Patents by Inventor Eric B Smith

Eric B 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: 9743946
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp assembly. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide operable to transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the blade. The clamp assembly includes a clamp arm pivotable toward and away from the blade about a pivot axis, to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the blade. A rotation feature may provide rotation of the blade relative to the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Alternatively, the rotation feature may provide rotation of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the longitudinal axis. The rotation feature may be driven based on pivotal positioning of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the pivot axis. The rotation feature may selectively lock and unlock the angular position of either the blade or the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis at any of a number of predetermined angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Craig N. Faller, Elizabeth DeBenedictis, William D. Kelly, Michael R. Lamping, Timothy G. Dietz, Patrick A. Weizman, Jacob S. Gee, John B. Schulte, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Douglas J. Turner, Eric B. Smith, Sean P. Conlon, Richard W. Timm, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Brian D. Bertke
  • Patent number: 9698767
    Abstract: A low voltage AC power controller uses a line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit to obtain energy from AC line power supplied to an AC load and may be used with an external high voltage AC switching device to control power supplied to the AC load. The line coupled capacitor AC to DC converter circuit provides a low power device that senses characteristics of the power supplied to the load and can communicate sensed information and/or receive control information related to the power supplied to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: George Tyson Tuttle, Eric B. Smith, Peter J. Vancorenland
  • Publication number: 20170172605
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes an activation member that is operable to move in a first direction to select a mode of operation. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade that is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation member is operable to move in a second direction to activate the end effector in a mode of operation selected by movement of the activation member in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Kevin L. Houser, David A. Monroe, David J. Cagle, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Timothy P. Lessek, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Ryan M. Asher, Mary E. Mootoo, Eric B. Smith, Gregory W. Johnson, David M. Locke
  • Publication number: 20170077823
    Abstract: Current flowing through an inductor on a primary side of a voltage converter is sensed and compared to a threshold peak current value to determine when to end an ON portion of the voltage converter. The secondary side of the voltage converter supplies an indication of output voltage for use in determining the threshold peak current value. On start-up the primary side detects when the indication of output voltage is supplied by the secondary side across on isolation channel. Prior to detecting the indicating is being supplied, the primary side uses an increasing threshold peak current as the threshold peak current value. After detection that the indication of output voltage is being provided by the secondary side, the threshold peak current value is based on the indication of the output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Riad S. Wahby, Jeffrey L. Sonntag, Tufan C. Karalar, Michael J. Mills, Eric B. Smith, Ion C. Tesu, Donald E. Alfano
  • Patent number: 9588190
    Abstract: A method includes supplying a current to at least one conductive path integral with a MEMS device to thereby exert a Lorentz force on the MEMS device in the presence of a magnetic field. The method includes determining the magnetic field based on a control value in a control loop configured to maintain a constrained range of motion of the MEMS device. The control loop may be configured to maintain the MEMS device in a stationary position. The current may have a frequency equal to a resonant frequency of the MEMS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Smith, Riad Wahby, Yan Zhou
  • Patent number: 9538993
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a motor, a power source, a vacuum source, and a cutter translation assembly. The needle extends distally from the body and receives tissue. The cutter translates with respect to the needle to sever tissue received by the needle. The motor is disposed within the body and rotates a drive shaft in a first direction. The power source is disposed within the body and powers the motor. The vacuum source is disposed within the body and provides vacuum in at least one of the needle and the cutter. The cutter translation assembly is disposed within the body and translates the cutter proximally and distally with respect to the needle in response to rotation of the drive shaft in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle P. Moore, Haresh D. Patil, Michael J. Andreyko, Shailendra K. Parihar, Eric B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9531253
    Abstract: Current flowing through an inductor on a primary side of a voltage converter is sensed and compared to a threshold peak current value to determine when to end an ON portion of the voltage converter. The secondary side of the voltage converter supplies an indication of output voltage for use in determining the threshold peak current value. On start-up the primary side detects when the indication of output voltage is supplied by the secondary side across on isolation channel. Prior to detecting the indicating is being supplied, the primary side uses an increasing threshold peak current as the threshold peak current value. After detection that the indication of output voltage is being provided by the secondary side, the threshold peak current value is based on the indication of the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Riad S. Wahby, Jeffrey L. Sonntag, Tufan C. Karalar, Michael J. Mills, Eric B. Smith, Ion C. Tesu, Donald E. Alfano
  • Patent number: 9498193
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body and a needle extending distally from the body. The needle comprises a cannula and a tissue piercing tip that is unitary with the cannula. The tissue piercing tip may be formed by compressing the distal end of the cannula to put two distal cannula portions in apposition with each other. One of the apposed distal cannula portions may be removed. The remaining distal cannula portion may be formed into a blade of the tissue piercing tip. A cutter may be moved relative to the needle to sever samples from tissue protruding through a transverse aperture formed in the cannula. A gap may be provided between the exterior of the cutter and the interior of the cannula, permitting the cutter to be distally vented while a proximal vacuum is communicated to the cutter to transport severed tissue samples proximally through the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Smith, Shailendra K. Parihar, Michael J. Andreyko, Kyle P. Moore, Jr., James Janszen
  • Patent number: 9306745
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for implementing secure key management is provided. The method includes populating a section of information associated with a key, the section being populated with information relating to how the key was created. The method also includes populating the section with information relating to how the key was acquired by a secure module; and binding the section to the key, wherein the key is encrypted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd W. Arnold, Elizabeth A. Dames, Carsten D. Frehr, Michael J. Kelly, Kenneth B. Kerr, Richard V. Kisley, Eric D. Rossman, Eric B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9288051
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for implementing computer security is provided. The method includes creating a token and populating a payload section of the token with key material and selecting a wrapping method that specifies how the key material is securely bound to key control information, wherein a structure of the key control information in the token is independent of the wrapping method. The method also includes wrapping the key material and binding key control information to the key material in the token, wherein the key control information includes information relating to usage and management of the key material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Arnold, Elizabeth A. Dames, Thomas J. Dewkett, Carsten D. Frehr, Michael J. Kelly, Kenneth B. Kerr, Richard V. Kisley, Eric D. Rossman, Eric B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9264230
    Abstract: A system for implementing computer security is provided. The system includes a computer processor and an application configured to execute on the computer processor, the application implementing a method that includes creating a token and populating a payload section of the token with key material and selecting a wrapping method that specifies how the key material is securely bound to key control information. A structure of the key control information in the token is independent of the wrapping method. Implementing computer security also includes wrapping the key material and binding key control information to the key material in the token. The key control information includes information relating to usage and management of the key material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Arnold, Elizabeth A. Dames, Thomas J. Dewkett, Carsten D. Frehr, Michael J. Kelly, Kenneth B. Kerr, Richard V. Kisley, Eric D. Rossman, Eric B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9252944
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to wrapping of a common cryptographic architecture (CCA) key token. An aspect includes wrapping, by an exporting computer, the CCA key token using a key wrapping export function, the CCA key token comprising a CCA key data section and an unencrypted control vector. Another aspect includes splitting the control vector into a first control vector portion and a second control vector portion. Another aspect includes encrypting the CCA key data section and the first control vector portion using an key encrypting key (KEK) to generate a wrapped key block. Another aspect includes binding the second control vector portion to the wrapped key block to form an associated data section, wherein the associated data section is not encrypted, and wherein the wrapped key block and the associated data section comprise a wrapped key token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Arnold, Gerald K. Boyter, Elizabeth A. Dames, Richard V. Kisley, Eric B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150327882
    Abstract: An ultrasonic assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The balanced blade provides a rounded distal end and concave edges to promote fine dissection and cutting in a variety of surgical procedures. The blade is curved for improved visibility at the blade tip and is designed to provide a multitude of tissue effects: coagulation, cutting, dissection, spot coagulation, tip penetration and tip scoring. The assembly features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. The assembly further features user selectable blade rotation. A finger switch is placed in the range of the natural axial motion of the user's index finger, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balek, William D. Dannaher, Carl J. Draginoff, JR., Cory G. Kimball, David L. Kohn, Galen C. Robertson, Kip M. Tupp, Eric B. Smith, Richard C. Smith, Karalyn R. Tellio, Nabeel M. Jadeed
  • Publication number: 20150270955
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to wrapping of a common cryptographic architecture (CCA) key token. An aspect includes wrapping, by an exporting computer, the CCA key token using a key wrapping export function, the CCA key token comprising a CCA key data section and an unencrypted control vector. Another aspect includes splitting the control vector into a first control vector portion and a second control vector portion. Another aspect includes encrypting the CCA key data section and the first control vector portion using an key encrypting key (KEK) to generate a wrapped key block. Another aspect includes binding the second control vector portion to the wrapped key block to form an associated data section, wherein the associated data section is not encrypted, and wherein the wrapped key block and the associated data section comprise a wrapped key token.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd W. Arnold, Gerald K. Boyter, Elizabeth A. Dames, Richard V. Kisley, Eric B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150214826
    Abstract: Current flowing through an inductor on a primary side of a voltage converter is sensed and compared to a threshold peak current value to determine when to end an ON portion of the voltage converter. The secondary side of the voltage converter supplies an indication of output voltage for use in determining the threshold peak current value. On start-up the primary side detects when the indication of output voltage is supplied by the secondary side across on isolation channel. Prior to detecting the indicating is being supplied, the primary side uses an increasing threshold peak current as the threshold peak current value. After detection that the indication of output voltage is being provided by the secondary side, the threshold peak current value is based on the indication of the output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Riad S. Wahby, Jeffrey L. Sonntag, Tufan C. Karalar, Michael J. Mills, Eric B. Smith, Ion C. Tesu, Donald E. Alfano
  • Publication number: 20150164531
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp assembly. The shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide operable to transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the blade. The clamp assembly comprises a clamp arm pivotable toward and away from the blade about a pivot axis, to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the blade. A rotation feature may provide rotation of the blade relative to the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Alternatively, the rotation feature may provide rotation of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the longitudinal axis. The rotation feature may be driven based on pivotal positioning of the clamp arm relative to the blade about the pivot axis. The rotation feature may selectively lock and unlock the angular position of either the blade or the clamp arm about the longitudinal axis at any of a number of predetermined angular positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Craig N. Faller, Elizabeth DeBenedictis, William D. Kelly, Michael R. Lamping, Timothy G. Dietz, Patrick A. Weizman, Jacob S. Gee, John B. Schulte, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, Douglas J. Turner, Eric B. Smith, Sean P. Conlon, Richard W. Timm, Jeffrey D. Messerly
  • Publication number: 20150080925
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a pivoting member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The ultrasonic blade is positioned distal to the shaft assembly. The pivoting member is pivotable with respect to the blade from an open position to a closed position to thereby clamp tissue between the pivoting member and the blade. One or both of the shaft assembly or the pivoting member comprise a guide feature. The guide feature is configured to provide lateral alignment of the distal portion of the pivoting member with the blade as the pivoting member is pivoted to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: John B. Schulte, Craig N. Faller, Eric B. Smith, Patrick J. Scoggins, JoAnn M. Stegeman, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, William D. Dannaher, Michael R. Lamping, Jacob S. Gee, William B. Weisenburgh, II
  • Publication number: 20150051509
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a motor, a power source, a vacuum source, and a cutter translation assembly. The needle extends distally from the body and receives tissue. The cutter translates with respect to the needle to sever tissue received by the needle. The motor is disposed within the body and rotates a drive shaft in a first direction. The power source is disposed within the body and powers the motor. The vacuum source is disposed within the body and provides vacuum in at least one of the needle and the cutter. The cutter translation assembly is disposed within the body and translates the cutter proximally and distally with respect to the needle in response to rotation of the drive shaft in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kyle P. Moore, Haresh D. Patil, Michael J. Andreyko, Shailendra K. Parihar, Eric B. Smith
  • Patent number: 8900162
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a motor, a power source, a vacuum source, and a cutter translation assembly. The needle extends distally from the body and receives tissue. The cutter translates with respect to the needle to sever tissue received by the needle. The motor is disposed within the body and rotates a drive shaft in a first direction. The power source is disposed within the body and powers the motor. The vacuum source is disposed within the body and provides vacuum in at least one of the needle and the cutter. The cutter translation assembly is disposed within the body and translates the cutter proximally and distally with respect to the needle in response to rotation of the drive shaft in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle P. Moore, Haresh K. Patil, Michael J. Andreyko, Shailendra K. Parihar, Eric B. Smith
  • Patent number: 8875578
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device including a mass anchored to a substrate. The MEMS device is configured to generate an output signal indicative of motion of the mass with respect to the substrate. The MEMS device includes a feedback module configured to provide a control signal to the MEMS device. The control signal is based on the output signal. The MEMS device is configured to apply a damping force to the mass in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Eric B. Smith