Patents by Inventor Gary A. Smith

Gary A. 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: 12332203
    Abstract: A system for measuring the conductivity of a flexible media positioned between a conductive backing and a conductive roller, wherein the conductive roller contacts the flexible media in a roller contact region. A pressure control mechanism presses the conductive roller against the second surface of the flexible media with a specified contact pressure, and a motion control system provide a relative motion between the conductive roller and the flexible media. A resistance measuring system connected to the conductive roller and the conductive backing measures the conductivity of the flexible media within the roller contact region. A data recording system records the measured conductivity of the media as a function of position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas W. McKeehan, Gary A. Smith, Charles C. Marshall, Wayne D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20240118227
    Abstract: A system for measuring the conductivity of a flexible media positioned between a conductive backing and a conductive roller, wherein the conductive roller contacts the flexible media in a roller contact region. A pressure control mechanism presses the conductive roller against the second surface of the flexible media with a specified contact pressure, and a motion control system provide a relative motion between the conductive roller and the flexible media. A resistance measuring system connected to the conductive roller and the conductive backing measures the conductivity of the flexible media within the roller contact region. A data recording system records the measured conductivity of the media as a function of position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas W. McKeehan, Gary A. Smith, Charles C. Marshall, Wayne D. Martin
  • Patent number: 11135832
    Abstract: An inking system for use in transferring ink to a flexographic printing plate in a flexographic printing system includes an anilox member having an ink transfer zone located between first and second recessed bearing contact zones. A radius of the recessed bearing contact zones is less than a radius of the ink transfer zone by at least 0.100 inches. An ink tray includes a floor and first and second end walls. Bearings are mounted outside of the end walls which engage with the first and second bearing contact zones, respectively, thereby positioning the ink tray assembly in a specified position relative to the anilox member. Upper edges of the end walls extend into the recessed bearing contact zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, Michael G. Shaughnessy, Timothy John Young
  • Patent number: 11072165
    Abstract: An inking system for use in transferring ink to a gravure printing surface in a gravure printing system includes a gravure cylinder r having a printing zone located between first and second recessed bearing contact zones. A radius of the recessed bearing contact zones is less than a radius of the printing zone by at least 0.100 inches. An ink tray includes a floor and first and second end walls. Bearings are mounted outside of the end walls which engage with the first and second bearing contact zones, respectively, thereby positioning the ink tray assembly in a specified position relative to the gravure cylinder. Upper edges of the end walls extend into the recessed bearing contact zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, Michael G. Shaughnessy, Timothy John Young, Carolyn Rae Ellinger
  • Publication number: 20200189263
    Abstract: An inking system for use in transferring ink to a gravure printing surface in a gravure printing system includes a gravure cylinder r having a printing zone located between first and second recessed bearing contact zones. A radius of the recessed bearing contact zones is less than a radius of the printing zone by at least 0.100 inches. An ink tray includes a floor and first and second end walls. Bearings are mounted outside of the end walls which engage with the first and second bearing contact zones, respectively, thereby positioning the ink tray assembly in a specified position relative to the gravure cylinder. Upper edges of the end walls extend into the recessed bearing contact zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, Michael G. Shaugnessy, Timothy John Young, Carolyn Rae Ellinger
  • Publication number: 20200189262
    Abstract: An inking system for use in transferring ink to a flexographic printing plate in a flexographic printing system includes an anilox member having an ink transfer zone located between first and second recessed bearing contact zones. A radius of the recessed bearing contact zones is less than a radius of the ink transfer zone by at least 0.100 inches. An ink tray includes a floor and first and second end walls. Bearings are mounted outside of the end walls which engage with the first and second bearing contact zones, respectively, thereby positioning the ink tray assembly in a specified position relative to the anilox member. Upper edges of the end walls extend into the recessed bearing contact zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, Michael G. Shauqhnessy, Timothy John Young
  • Patent number: 9421756
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an extent of contact between a fountain roller mounted within a pivotable ink pan and an anilox roller in a flexographic printing system, the pivotable ink pan being adapted to pivot around a pivot axis disposed proximate to a first end of the pivotable ink pan. The pivotable ink pan is positioned to provide a predetermined gap between the anilox roller and the fountain roller by inserting a shim between the fountain roller and the anilox roller. The position of the pivotable ink pan is adjusted by adjusting a height of a distal portion of the pivotable ink pan by a predetermined amount that is known to close the predetermined gap to a desired extent. The position of the pivotable ink pan is then locked such that the distal portion of the pivotable ink pan is maintained at the adjusted height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, James Douglas Shifley
  • Patent number: 9327494
    Abstract: A flexographic printing system including an ink pan configured to pivot around a pivot element having a pivot axis. A first bracket affixed to the ink pan is configured to rest on the pivot element, and a second bracket is affixed to the ink pan in an adjustable position and is configured to constrain motion of the ink pan to a pivoting motion around the pivot axis. A fountain roller is mounted on the ink pan and is at least partially immersed in the ink in the ink pan for transferring the ink to an anilox roller having a patterned surface for transferring a controlled amount of ink from the ink pan to the flexographic printing plate. A height adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting a height of a distal portion of the ink pan to control the extent of contact between the fountain roller and the anilox roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, James Douglas Shifley
  • Publication number: 20160114572
    Abstract: A flexographic printing system uses a flexographic printing plate to produce printed patterns on a substrate. A fountain roller partially submerged in ink in an ink pan is used to transfer ink to an anilox roller, which transfers a controlled amount of ink to the flexographic printing plate. An ink recirculation system is used to reduce variability in system performance resulting from ink viscosity changes. A recirculation pump moves ink through an ink recirculation line connected to an ink recirculation port in an ink pan. The design of the ink pan and ink recirculation port is arranged so that an opening of the ink recirculation port is fully covered by the ink during printing by the flexographic printing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, James Douglas Shifley
  • Publication number: 20160059540
    Abstract: An ink transfer pressure between cylinders in a flexographic printing system is controlled to provide consistent image quality. A flexographic printing plate is provided that includes an image region arranged to print an image pattern having printed image features and a pressure characterization region outside the image region arranged to a print pressure characterization pattern. Ink is transferred from an anilox cylinder to the flexographic printing plate with a first transfer pressure, and from the flexographic printing plate to a recording medium with a second transfer pressure. An optical property of at the printed pressure characterization pattern is measured and used to adjust one or both of the first and second transfer pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, Michael G. Shaughnessy, Thomas P. Bell
  • Patent number: 8418128
    Abstract: A system having a graphical compiler connected to a function block engine. The graphical compiler may convert graphical information to non-graphical information. A resources allocation module may be connected to the function block engine and the compiler. Also, a function block execution list may be connected to the compiler and the function block engine. A user interface may be connected to the compiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Pouchak, Gary A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8064581
    Abstract: A set of multiple prepaid calling cards that are associated with a single account is disclosed. A predetermined amount of minutes is associated with the set of cards. Cards within the set can be used simultaneously and extract minutes from the account in predetermined increments. Each card can use the same Personal Identification Number (PIN) or each card can have its own unique PIN. In some instances, any card in the set can recharge the account, (i.e., add more minutes to the account), or in some embodiments, only a control card can add minutes to the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P., New York University
    Inventors: Brett Donaldo Allen, Robert D. Carvelli, Gary A. Smith, Robert M. Stanchina, Clifford L. Young
  • Patent number: 7784705
    Abstract: An electronic device such as an HVAC controller that accounts for internal heating in determining an environmental condition such as temperature or humidity in the space surrounding the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller may calculate a transient heat rise value that is based upon a powered time period and a first order time lag, especially during a time period before which the HVAC controller reaches a steady state temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Kasper, Gary A. Smith, Paul C. Wacker
  • Patent number: 7280645
    Abstract: A set of multiple prepaid calling cards that are associated with a single account is disclosed. A predetermined amount of minutes is associated with the set of cards. Cards within the set can be used simultaneously and extract minutes from the account in predetermined increments. Each card can use the same Personal Identification Number (PIN) or each card can have its own unique PIN. In some instances, any card in the set can recharge the account, (i.e., add more minutes to the account), or in some embodiments, only a control card can add minutes to the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Brett Donaldo Allen, Robert D. Carvelli, Gary A. Smith, Robert M. Stanchina, Clifford L. Young
  • Patent number: 6718968
    Abstract: A burner and fan enclosure for an infrared heater includes a low pressure housing 10 with an internal high pressure housing 24. A centrifugal fan 39 is located within the low pressure housing 10 and provides combustion air to the high pressure housing 24. Removable side panels 20,22 for the low pressure housing 10 may be removed for servicing and/or adjustment of the unit without affecting combustion characteristics allowing the unit to be adjusted while in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Cooley, Jill M. Szczech, Gary A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030108841
    Abstract: A burner and fan enclosure for an infrared heater includes a low pressure housing 10 with an internal high pressure housing 24. A centrifugal fan 39 is located within the low pressure housing 10 and provides combustion air to the high pressure housing 24. Removable side panels 20,22 for the low pressure housing 10 may be removed for servicing and/or adjustment of the unit without affecting combustion characteristics allowing the unit to be adjusted while in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Robert S. Cooley, Jill M. Szczech, Gary A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6240324
    Abstract: A process for performing real-time cascade control for use in controllers. An adaptive process module uses an algorithm to set parameters during system operation to attain the best possible control performance, while providing an easier-to-use system for the user. The algorithm uses a novel adaptive technique to intelligently adjust the minimum and maximum allowable controlled-variable set point limits, under varying load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William Kennedy Preska, Gary A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6213974
    Abstract: A steerable catheter having a segmented tip formed from materials of differing hardnesses. A tip segment formed of softer material provides improved steerability, while an adjacent harder segment provides improved resistance against steering wire pull-through. Wear-resistant sleeves and a coined loop portion of steering wire provide additional resistance against steering wire pull-through. A tip fabrication method is also disclosed. The catheter includes a one-piece inlet housing with integral mounting fins for attachment to the catheter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Visionary Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Smith, Mahase Nardeo, Robert C. Biggs
  • Patent number: 6064310
    Abstract: The performance of an HVAC system in a building is monitored by connecting a thermostat to an alarm system which is equipped to provide notification of alarm conditions through telecommunication or other direct means to some responsible entity. The alarm system access to telecommunications is employed to forward indicators of HVAC fault to predetermined offsite locations from where corrective action can be provided. The system includes a presumed fault condition processor which employs data from the thermostat to indicate to the alarm system that notification should take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Steven J. Busak, Gary A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5765636
    Abstract: A method and system for improving indoor air quality by controlling the circulation of air by a system fan of a conventional environmental control system in order to achieve a minimum circulation cycle. The method and system prevent nuisance short cycling of the system fan by extending the circulation cycle when the method and system predict the system fan will be activated by the environmental control system for heating or cooling shortly after the termination of the controlled circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Meyer, Gary A. Smith