Patents by Inventor Ian Smith

Ian 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: 9047545
    Abstract: A chemistry analyzer is disclosed that can include a unitary base with vertical and horizontal supports for constraining subassemblies. The subassemblies include at least a reagent/sample carousel subassembly, a transfer arm subassembly, and a reaction carousel subassembly. A centralized hydraulic system can also be provided behind a user access panel. The analyzer can use machine-readable test specifications coupled with its reagent vessels to define tests that include operations that employ the reagents. The analyzer can also display to the operator a pictorial representation that includes graphical elements that convey levels of usage for the storage vessels, and access icons that are each associated with a color and each lead to a set of screens for different types of operations for the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Medica Corporation
    Inventors: Jeannine Dussi, Edward Ganshirt, Ray Goodwin, Stan Liffman, Tony Mao, Doug Moe, Steve Rettew, Ian Smith, Charlene Soley, Le Nguyen, Qian Sun, Will Whelan, Diana Zipeto, Gregg Sweetser
  • Publication number: 20150101812
    Abstract: A mill for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing having a bore therethrough and a plurality of eccentrically arranged pockets formed in a wall thereof and an arm disposed in each pocket. Each arm has a body portion and a blade portion extending from an outer surface of the body portion and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The mill further includes cutters disposed along each blade portion and a block disposed in each pocket and connected to the housing. Each block has a guide engaged with a mating guide of the respective body portion and an inner passage for providing fluid communication between the housing bore and the respective pocket. The mill further includes an actuator for extending the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Ram K. BANSAL, Mohammed Aleemul HAQ, Thomas F. BAILEY, Richard J. SEGURA, Ian SMITH
  • Patent number: 8986770
    Abstract: Shown is a process for manufacturing a fabricated leaf tea product. The process includes the steps of: (i) providing a concentrated liquid tea composition; (ii) providing a base leaf tea; (iii) combining the concentrated liquid tea composition with the base leaf tea to form a tea mixture having a total soluble solids content of at least 50% by dry weight of the mixture; and (iv) drying the tea mixture. At least 20% by weight of the base leaf tea has a particle size of +16 mesh and/or the tea mixture is sorted according to particle size to yield a fraction wherein at least 20% by weight of the fraction has a particle size of +16 mesh; and the time between forming the tea mixture (step iii) and drying (step iv) is at least 5 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Alan Cooper, Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20140350774
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus comprising: at least one motor vehicle switchpack (121-135), the switchpack comprising input means operable to control the switchpack to provide a switchpack control output to a motor vehicle control system; and motor vehicle test apparatus (100T), the test apparatus comprising: a test apparatus control system comprising computing means (115); test apparatus switching means operable under the control of the test apparatus control system to control the at least one switchpack to provide the switchpack control output to the vehicle control system, the test apparatus control system being operable to monitor a response by the vehicle control system to the switchpack control output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Alexandros Mouzakitis, Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20140350773
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is provided a device comprising electrical connector means adapted releasably to connect the device to an electrical circuit overload protection apparatus of a motor vehicle, the device comprising means for measuring an amount of electrical current flowing therethrough and means for outputting from the device a signal corresponding to the amount of electrical current flowing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ian Smith, Alexandros Mouzakitis
  • Patent number: 8832927
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical antenna includes bonding a trocar screw and a conductor together and overmolding the trocar screw with a puck material to form a puck assembly. A trocar is coupled to the trocar screw, which forms a distal radiating section, and a proximal antenna member is coupled to the puck assembly, which forms a proximal radiating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ian Smith, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20140216660
    Abstract: A transfer ring of the type having a plurality of shoes arranged in a substantially circular configuration to define an inwardly-facing segmented cylindrical gripping surface, and a shoe for use in such a transfer ring, are disclosed. Each shoe comprises an arcuate interior surface defining a segment of the cylindrical gripping surface. The interior surface of each shoe has a first arcuate edge and an opposite second arcuate edge arranged substantially parallel to one another, and opposite first and second end edges extending between respective ends of said first and second arcuate edges. Each first and second end edge defines a substantially non-linear shape with each first and second end edge being shaped for mating engagement with an end edge of an adjacent shoe in the circular configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Davian Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Jones, Ian Smith, William Jones, Robert L. Marcus, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140212545
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing a fabricated leaf tea product. The process comprises the steps of: (i) providing a concentrated liquid tea composition; (ii) providing a base leaf tea; (iii) combining the concentrated liquid tea composition with the base leaf tea to form a tea mixture having a total soluble solids content of at least 50% by dry weight of the mixture; and (iv) drying the tea mixture. At least 20% by weight of the base leaf tea has a particle size of +16 mesh and/or the tea mixture is sorted according to particle size to yield a fraction wherein at least 20% by weight of the fraction has a particle size of +16 mesh; and the time between forming the tea mixture (step iii) and drying (step iv) is at least 5 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CONOPCO, INC. D/B/A UNILEVER
    Inventors: Michael Alan Cooper, Ian Smith
  • Patent number: 8709522
    Abstract: Shown is a process for manufacturing a fabricated leaf tea product. The process includes the steps of: (i) providing a concentrated liquid tea composition; (ii) providing a base leaf tea; (iii) combining the concentrated liquid tea composition with the base leaf tea to form a tea mixture having a total soluble solids content of at least 50% by dry weight of the mixture; and (iv) drying the tea mixture. At least 20% by weight of the base leaf tea has a particle size of +16 mesh and/or the tea mixture is sorted according to particle size to yield a fraction wherein at least 20% by weight of the fraction has a particle size of +16 mesh; and the time between forming the tea mixture (step iii) and drying (step iv) is at least 5 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Alan Cooper, Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20140115676
    Abstract: In a method for authenticating a device on a wireless local area network (WLAN) there is a once-off registration phase in which the device sends registration data in a MO SMS via the mobile network to the authentication system, and the authentication system performs a query to this mobile network to validate the subscriber and resolve the subscriber and device identifiers. The device receives network access information from the authentication system, allowing it to generate network access credentials on an on-going basis. This is permanent unless the registration is revoked due, for example, to the device being stolen. The network access information may be provided by the authentication system generating and signing a unique subscriber certificate during registration, and the device downloading it. The device uses the signed certificate to generate and encrypt the network access credentials for the network access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ACCURIS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Finbarr Coghlan, Robert Ryan, Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20130212240
    Abstract: A method, computer readable medium, and device for dynamic DNS implementation, comprises receiving, at a network traffic management device, a first DNS response from a DNS server, wherein the first DNS response is compliant with Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4). The first DNS response corresponds to a first DNS request from a client device being compliant with Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). The first DNS response is converted into a DNS second response that is compliant with IPv6, by attaching a prefix that identifies a network gateway device which is to handle receive subsequent non-DNS requests from the client device. The second DNS response is routed to the client device. Subsequent non-DNS requests from the client device that contain at least a part of the prefix allow the network traffic management device to route the non-DNS request through the designated network gateway device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: F5 NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter M. Thornewell, Jason Haworth, Ian Smith, Nat Thirasuttakorn
  • Publication number: 20130126620
    Abstract: Disclosed in one general aspect is a modular chemistry analysis test unit for a chemistry analyzer that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents. A machine-readable test specification is coupled with the vessels and identifies a series of test operations that employ the reagents for the vessels. The specification includes one or more reagent quantity specifications that specify a quantity of the reagents to mix with a test sample, and one or more reaction duration specifications that specify a reaction time for the reagents and test sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jeannine Dussi, Edward Ganshirt, Ray Goodwin, Stan Liffmann, Tony Mao, Doug Moe, Steve Rettew, Ian Smith, Charlene Soley, Le Nguyen, Qian Sun, Will Whelan, Diana Zipeto, Gregory Sweetser
  • Publication number: 20130129873
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing a fabricated leaf tea product. The process comprises the steps of: (i) providing a concentrated liquid tea composition; (ii) providing a base leaf tea; (iii) combining the concentrated liquid tea composition with the base leaf tea to form a tea mixture having a total soluble solids content of at least 50% by dry weight of the mixture; and (iv) drying the tea mixture. At least 20% by weight of the base leaf tea has a particle size of +16 mesh and/or the tea mixture is sorted according to particle size to yield a fraction wherein at least 20% by weight of the fraction has a particle size of +16 mesh; and the time between forming the tea mixture (step iii) and drying (step iv) is at least 5 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Alan Cooper, Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20130130390
    Abstract: An automated chemistry analysis method is disclosed. In one general aspect, the method includes receiving a modular chemistry analysis test unit that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents, and a machine-readable test specification coupled with the vessels. The method also includes defining a test that defines a test including a series of operations that employ the reagents for the vessels, and installing the chemistry analysis test unit in a first chemistry analyzer that includes one or more analysis tools and sequencing logic for sequencing instructions to be carried out by the analysis tools. The machine-readable test specification is automatically received from the chemistry analysis test module and stored for access by the sequencing logic to allow the sequencing logic to instruct the analysis tools to carry out the test defined by the test specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jeannine Dussi, Edward Ganshirt, Ray Goodwin, Stan Liffmann, Tony Mao, Doug Moe, Steve Rettew, Ian Smith, Charlene Soley, Le Nguyen, Qian Sun, Will Whelan, Diana Zipeto, Gregory Sweetser
  • Publication number: 20130132882
    Abstract: Disclosed in one general aspect is a method of operating a chemistry analyzer method that includes determining usage levels associated with a plurality of storage vessels that store reagents for use by the analyzer. A pictorial representation that includes a plurality of graphical elements that convey levels of usage for the storage vessels is displayed to the operator. A series of access icons that are each associated with a color and each lead to a set of screens for different types of operations for the analyzer are also displayed, with the screens being color coded to correspond to the color associated with their respective access icons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jeannine Dussi, Edward Gunshirt, Ray Goodwin, Stan Liffmann, Tony Mao, Doug Moe, Steve Rettew, Ian Smith, Charlene Soley, Le Nguyen, Qian Sun, Will Whelan, Diana Zipeto, Gregory Sweetser
  • Publication number: 20130097096
    Abstract: Implementing a process in an automation platform. Representing conceptual entities of the process as a nodes in a conceptual graph. Representing process relationships between the conceptual entities as edges between the nodes of the conceptual graph. Transforming the conceptual graph into a structural graph representing an automation design of the process. Transforming the structural graph into implementation artifacts executable on the automation platform. Entities can represent a feature, a constraint, a project phase, a screen, a data item, and a process description. Relationships can include a dependency relationship, a temporal relation-ship, and a parent-child relationship. The transformation into a structural graph being traceable between elements of the conceptual graph and the structural graph. The transformation into a structural graph controlled by a first configuration information. The transformation into a implementation artifacts controlled by a second configuration information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CORE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shane Andrew Mercer, John Matthew Martin, Lindsay Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20130069410
    Abstract: An article containment system is provided for restricting the movement of articles positioned on a support surface of a vehicle. The system includes a plurality of panels configured to be attached to the support surface such that each of the panels is movable from a stowed position to an up position in which the panel is substantially perpendicular to the support surface; a first position maintaining element configured to hold a first panel in the up position and configured to allow the first panel to move to the stowed position; and a second position maintaining element configured to hold a second panel in the up position and configured to allow the second panel to move to the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20130055274
    Abstract: Automating processes in an automation platform. Specifying a program that when executed by the platform implements the process. The program including process description, process components. The description including component initialization instructions having input parameter(s) and initialized component execution instructions having an execution state. Components having an initialization interface, an execution interface, and at least one of simulation instructions and operation instructions. Components characterized by output parameters, and operative upon receiving input parameters via the initialization interface to initialize the component. Initialized components operative upon receiving an execution state via the execution interface to execute the initialized component in accordance with the execution state, and in absence of operation instructions, to return a simulated output in the format of the output parameters in accordance with the simulation instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Shane Andrew Mercer, John Matthew Martin, Lindsay Ian Smith
  • Patent number: 8349470
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to a multilayer aluminum alloy sheet material suitable for fabrication into coolant-conveying tubes, headers and the like used for heat exchangers, and to the tubes and headers, etc., fabricated from the sheet. The multi-layer metal sheet has a core layer of aluminum alloy having first and second sides. The first side has an interlayer made of a Zn-containing aluminum alloy positioned between a Zn-containing outer layer and the core layer. The alloy of the outer layer is more electronegative than the alloy of the interlayer. The alloy of the interlayer is preferably more electronegative than the alloy of the core layer. The first side clad in this way is the side intended for exposure to the coolant, and provides good resistance to corrosion and erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Henri Marois, Kevin Michael Gatenby, Thomas L. Davisson, Andrew D. Howells, Ian Smith
  • Publication number: 20120299303
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (10) for extracting energy from waves in a body of liquid. The converter (10) comprises an inflatable sleeve (12) having an air inlet (14) at or towards one end and an air outlet (18) at or towards its other end. A flexible diaphragm (22) is located within the sleeve (12) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The diaphragm (22) is sealingly engaged with the sleeve (12) along opposed, elongate edges (22a,22b) thereof. A flexible spine (24) is retained within the diaphragm (22) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The spine (24) is fixed with the diaphragm (22), relative to the sleeve (12), at or towards each end of the sleeve (12). The converter (10) also comprises a loading device operable to apply an axial compressive force to the spine (24) relative to the sleeve (12) such that, on operation of the loading device, the spine (24) and the diaphragm (22) are buckled into a waveform (26) constrained within the sleeve (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Norman West Bellamy, Neil Michael Bellamy, Robert Ian Smith