Patents by Inventor Douglas D. Smith

Douglas D. 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: 12171434
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jerome R. Morgan, Kyle P. Moore, Mark H. Ransick, Steven G. Hall, Randall J. Tanguay, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Galen C. Robertson, Andrew M. Zwolinski, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Thomas W. Huitema, Glen A. Armstrong, Shailendra K Parihar, Donna L. Korvick, Richard W. Timm, Kevin R. Doll, Bret W. Smith, William D. Kelly, Ronald J. Kolata, Joshua R. Uth, Charles J. Scheib, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Mark S. Ortiz, Douglas B. Hoffman, Patrick A. Weizman, Dean B. Bruewer, Gregory B. Blair, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20240324904
    Abstract: One or more radar sensors can be used to monitor patients in a variety of different environments and embodiments. In one embodiment, radar sensors can be used to monitor a patient's movement, including movement in a patient bed and around a room. In another embodiment, a patient position can be monitored in a patient bed, which can be used as feedback for control of bladders of a patient bed. Additional embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Douglas A. Seim, Frank E. Sauser, Theodore Corsaro, Michael Churilla, Kathryn R. Smith, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory J. Shannon, Michael S. Hood, Brandon P. Fisk, Rachel L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 12042268
    Abstract: One or more radar sensors can be used to monitor patients in a variety of different environments and embodiments. In one embodiment, radar sensors can be used to monitor a patient's movement, including movement in a patient bed and around a room. In another embodiment, a patient position can be monitored in a patient bed, which can be used as feedback for control of bladders of a patient bed. Additional embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Douglas A. Seim, Frank E. Sauser, Theodore Corsaro, Michael Churilla, Kathryn R. Smith, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory J. Shannon, Michael S. Hood, Brandon P. Fisk, Rachel L. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20240240674
    Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a shaft having an end region to be coupled to another component with a mechanical fastener, the shaft comprising a protrusion extending radially outwardly from the shaft within the end region of the shaft. The steering shaft assembly also includes a ring flag coupleable to the end region of the shaft, the ring flag comprising a recess positioned to receive the protrusion of the shaft at a desired relative axial position of the ring flag and the shaft to rotationally align the ring flag and the shaft at a desired rotational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew L. Messing, Douglas M. Schneider, Steven R. Burk, Robert J. Smith, Phillip D. Beckman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20240238367
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of treating hypercholesterolemia and other conditions related to PCSK9 activity, e.g. atherosclerosis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, or related cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic conditions, by orally administering to the subject an amount of a compound of formula (I) wherein A? is selected from a pharmaceutically acceptable anion, and wherein the amount administered is from about 5 mg to about 300 mg of the compound of formula (I). The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I), including particular salts of a compound of formula (I), and a permeation enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Douglas G. JOHNS, Puja BANKA, Zexun ZHOU, Artis KLAPARA, Fuh-rong TSAY, Jongrock KONG, Richard J. VARSOLONA, Richard DESMOND, Peter E. MALIGRES, Melanie MAROTA, Candice ALLEYNE, Grace A. OKOH, James C. DINUNZIO, Rebecca NOFSINGER, Li LI, Daniel J. SMITH, Majid MAHJOUR, Kenneth Alan KOEPLINGER, Yusheng XIONG, Peter W. WUEFLING, John D. HIGGINS
  • Patent number: 8094499
    Abstract: A one-time programmable device includes a controller, a protection system, a static storage element and a latch, which can be referred to as a latch-based one-time programmable (OTP) element. In one example, the static storage element includes a thin gate-oxide that acts as a resistance element, which, depending on whether its blown, sets the latch into one of two states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Smith, Myron Buer, Bassem F. Radieddine
  • Patent number: 7986570
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-port register file memory or SRAM including a plurality of storage elements and other circuitry that operate synchronously or asynchronously. The storage elements are arranged in rows and columns and store data. Two read port pairs are coupled to each of the storage elements and a differential sensing device or circuit. The read port is coupled to the storage elements in an isolated manner, enabling a plurality of cells to be arranged in such rows and columns. The sensing device is adapted to sense a small voltage swing. A column mux circuit is coupled to each column and the sensing device. Performance is not degraded unusually as the power supply voltage is reduced due to bus drop or inductive effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Slamowitz, Douglas D. Smith, David W. Knebelsberger, Myron Buer
  • Patent number: 7940593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and circuit for verifying the state of a gated fuse element used with a one-time programmable CMOS memory device. A first expected state is set and a state of a first gate-ox fuse is sensed. The state of the first gate-ox fuse is compared to the first expected state to determine if they are equal, and a first signal is generated. A second expected state is set and a state of a second gate-ox fuse is sensed. The state of the second gate-ox fuse is compared to the second expected state to determine if they are equal, and a second signal is generated. A valid output is generated if both the first and second signals are in a correct state, both signals are high for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Myron J. Buer, Douglas D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7897967
    Abstract: An anti-fuse device includes a substrate and laterally spaced source and drain regions formed in the substrate. A channel is formed between the source and drain regions. A gate and gate oxide are formed on the channel and lightly doped source and drain extension regions are formed in the channel. The lightly doped source and drain regions extend across the channel from the source and the drain regions, respectively, occupying a substantial portion of the channel. Programming of the anti-fuse is performed by application of power to the gate and at least one of the source region and the drain region to break-down the gate oxide, which minimizes resistance between the gate and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ito, Douglas D. Smith, Myron J. Buer
  • Publication number: 20100177581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-port register file memory or SRAM including a plurality of storage elements and other circuitry that operate synchronously or asynchronously. The storage elements are arranged in rows and columns and store data. Two read port pairs are coupled to each of the storage elements and a differential sensing device or circuit. The read port is coupled to the storage elements in an isolated manner, enabling a plurality of cells to be arranged in such rows and columns. The sensing device is adapted to sense a small voltage swing. A column mux circuit is coupled to each column and the sensing device. Performance is not degraded unusually as the power supply voltage is reduced due to bus drop or inductive effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Slamowitz, Douglas D. Smith, David W. Knebelsberger, Myron Buer
  • Patent number: 7639549
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-port register file memory or SRAM including a plurality of storage elements and other circuitry that operate synchronously or asynchronously. The storage elements are arranged in rows and columns and store data. Two read port pairs are coupled to each of the storage elements and a differential sensing device or circuit. The read port is coupled to the storage elements in an isolated manner, enabling a plurality of cells to be arranged in such rows and columns. The sensing device is adapted to sense a small voltage swing. A column mux circuit is coupled to each column and the sensing device. Performance is not degraded unusually as the power supply voltage is reduced due to bus drop or inductive effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Slamowitz, Douglas D. Smith, David W. Knebelsberger, Myron Buer
  • Publication number: 20080247242
    Abstract: A one-time programmable device includes a controller, a protection system, a static storage element and a latch, which can be referred to as a latch-based one-time programmable (OTP) element. In one example, the static storage element includes a thin gate-oxide that acts as a resistance element, which, depending on whether its blown, sets the latch into one of two states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas D. SMITH, Myron BUER, Bassem F. RADIEDDINE
  • Publication number: 20080186753
    Abstract: A one time programmable memory cell for use in high-density memory devices is provided. The one time programmable memory cell includes a fuse device connected to a bit line and a select device and a select device connected to a row select line and to ground. The fuse device may be a thin oxide transistor having its gate connected to the bit line, its source connected to the select device, and a floating or non-existent. Alternatively, the fuse device may be a thin oxide transistor. The high density memory device includes a plurality of the one time programmable memory cells arranged in an array and adapted to be programmed using a high voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Buer, Bassem F. Radieddine, Douglas D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7376022
    Abstract: A one-time programmable device includes a controller, a protection system, a static storage element and a latch, which can be referred to as a latch-based one-time programmable (OTP) element. In one example, the static storage element includes a thin gate-oxide that acts as a resistance element, which, depending on whether its blown, sets the latch into one of two states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Smith, Myron Buer, Bassem F. Radieddine
  • Patent number: 7251175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-port register file memory or SRAM including a plurality of storage elements and other circuitry that operate synchronously or asynchronously, and a method of making the multi-port register file memory. The storage elements are arranged in N rows and M columns and store data, each column having at least one output channel or circuit. Two read port pairs are coupled to each of the storage elements and a plurality of differential sensing devices or circuits. The read port is coupled to the storage elements in an isolated manner, enabling a plurality of cells to be arranged in such rows and columns. The sensing device is adapted to sense a small voltage swing. A column mux circuit is coupled to each column and at least one of the sensing device. The method of forming the multi-port register file memory comprises determining the number of storage elements and arranging the storage elements in the N rows and M columns, each column having an output channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Slamowitz, Douglas D. Smith, David W. Knebelsberger, Myron Buer
  • Patent number: 7136303
    Abstract: A one-time programmable device includes a controller, a protection system, a static storage element and a latch, which can be referred to as a latch-based one-time programmable (OTP) element. In one example, the static storage element includes a thin gate-oxide that acts as a resistance element, which, depending on whether its blown, sets the latch into one of two states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Smith, Myron Buer, Bassem F. Radieddine
  • Patent number: 6903993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a programmable memory device and a method of setting a state for a programmable memory device. In at least one embodiment, the memory device comprises at least a level shifter adapted to stand off a high programing voltage to at least one fuse element in the memory device, wherein the high programming voltage is used to set a state of the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Smith, Myron Buer, Laurentiu Vasiliu, Bassem Radieddine
  • Patent number: 6902958
    Abstract: An anti-fuse device includes a substrate and laterally spaced source and drain regions formed in the substrate. A channel is formed between the source and drain regions. A gate and gate oxide are formed on the channel and lightly doped source and drain extension regions are formed in the channel. The lightly doped source and drain regions extend across the channel from the source and the drain regions, respectively, occupying a substantial portion of the channel. Programming of the anti-fuse is performed by application of power to the gate and at least one of the source region and the drain region to break-down the gate oxide, which minimizes resistance between the gate and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ito, Douglas D. Smith, Myron J. Buer
  • Patent number: 6903996
    Abstract: The present invention relates to storage element. At least one read port is coupled to the storage element and a sensing device is coupled to the read port, where the read port is coupled to the storage element in an isolated manner. The sensing device is adapted to sense a small voltage swing. The sensing device includes two inverters comprising input offset and gain stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Slamowitz, Douglas D. Smith, David W. Knebelsberger, Gregory Djaja
  • Patent number: 6901004
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high voltage switch used with a one-time programmable memory device and a method of setting a state of a one-time programmable memory device using such a high voltage switch. The memory device includes a plurality of one time programmable memory cells arranged in an array and adapted to be programmed using a high voltage, wherein each of the memory cells includes at least one storage element and two gated fuses connected to the storage element. A high voltage switch is connected to at least one of the memory cells and is adapted to switch in a high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Smith, Myron Buer, Bassem Radieddine