Patents by Inventor G. Smith

G. 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: 11760738
    Abstract: Copoly(imide oxetane) materials are disclosed that can exhibit a low surface energy while possessing the mechanical, thermal, chemical and optical properties associated with polyimides. The copoly(imide oxetane)s are prepared using a minor amount of fluorinated oxetane-derived oligomer with sufficient fluorine-containing segments of the copoly(imide oxetane)s migrate to the exterior surface of the polymeric material to yield low surface energies. Thus the coatings and articles of manufacture made with the copoly(imide oxetane)s of this invention are characterized as having an anisotropic fluorine composition. The low surface energies can be achieved with very low content of fluorinated oxetane-derived oligomer. The copolymers of this invention can enhance the viability of polyimides for many applications and may be acceptable where homopolyimide materials have been unacceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Adminstrator of NASA
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wohl, Jr., John W. Connell, Emilie J. Siochi, Joseph G. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230288711
    Abstract: A head-mounted display includes a display assembly and a head. The head support includes a first hinge portion coupled to a first side of the head-mounted display and a second hinge portion coupled to a second side of the head-mounted display, which are movable between a first and second states. The head support also includes a first elongated portion coupled to the first hinge portion and a second elongated portion coupled to the second hinge portion, which are rigid and movable with the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion, respectively, between the first and second states. A strap portion is flexible, elastic, and extends between the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion. The first elongated portion and the second elongated portion, when in the second state, extend along a rearward side of the display assembly toward each other and do not overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Gallaher, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Julian Jaede, Samuel G. Smith, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11746183
    Abstract: In an illustrative example, one or more coating formulations may be used and may have characteristics useful in different situations. During evaluations, a plurality of coating formulations comprising epoxy resins and diamine hardeners were prepared and evaluated with regards to impact ice adhesion strength and durability. Alone, such coating formulations provided a significantly reduced impact ice adhesion strength as compared to uncoated aluminum and/or stainless steel surfaces. However, a durability of the coatings, when applied to aluminum or stainless steel surfaces, was insufficient to be considered for use on external aircraft surfaces. By including nano-sized and/or micro-sized particles as additives to the coating formulations, resulted in improved durability without significantly reducing ice adhesion performance of the resin base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wohl, Joseph G. Smith, Jr., Devon Beck, Lilly Lynn Balderson, Yi Lin
  • Publication number: 20230271690
    Abstract: An example method for launching a high-altitude balloon includes securing a launch collar around a balloon envelope to form a choke point separating an upper portion of the balloon envelope from a lower portion of the balloon envelope. The balloon envelope is structurally secured to a launch platform via a tether that is coupled to the launch collar. The launch collar is configured such that release of the launch collar from the choke point releases the balloon envelope from the launch platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Jared LEIDICH, Mitchell W. SWEENEY, Nolan G. SMITH, Maxmillion J.W. MCLAUGHLIN, Andrew F. ANTONIO
  • Patent number: 11733529
    Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a device housing and a facial interface. The facial interface has an upper portion and a lower portion. A headband is connected to a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the device housing and extends around a head of a user to support the device housing with respect to the user. The headband is configured to apply a moment to the device housing in a direction that urges the upper portion of the facial interface toward a head of user so that a first loading that is applied to the head of the user by the upper portion of the facial interface is higher than a second loading that is applied to the head of the user by the lower portion of the facial interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Gallaher, Samuel G. Smith, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11702374
    Abstract: The present application relates to an iron impregnated biochar and its use as a fertilizer. The iron impregnated biochar of the present application has a ratio of iron (III) to iron (II) ranging from 5:1 to 10:1. The biochar may be produced by a method including treating the biomass with an iron (II) ion solution, pyrolyzing the iron (II)-treated biomass in an oxidative environment and recovering the biochar product from the pyrolyzed iron (II)-treated biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Santanu Bakshi, Robert C. Brown, Ryan G. Smith
  • Patent number: 11703698
    Abstract: Eyeglasses may include one or more lenses and control circuitry that adjusts an optical power of the lenses. The control circuitry may be configured to determine a user's prescription and accommodation range during a vision characterization process. The vision characterization process may include adjusting the optical power of the lens until the user indicates that an object viewed through the lens is in focus. A distance sensor may measure the distance to the in-focus object. The control circuitry may calculate the user's prescription based on the optical power of the lens and the distance to the in-focus object. The control circuitry may adjust the optical power automatically or in response to user input. The object viewed through the lens may be an electronic device. The user may control the optical power of the lens and/or indicate when objects are in focus by providing input to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Miikka M. Kangas, Eric G. Smith, Qing Liu, Jeffrey G. Koller
  • Publication number: 20230220698
    Abstract: An elevated tank tower includes a foundation, and a support structure including a plurality of stacked segments. One or more of the plurality segment is unitarily constructed from precast concrete configured to extend around the entirety of an outer perimeter of the support structure. Each of the stacked segments is connected to an adjacent segment with one or more spanning plates connected to the adjacent segments. A superstructure is positioned atop of the support structure and operably connected to an uppermost segment of the plurality of segments. A containment tank is positioned atop the superstructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Benjamin Johnston, Martin G. Smith
  • Patent number: 11697393
    Abstract: A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: The Crawford Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Johnson, Dave G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230200868
    Abstract: A locking clip for retaining a fastener in a bone fixation plate, the locking clip comprising a flexure member and a body member coupled to the flexure member, the body member comprising a locking tab, the locking tab configured to provide an axial limitation to motion of the fastener in a non-rotationally-ratcheting manner, the flexure member resiliently flexible to permit displacement of the locking tab to allow passage of a fastener head of the fastener, the locking tab configured to translate a downward force of the fastener head into a lateral spreading force to effect the displacement, the body member defining a clip tool engagement cavity for translational displacement of the locking tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: TIMOTHY J. LEAK, THOMAS G. SMITH
  • Patent number: 11688903
    Abstract: A vehicle climate control system includes a cooling system including a chiller, a coolant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, a pump, and a compressor. The coolant circuit bypasses the chiller. The refrigerant circuit incorporates the chiller. The pump is configured to move coolant through the coolant circuit. The compressor is configured to move refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The vehicle climate control system also includes a controller configured to, in response to a temperature of a battery exceeding a threshold while the pump is moving fluid through the coolant circuit, activate the chiller and the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Mark G. Smith, Neil Robert Burrows, Bo Wu
  • Patent number: 11679854
    Abstract: An example method for launching a high-altitude balloon includes securing a launch collar around a balloon envelope to form a choke point separating an upper portion of the balloon envelope from a lower portion of the balloon envelope. The balloon envelope is structurally secured to a launch platform via a tether that is coupled to the launch collar. The launch collar is configured such that release of the launch collar from the choke point releases the balloon envelope from the launch platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: URBAN SKY THEORY INC.
    Inventors: Jared Leidich, Mitchell W. Sweeney, Nolan G. Smith, Maxmillion J. W. McLaughlin, Andrew F. Antonio
  • Publication number: 20230183164
    Abstract: Provided herein are processes for synthesizing intermediates useful in preparing Mcl-1 inhibitors. In particular, provided herein are processes for synthesizing compound F, or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and OPG2 are described herein. Compound F can be useful in synthesizing compound A1, or a salt of solvate thereof, and compound A2, or a salt of solvate thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: AMGEN INC.
    Inventors: Austin G. SMITH, Michael T. CORBETT, Neil Fred LANGILLE, Kyle D. BAUCOM, Peter K. DORNAN, Gabrielle ST- PIERRE, Philipp C. ROOSEN, Sheng CUI, Roberto PROFETA
  • Publication number: 20230174496
    Abstract: Provided herein are processes for synthesizing intermediates useful in preparing Mcl-1 inhibitors. In particular, provided herein are processes for synthesizing compound D, wherein OPG and R1 are described herein. Compound D can be useful in synthesizing compound A1, or a salt of solvate thereof, and compound A2, or a salt of solvate thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: AMGEN INC.
    Inventors: Austin G. SMITH, Liang HUANG
  • Publication number: 20230167130
    Abstract: Provided herein are processes for synthesizing Mcl-1 inhibitors and intermediates such as compound F that can be used to prepare them where the variable PG is as defined herein. In particular, provided herein are processes for synthesizing compound A1, and salts or solvates thereof and compound A2, and salts and solvates thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: AMGEN INC.
    Inventors: Austin G. SMITH, Jason S. TEDROW, Gabrielle ST-PIERRE, Oliver Ralf THIEL, Liang HUANG, Philipp C. ROOSEN, John T. COLYER, Kyle D. BAUCOM, Ari ERICSON, Matthew G. BEAVER, Rahul P. SANGODKAR, Michael A. LOVETTE, Robert Ronald MILBURN, Alan H. CHERNEY, Sheng CUI
  • Publication number: 20230109285
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an apparatus to produce SAF from dry natural gas includes a natural gas reforming area that receives the dry natural gas and that produces synthetic gas from the dry natural gas, a Fischer-Tropsch conversion area that is operably coupled to the natural gas reforming area and that receives the synthetic gas and produces a hydrocarbon chain from the synthetic gas and a product upgrading area that is operably coupled to the Fischer-Tropsch conversion area that receives the hydrocarbon chain and that produces the SAF from the hydrocarbon chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Dvorin, Brent Nelson, Michael G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230108354
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an apparatus to produce SAF from dry natural gas includes a natural gas reforming area that receives the dry natural gas and that produces synthetic gas from the dry natural gas, a Fischer-Tropsch conversion area that is operably coupled to the natural gas reforming area and that receives the synthetic gas and produces a hydrocarbon chain from the synthetic gas and a product upgrading area that is operably coupled to the Fischer-Tropsch conversion area that receives the hydrocarbon chain and that produces the SAF from the hydrocarbon chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Dvorin, Brent Nelson, Michael G. Smith
  • Patent number: 11617605
    Abstract: A locking clip for retaining a fastener in a bone fixation plate, the locking clip comprising a flexure member and a body member coupled to the flexure member, the body member comprising a locking tab, the locking tab configured to provide an axial limitation to motion of the fastener in a non-rotationally-ratcheting manner, the flexure member resiliently flexible to permit displacement of the locking tab to allow passage of a fastener head of the fastener, the locking tab configured to translate a downward force of the fastener head into a lateral spreading force to effect the displacement, the body member defining a clip tool engagement cavity for translational displacement of the locking tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: LEITH MEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Leak, Thomas G. Smith
  • Patent number: 11597252
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle and method for heating a passenger cabin of an electrified vehicle that may include an internal combustion engine in addition to an electric machine and a traction battery for supplying the electric machine control an electric heating element to store thermal energy while the vehicle is connected to an external power source that is also used to charge the traction battery, and to extract stored thermal energy during operation of the vehicle with the electric heating element turned off to extend the electric driving range of the vehicle while also providing heat to the passenger cabin. The electric heating element may positioned and controlled to heat one or more elements directly by mechanical contact, or indirectly by heating a circulating liquid coolant to a temperature above a current or anticipated external ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Zenner, Daniel Benjamin Kok, Timothy Noah Blatchley, Mark G. Smith
  • Patent number: D985023
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Turfware Equipment Company
    Inventors: John C. Prusa, Sylvester G. Smith