Patents by Inventor James G. C. Smith

James G. C. 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).

  • Gemstone alignment
    Patent number: 9079331
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a gemstone such as diamond (106) with a predetermined vertical axis (108) is described. The apparatus includes an upwardly extending nozzle (105) aligned with the vertical axis (108) and sized to allow the gemstone (106) to settle into it under the action of gravity so that the article is supported by the aperture. A fluid supply system supplies fluid to the nozzle (105) under sufficient pressure to support the article within or above the aperture. A fluid pressure control system controls the pressure of fluid supplied to the nozzle (105), so that it can be reduced gradually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: De Beers Centenary AG
    Inventors: James G. C. Smith, Graham R. Powell
  • GEMSTONE ALIGNMENT
    Publication number: 20120167362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a gemstone such as diamond (106) with a predetermined vertical axis (108) is described. The apparatus includes an upwardly extending nozzle (105) aligned with the vertical axis (108) and sized to allow the gemstone (106) to settle into it under the action of gravity so that the article is supported by the aperture. A fluid supply system supplies fluid to the nozzle (105) under sufficient pressure to support the article within or above the aperture. A fluid pressure control system controls the pressure of fluid supplied to the nozzle (105), so that it can be reduced gradually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: DE BEERS CENTENARY AG
    Inventors: James G. C. Smith, Graham R. Powell
  • Detecting diamonds in a rock sample
    Patent number: 5603414
    Abstract: In order to provide secure and simple detection of diamonds when prospecting, a rock sample is reduced to powder particles which are automatically checked to see if they contain diamond particles (30) by processing an image of X-radiation transmitted through a layer of the particles. The image may be processed by comparing it with a further image of visible light transmitted by the layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Gersan Establishment
    Inventors: Marie-Line Rooney, James G. C. Smith, Martin P. Smith, Martin Cooper