Patents by Inventor Douglas M. Smith

Douglas M. 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: 20240124776
    Abstract: Novel high purity dimethylaluminium chloride compositions are provided that are suitable for semiconductor applications, such as atomic layer etch and aluminum ion implantation. The reduction or minimization of specified gaseous impurities allows the vapor phase of the DMAC to have purity levels of 99.9 mol % or higher to selectively etch various atomic layers with high selectivity and high etch precision at acceptable etch rates and 99 mol % or higher to ion implant aluminum ions without substantial implantation of C2H3 ions into a wafer device, thereby avoiding degradation or failure of the wafer device. Storage conditions are established that are conducive to maintaining the high purity levels required for such semiconductor applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Laurence E. Spurgeon, Ashwini K. Sinha, Douglas C. Heiderman, Stanley M. Smith, Oleg Byl
  • Publication number: 20240095263
    Abstract: A map control module receives a stream of map data characterizing a geographic region proximal to a vehicle and outputs a moving map, and the moving map is divisible into a matrix of cells. A map item control receives a stream of point of interest (POI) data characterizing a plurality of POIs within the boundary and categorizes each of the plurality of POIs to define a set of categories. The map item control determines a display location of a map item within the matrix of cells for each of the plurality of POIs and determines an importance for each POI within a same category. The map item control forms a set of clusters of map items. Each map item in a given cluster of map items has a same cell and a same category. The map item control selects a top-item for each cluster of map items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: DOUGLAS M. DYER, VERNER KEITH DEVLIN, WILLIAM R. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20220282657
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to one or more antigens. Compositions and methods of the invention are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as the treatment and/or prevention of cancer and malignant diseases. Compositions and methods of the invention include one or more antigens/immunogens together with an adjuvant formulation comprising an emulsion delivery system in combination with one or more immunostimulatory compounds (e.g., a compound that stimulates the innate immune system (e.g., a toll-like receptor antagonist (e.g., synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN)))) that enhance immune responses to the one or more antigens/immunogens when administered to a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicants: The Regents of the University of Michigan, NanoBio Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Baker, JR., Douglas M. Smith, Susan Ciotti
  • Patent number: 11173207
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to one or more antigens. Compositions and methods of the invention are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, as well as the treatment and/or prevention of cancer and malignant diseases. Compositions and methods of the invention include one or more antigens/immunogens together with an adjuvant formulation comprising an emulsion delivery system in combination with one or more immunostimulatory compounds (e.g., a compound that stimulates the innate immune system (e.g., a toll-like receptor antagonist (e.g., synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN)))) that enhance immune responses to the one or more antigens/immunogens when administered to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, NANOBIO CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. Baker, Jr., Douglas M. Smith, Susan Ciotti
  • Publication number: 20200405846
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising emulsion adjuvant and one or more active agents or substances formulated for infusion or injection into a subject (e.g., using a syringe and needle), as well as methods of formulating and using the same (e.g., as an injectable medicinal composition (e.g., a vaccine)). The emulsion adjuvant of an immunogenic composition of the invention in its preferred form comprises a cationic lipid containing a polar head group and a hydrophobic component (e.g., a dual chain hydrophobic group (e.g., the cationic surfactant dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DODAC) and dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromine (DODAB))). Compositions of the invention comprising emulsion adjuvant and one or more active agents or substances formulated for administration via injection to a subject find use in treatment and/or prevention of infectious disease, cancer and/or allergy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: James R. Baker, JR., Douglas M. Smith, Susan Ciotti
  • Publication number: 20190282693
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to one or more antigens. Compositions and methods of the invention are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, as well as the treatment and/or prevention of cancer and malignant diseases. Compositions and methods of the invention include one or more antigens/immunogens together with an adjuvant formulation comprising an emulsion delivery system in combination with one or more immunostimulatory compounds (e.g., a compound that stimulates the innate immune system (e.g., a toll-like receptor antagonist (e.g., synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN)))) that enhance immune responses to the one or more antigens/immunogens when administered to a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: James R. Baker, Jr., Douglas M. Smith, Susan Ciotti
  • Patent number: 10139035
    Abstract: High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for insulating cylindrically-shaped and other non-planar objects such as pipes, tanks, and the like. One method includes heating a substantially gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure pliable, wrapping the inner surface of the gas-tight enclosure about at least a portion of a non-planar surface, and cooling the gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure substantially unpliable about the non-planar surface. The gas-tight enclosure may include a sealed interior portion having a pressure that is not greater than about 500 mbar at a temperature of about 20° C. before the heating step and/or after the cooling step. A ratio of a thickness of the gas-tight enclosure to a radius of curvature of the portion of the non-planar surface may be at least about 1 to 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9957099
    Abstract: An insulated container system and a temperature control insert that is configured to maintain a payload chamber temperature over a minimum length of time to enable goods within the payload chamber to be shipped over distances while being maintained within a desired temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy White, Ronald Esparza, Douglas M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9849405
    Abstract: Methods of making thermal insulation products that may be usable to provide insulation in high temperature applications. One method includes sealing a support material (e.g., a nanoporous core such as fumed silica, an aerogel powder, etc.) and at least one vapor within an interior portion of a substantially gas-impermeable envelope (e.g., a metallic and/or polymeric film), and then condensing at least a portion of the vapor after the sealing step to reduce the pressure within the gas-impermeable envelope from a first pressure before the condensing to a lower second pressure after the condensing. The disclosed methods limit or eliminate the need for pumping mechanisms to draw the vacuum within the products, drying of the core before the sealing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9726438
    Abstract: Methods of making thermal insulation products are provided, one method including the steps of sealing a support material (e.g., a nanoporous core such as fumed silica, an aerogel powder, etc.) and at least one vapor (e.g., steam) within an interior portion of a substantially gas-impermeable envelope (e.g., a metallic and/or polymeric film), and then condensing at least a portion of the vapor after the sealing step to reduce the pressure within the gas-impermeable envelope from a first pressure before the condensing to a lower second pressure after the condensing. The disclosed methods limit or eliminate the need for mechanism pumping mechanisms to drawing the vacuum within the products, drying of the core before the sealing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Nanopore Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9598857
    Abstract: High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for use in insulating buildings, residential homes, and other enclosed environments. In one arrangement, a thermal insulation product includes a substantially gas-impermeable envelope having first and second opposing surfaces and a sealed interior portion between the first and second opposing surfaces, a support material within the sealed interior portion of the gas-impermeable envelope, and at least about 2 grams of a liquid per liter of a total volume of the sealed interior portion within the sealed interior portion. At least a portion of the liquid is operable to cyclically evaporate from adjacent one of the first and second opposing surfaces and subsequently condense adjacent the other of the first and second opposing surfaces depending on temperature differences between the first and second opposing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160317584
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Brian M. Hampson, Kristin Goltry, Douglas M. Smith, Jonathan A. Rowley, Naia Venturi
  • Patent number: 9415071
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Vericel Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Hampson, Kristin Goltry, Douglas M. Smith, Jonathan A. Rowley, Naia Venturi
  • Publication number: 20160003403
    Abstract: High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for insulating cylindrically-shaped and other non-planar objects such as pipes, tanks, and the like. One method includes heating a substantially gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure pliable, wrapping the inner surface of the gas-tight enclosure about at least a portion of a non-planar surface, and cooling the gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure substantially unpliable about the non-planar surface. The gas-tight enclosure may include a sealed interior portion having a pressure that is not greater than about 500 mbar at a temperature of about 20° C. before the heating step and/or after the cooling step. A ratio of a thickness of the gas-tight enclosure to a radius of curvature of the portion of the non-planar surface may be at least about 1 to 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9133973
    Abstract: High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for insulating cylindrically-shaped and other non-planar objects such as pipes, tanks, and the like. One method includes heating a substantially gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure pliable, wrapping the inner surface of the gas-tight enclosure about at least a portion of a non-planar surface, and cooling the gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure substantially unpliable about the non-planar surface. The gas-tight enclosure may include a sealed interior portion having a pressure that is not greater than about 500 mbar at a temperature of about 20° C. before the heating step and/or after the cooling step. A ratio of a thickness of the gas-tight enclosure to a radius of curvature of the portion of the non-planar surface may be at least about 1 to 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140367033
    Abstract: High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for insulating cylindrically-shaped and other non-planar objects such as pipes, tanks, and the like. One method includes heating a substantially gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure pliable, wrapping the inner surface of the gas-tight enclosure about at least a portion of a non-planar surface, and cooling the gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure substantially unpliable about the non-planar surface. The gas-tight enclosure may include a sealed interior portion having a pressure that is not greater than about 500 mbar at a temperature of about 20° C. before the heating step and/or after the cooling step. A ratio of a thickness of the gas-tight enclosure to a radius of curvature of the portion of the non-planar surface may be at least about 1 to 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140366480
    Abstract: High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for use in insulating buildings, residential homes, and other enclosed environments. In one arrangement, a thermal insulation product includes a substantially gas-impermeable envelope having first and second opposing surfaces and a sealed interior portion between the first and second opposing surfaces, a support material within the sealed interior portion of the gas-impermeable envelope, and at least about 2 grams of a liquid per liter of a total volume of the sealed interior portion within the sealed interior portion. At least a portion of the liquid is operable to cyclically evaporate from adjacent one of the first and second opposing surfaces and subsequently condense adjacent the other of the first and second opposing surfaces depending on temperature differences between the first and second opposing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140360044
    Abstract: Methods of making thermal insulation products that may be usable to provide insulation in high temperature applications. One method includes sealing a support material (e.g., a nanoporous core such as fumed silica, an aerogel powder, etc.) and at least one vapor within an interior portion of a substantially gas-impermeable envelope (e.g., a metallic and/or polymeric film), and then condensing at least a portion of the vapor after the sealing step to reduce the pressure within the gas-impermeable envelope from a first pressure before the condensing to a lower second pressure after the condensing. The disclosed methods limit or eliminate the need for pumping mechanisms to draw the vacuum within the products, drying of the core before the sealing, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140196305
    Abstract: Methods of making thermal insulation products are provided, one method including the steps of sealing a support material (e.g., a nanoporous core such as fumed silica, an aerogel powder, etc.) and at least one vapor (e.g., steam) within an interior portion of a substantially gas-impermeable envelope (e.g., a metallic and/or polymeric film), and then condensing at least a portion of the vapor after the sealing step to reduce the pressure within the gas-impermeable envelope from a first pressure before the condensing to a lower second pressure after the condensing. The disclosed methods limit or eliminate the need for mechanism pumping mechanisms to drawing the vacuum within the products, drying of the core before the sealing, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: NANOPORE, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140151382
    Abstract: An insulated container system and a temperature control insert that is configured to maintain a payload chamber temperature over a minimum length of time to enable goods within the payload chamber to be shipped over distances while being maintained within a desired temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy White, Ronald Esparza, Douglas M. Smith