Patents by Inventor John D. Smith

John D. 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: 10421021
    Abstract: A system for providing guidance of a ride vehicle on a track of a park ride, e.g., a vehicle or car of a roller coaster, that is adapted to provide side guide wheel suspension with a design that requires significantly less maintenance than the traditional pin and bushing configuration. The system includes a side guide assembly includes two spring members, which may each take the form of a leaf spring, that are directly mounted to the main support of the bogie assembly (e.g., the load wheel assembly, the up stop assembly, and the support frame of the bogie assembly). The spring members are adapted to provide anchor points for the side guide wheel shafts that each side guide wheel is mounted onto for rotation. When the spring members are leaf springs, the eyes of each leaf spring may form the anchor points or shaft supports for the wheel rotation shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: John D. Smith, Brooke M. Swift, Felicia D. Hight, Brecken L. Kanz, Anthony R. Defilippo, Marc A. Medina, Alejandro A. Figueroa
  • Publication number: 20180318722
    Abstract: A system for providing guidance of a ride vehicle on a track of a park ride, e.g., a vehicle or car of a roller coaster, that is adapted to provide side guide wheel suspension with a design that requires significantly less maintenance than the traditional pin and bushing configuration. The system includes a side guide assembly includes two spring members, which may each take the form of a leaf spring, that are directly mounted to the main support of the bogie assembly (e.g., the load wheel assembly, the up stop assembly, and the support frame of the bogie assembly). The spring members are adapted to provide anchor points for the side guide wheel shafts that each side guide wheel is mounted onto for rotation. When the spring members are leaf springs, the eyes of each leaf spring may form the anchor points or shaft supports for the wheel rotation shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: JOHN D. SMITH, BROOKE M. SWIFT, FELICIA D. HIGHT, BRECKEN L. KANZ, ANTHONY R. DEFILIPPO, MARC A. MEDINA, ALEJANDRO A. FIGUEROA
  • Patent number: 10011210
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame; a dump bed carried by the frame and having a non-dumping position and a dumping position; a dumping mechanism connected to the dump bed and configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position; a roof carried by the frame above the dump bed; and a rack carried by the frame below the roof, the rack being configured to not interfere with the dump bed in the dumping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ASW, LLC
    Inventors: Kegan M. Crawford, John D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9937845
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame; a dump bed carried by the frame and having a non-dumping position and a dumping position; a dumping mechanism connected to the dump bed and configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position; a roof carried by the frame above the dump bed; and a rack carried by the frame below the roof, the rack being configured to not interfere with the dump bed in the dumping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ASW, LLC
    Inventors: Kegan M. Crawford, John D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170341557
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame; a dump bed carried by the frame and having a non-dumping position and a dumping position; a dumping mechanism connected to the dump bed and configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position; a roof carried by the frame above the dump bed; and a rack carried by the frame below the roof, the rack being configured to not interfere with the dump bed in the dumping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: ASW, LLC
    Inventors: Kegan M. Crawford, John D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170224092
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a hammock. The hammock comprises a body. The body comprises a plurality of layers of material cut to form a channel in each end when folded and sewn together to form a quadrilateral parallelogram. A length of grosgrain ribbon is sewn down a length of edges of long diagonals of at least two of the plurality of layers of material, so as when folded over and sewn the channels are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventor: John D. Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160167589
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame; a dump bed carried by the frame and having a non-dumping position and a dumping position; a dumping mechanism connected to the dump bed and configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position; a roof carried by the frame above the dump bed; and a rack carried by the frame below the roof, the rack being configured to not interfere with the dump bed in the dumping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: ASW, LLC
    Inventors: Kegan M. Crawford, John D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150225976
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an escape and survival capsule that provides protection to occupants from, e.g., cataclysmic natural events such as tsunamis, flooding, monsoon, typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes, water spouts, earthquakes and mudslides. The capsule may be designed to be inflatable with durable and rugged materials providing protection against hazardous environmental factors during one or more of the preceding cataclysmic events. The capsule may be designed to be easily stowable, transportable and deployable so that it can serve its intended purpose within minutes after the occurrence of any of the preceding or other cataclysmic events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicants: IDS Global Inc., Woosung IB. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. CARLSON, John R. NICOLINI, Michael KROEMER, Charles B. FARMER, John D. SMITH, Mark D. WRIGGLE
  • Publication number: 20140020024
    Abstract: A control device such as a tablet computer presents a scrollable image-based program guide (IBPG) on a display that a user can swipe to cause the device to command a display device to present an audio video (AV) program represented by the image. The IBPG is a subset of an electronic program guide (EPG) from a TV signal provider and is populated using user history and favorites information and social networking site history and favorites information. Sizes of the images may vary depending on the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aravind Babu Asam, Jonathan Paul Gaiser, John D. Smith, Tanmay Agnihotri, Dongwook Kim, Neha Sindavala Karnam
  • Publication number: 20130194406
    Abstract: A targeted delivery of content and related metadata is made to users of various types of electronic devices that are adapted to render or play the content. Images of each user are captured at various times while various items of the content are being played. According to one embodiment the images are processed via one or more facial recognition algorithms so that the identity of each of the users, including their names, is determined. This data is stored in a central server thereby establishing a database of profiles of these users. The profiles are comprised of tracking information of content played by each of the users on a per-content basis. The central server either uses this tracking information directly or transmits it to another server or another business entity, such as for example another content provider, for use by the other business entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Kai Liu, John D. Smith, Norifumi Takaya, David Tao
  • Publication number: 20130198278
    Abstract: A targeted delivery of content and related metadata is made to users of various types of electronic devices that are adapted to render or play the content. Images of each user are captured at various times while various items of the content are being played. According to one embodiment the images are processed via one or more facial recognition algorithms so that the identity of each of the users, including their names, is determined. This data is stored in a central server thereby establishing a database of profiles of these users. The profiles are comprised of tracking information of content played by each of the users on a per-content basis. The central server either uses this tracking information directly or transmits it to another server or another business entity, such as for example another content provider, for use by the other business entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Kai Liu, John D. Smith, Norifumi Takaya, David Tao
  • Publication number: 20130198280
    Abstract: A targeted delivery of content and related metadata is made to users of various types of electronic devices that are adapted to render or play the content. Images of each user are captured at various times while various items of the content are being played. According to one embodiment the images are processed via one or more facial recognition algorithms so that the identity of each of the users, including their names, is determined. This data is stored in a central server thereby establishing a database of profiles of these users. The profiles are comprised of tracking information of content played by each of the users on a per-content basis. The central server either uses this tracking information directly or transmits it to another server or another business entity, such as for example another content provider, for use by the other business entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Kai Liu, John D. Smith, Norifumi Takaya, David Tao
  • Publication number: 20130198279
    Abstract: A targeted delivery of content and related metadata is made to users of various types of electronic devices that are adapted to render or play the content. Images of each user are captured at various times while various items of the content are being played. According to one embodiment the images are processed via one or more facial recognition algorithms so that the identity of each of the users, including their names, is determined. This data is stored in a central server thereby establishing a database of profiles of these users. The profiles are comprised of tracking information of content played by each of the users on a per-content basis. The central server either uses this tracking information directly or transmits it to another server or another business entity, such as for example another content provider, for use by the other business entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Kai Liu, John D. Smith, Norifumi Takaya, David Tao
  • Publication number: 20130061258
    Abstract: A television apparatus for performing personalized viewing mode adjustments in response to identifying individual viewers. A camera and image/facial recognition subsystems are configured to identify individuals and retrieve stored viewing adjustment preference information for use in automatically adjusting the viewing mode of the television, and optional external devices (e.g., electronically controlled lights, shades, and so forth), to enhance the television viewing experience for individuals and groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norifumi Takaya, John D. Smith, Kai Liu, David Tao
  • Patent number: 7693185
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the computerized management of a digital ecosystems through the creation and management of intelligent information packets that enable computerized management of the creation, flow, and use of electronic and optically scanned paper documents. An XML packet is structured to combine document data, comprising electronic or optically scanned documents, with rules, work-flow controls, audit capability, and signature controls. Tamper proofing ensures validity of information, such as legal documents, that requires proof and tracking of official origin, approval, or status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: DigitalBridge Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Brown, John D. Smith, D. Brent Israelsen, Mark M. Mussman
  • Patent number: 7338440
    Abstract: A laryngoscope system has a blade with a distal end, and intermediate extent, and a generally C-shaped recess adjacent to a proximal end. A handle has a lower end, a central extent, and an upper end. The lower end has a space between two parallel shoulders to receive the blade and a pin spanning the space to rotatably support the recess of the blade. A suction subassembly extends between the blade and the handle. An optical subassembly extends between the blade and the handle. The blade and optical subassembly move between an operative position and inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: John D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6994087
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube bulb aspirator system has a bulb with a top end, a bottom end with an open bottom, and a transition zone therebetween. A first interior space in the top end is contiguous with a second interior space in the bottom end. At least one first flapper valve on the bulb includes at least one aperture in the bulb and an associated sheet positioned over the associated aperture with a portion of one edge being free. A second flapper valve is positioned adjacent the transitional zone between the first interior space and the second interior space has support beams and a disc with free edges coupled centrally to the support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: John D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030030320
    Abstract: Removable decorative wheel covers for covering central wheel portions on wheels on various types of moving vehicles from automobiles to buses to trucks to golf carts. The covers can have perforated patterns that can be punched out as needed to allow different sized wheel protrusions such as valve stems, central raised hub members, and the like, to pass therethrough. The perforations can include a single pattern, a ring pattern, and the like. A novel blank wheel cover can allow for customizable indicia to be applied by various methods including stencils, peel & stick decals, static cling decals, and/or magnetic decals to be selectively applied thereon. Another version allows for removable fasteners to be on both sides of the discs so that the user can selectively make either side of the disc visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: John D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6309027
    Abstract: Removable decorative wheel covers for covering central wheel portions on wheels on various types of moving vehicles from automobiles to buses to trucks. The covers have perforated patterns of circles, rectangles, and the like, that can be punched out as needed to allow different sized wheel protrusions such as valve stems, central raised hub members, and the like to pass therethrough. The perforations can include a single closed pattern that allows a single opening to be created. Additionally, the perforations can be in a ring pattern about the outer perimeter of the disc. Still furthermore, the perforations can be in a central region of the disc. Still furthermore, the openings can be punched out to allow components on the wheel that heat up such as brakes, and the like, to be air cooled. The placement of the perforations does not overlap the areas of the design type indicia that can be placed on the external surface of the wheel cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: John D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5931543
    Abstract: Disc wheel covers for forming optical illusions such as but not limited to clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating spiral patterns. The wheel covers have fasteners which interlock to mating fasteners on the outer ring of existing wheel hubs of a vehicle in place of hubcaps or attached directly to the outside of existing hubcaps. The fasteners can be extra strong interlocking mushroom shaped fasteners and or hook and loop fasteners. The matting fasteners allow the wheel covers to be detachable when needed but allow the covers to stay on the wheel hubs as the vehicle travels up to speeds of upto approximately 140 mph or more. The spiral patterns can be various color combinations, and be reflective. Alternatively, the wheel covers can have different optical illusions, solid reflective backgrounds, and/or include advertising symbols, logos, and business names.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: John D. Smith