Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Smith

Kevin J. 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: 10464547
    Abstract: A vehicle includes drive wheels, an energy source having an available energy, a torque-generating device powered by the energy source to provide an input torque, a transmission configured to receive the input torque and deliver an output torque to the set of drive wheels, and a controller. The controller, as part of a programmed method, predicts consumption of the available energy along a predetermined travel route using onboard data, offboard data, and a first logic block, and also corrects the predicted energy consumption using the onboard data, offboard data, and an error correction loop between a second logic block and the first logic block. The controller also executes a control action with respect to the vehicle using the corrected energy consumption, including changing a logic state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David S. Park, Kevin J. Smith, Terence L. Meehan, Todd P. Lindemann, Richard B. Weinberg, James B. Nicholson, Chia-Hsiang Liu, Andrew M. Zettel, Ramon A. Alonso
  • Publication number: 20190016329
    Abstract: A vehicle includes drive wheels, an energy source having an available energy, a torque-generating device powered by the energy source to provide an input torque, a transmission configured to receive the input torque and deliver an output torque to the set of drive wheels, and a controller. The controller, as part of a programmed method, predicts consumption of the available energy along a predetermined travel route using onboard data, offboard data, and a first logic block, and also corrects the predicted energy consumption using the onboard data, offboard data, and an error correction loop between a second logic block and the first logic block. The controller also executes a control action with respect to the vehicle using the corrected energy consumption, including changing a logic state of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David S. Park, Kevin J. Smith, Terence L. Meehan, Todd P. Lindemann, Richard B. Weinberg, James B. Nicholson, Chia-Hsiang Liu, Andrew M. Zettel, Ramon A. Alonso
  • Patent number: 10082015
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a profile of a tubular string and the components thereof as the tubular string is made up and run into a borehole. The apparatus includes a rotating assembly disposed within a housing, the rotating assembly including a plurality of upper legs, and plurality of lower legs and a plurality of rolling elements, each upper leg having a proximal end and a distal end coupled to an upper ring, each lower leg having a proximal end coupled to a lower ring and a distal end, and each rolling element rotatably coupled to the proximal end of an upper leg and a distal end of a lower leg. The apparatus further includes a sensor for detecting a position of the rolling elements as they engage an exterior surface of a tubular string being made up and run into a borehole from a rig. The apparatus receives the tubular string through aligned central passages in the upper ring, lower ring and the rotating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: ACCU-TALLY, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Williams, Lance C. Jordan, Kevin J. Smith, Patrick A. Burns, Jr., David Maxfield, Phillip Phelps, Dale Benditz
  • Publication number: 20180058194
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a profile of a tubular string and the components thereof as the tubular string is made up and run into a borehole. The apparatus includes a rotating assembly disposed within a housing, the rotating assembly including a plurality of upper legs, and plurality of lower legs and a plurality of rolling elements, each upper leg having a proximal end and a distal end coupled to an upper ring, each lower leg having a proximal end coupled to a lower ring and a distal end, and each rolling element rotatably coupled to the proximal end of an upper leg and a distal end of a lower leg. The apparatus further includes a sensor for detecting a position of the rolling elements as they engage an exterior surface of a tubular string being made up and run into a borehole from a rig. The apparatus receives the tubular string through aligned central passages in the upper ring, lower ring and the rotating assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Charles M. Williams, Lance C. Jordan, Kevin J. Smith, Patrick A. Burns, JR., David Maxfield, Phillip Phelps, Dale Benditz
  • Patent number: 9782359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, comprising (i) a matrix made of polymeric nanofibers, and (ii) an opioid agonist within the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: EURO-CELTIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Alexander Oksche, Kevin J. Smith, Derek Prater, Malcolm Walden, Will Heath, Bernard Kennedy, Vanessa Addison
  • Patent number: 9497239
    Abstract: A device may generate a media stream to be shared with other users by building a media graph, comprising a series of interconnected processing units that perform various processing tasks. However, the time involved in generating the media graph may delay the initialization of the media stream, and adjusting properties of the media stream (such as resolution or codec) may result in an interruption of the media stream while a new media graph is built. Instead, a media graph cache may be provided to cache a set of media graphs, which may be interchangeably selected for rapid initialization and adjusting of media stream properties. The media component (e.g., a videocamera) may also be configured to promote rapid adjustments to some media stream properties, while maintaining other properties (e.g., field of view and white balance) for a smooth transition between media stream property sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Cooper, Robert A. Farrow, Kurt D. Wrisley, Tolga Kilicli, Walid Ali, Shiwei Wang, Kevin J. Smith, Kandarp Dinesh Jani
  • Publication number: 20150156238
    Abstract: A device may generate a media stream to be shared with other users by building a media graph, comprising a series of interconnected processing units that perform various processing tasks. However, the time involved in generating the media graph may delay the initialization of the media stream, and adjusting properties of the media stream (such as resolution or codec) may result in an interruption of the media stream while a new media graph is built. Instead, a media graph cache may be provided to cache a set of media graphs, which may be interchangeably selected for rapid initialization and adjusting of media stream properties. The media component (e.g., a videocamera) may also be configured to promote rapid adjustments to some media stream properties, while maintaining other properties (e.g., field of view and white balance) for a smooth transition between media stream property sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen C. Cooper, Robert A. Farrow, Kurt D. Wrisley, Tolga Kilicli, Walid Ali, Shiwei Wang, Kevin J. Smith, Kandarp Dinesh Jani
  • Patent number: 8922665
    Abstract: A device may generate a media stream to be shared with other users by building a media graph, comprising a series of interconnected processing units that perform various processing tasks. However, the time involved in generating the media graph may delay the initialization of the media stream, and adjusting properties of the media stream (such as resolution or codec) may result in an interruption of the media stream while a new media graph is built. Instead, a media graph cache may be provided to cache a set of media graphs, which may be interchangeably selected for rapid initialization and adjusting of media stream properties. The media component (e.g., a video camera) may also be configured to promote rapid adjustments to some media stream properties, while maintaining other properties (e.g., field of view and white balance) for a smooth transition between media stream property sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Cooper, Robert A. Farrow, Kurt D. Wrisley, Tolga Kilicli, Walid Ali, Shiwei Wang, Kevin J. Smith, Kandarp Dinesh Jani
  • Publication number: 20140081727
    Abstract: Methods and systems can be provide for redeeming loyalty rewards such as loyalty points for value. In an aspect, an input can be received. The input can relate to a loyalty program and a user account. The input can comprise an exchangeable value and the user account has a profile associated therewith. The input can be analyzed to automatically determine a modification to the profile based upon the exchangeable value. The modification can be applied to the profile associated with the user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Robert David Hoffmire, Nancy Alderman Crace, Daniel Burke, Kevin J. Smith, Lou An Yu
  • Patent number: 8655526
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain having an electric torque machine mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine includes monitoring a temperature state of the hybrid powertrain, determining a maximum discharging power limit of the high-voltage battery corresponding to the temperature state of the hybrid powertrain, estimating an engine drag torque associated with the temperature state of the hybrid powertrain, selecting a preferred engine cranking speed associated with the estimated engine drag torque and achievable at less than the maximum discharging power limit of the high-voltage battery, and controlling the electric torque machine to generate a magnitude of motor torque output sufficient to crank the internal combustion engine at the preferred engine cranking speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: R. Travis Schwenke, Kevin J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8543930
    Abstract: System, method and computer program product for verifying an avatar owner as a human user of an avatar in a virtual world environment in which humans interact through avatars via client devices in network communication with a server device. A request for challenging an avatar in the virtual world environment is received to determine whether that avatar is controlled by an application program user (bot). A user client device associated with a challenged avatar is identified and a Human Identification Proof (HIP) message for detecting a human user versus a bot controlling the challenged avatar is generated and communicated, for receipt at the identified user client device. It is determined from the response, whether the user is a bot or a human user. If a challenged avatar is determined to be a bot, then the server device prevents the challenged avatar from further interaction in the virtual world environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Champion, Jeffrey J. Smith, Kevin J. Smith, David T. Windell
  • Publication number: 20130067573
    Abstract: System, method and computer program product for verifying an avatar owner as a human user of an avatar in a virtual world environment in which humans interact through avatars via client devices in network communication with a server device. A request for challenging an avatar in the virtual world environment is received to determine whether that avatar is controlled by an application program user (bot). A user client device associated with a challenged avatar is identified and a Human Identification Proof (HIP) message for detecting a human user versus a bot controlling the challenged avatar is generated and communicated, for receipt at the identified user client device. It is determined from the response, whether the user is a bot or a human user. If a challenged avatar is determined to be a bot, then the server device prevents the challenged avatar from further interaction in the virtual world environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David F. Champion, Jeffrey J. Smith, Kevin J. Smith, David T. Windell
  • Patent number: 8316310
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for verifying an avatar owner as a human user of an avatar in a virtual world environment in which users interact through avatars via client devices in network communication with a server device. A request for challenging an avatar in the virtual world environment is received to determine whether that avatar is controlled by an application program user (bot). A user client device associated with a challenged avatar is identified and a Human Identification Proof (HIP) message for detecting a human user versus a bot controlling the challenged avatar is generated and communicated, for receipt at the identified user client device. It is determined from the response, whether the user is a bot or a human user. If a challenged avatar is determined to be a bot, then the server device prevents the challenged avatar from further interaction in the virtual world environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Champion, Jeffrey J. Smith, Kevin J. Smith, David T. Windell
  • Patent number: 8290691
    Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states in a vehicle having a controller and auto start/auto stop functionality. The method includes detecting an engine state cycling event, measuring a plurality of vehicle operating values, and using the controller to optimize the cycling frequency via at least one of: automatically adjusting an interval between an auto start event and an auto stop event when each of a first set of the vehicle operating values exceeds a corresponding threshold, and temporarily inhibiting the auto start/auto stop functionality when any value in a second set of the vehicle operating values falls outside of a hysteresis band created around the second set. A vehicle includes an engine and a controller having an algorithm for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states as set forth above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chihang Lin, Allen J. Lehmen, James B. Nicholson, Kevin J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120179312
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain having an electric torque machine mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine includes monitoring a temperature state of the hybrid powertrain, determining a maximum discharging power limit of the high-voltage battery corresponding to the temperature state of the hybrid powertrain, estimating an engine drag torque associated with the temperature state of the hybrid powertrain, selecting a preferred engine cranking speed associated with the estimated engine drag torque and achievable at less than the maximum discharging power limit of the high-voltage battery, and controlling the electric torque machine to generate a magnitude of motor torque output sufficient to crank the internal combustion engine at the preferred engine cranking speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: R. Travis Schwenke, Kevin J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8214095
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain system includes commanding engine operation to transition from an engine-off state to an engine-on state. A control scheme detects engine firing based upon input speed, input torque and a change in the input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Allen J. Lehmen, Kevin J. Smith, James B. Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20120093929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, comprising (i) a matrix made of polymeric nanofibers, and (ii) an opioid agonist within the matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Euro-Celtique S.A.
    Inventors: Alexander Oksche, Kevin J. Smith, Derek Prater, Malcolm Walden, Will Heath, Bernard Kennedy, Vanessa Addison, Hassan Mohammad
  • Publication number: 20120086815
    Abstract: A device may generate a media stream to be shared with other users by building a media graph, comprising a series of interconnected processing units that perform various processing tasks. However, the time involved in generating the media graph may delay the initialization of the media stream, and adjusting properties of the media stream (such as resolution or codec) may result in an interruption of the media stream while a new media graph is built. Instead, a media graph cache may be provided to cache a set of media graphs, which may be interchangeably selected for rapid initialization and adjusting of media stream properties. The media component (e.g., a video camera) may also be configured to promote rapid adjustments to some media stream properties, while maintaining other properties (e.g., field of view and white balance) for a smooth transition between media stream property sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Cooper, Robert A. Farrow, Kurt D. Wrisley, Tolga Kilicli, Walid Ali, Shiwei Wang, Kevin J. Smith, Kandarp Dinesh Jani
  • Publication number: 20110066359
    Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states in a vehicle having a controller and auto start/auto stop functionality. The method includes detecting an engine state cycling event, measuring a plurality of vehicle operating values, and using the controller to optimize the cycling frequency via at least one of: automatically adjusting an interval between an auto start event and an auto stop event when each of a first set of the vehicle operating values exceeds a corresponding threshold, and temporarily inhibiting the auto start/auto stop functionality when any value in a second set of the vehicle operating values falls outside of a hysteresis band created around the second set. A vehicle includes an engine and a controller having an algorithm for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states as set forth above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chihang Lin, Allen J. Lehmen, James B. Nicholson, Kevin J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7900158
    Abstract: A display screen magnifier is controllable by a user to magnify selected portions of a desktop including windows open on the screen. A moveable magnifier frame is provided, within which a magnified image is presented. The magnified image corresponds to screen content located within a magnification region underlying the magnifier frame, magnified to a set level of magnification. In one embodiment, the magnification region is moveable relative to the magnifier frame, in relation to movement of the magnifier frame on the display screen. Such relative movement can be used to avoid a potentially disorienting edge condition that arises when a magnifier frame reaches an edge of the display screen and stops, while its associated magnification region continues to pan. In another embodiment, the cursor of a user input device is moveable across the screen display into and out of the magnification region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph K. Ngari, Kevin J. Smith, Scott Mitchell Mail, Jacob Fleisher, Michael Winser, David V. Esposito