the spoken call greeting is indicative of a language preference. The system may process the user's word or utterances and assign language preferences to the user based on the user provided information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC
    Inventors: James K. Boutcher, David Scheet, Jeffrey William Cordell, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10306062
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and non-transitory computer program product configured to process user call responses and assign caller specific preferences to the user based on the caller's feedback. One example being a method of processing spoken words from a user of a calling platform. This may include operations such as calling a user via a call processing device and/or sending a call prompt message to the user after the user has answered the call, wherein the call prompt message solicits a user response. Other operations may include recording the spoken call greeting and determining whether the spoken call greeting is indicative of a language preference. The system may process the user's word(s) or utterances and assign language preferences to the user based on the user provided information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC
    Inventors: James K. Boutcher, David Scheet, Jeffrey William Cordell, Daniel E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180339248
    Abstract: A water filter system comprising a container configured to contain water, a lid configured to attach to the container, a filter element configured to filter the water and movable within the container, and a plunger coupled to the filter element and movable through the lid. The water filter system is at least one of powered by a mechanical force directly from a user or self-powered and is not electrically powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: CHANSEOL CHUNG, Tsung-Yu Lu, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10106963
    Abstract: A sprayhead retraction assembly includes a hose coupled at a first end to a faucet sprayhead and at a second end to a water source. The assembly further includes a first member having a first portion that is engaged with the hose between the first and second ends of the hose. The assembly further includes a constant-force spring coupled at a first end to a second portion of the first member and coupled at a second end to a fixed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10072402
    Abstract: A method of installing a sprayhead retraction assembly includes providing a portion of a hose in a groove defined by a first pulley, and coupling a first end of a constant-force spring to a first surface. The method further includes coupling a second end of the constant-force spring to a second pulley, and coiling the constant-force spring around the second pulley, wherein the second pulley is coupled to and offset from the first pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 9973629
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, system and non-transitory computer program product configured to process user call responses and assign caller specific preferences to the user based on the caller's feedback. One example method of processing spoken words from a user of a calling platform may include operations, such as calling a user via a call processing device, and sending a call prompt message to the user after the user has answered the call, the call prompt message soliciting a user response. The user may respond and the response is received as a spoken call greeting from the user in response to the call prompt message. Other operations may include recording the spoken call greeting, and determining whether the spoken call greeting is indicative of a language preference. The system may process the user's word or utterances and assign language preferences to the user based on the user provided information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Open Invention Network, LLC
    Inventors: James K. Boutcher, David Scheet, Jeffrey William Cordell, Daniel E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180073226
    Abstract: A sprayhead retraction assembly includes a hose coupled at a first end to a faucet sprayhead and at a second end to a water source. The assembly further includes a first member having a first portion that is engaged with the hose between the first and second ends of the hose. The assembly further includes a constant-force spring coupled at a first end to a second portion of the first member and coupled at a second end to a fixed surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Daniel E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180073225
    Abstract: A method of installing a sprayhead retraction assembly includes providing a portion of a hose in a groove defined by a first pulley, and coupling a first end of a constant-force spring to a first surface. The method further includes coupling a second end of the constant-force spring to a second pulley, and coiling the constant-force spring around the second pulley, wherein the second pulley is coupled to and offset from the first pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Daniel E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170356170
    Abstract: A sprayhead retraction assembly includes a first member defining first and second projections, a first pulley axially connected to the first projection, the first pulley configured to receive a hose, a second pulley axially connected to the second projection, and a constant-force spring defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second pulley, such that the constant-force spring is configured to coil around the second pulley, and wherein the second end is configured to be coupled to a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: JOHN C. ESCHE, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 9840831
    Abstract: A sprayhead retraction assembly includes a first member defining first and second projections, a first pulley axially connected to the first projection, the first pulley configured to receive a hose, a second pulley axially connected to the second projection, and a constant-force spring defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second pulley, such that the constant-force spring is configured to coil around the second pulley, and wherein the second end is configured to be coupled to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 9584660
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, system and non-transitory computer program product configured to process user call responses and assign caller specific preferences to the user based on the caller's feedback. One example method of processing spoken words from a user of a calling platform may include operations, such as calling a user via a call processing device, and sending a call prompt message to the user after the user has answered the call, the call prompt message soliciting a user response. The user may respond and the response is received as a spoken call greeting from the user in response to the call prompt message. Other operations may include recording the spoken call greeting, and determining whether the spoken call greeting is indicative of a language preference. The system may process the user's word or utterances and assign language preferences to the user based on the user provided information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Boutcher, David Scheet, Jeffrey William Cordell, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 9232059
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, system and non-transitory computer program product configured to process user call responses and assign caller specific preferences to the user based on the caller's feedback. One example method of processing spoken words from a user of a calling platform may include operations, such as calling a user via a call processing device, and sending a call prompt message to the user after the user has answered the call, the call prompt message soliciting a user response. The user may respond and the response is received as a spoken call greeting from the user in response to the call prompt message. Other operations may include recording the spoken call greeting, and determining whether the spoken call greeting is indicative of a language preference. The system may process the user's word or utterances and assign language preferences to the user based on the user provided information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Boutcher, David Scheet, Jeffrey William Cordell, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8983038
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, system and non-transitory computer program product configured to process user call responses and assign caller specific preferences to the user based on the caller's feedback. One example method of processing spoken words from a user of a calling platform may include operations, such as calling a user via a call processing device, and sending a call prompt message to the user after the user has answered the call, the call prompt message soliciting a user response. The user may respond and the response is received as a spoken call greeting from the user in response to the call prompt message. Other operations may include recording the spoken call greeting, and determining whether the spoken call greeting is indicative of a language preference. The system may process the user's word or utterances and assign language preferences to the user based on the user provided information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Boutcher, David Scheet, Jeffrey William Cordell, Daniel E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140216399
    Abstract: A method is performed by a controller on a vehicle. The method includes determining a rotational speed of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. In response to confirming occurrence of at least one first condition, the controller determines whether the rotational speed is within a first range. Upon determination by the controller that the rotational speed of the crankshaft is within the first range, the controller initiates engagement of a clutch to result in coupling of the crankshaft with a rotor of a generator. While the clutch is engaged, the controller determines whether the rotational speed of the crankshaft is within a second range. The controller adjusts the throttle of the internal combustion engine upon determination by the controller that the rotational speed of the crankshaft is not within the second range, to bring the rotational speed of the crankshaft into the second range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Smith, Stephen F. Winter, Scott Daniel Batdorf, Jeremy Merzlak, Alexander Moreno, Anthony P. Mascadri, Darin D. King, David Neal Karo
  • Patent number: 8064606
    Abstract: A system that securely registers components in a first system is presented. During operation, the first system receives a request from an intermediary system to obtain configuration information related to the components in the first system. In response to the request, the first system: (1) encrypts configuration information for the first system using a first encryption key; (2) encrypts the first encryption key using a second encryption key; and (3) sends the encrypted configuration information and the encrypted first encryption key to the intermediary system so that the intermediary system can forward the encrypted configuration information and the encrypted first encryption key to the second system, whereby the encrypted configuration information is cryptographically opaque to the intermediary system. Next, the second system uses the configuration information to register the components in the first system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph L. Schuba, James P. Hughes, Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6857803
    Abstract: A printing system that includes a web guide having a preprinting section which guides a substrate into the printing system, and a postprinting section which maintains tension in the substrate as the substrate moves through the printing system. A printing section is positioned between the preprinting section and the postprinting section. The printing section includes a removable platen to provide a gap in the printing section to prevent excess ink which is deposited onto the substrate from accumulating underneath the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Vutek, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6679640
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for a printing system that includes a threaded bolt that engages a threaded bore of a first dovetail nut. The assembly also includes a second dovetail nut with a bore through which a shaft of the bolt passes. Each dovetail nut has two tapered portions located on opposite sides of the bore of the respective nut. When the bolt/dovetail nut combination is assembled, the two dovetail nuts are located a distance apart so that the tapered portions of the two nuts define a pair of slots. To connect sections of the web guide together, each slot engages a flared connector of a respective section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Vutek, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6637958
    Abstract: A positioning system for a carriage in a printing system includes a support plate having a groove along a length of the plate, and a rail positioned along the groove. A first adjusting mechanism is used to adjust the position of the rail in a first direction, and a second adjusting mechanism is used to adjust the position of the rail in a second direction that is substantially normal to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: VUTEk, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020168206
    Abstract: A printing system that includes a web guide having a preprinting section which guides a substrate into the printing system, and a postprinting section which maintains tension in the substrate as the substrate moves through the printing system. A printing section is positioned between the preprinting section and the postprinting section. The printing section includes a removable platen to provide a gap in the printing section to prevent excess ink which is deposited onto the substrate from accumulating underneath the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: VUTEk, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Smith