Patents by Inventor Jack A. Smith

Jack 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).

  • Publication number: 20040087233
    Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040084802
    Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020171667
    Abstract: A processor (804) locates a position for displaying an image on at least one of first and second display portions (202, 204) of a display (200) including a visible seam (206) between the display portions (202, 204). The processor (804) then cooperates with the display (200) to display the image in the position such that, when the position extends beyond one of the display portions (202, 204) and onto a next one of the display portions (202, 204), a portion of the image corresponding to the location of the visible seam (206) is omitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: John D. Reed, Jack A. Smith, Danny Pinckley
  • Publication number: 20020016254
    Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst system comprising an activator and one or more heteroatom substituted phenoxide group 3 to 10 transition metal or lanthanide metal compounds wherein the metal is bound to the oxygen of the phenoxide group and provided that:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory T. Whiteker, Jack A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6333389
    Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst system comprising an activator and one or more heteroatom substituted phenoxide group 3 to 10 transition metal or lanthanide metal compounds wherein the metal is bound to the oxygen of the phenoxide group and provided that: a) if more than one heteroatom substituted phenoxide is present it is not bridged to the other heteroatom substituted phenoxide, b) if the metal is a group 4 metal then the carbon adjacent to the carbon bound to the oxygen of the phenoxide may not be bound to an aldehyde or an ester, c) the carbon ortho to the carbon bound to the oxygen of the phenoxide may not be bound to the C1 carbon in a group represented by the formula: wherein R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen, halogen, a hydrocarbon group, a heterocyclic compound residue, an oxygen containing group, a nitrogen containing group, a boron containing group, an sulfur containing group, a phosphorus containing group, a silicon containing group, a germanium containing group, or a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory T. Whiteker, Jack A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010031843
    Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst system comprising an activator and one or more heteroatom substituted phenoxide group 3 to 10 transition metal or lanthanide metal compounds wherein the metal is bound to the oxygen of the phenoxide group and provided that:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: GREGORY T. WHITEKER, JACK A. SMITH
  • Patent number: 6139490
    Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system for producing images that can be perceived in three dimensions. An endoscope apparatus includes a sheath carrying a light source and two independent fixed lens endoscopes. Collimated light from the proximal ends of each endoscope are directed along folded optical paths to independent video cameras. The images generated by the video cameras energize monitors in a virtual reality display device that can be positioned proximate an observer's eyes. Adjustable mirrors and the provision of the rotation of at least one of the video cameras on its axis facilitate the alignment of the images for maximum effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard E. Forkey, Jack Smith, Brian E. Volk
  • Patent number: 6132019
    Abstract: A door assembly that includes a door that is operable to alternatively expose and cover an opening in the bezel of a computer. The door assembly includes a carriage that slides up and down that pivotally couples to the door. Upon pressing against the lower portion of the door, the door pivots and the carriage and the door automatically slide down such that the door no longer covers the opening in the bezel. When an upward force is applied to the door, the door and the carriage move upward and into the closed position. As the door reaches the opening in the bezel, a spring forces the door against the bezel and into the closed position. The door is easily opened and closed and the door is out of the way when the door is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Kim, Colin Alexander Davis, Ronald Jack Smith, Steven G. Siefert
  • Patent number: 5947063
    Abstract: A method of stoichiometrically operating an internal combustion engine. The engine is equipped with a pre-engine catalyst, which produces syngas from natural gas and air. The engine receives the syngas, as well as natural gas, and recirculated exhaust gas. The amount of syngas and the amount of recirculated exhaust gas are maximized for a desired engine efficiency and NO.sub.x emissions level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Jack A. Smith, Daniel J. Podnar, James J. Cole, John T. Kubesh, Gordon J. Bartley
  • Patent number: 5888193
    Abstract: An endoscope has an elongated sheath that follows a curved path. The sheath houses a plurality of relay lens sets designed to have a maximum usable field of view that is greater than the size of an image to be produced. Discrete lens elements within the image transfer guide allow the image to offset to the edges of the maximum usable field of view thereby to allow the axes through the individual sets to progressively shift in angle to form the curved path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Precision Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard E. Forkey, Jack Smith, Brian E. Volk
  • Patent number: 5846026
    Abstract: A method for pipeline padding for reducing the size of spoil disposed in a pile utilizes a vehicle having first and second sides adapted for movement on the surface of the spoil pile. The vehicle includes first and second surface engaging devices disposed on each side of the vehicle. The spoil is crushed using a crushing assembly connected to the vehicle for movement with the vehicle. Spoil is transferred using a transferring assembly connected to the vehicle for movement with the vehicle for transferring spoil from the pile to the crushing assembly. Disposed between the vehicle sides, adjacent the transferring assembly and connected to the vehicle for movement with the vehicle is a control structure for controlling passage of spoil from the spoil pile forward of the surface engaging devices to a position under the surface engaging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Trencor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Gilbert, John Gilbert, William Neal Brown, Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 5788168
    Abstract: A self-loading mobile crusher system for reducing the size of debris disposed in a pile includes a vehicle having first and second sides adapted for movement on the surface of the debris pile. The vehicle includes first and second surface engaging devices disposed on each side of the vehicle. A debris crushing assembly is connected to the vehicle for movement with the vehicle. A debris transferring assembly is connected to the vehicle for movement with the vehicle for transferring debris from the pile to the crushing assembly. Disposed between the vehicle sides, adjacent the transferring assembly and connected to the vehicle for movement with the vehicle is a control structure for controlling passage of debris from the debris pile forward of the surface engaging devices to a position under the surface engaging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Trencor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Gilbert, John Gilbert, William Neal Brown, Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 5697130
    Abstract: A side-entry fastener having first and second side strips with teeth, which can be connected to one another to close an opening, and each side strip defining two ends, a connecting block member at one location on one strip, the connecting block member being secured in position, and defining a recess and a connecting bar secured to said second of the side strips the connecting bar being adapted to be introduced into and removed from the recess in the connecting block and retainers for retaining the bar in the recess, and a slider being adapted to slide over the bar and abut against the block, thereby permitting the two side strips of the slide fastener to be connected together and separated from one another, by lateral movement of the block and the bar relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Imre Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 5525756
    Abstract: A rodent-proof aerial splice closure (20) includes a substantially hollow casing (30, 31) having substantial externally exposed plastic areas. The casing sections (30, 31) are moveable with respect to one another on a hinge (35) for accessing the interior of the casing. Clamps (50) provide for reversibly holding the casing sections (30, 31) closed. Cables can enter and exit the closure (20) through cable ports (45), which can be sealed by end-pieces (55). The exterior geometry of the closure (20) is such that substantially all exposed plastic surface regions which are accessible to rodent teeth are rounded with curvatures preferably greater than one inch radii, thus large enough to prevent rodent teeth from biting down thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Julian S. Mullaney, William N. Beauchamp, Terry E. Frye, William K. Heisey, Jack A. Smith, Jr., Thomas H. Wermke
  • Patent number: 5359654
    Abstract: Modules integral with the body of the assembly include one for drop wire connections, one for subscriber wire connections, one for an electronics interface, and one for a network interface device. Protective sealant material within the assembly protects contacts from corrosion and other deterioration, and from shorting. Sealant plungers and a chamber containing a compressed gas impose compressive forces upon the sealant material. Shunt plugs associated with two of the modules permit signal transmission across the modules at desired times, and when removed eliminate the possibility of a subscriber being shocked or transmitting a spark when accessing subscriber components of the assembly. The main body and the modules of the assembly preferably are integrally connected and form a unitary sealed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Jensen, Thomas M. Baum, John E. Francis, John C. Mason, Jack A. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4998941
    Abstract: An adjustable door stop for a hinge mounted door having at least one hinge leaf connected to the door, one hinge leaf connected to a doorway, and a hinge pin. A body receives the hinge pin in order to rotate substantially perpendicular to the axis of the hinge pin. An adjustable mechanism extends from the body and rests against the doorway. A finger extends from the body substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge pin so that the hinge leaf connected to the door may rest against the finger, thereby stopping movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: B. Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 4899793
    Abstract: A duplicating system, especially for use with a multipurpose woodworking machine capable of performing lathe turning operations. The system includes a support table, a carriage adapted to be slidably mounted on the machine, and a locking rack and pinion for raising and lowering the table relative to the carriage. A tool support is positioned on the table and includes a base having a low friction pad for engaging the table top, a follower for contacting a pattern, and a multi-edge cutting tool rotatably mounted on a tool rod for engaging a workpiece. An insert guide is mounted on the tool rod to hold the cutting tool in position. The base has a set screw which engages a circumferential groove in the shank of the tool rod so that the cutting tool can be quickly and accurately positioned relative to the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Shopsmith, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Snyder, Jack Smith, David D. Flora, Robert L. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 4694713
    Abstract: A duplicating system, especially for use with a multipurpose woodworking machine capable of performing lathe turning operations. The system includes a support table, a carriage adapted to be slidably mounted on the machine, and a locking rack and pinion for raising and lowering the table relative to the carriage. A tool support is positioned on the table and includes a base having a low friction pad for engaging the table top, a follower for contacting a pattern, and a multi-edge cutting tool rotatably mounted on a tool rod for engaging a workpiece. An insert guide is mounted on the tool rod to hold the cutting tool in position. The base has a set screw which engages a circumferential groove in the shank of the tool rod so that the cutting tool can be quickly and accurately positioned relative to the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Shopsmith, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Snyder, Jack Smith, David D. Flora, Robert L. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 4211995
    Abstract: A self contained alarm device is disclosed for aiding in the prevention of the theft of articles from an automobile, such as a citizens band radio, by sounding an audible alarm in the event of an attempted theft. The device includes a box or container in which the article to be protected is mounted and at least one switch mounted on the outside of the container for articles, and at least one switch between the container for the articles and the lid for the container so that removing the container from the surface on which it is mounted will cause an audible alarm to be sounded. One embodiment of the device also includes an electrically conducting wire forming a loop outside of the container for encircling an element of the automobile such as the steering column so that if the loop is cut, the audible alarm will also be sounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Inventor: Jack Smith
  • Patent number: 4039451
    Abstract: A waste water evaporation system includes an elongated evaporation bed having an upper layer of rock pieces and a lower sand layer. A perforated pipe extends in the rock layer to slowly deliver waste water for percolation into the sand layer; and a lower layer of rock pieces under the sand layer may receive drainage of excess water for recirculation to the top layer via a sump and pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1977
    Inventor: Alvin Jack Smith