Patents by Inventor Dean Smith

Dean 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: 20110001078
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for removing discoloring impurities, such as carbon impurities, particularly graphite, from kaolin clay to enhance the brightness of the kaolin clays. The methods include reverse flotation processes. Also disclosed herein are high brightness kaolin products, and the uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ismail Yildirim, Mikel Dean Smith, Robert Pruett
  • Patent number: 7807053
    Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Dean Smith
  • Patent number: 7799190
    Abstract: A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers. An electrically insulated target backing plate between each magnet and a target has a liquid channel running through it for controlling temperature, where the liquid channel has a wider cross-sectional area around the middle portion of the target backing plate to increase cooling of the middle portion of the target. The distance between the magnets and the targets is made very small by a thin aluminum plate fixed to the bottom segment of the target backing plate by a dip brazing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Tango Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Mullapudi, Dean Smith, Srikanth Dasaradhi
  • Patent number: 7794574
    Abstract: A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. The system includes a sputtering chamber and a separate pre-clean chamber, where wafers can be transferred between the two chambers by a robotic arm without breaking a vacuum. The wafers are mounted one-by-one onto a rotating pallet in the pre-cleaning chamber and sputtering chamber. The pallet is firmly fixed to a rotatable table in the sputtering chamber. Copper tubing in the table couples RF energy to the wafers, and a liquid running through the copper tubing controls the temperature of the wafers. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tango Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Mullapudi, Dean Smith, Srikanth Dasaradhi
  • Patent number: 7785455
    Abstract: A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. The system includes a sputtering chamber and a separate pre-clean chamber, where wafers can be transferred between the two chambers by a robotic arm without breaking a vacuum. The wafers are mounted one-by-one onto a rotating pallet in the pre-cleaning chamber and sputtering chamber. The pallet is firmly fixed to a rotatable table in the sputtering chamber. Copper tubing in the table couples RF energy to the wafers, and a liquid running through the copper tubing controls the temperature of the wafers. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Tango Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Mullapudi, Dean Smith
  • Patent number: 7682495
    Abstract: A processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate back and forth across an arc over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tango Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Mullapudi, Dean Smith, Srikanth Dasaradhi
  • Patent number: 7604734
    Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Dean Smith
  • Patent number: 7599191
    Abstract: An electrochemical double layer capacitor (DLC) is configured for mounting on a PCB. A first connector component is configured at each individual terminal lead of the DLC capacitor. A second connector component is mounted on the PCB and includes a number of parallel connector elements at a footprint location for electrical mating contact with the DLC leads. The connector configuration produces a minimal increase in the ESR of the capacitor when mounted on the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: AVX Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Shinaberger, Dean Smith, Tom Anderson, Bharat Rawal
  • Publication number: 20090218263
    Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Dean Smith
  • Patent number: 7543463
    Abstract: A continuous heat set line for setting yarn, having spaced-apart, elongate, tubular entrance and exit cooling chambers interconnected by an elongate intermediate steam heat-setting chamber communicating therewith. The entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber collectively define a single longitudinally-extending axis along the combined length thereof. Sealing heads seal the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber to a degree sufficient to maintain a pressurized condition within the heat-setting chamber. A yarn conveyor extends through the pretreatment chamber for conveying the yarn through the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the heat-setting chamber. At least one piston and cylinder assembly moves sealing rolls into and out of position relative to each other, while independently-operating springs urge the rolls together sufficiently to effect a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: BMB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Todd Rhyne, Edward Dean Smith, Jr., Robert Cone Miller, Jr., Joseph Andrew Gottberg
  • Publication number: 20090127099
    Abstract: A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. The system includes a sputtering chamber and a separate pre-clean chamber, where wafers can be transferred between the two chambers by a robotic arm without breaking a vacuum. The wafers are mounted one-by-one onto a rotating pallet in the pre-cleaning chamber and sputtering chamber. The pallet is firmly fixed to a rotatable table in the sputtering chamber. Copper tubing in the table couples RF energy to the wafers, and a liquid running through the copper tubing controls the temperature of the wafers. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: TANGO SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ravi Mullapudi, Dean Smith, Edward Strepka, Srikanth Dasaradhi
  • Patent number: 7519505
    Abstract: A method for rating the efficiency of a compressed air system is provided comprising, (a) selecting a plurality of efficiency factors, (b) selecting a set of conditions for each efficiency factor, (c) assigning a numerical value to each condition, (d) determining a score for the efficiency factor by comparing the current condition with the preselected conditions and assigning the numerical value associated with the closest preselected condition, and (e) calculating a total efficiency score by adding the scores from the plurality of efficiency factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Coltec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Zuercher, Dean Smith
  • Patent number: 7518071
    Abstract: A motor vehicle turn signal cancelling device operated by a turn signal cancelling member projecting from the steering wheel includes a frame structure and a mounting member attached thereto. A fixture having a central portion positioned between oppositely extending first and second arms is pivotally mounted to the mounting member at the central portion to move the first and second arms into the path of movement of the cancelling member. The device further includes a turn signal activating lever pivotally mounted between its ends to the frame structure. A cancellation arm is pivotally mounted to the mounting member and defines a slot near its distal end. An engagement post associated with the lever is received in the slot defined in the cancellation arm. The engagement post and the slot are positioned between the pivotal axis of the turn signal activating lever and the pivotal axis of the cancellation arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas DeWitt, III, Gary Dean Smith
  • Publication number: 20090065190
    Abstract: An oil well polish rod clamp includes unitary metallic cylindrical housing and a plurality of setscrews. A textured inner surface of the housing increases longitudinal gripping capacity on a rod rotated inside an oil well by a rod rotator and reciprocated by a beam pumping unit to actuate a downhole pump. The inner housing surface may include a plurality of axially short cylindrical portions with annular gaps between upper and lower portions to increase gripping pressure by reducing the contact area with the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Leslie Dean Smith
  • Publication number: 20090027186
    Abstract: A motor vehicle turn signal cancelling device operated by a turn signal cancelling member projecting from the steering wheel includes a frame structure and a mounting member attached thereto. A fixture having a central portion positioned between oppositely extending first and second arms is pivotally mounted to the mounting member at the central portion to move the first and second arms into the path of movement of the cancelling member. The device further includes a turn signal activating lever pivotally mounted between its ends to the frame structure. A cancellation arm is pivotally mounted to the mounting member and defines a slot near its distal end. An engagement post associated with the lever is received in the slot defined in the cancellation arm. The engagement post and the slot are positioned between the pivotal axis of the turn signal activating lever and the pivotal axis of the cancellation arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas DeWitt, III, Gary Dean Smith
  • Patent number: 7479210
    Abstract: A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. The system includes a sputtering chamber and a separate pre-clean chamber, where wafers can be transferred between the two chambers by a robotic arm without breaking a vacuum. The wafers are mounted one-by-one onto a rotating pallet in the pre-cleaning chamber and sputtering chamber. The pallet is firmly fixed to a rotatable table in the sputtering chamber. Copper tubing in the table couples RF energy to the wafers, and a liquid running through the copper tubing controls the temperature of the wafers. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Tango Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Mullapudi, Dean Smith, Edward Strepka
  • Publication number: 20080314811
    Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Smith
  • Publication number: 20080146715
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are slurries comprising at least one particulate inorganic material dispersed in an aqueous medium, at least one anionic polymeric dispersant in a solids content ranging from 0.1% to 3% by weight, wherein the at least one anionic polymeric dispersant is partially neutralized by at least one monovalent neutralizing agent, and at least one inorganic dispersant in an amount ranging from 0.3% to 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the inorganic solids in the slurry. Also disclosed are methods of making such slurries and products comprising or made from such slurries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Yuan, Tony May, Mikel Dean Smith
  • Patent number: D549533
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Frederick D. Pond, Fred Dean Smith
  • Patent number: D560486
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hughes Supply & Mfg. Co. of Thomasville, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Taylor Ray, Farrell Dean Smith