Patents by Inventor Keith E. Smith
Keith E. 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).
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Patent number: 11959046Abstract: A method of creating a protective coating on an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is provided. The method includes providing carbon dioxide to an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid and allowing the alkali metal hydroxide and carbon dioxide to react thereby forming a carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer on the exterior of the solid wherein the carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer is non-hygroscopic and water soluble, and wherein greater than 80% of the hydroxide in the hydroxide-containing solid does not react with the carbon dioxide, and further wherein the alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is substantially free of lithium hydroxide. A method of testing for the presence of carbonate-containing coating on an alkali metal hydroxide containing solid is also provided. The method includes exposing the coated solid to 95 weight percent ethanol, collecting the ethanol effluent and testing the effluent for alkali metal hydroxide.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark P. Peterson, Keith E. Olson
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Patent number: 11918540Abstract: An improvement to a standardized design of a body for small-bore connectors for liquids and/or gases in a healthcare application, wherein the body has a spout with a standardized upper portion. The upper portion can have a standardized external thread or can have a different size and shape for the external thread. The body can have a standardized internal flange or another differently sized and shaped internal flange. The body can have an internal void though which the liquids and/or gases flow. At least a portion of the standardized internal flange or another internal flange can be eliminated or removed to reduce a flow restriction caused by the standardized internal flange and thus increase a flow area of the internal void.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: VONCO PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Keith E. Smith, John LaRoi, James F. Konicke, Kyle Vlasak
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Publication number: 20210330553Abstract: An improvement to a standardized design of a body for small-bore connectors for liquids and/or gases in a healthcare application, wherein the body has a spout with a standardized upper portion. The upper portion can have a standardized external thread or can have a different size and shape for the external thread. The body can have a standardized internal flange or another differently sized and shaped internal flange. The body can have an internal void though which the liquids and/or gases flow. At least a portion of the standardized internal flange or another internal flange can be eliminated or removed to reduce a flow restriction caused by the standardized internal flange and thus increase a flow area of the internal void.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: VONCO PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Keith E. Smith, John LaROI, James F. Konicke, Kyle Vlasak
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Publication number: 20210108384Abstract: This invention relates to an industrial street sweeper and especially to a street sweeper having a floating sweeper brush which floats or rides over obstacles in the surface being cleaned.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventor: Keith E . Smith
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Patent number: 10689820Abstract: This invention relates to multi-purpose self propelled surface cleaning machine for road construction and especially to a drivable surface sweeper and scrapper for the removal of overburden and waste materials during road construction. The prime mover has multiple flexible components and does not need to add make-shift components at a later time.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Inventor: Keith E. Smith
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Patent number: 10662593Abstract: A drag box or box scraper for scraping and moving loose materials on a surface uses a three point hitch having a pivotally mounted blade box holding a scraping blade attached thereto to allow the scraping blade to pivot to ride over rigid objects, such as man hole covers during road preparations. Attached water tanks add weight to the drag box and feeds a water sprayer used for dust suppression.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Inventor: Keith E Smith
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Patent number: 10309069Abstract: An industrial street sweeper attachment removably attaches to a prime mover with a quick coupler and has a forward debris collecting hopper mounted on the front of a rotary brush compartment having a floating sweeping brush therein. The debris collecting hopper is hingedly attached to the brush compartment and has a linkage therebetween having a lifting arm and a lifting hydraulic cylinder which can remotely lock the debris collecting hopper to the brush compartment to receive swept debris from the rotary sweeping brush and can be remotely lifted to an open position for discharging debris.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Inventor: Keith E Smith
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Publication number: 20160090704Abstract: This invention relates to an industrial street sweeper and especially to a street sweeper having a floating sweeper brush which varies the downward force on the rotating brush on the surface being swept to float the brush over the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventor: Keith E Smith
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Patent number: 8265245Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Publication number: 20040013253Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Patent number: 6643362Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Global Crossing, Ltd.Inventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Publication number: 20020103899Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madihigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Patent number: 6279038Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Global Crossing, North AmericaInventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Patent number: 6263372Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Link USA Corp.Inventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Patent number: 6016343Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Link USA CorporationInventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Patent number: 5903637Abstract: A call conferencing system and method includes a conference call controller and a conference bridge. The conference bridge includes a plurality of conference ports, to which conference participant audio is connected. Connection of conference ports in the bridge, bridges together the audio of the participants, thus forming the conference. The call conferencing system receives the initial scheduling request for the conference call, checks resource availability for the scheduled conference date and time, and reserves the required resources for the conference if they are available. To create the conference, conference call controller causes an operator console to be tied to a conference port on the bridge. Conference call controller originates a call to a conference participant via a conference port and ties the participant to the console via the bridge. The console informs the participant of the conference and the conference call controller connects the participant to the conference.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: LinkUSA CorporationInventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Keith E. Smith
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Patent number: 5873099Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1995Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: LinkUSA CorporationInventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana Bruce Berry
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Patent number: 5646982Abstract: A message delivery sequence coordinates the scheduling and delivery of messages. When a user desires to send a message, the user contacts the message delivery system. An automated voice response unit prompts the user for message delivery information, including a delivery time and other delivery options and also prompts the user for the message itself. The message is stored in a message database and an access record corresponding to the message and containing message delivery information is stored in an access database. A delivery time is determined for the message and an event is stored in a scheduling database indicating the delivery time. At the scheduled delivery time, the message delivery system instructs a network control processor to start delivery of the message. The network control processor notifies the automated voice response unit that the message is to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: LinkUSA CorporationInventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Roy A. Rhodes, Keith E. Smith, Todd A. Goodman
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Patent number: 5590181Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call dam, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1993Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Link USA CorporationInventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Todd A. Goodman, David J. Vercande, Michael R. Tangeman, Eric M. Busch, Raghavan Kripakaran, Madhigubba G. Jayasimha, Keith E. Smith, Mark A. Austin, Dana B. Berry
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Patent number: RE38973Abstract: A sweeper includes a support structure having parallel arms which may be moved apart to allow a brush held between the arms to be replaced. Each of the arms has a hub mounted thereon by a universal joint which provides automatic alignment of the two hubs to provide a single axis of rotation for the brush. One of the hubs is connected to a hydraulic drive motor and includes a plurality of slots, one of which receives a drive lug on the interior of the brush which is preferably of the type having a core of a thin metal tube. A raising and lowering mechanism comprises a parallelogram having a hydraulic cylinder in the center for controlling the configuration of the parallelogram. As the brush is raised its support mechanism remains parallel to the vehicle and moves closer to it. A unique stop element is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder to provide a minimum height for the sweeper.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Keith E. Smith