Patents by Inventor John A. Smith

John 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).

  • Micro-Needle Sampling Device and use Thereof
    Publication number: 20200229803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for obtaining a sample (30) from a biological material (40) in solid form, said device comprising an array of micro-needles (30) arranged on a base plate (20). It further relates to a method for obtaining a sample (50) from a biological material (40) in solid form, comprising pressing the micro-needles (30) of the device (10) into said biological material (40), and subsequently removing the device from the biological material (40), and to the use of the device (10) in such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Kathryn Louise Lamerton, Michael John Smith
  • Pulse modulated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control
    Patent number: 10712021
    Abstract: An underfloor heating (UFH) system limits the floor temperature of an environmental entity (for example, a room) by pulsing (pulse modulating) the flow rate through a hydronic emitter (circuit) heating the environmental entity. Once the heated water fills the circuit during time interval Ton, the flow is stopped for a fixed time Toff before allowing the cycle to repeat until a target temperature is reached. The ratio of flow/no flow (Ton/Toff) may be a proportional lower floor temperature compared to a traditional circuit supporting a constant water flow. The UFH system may heat a plurality of rooms, each having different floor temperature limitations. The floor temperatures may be limited differently by pulsing the hydronic emitters (circuits) rooms differently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Computime Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip John Smith
  • RESPIRATORY INTERFACE
    Publication number: 20200215289
    Abstract: Interfaces for positive pressure therapy having a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly are disclosed herein. The connection port assembly has a ball joint connection with the mask assembly and includes a quick release button for easily disconnecting the gases source conduit from the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include a bias flow vent that is formed separately and attached to the mask assembly. The headgear assembly encircles the rear region of the user's head and may include at least some portions that are substantially non-stretchable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Jonathan David HARWOOD, Christopher Earl NIGHTINGALE, Gregory James OLSEN, Craig Robert PRENTICE, Daniel John SMITH, Brett John HUDDART, Andrew Paul Maxwell SALMON, Olivia Marie ALLAN
  • Semiconductor device with interconnect to source/drain
    Patent number: 10707330
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided including providing an SOI substrate comprising a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer and a semiconductor layer, forming a shallow trench isolation in the SOI substrate, forming a FET in and over the SOI substrate, and forming a contact to a source or drain region of the FET that is positioned adjacent to the source or drain region, wherein forming the shallow trench isolation includes forming a trench in the SOI substrate, filling a lower portion of the trench with a first dielectric layer, forming a buffer layer over the first dielectric material layer, the buffer layer having a material different from a material of the first dielectric layer, and forming a second dielectric layer over the buffer layer and of a material different from the material of the buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Thees, Peter Baars, Elliot John Smith
  • Automatic balance valve control
    Patent number: 10697650
    Abstract: A self-adjusting balance valve controller controls water flow through a hydronic emitter in a heating and/or cooling temperature control system. The valve controller obtains a measured temperature differential between an inlet and an outlet of the hydronic emitter and determines a displacement of a coupling pin from the measured temperature differential. The valve controller then instructs a driving mechanism to move, through a coupling mechanism, the coupling pin to adjust a valve that results in a desired water flow through the hydronic emitter. The valve controller may maintain a stable temperature differential at a desired differential value, which may be obtained through a user interface or from a memory device. Moreover, the desired differential value may vary with different times of operation or temperature control situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Computime Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip John Smith, Wai-Leung Ha, Dean Richard Jepson, Chung-Ming Cheng, Kwok Wa Kenny Kam, Hao-Hui Huang, Dick Kwai Chan, Hong Bin Liao
  • Laundry detergent capsule
    Patent number: 10689605
    Abstract: A laundry detergent capsule containing a laundry detergent composition, the capsule including a capsule base (33) with one or more side walls (35) extending from the base to form a detergent composition cavity accommodating the laundry detergent composition (39), wherein the capsule includes a capsule lid (41) for sealing the detergent composition cavity and the capsule lid includes a flange (43) extending from a lid portion and abutting the side wall or side walls, The flange having 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 breaks or gaps arranged symmetrically around the circumference of the upper rim of the side wall or walls. a container containing a plurality of such capsules and use of such capsules to launder textiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew David Green, Matthew Charles Meyrick Pritchard, Neil John Smith
  • Method, computer program product, and system for providing a sensor-based environment
    Patent number: 10672051
    Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system to facilitate an audit of a checkout transaction, where the checkout transaction is associated with a virtual transaction record reflecting interactions of a person with a first set of one or more items of a plurality of items within an environment. The method includes acquiring image information including a shopping receptacle associated with the checkout transaction, and identifying a second set of one or more items of the plurality of items that are included in the shopping receptacle using the acquired image information. The method further includes comparing the first and second sets of items, and determining, based on the comparison, whether to perform an audit of the checkout transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
    Inventors: Dean Frederick Herring, Brad Matthew Johnson, Adrian Xavier Rodriguez, Ankit Singh, Jeffrey John Smith
  • CONTEXT DATA MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20200167160
    Abstract: A data processing system includes processing circuitry for executing context-data-dependent-program instructions which are decoded by decoder circuitry. Such context-data-dependent program instructions perform processing which are dependent upon currently existing context data. As an example, the context-data-dependent program instructions may be floating point instructions and the context data may be rounding mode information. The decoder circuitry supports a context save instruction which saves context data when it is marked as having been used and saves default context data when the current context data is marked as not having been used. The decoder circuitry further supports a context restore instruction which restores context data when the current context data is marked as having been used and permits the current context data to continue for future use when it is marked as currently unused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Christopher GROCUTT, François Christopher Jacques BOTMAN, Bradley John SMITH
  • PACKAGING MATERIALS
    Publication number: 20200156849
    Abstract: The use of a palladium-doped zeolite for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds is described wherein the zeolite has a CHA framework type and is polymer-bound. Such zeolites have been found to have particular utility as packaging materials for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds, such as those originating from organic matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew William John SMITH, Andrew CORNISH, Han XU, Jhonny RODRIGUES RAMOS
  • PACKAGING FILMS
    Publication number: 20200148449
    Abstract: A packaging film is described comprising at least one polymer film layer in which particles of a small-pore or a medium-pore palladium-doped zeolite are dispersed. Such films are of particular utility for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds, such as those originating from organic matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew William John SMITH, Andrew CORNISH, Han XU
  • Modulated heating/cooling system control
    Patent number: 10649508
    Abstract: A heating/cooling system modulates the temperature of water flowing through a hydronic emitter by mixing water flows through a mixing valve. The mixing valve has an inlet connect to a water flow pipe, an inlet connected to a water return pipe, and an outlet connected to the hydronic emitter. Water flows through the inlets are configured to obtain a desired mixed water flow at a targeted temperature through the outlet. A controller receives temperature information from a thermometer and then determines the targeted temperature of the outlet. The controller then determines an inlet ratio and configures the mixing valve based on the ratio. The heating/cooling system may support one or more heating/cooling zones and may operate either in a heating or a cooling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Computime Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip John Smith
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETERMINING REAL-TIME LOCATION
    Publication number: 20200137817
    Abstract: A system and method to determine location information with respect to a plurality of portable devices, with potentially a large number of portable devices such as 40 or more portable devices in proximity to the system. The system may connect to and locate each of the plurality of portable devices in proximity to the system. The location information may be determined with respect to an object, such as a vehicle or building, and optionally within a larger system of objects, such as a mass transit system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Eric John Smith
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO START ARC WELDING
    Publication number: 20200130094
    Abstract: Systems and methods to start arc welding are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes: power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power; and control circuitry configured to: prior to a welding operation, control the power conversion circuitry to stop outputting the welding-type power to a wire electrode; and in response to identifying contact between the wire electrode and a workpiece: control the power conversion circuitry to output an arc starting current to the wire electrode; control a feed motor of a welding torch to retract the wire electrode; control the feed motor to advance the wire electrode based on a first parameter of the welding operation; and control the power conversion circuitry to output the welding-type power to the wire electrode based on the first parameter or a second parameter of the welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Peter Mehn, John Smith
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING MICROLOCATION ZONES
    Publication number: 20200128354
    Abstract: A method and system of creating microlocation zones by defining virtual boundaries using a system of one or more transmitters and receivers with one or more spatially-correlated antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Eric John Smith, Raymond Michael Stitt, Warren Guthrie, Steven Petersen
  • Retro-reflective sensor with multiple detectors
    Patent number: 10620337
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a photoelectric sensor system with a primary photo-detector to receive an on-axis return reflected by a retro-reflective target, and a monitor photo-detector to detect off-axis light indicative of a diffuse reflective object blocking the optical path between an emitter and the retro-reflective target. In an illustrative example, the optical path may include a coaxial transceiver module that includes a beam splitter mirror to redirect the optical path. In some embodiments, a bifurcated lens may provide, for example, a lateral offset of the emitter axis through one lens, and the return axis through an adjacent parallel lens. The second photo-detector may provide, for example, an array of one or more detection surfaces to detect off-axis light associated with a diffuse reflective object, such as a white card, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Banner Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Lindmark, Paul D. Bratton, Dennis John Smith, Neal A. Schumacher
  • Deep fence isolation for logic cells
    Patent number: 10593674
    Abstract: Structures for field-effect transistors and methods for fabricating a structure for field-effect transistors. A logic cell includes first and second field-effect transistors and a well defining a back gate that is arranged beneath the first and second field-effect transistors. A dielectric layer is arranged between the well and the logic cell. A plurality of deep trench isolation regions extend through the dielectric layer and are arranged to surround the first and second field-effect transistors and the well. The back gate is shared by the first and second field-effect transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Cheng Chang, Nigel Chan, Elliot John Smith
  • DEEP FENCE ISOLATION FOR LOGIC CELLS
    Publication number: 20200083223
    Abstract: Structures for field-effect transistors and methods for fabricating a structure for field-effect transistors. A logic cell includes first and second field-effect transistors and a well defining a back gate that is arranged beneath the first and second field-effect transistors. A dielectric layer is arranged between the well and the logic cell. A plurality of deep trench isolation regions extend through the dielectric layer and are arranged to surround the first and second field-effect transistors and the well. The back gate is shared by the first and second field-effect transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Ming-Cheng Chang, Nigel Chan, Elliot John Smith
  • Veterinary syringe for multiple injections
    Patent number: 10583252
    Abstract: A trigger operated syringe (100) for intramammary injection of antibiotics has a fluid containing syringe cartridge (203) activated by a plunger (206) which is inserted into the syringe cartridge (203A) and expels fluid when the trigger (205) is pulled. A syringe cartridge holding mechanism (223) holds the syringe cartridge in place until the trigger (205) is released and the plunger (206) retracted. Single syringe cartridge (203) and multiple syringe cartridge (204) versions are disclosed. The plunger moves in a direction which is effectively perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trigger, allowing for ease of injection to a cow's teats, and ejection of the spent cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM ANIMAL HEALTH USA INC.
    Inventors: Robert William Lachlan Holmes, Rodney Gordon Walker, Todd Donald Ebbett, Colin Anthony Standing, Peter Robert Williams, Giovanni Ciampa, Michael Rossignuolo, Robert John Smith
  • Cold cathode switching device and converter
    Patent number: 10580610
    Abstract: A cold-cathode switching device is presented. The cold-cathode switching device includes a housing defining a chamber; an ionizable gas disposed in the chamber; and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the chamber. The plurality of electrodes includes a cathode and an anode defining a discharge gap, and wherein at least one of the cathode and anode comprises a material that is liquid at an operating temperature of the cathode or the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy John Sommerer, Joseph Darryl Michael, David John Smith, Sergey Joseph Zalubovsky
  • Per-request event detection to improve request-response latency
    Patent number: 10579446
    Abstract: Events are raised by a worker thread that is executing a workflow, when the worker thread starts, suspends, resumes and ends execution of the workflow. A latency detection system, that is external to the worker thread, detects when these events are raised and logs a timestamp and a stack trace, corresponding to the workflow and the event that was raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Christopher Kuzior, Harsh Satyanarayan Dangayach, Alexander Lawrence Wilkins, Matthew John Smith