Patents by Inventor Kent A. Smith
Kent 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).
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Patent number: 11972649Abstract: A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: J. Michael Ellis, Eric Smith, Aaron Day, Kurt Dykema, Warren E. Guthrie, Brent Bouws, David L Klamer, Kent D. Pilcher
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Publication number: 20240117943Abstract: A system, device, and method for detecting leaks near an emitter is disclosed. The method includes (i) receiving, from one or more mobile sensors, a first stream of information indicative of a leak state, (ii) determining that an initial leak state exists based at least in part on the first stream of information indicative of the leak state, (iii) receiving a second stream of information indicative of a no-leak state, (iv) using a statistical model to determine that the leak state has ended based at least in part on the first stream of information and the second stream of information, (v) receiving a third stream of information indicative of the leak state, and (vi) determining that a new leak state exists, wherein the new leak state is a distinct leak state from the initial leak state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Shreyan Sen, Zachary Kent Smith, Todd Langland, Marek Andrzej Kwasnica, Rishabh Urvesh Shah, Meghan Elizabeth Thurlow, Brian LaFranchi, Nathan Sankary, Matthew Hill, Tobe Corazzini, Davida Herzl
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Publication number: 20240077465Abstract: A system, device, and method for sensing air quality with a sensor platform is disclosed. The method includes (i) directing a set of mobile sensors to a coarse region wherein the coarse region has coarse size based on variance of prior air quality measurements taken at locations within a vicinity of the coarse region, and (ii) directing the set of mobile sensors to a fine region wherein the fine region has a fine size based on variance of prior air quality measurements taken at locations within a vicinity of the fine region. The variance of air quality measurements associated with the fine region is greater than a variance of air quality measurements associated with the coarse region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Nathan Sankary, Walker Alexander, Michael Browning, Jessica Jenkins, Tobe Corazzini, Meghan Elizabeth Thurlow, Zachary Kent Smith, Davida Herzl
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Publication number: 20240077326Abstract: A system, device, and method for sensing air quality with a sensor platform is disclosed. The method includes (i) directing an air quality measurement system to a predicted high information region wherein the predicted high information region is determined based on high variance of prior air quality measurements taken at different times, (ii) directing the air quality measurement system to a predicted low information region wherein the predicted low information region is determined based on low variance of prior air quality measurements taken at different times. The air quality measurement system is preferentially directed to the predicted high information region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Nathan Sankary, Walker Alexander, Michael Browning, Jessica Jenkins, Tobe Corazzini, Meghan Elizabeth Thurlow, Zachary Kent Smith, Davida Herzl
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Patent number: 11891854Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments are adjustable to control the amount of light transmitted through the covering. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, and in another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that is darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Publication number: 20230235624Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, JR., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
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Patent number: 11643870Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, Jr., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
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Publication number: 20230138944Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
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Patent number: 11566469Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
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Publication number: 20220276829Abstract: An interactive podcast with integrated additional audio/visual content. In one embodiment, a computing device comprising: an electronic processor; and a memory including an interactive podcast program that, when executed by the electronic processor, causes the electronic processor to perform a set of operations including retrieving, from a server, a podcast, one or more links to additional audio/visual content that is contextually related to the podcast, and metadata, and generating an interactive podcast by generating a plurality of graphical user interfaces based on the podcast, the one or more links to the additional audio/visual content, and the metadata. The plurality of graphical user interfaces is configured to provide a user interaction interface between the podcast and the one or more links to the additional audio/visual content.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: Giide Audio, Inc.Inventors: Scott Prindle, Allison Kent-Smith
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Patent number: 11347471Abstract: An interactive podcast with integrated additional audio/visual content. In one embodiment, a computing device comprising: an electronic processor; and a memory including an interactive podcast program that, when executed by the electronic processor, causes the electronic processor to perform a set of operations including retrieving, from a server, a podcast, one or more links to additional audio/visual content that is contextually related to the podcast, and metadata, and generating an interactive podcast by generating a plurality of graphical user interfaces based on the podcast, the one or more links to the additional audio/visual content, and the metadata. The plurality of graphical user interfaces is configured to provide a user interaction interface between the podcast and the one or more links to the additional audio/visual content.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: GIIDE AUDIO, INC.Inventors: Scott Prindle, Allison Kent-Smith
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Publication number: 20220136323Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments are adjustable to control the amount of light transmitted through the covering. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, and in another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that is darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Patent number: 11199048Abstract: A pivotable handle for an architectural covering is provided. The handle (400) includes first and second members (408,410) pivotably connected together at a hinge assembly (460). The first member (408) may be operable to connect the handle (400) to a movable rail (512). The second member (410) pivots between stored and use positions. In a stored position, the second member (410) may extend adjacent the first member (408). In a use position, the second member (410) may be pivoted away from the first member (408) to extend the movable rail (512) across an architectural structure. The handle includes a biasing member (470) operable to bias the second member (410) towards the first member (408).Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Richard Watkins, Kenneth W. Witherell, Stephen P. Smith, Michael True, Galen B. Rhodes, Tim Daviau, Kent Smith, Paula Cerna
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Publication number: 20210189797Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments are adjustable to control the amount of light transmitted through the covering. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, and in another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that is darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Publication number: 20210140231Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2021Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
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Patent number: 10975616Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments are adjustable to control the amount of light transmitted through the covering. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, and in another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, and the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that is darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Patent number: 10907406Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
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Publication number: 20200378179Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, JR., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
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Patent number: 10781630Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, Jr., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
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Publication number: 20200285440Abstract: An interactive podcast with integrated additional audio/visual content. In one embodiment, a computing device comprising: an electronic processor; and a memory including an interactive podcast program that, when executed by the electronic processor, causes the electronic processor to perform a set of operations including retrieving, from a server, a podcast, one or more links to additional audio/visual content that is contextually related to the podcast, and metadata, and generating an interactive podcast by generating a plurality of graphical user interfaces based on the podcast, the one or more links to the additional audio/visual content, and the metadata. The plurality of graphical user interfaces is configured to provide a user interaction interface between the podcast and the one or more links to the additional audio/visual content.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Scott Prindle, Allison Kent-Smith