Patents by Inventor David Paul Smith

David Paul 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: 20260065462
    Abstract: A system for identifying accurate assembly of a component to a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a light source for projecting light indicia onto the component assembled to the workpiece. A controller includes an artificial intelligence (AI) element defining a machine learning model that establishes a convoluted neural network trained by stored images of light indicia projected onto the component assembled to the workpiece. An imager includes an image sensor system for imaging the workpiece and signaling a current image of the workpiece to the controller. The machine learning model directs inspection of the workpiece to the light indicia imaged by said imager. The AI element determines disposition of the component disposed upon the workpiece through the neural network identifying distortions of the light indicia in the current image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2025
    Publication date: March 5, 2026
    Inventors: Ahmed ELHOSSINI, David Paul SMITH, Mehrdad BAKHTIARI
  • Publication number: 20250264418
    Abstract: A system identifying an area of interest of an inspection surface is disclosed. A controller includes a machine learning model trained using stored images defining an area of interest on the inspection surface. A laser projector for projecting laser indicia onto the inspection surface is spatially located relative to the inspection surface enabling the laser projector to project the laser indicia onto the area of interest. An imager includes an image sensor system generates a current image of the inspection surface and signals the current image to the controller. The machine learning model is directed to the area of interest of the current image as identified by the laser indicia and the machine learning model implementing the neural network to inspect the current image of the area of interest as defined by the laser indicia enabling localized inspection of the inspection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2025
    Publication date: August 21, 2025
    Inventors: Ahmed ELHOSSINI, David Paul SMITH
  • Patent number: 12320759
    Abstract: A system identifying an area of interest of an inspection surface is disclosed. A controller includes a machine learning model trained using stored images defining an area of interest on the inspection surface. A laser projector for projecting laser indicia onto the inspection surface is spatially located relative to the inspection surface enabling the laser projector to project the laser indicia onto the area of interest. An imager includes an image sensor system generates a current image of the inspection surface and signals the current image to the controller. The machine learning model is directed to the area of interest of the current image as identified by the laser indicia and the machine learning model implementing the neural network to inspect the current image of the area of interest as defined by the laser indicia enabling localized inspection of the inspection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: VIRTEK VISION INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ahmed Elhossini, David Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 12322085
    Abstract: A system for identifying accurate assembly of a component to a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a light source for projecting light indicia onto the component assembled to the workpiece. A controller includes an artificial intelligence (AI) element defining a machine learning model that establishes a convoluted neural network trained by stored images of light indicia projected onto the component assembled to the workpiece. An imager includes an image sensor system for imaging the workpiece and signaling a current image of the workpiece to the controller. The machine learning model directs inspection of the workpiece to the light indicia imaged by said imager. The AI element determines disposition of the component disposed upon the workpiece through the neural network identifying distortions of the light indicia in the current image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: VIRTEK VISION INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ahmed Elhossini, David Paul Smith, Mehrdad Bakhtiari
  • Publication number: 20230333028
    Abstract: A system identifying an area of interest of an inspection surface is disclosed. A controller includes a machine learning model trained using stored images defining an area of interest on the inspection surface. A laser projector for projecting laser indicia onto the inspection surface is spatially located relative to the inspection surface enabling the laser projector to project the laser indicia onto the area of interest. An imager includes an image sensor system generates a current image of the inspection surface and signals the current image to the controller. The machine learning model is directed to the area of interest of the current image as identified by the laser indicia and the machine learning model implementing the neural network to inspect the current image of the area of interest as defined by the laser indicia enabling localized inspection of the inspection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: VIRTEK VISION INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventors: AHMED ELHOSSINI, DAVID PAUL SMITH
  • Publication number: 20230334653
    Abstract: A system for identifying accurate assembly of a component to a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a light source for projecting light indicia onto the component assembled to the workpiece. A controller includes an artificial intelligence (AI) element defining a machine learning model that establishes a convoluted neural network trained by stored images of light indicia projected onto the component assembled to the workpiece. An imager includes an image sensor system for imaging the workpiece and signaling a current image of the workpiece to the controller. The machine learning model directs inspection of the workpiece to the light indicia imaged by said imager. The AI element determines disposition of the component disposed upon the workpiece through the neural network identifying distortions of the light indicia in the current image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: VIRTEK VISION INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventors: AHMED ELHOSSINI, DAVID PAUL SMITH, MEHRDAD BAKHTIARI
  • Patent number: 10942540
    Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Chun Feng Xia, Lukasz Grzegorz Osikowicz
  • Patent number: 10648575
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve is provided that includes an interior spool and a surrounding cage. A supply port and a return port are connected to the cage and the interior of the cage is in fluid communication with a control port. The interior spool is positioned between an on and off position using a solenoid and a spring. In the off position, slots in the spool and cage align to place the return port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool. Conversely, in the on position, different slots in the spool and cage align to place the supply port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: PRINCE INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: David Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 10073487
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for an adjustable spring plunger bumper with high initial load and low final load. The spring plunger bumper includes an exterior body surrounding a plunger. The plunger has a plunger indent into which a displacement ball is induced by a ramp sleeve biased by a ramp sleeve spring. As the plunger is displaced relative to the exterior body, the displacement ball contacts a lower displacement ball inclined surface, which provides a high initial load resisting the displacement of the plunger. However, as the displacement of the plunger continues, the displacement ball comes into contact with a smooth lower displacement ball indent surface which provides a lower load. A return spring is positioned between the plunger and the exterior body to return them to their initial position relative to each other when the displacement of the plunger is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Kevin Alan Brown
  • Publication number: 20180107235
    Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Chun Feng Xia, Lukasz Grzegorz Osikowicz
  • Patent number: 9836077
    Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Chun Feng Xia, Lukasz Grzegorz Osikowicz
  • Patent number: 9517783
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a bottom bracket coupled to a ledge of a hand truck and configured to engage/secure a heavy-duty tripod. In such embodiments, the bottom bracket may prevent the tripod from accidently slipping off of the ledge while the hand truck is in motion. The bottom bracket may include a front plate, a back plate, and a gap formed between the front plate and the back plate. A first portion of the gap may be configured to receive a first foot of the tripod, and a second portion of the gap may be configured to receive a second foot of the tripod. Once the feet are placed into the first and second portions of the gap, the tripod may be held firmly in place between the front plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: DUCK PLEIGHTS, LLC
    Inventor: David Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 9488290
    Abstract: A system and method for a check valve system is provided including a plurality of interlocking guide plates that are inserted into a guide plate retainer in order to maintain their relative position to one another. A retainer nut is positioned to structurally engage the guide plates. An insert adapter receives a check valve to open and close the valve. A threaded screw engages both the check valve and the retainer nut to form the check valve system. A valve spring is positioned between the guide plate retainer and the insert adapter to bias the check valve into a closed position and to maintain a closed position as desired. The check valve system provides a low mass solution the reduces initial pressure overshoot and instability oscillations as well as providing a good flow path for fluid and high capability for back pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Kevin P. Stamper
  • Publication number: 20160202720
    Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicant: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Chun Feng Xia, Lukasz Grzegorz Osikowicz
  • Publication number: 20160186872
    Abstract: A system and method for a check valve system is provided including a plurality of interlocking guide plates that are inserted into a guide plate retainer in order to maintain their relative position to one another. A retainer nut is positioned to structurally engage the guide plates. An insert adapter receives a check valve to open and close the valve. A threaded screw engages both the check valve and the retainer nut to form the check valve system. A valve spring is positioned between the guide plate retainer and the insert adapter to bias the check valve into a closed position and to maintain a closed position as desired. The check valve system provides a low mass solution the reduces initial pressure overshoot and instability oscillations as well as providing a good flow path for fluid and high capability for back pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Kevin P. Stamper
  • Publication number: 20160179127
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for an adjustable spring plunger bumper with high initial load and low final load. The spring plunger bumper includes an exterior body surrounding a plunger. The plunger has a plunger indent into which a displacement ball is induced by a ramp sleeve biased by a ramp sleeve spring. As the plunger is displaced relative to the exterior body, the displacement ball contacts a lower displacement ball inclined surface, which provides a high initial load resisting the displacement of the plunger. However, as the displacement of the plunger continues, the displacement ball comes into contact with a smooth lower displacement ball indent surface which provides a lower load. A return spring is positioned between the plunger and the exterior body to return them to their initial position relative to each other when the displacement of the plunger is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Kevin Alan Brown
  • Patent number: 9323283
    Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Chun Feng Xia, Lukasz Grzegorz Osikowicz
  • Publication number: 20160096541
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a bottom bracket coupled to a ledge of a hand truck and configured to engage/secure a heavy-duty tripod. In such embodiments, the bottom bracket may prevent the tripod from accidently slipping off of the ledge while the hand truck is in motion. The bottom bracket may include a front plate, a back plate, and a gap formed between the front plate and the back plate. A first portion of the gap may be configured to receive a first foot of the tripod, and a second portion of the gap may be configured to receive a second foot of the tripod. Once the feet are placed into the first and second portions of the gap, the tripod may be held firmly in place between the front plate and the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventor: David Paul Smith
  • Publication number: 20140214273
    Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Prince Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Smith, Chun Feng Xia, Lukasz Grzegorz Osikowicz
  • Publication number: 20140116551
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve is provided that includes an interior spool and a surrounding cage. A supply port and a return port are connected to the cage and the interior of the cage is in fluid communication with a control port. The interior spool is positioned between an on and off position using a solenoid and a spring. In the off position, slots in the spool and cage align to place the return port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool. Conversely, in the on position, different slots in the spool and cage align to place the supply port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: David Paul Smith