Patents by Inventor Douglas L. Smith

Douglas L. 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: 12163321
    Abstract: A universal canister flush valve having a valve body configured to be fixed relative to a toilet tank and having a hollow wall defining an internal flow passage; a guide post coupled to and extending away from the valve body; a float fitted about and configured to slide relative to the guide post between a closed position and an open position, the float having an open top; and an extender that selectively couples to the open top in a first position, in which a first end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, and in a second position, in which a second end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, wherein the extender and float define a first overflow height in the first position and define a second overflow height in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Smith, Billy Jack Ahola, Donald G. Bogenschuetz, Lawrence E. Duwell, Peter W. Swart, Jeffrey T. Laundre, Bradley Strasser, Matthew Krebs, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Scott R. Krebs, Edward F. Malis, Jr., Randy O. Mesun, Eric Derner, Stewart Anthony Schaal
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20240306652
    Abstract: A high-fat flour replacement includes a fat, an emulsifier, a protein, a starch and a soluble fiber. In preferred embodiments, the high-fat flour replacement is a finely ground particulate “flour”. The high-fat flour replacement can have a macronutrient profile analogous to that of almond flour. A process for producing a high-fat flour replacement includes a step of forming an emulsion including a fat, water and an emulsifier and a step of combining the emulsion with a blend of dry ingredients to form a composition (e.g., using an extruder). The blend of dry ingredients includes a protein, a starch and a soluble fiber. In preferred embodiments, the composition is processed in an extruder to form an extruded material (e.g., in the form of pellets). The fat in the emulsion becomes trapped in the composition during extrusion. In preferred embodiments, the extruded material is then dried and milled/ground to form flour-sized particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Goedeken, Eric T. Gugger, Jeffrey T. Huber, Michelle Manderfeld, Sara Rosene, Kenneth Eugene Smith, Goeran Walther, Scott K. Whitman
  • Patent number: 12076164
    Abstract: Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Inventors: William J. Drasler, Michael J. Pikus, Roger Hastings, Scott R. Smith, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Douglas R. Saholt, Graig L Kveen, Martin R. Willard
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 9464876
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for controlling the trajectory of a projectile having two rotationally decoupled sections, wherein the first section is rotationally decoupled from the second section. The first section of the projectile contains a navigation system. The first section also contains an actuator by which aero-control surfaces on the second section are actuated. The second section may have external aero-spin surfaces which provide a torque counter to the rotation of the base projectile. The apparatus and system also includes embodiments having applications for nose sections of projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tacital Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Paul Lichon, Douglas L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150345909
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for controlling the trajectory of a projectile having two rotationally decoupled sections, wherein the first section is rotationally decoupled from the second section. The first section of the projectile contains a navigation system. The first section also contains an actuator by which aero-control surfaces on the second section are actuated. The second section may have external aero-spin surfaces which provide a torque counter to the rotation of the base projectile. The apparatus and system also includes embodiments having applications for nose sections of projectiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Paul Lichon, Douglas L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9040885
    Abstract: The invention is a projectile, device and system having a roll control device which may be fixed or deployable, for providing torque counter to the spin of the projectile and providing drag on the projectile. The roll control device includes a guidance collar rotatably attached to the projectile located near a front end of the projectile wherein the guidance collar includes one or more guidance collar aero-surfaces shaped to provide torque counter to the spin on the projectile. The guidance collar aero-surfaces may be controlled by a brake and guidance electronics on the projectile. The invention also includes a body collar fixedly attached to the projectile aft of the guidance collar, wherein the body collar includes one or more body collar aero-surfaces and fixed or deployable drag devices. Another embodiment use only a guidance collar aero-surfaces to orient a fixed drag device relative to an Earth inertial reference frame to create asymmetrical drag on the projectile and thereby altering its trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Douglas L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120211593
    Abstract: The invention is a projectile, device and system having a roll control device which may be fixed or deployable, for providing torque counter to the spin of the projectile and providing drag on the projectile. The roll control device includes a guidance collar rotatably attached to the projectile located near a front end of the projectile wherein the guidance collar includes one or more guidance collar aero-surfaces shaped to provide torque counter to the spin on the projectile. The guidance collar aero-surfaces may be controlled by a brake and guidance electronics on the projectile. The invention also includes a body collar fixedly attached to the projectile aft of the guidance collar, wherein the body collar includes one or more body collar aero-surfaces and fixed or deployable drag devices. Another embodiment use only a guidance collar aero-surfaces to orient a fixed drag device relative to an Earth inertial reference frame to create asymmetrical drag on the projectile and thereby altering its trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Douglas L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7412930
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a roll damping apparatus for a spinning projectile having a first section and a second section rotatably attached about a roll axis. The roll damping apparatus comprises a first portion attached to the front section, and a second portion attached to the rear section. The first portion is adapted to cause a braking frictional force to act on the second portion, the braking force being effective to control the spin rate of the front section relative to the rear section. The invention further relates to a spinning projectile having a roll damping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: General Dynamic Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Smith, Joseph P. Morris
  • Patent number: 7354017
    Abstract: Trajectory is controlled by a control system having fins that de-spin a section of the control system relative to a projectile or missile. The control system also includes aero-surfaces that produce a lift when brought to rotation speed of about 0 Hz relative to a reference frame and a brake that couples the guidance package to the rotational inertia of the projectile or missile. In one example, no electric motor is used in the trajectory control system, saving weight and increasing reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Douglas L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7345210
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for adjusting a fluid density. In one embodiment, a method for upgrading a petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction comprises providing a synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction, wherein the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction is derived from synthesis gas, and further wherein the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction and the petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction have a difference in density at 15° C. of at least about 60 kg/m3; and blending both fractions so as to form a blend suitable for use as a diesel or diesel blendstock, wherein the blend has a density at 15° C. equal to or more than about 800 kg/m3; alternatively or additionally, equal to or less than about 860 kg/m3. The blending is also effective in reducing the sulfur content of the petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction. In preferred embodiments, the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction is a Fischer-Tropsch diesel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Anthony R. Maund, Douglas L. Smith, Keith H. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20080061188
    Abstract: Trajectory is controlled by a control system having fins that de-spin a section of the control system relative to a projectile or missile. The control system also includes aero-surfaces that produce a lift when brought to rotation speed of about 0 Hz relative to a reference fame and a brake that couples the guidance package to the rotational inertia of the projectile or missile. In one example, no electric motor is used in the trajectory control system, saving weight and increasing reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: General Dynamics Ordnance and tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Morris, Douglas L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20070241990
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically switching display of video signals between a first device and a second device. The system may include a display device with display circuitry for displaying an image on the display in response to a received video signal. The display device may include a first video input port for receiving a first video signal from the first device and a second video input port for receiving a second video signal from the second device. Additionally, the display device may include detection circuitry coupled to the second video input port for detecting the second video signal from the second device, and switch circuitry operable to automatically provide connectivity between the second video input port and the display circuitry to enable display of the second video signal in response to the detection circuitry detecting the second video signal from the second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas L. Smith, Henry Wurzburg
  • Patent number: 6489848
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of transconductance circuits formed having two or more class AB transconductor amplifiers coupled in parallel. The class AB transconductor amplifiers have non-linear voltage to current transfer functions and are each designed with an offset chosen such that the combination of the individual nonlinear transfer functions achieve a more linear transconductance circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignees: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., SMSC Analog Technology Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Smith, Robert J. Zakowicz
  • Publication number: 20010038312
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of transconductance circuits formed having two or more class AB transconductor amplifiers coupled in parallel. The class AB transconductor amplifiers have non-linear voltage to current transfer functions and are each designed with an offset chosen such that the combination of the individual nonlinear transfer functions achieve a more linear transconductance circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Douglas L. Smith, Robert J. Zakowicz
  • Patent number: 6188281
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of transconductance circuits formed having a class AB transconductor amplifier coupled in parallel with at least one concave compensation circuit. When the transconductance circuit has only one concave compensation circuit, the concave compensation circuit is designed with no offset so that the concave transconductance gain of the compensation circuit compensates for the convex transconductance gain of the class AB amplifier thereby providing a more linear transconductance circuit. When the transconductance circuit includes multiple concave compensation circuits, they each are designed with an offset chosen such that the combination of the individual concave transfer functions achieve a more linear transconductance circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignees: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Gain Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas L. Smith, Scott C. McLeod
  • Patent number: 6181204
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of transconductance circuits formed having two or more class AB transconductor amplifiers coupled in parallel. The class AB transconductor amplifiers have non-linear voltage to current transfer functions and are each designed with an offset chosen such that the combination of the individual nonlinear transfer functions achieve a more linear transconductance circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignees: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Gain Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Smith, Robert J. Zakowicz
  • Patent number: 6166603
    Abstract: The present invention teaches output stages having distortion performance improved relative to prior art class-AB output stage distortion performance. The general concept is to constantly bias the feed-forward circuitry of the output stage into a low-distortion operating state. This can be done through several different methods, each of which has its own particular circuit requirements. For example, in one embodiment the bias circuitry generates a near constant bias current suitable for forcing the feed-forward circuitry into a low-distortion operating state regardless of the output stage output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignees: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Gain Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Douglas L. Smith