Patents by Inventor Kevin R. Smith
Kevin R. 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: 11973374Abstract: A brushless direct-current motor is provided includes an inner stator and an outer rotor. The rotor includes a rotor core disposed around the stator, an inner annular member mounted on a rotor shaft, and a plurality of radial blades extending angularly from the rotor core to the inner annular member forming a fan. A first end cap is provided including a radial back plate proximate the fan and a center opening in the radial back plate through which the rotor shaft extends. A second end cap is provided including a main body disposed adjacent the stator opposite the fan. The radial back plate of the first end cap includes at least one sloped surface forming at least one air gap such that the airflow generated by the fan is centrifugally guided within the first end cap by the sloped surface and caused to exit through the air gap.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: John B. Fogle, Dustin Jeffries, Michael R. Marjomaa, Kevin L. Pulley, Vincent W. Zou, Jarrett A. Dunston, David J. Smith, Rene Thieme, Tim Heimrich, Tobias Heep, Daniel Bernhart, Dieter Schmidtfrerick
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Patent number: 11920833Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a refrigerant loop having a compressor, where the compressor is configured to circulate a refrigerant through the refrigerant loop, a first heat exchanger disposed along the refrigerant loop, where the first heat exchanger is configured to place the refrigerant in a first heat exchange relationship with a working fluid, and an air handling unit having a second heat exchanger, where the second heat exchanger is configured to place the working fluid in a second heat exchange relationship with an airflow, and where the air handling unit is isolated from the first heat exchanger to reduce or eliminate mixing of refrigerant with the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Ryan L. Snider, Rajiv K. Karkhanis, Chandra S. Yelamanchili, Curtis W. Caskey, Kevin R. Stockton, Nicholas P. Mislak, Douglas A. Kester, Troy E. Smith
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Patent number: 11572141Abstract: A lift bag for moving an object underwater includes a lift bag body and a buoyancy regulator device within an internal cavity of the lift bag body. The buoyancy regulator device includes concentric regulator tubes. Each regulator tube includes a regulator tube opening and the regulator tube openings may be aligned to define a regulator tube aperture. The regulator tube aperture is in fluid communication with a lift bag slot formed in the lift bag body. A constant buoyancy for the lift bag is determined by adjusting the position of the regulator tube aperture by moving the inner and outer regulator tubes with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Inventor: Kevin R. Smith
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Publication number: 20210380208Abstract: A lift bag for moving an object underwater includes a lift bag body and a buoyancy regulator device within an internal cavity of the lift bag body. The buoyancy regulator device includes concentric regulator tubes. Each regulator tube includes a regulator tube opening and the regulator tube openings may be aligned to define a regulator tube aperture. The regulator tube aperture is in fluid communication with a lift bag slot formed in the lift bag body. A constant buoyancy for the lift bag is determined by adjusting the position of the regulator tube aperture by moving the inner and outer regulator tubes with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventor: Kevin R. Smith
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Patent number: 11133201Abstract: A thermal system includes a base member, a two-phase fluid, a tuning heater, and a chuck. The base member includes at least one fluid passageway. The two-phase fluid is disposed within the fluid passageway. A pressure of the two-phase fluid is controlled such that the two-phase fluid provides at least one of heating and cooling to the base member. The tuning heater is secured to the base member. The chuck is secured to the tuning heater opposite to the base member. The tuning heater includes a plurality of zones to fine tune a heat distribution provided by the base member to the chuck.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Kevin R. Smith, Kevin Ptasienski, Ray Alan Derler, Cal T. Swanson, Philip S. Schmidt, Mohammad Nosrati, Jacob R. Lindley, Allen N. Boldt, Sanhong Zhang, Louis P. Steinhauser, Dennis S. Grimard
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Patent number: 10361103Abstract: A thermal system includes: a base member including at least one fluid passageway in which a two-phase fluid is disposed; a tuning layer secured to the base member; and a control system. The pressure of the two-phase fluid is controlled such that the two-phase fluid provides at least one of heating and cooling to the base member. The tuning layer includes a plurality of zones. The control system includes a plurality of sets of power lines in communication with the tuning layer, and a plurality of addressable control elements in electrical communication with the power lines and with the tuning layer. The control elements provide selective control of the tuning layer zones.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin R. Smith, Kevin Ptasienski, Ray Alan Derler, Cal T. Swanson, Philip S. Schmidt, Mohammad Nosrati, Jacob R. Lindley, Allen N. Boldt, Sanhong Zhang, Louis P. Steinhauser, Dennis S. Grimard
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Patent number: 10154542Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a substrate in a process chamber and regulating surface temperature of the substrate and method of making the same is provided. The apparatus includes a base support having a surface adapted to support the substrate and a heater for heating the substrate with the heater being disposed proximate the base support. The base support is made of a composite material comprising a plurality of thermally conductive arcuate members embedded within a matrix, each of the plurality thermally conductive arcuate members being arranged concentrically and defining predetermined intervals in a radial direction such that the composite material provides an anisotropic thermal conductivity in radial (?), azimuthal (?) and axial (z) directions in a cylindrical coordinate system of the base support.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Sanhong Zhang, Kevin Ptasienski, Kevin R. Smith
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Publication number: 20170236732Abstract: A thermal system includes a base member, a two-phase fluid, a tuning heater, and a chuck. The base member includes at least one fluid passageway. The two-phase fluid is disposed within the fluid passageway. A pressure of the two-phase fluid is controlled such that the two-phase fluid provides at least one of heating and cooling to the base member. The tuning heater is secured to the base member. The chuck is secured to the tuning heater opposite to the base member. The tuning heater includes a plurality of zones to fine tune a heat distribution provided by the base member to the chuck.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Kevin R. Smith, Kevin Ptasienski, Ray Alan Derler, Cal T. Swanson, Philip S. Schmidt, Mohammad Nosrati, Jacob R. Lindley, Allen N. Boldt, Sanhong Zhang, Louis P. Steinhauser, Dennis S. Grimard
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Publication number: 20170111958Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a substrate in a process chamber and regulating surface temperature of the substrate and method of making the same is provided. The apparatus includes a base support having a surface adapted to support the substrate and a heater for heating the substrate with the heater being disposed proximate the base support. The base support is made of a composite material comprising a plurality of thermally conductive arcuate members embedded within a matrix, each of the plurality thermally conductive arcuate members being arranged concentrically and defining predetermined intervals in a radial direction such that the composite material provides an anisotropic thermal conductivity in radial (?), azimuthal (?) and axial (z) directions in a cylindrical coordinate system of the base support.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2015Publication date: April 20, 2017Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Sanhong Zhang, Kevin Ptasienski, Kevin R. Smith
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Publication number: 20170092514Abstract: A thermal system includes: a base member including at least one fluid passageway in which a two-phase fluid is disposed; a tuning layer secured to the base member; and a control system. The pressure of the two-phase fluid is controlled such that the two-phase fluid provides at least one of heating and cooling to the base member. The tuning layer includes a plurality of zones. The control system includes a plurality of sets of power lines in communication with the tuning layer, and a plurality of addressable control elements in electrical communication with the power lines and with the tuning layer. The control elements provide selective control of the tuning layer zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Kevin R. Smith, Kevin Ptasienski, Ray Alan Derler, Cal T. Swanson, Philip S. Schmidt, Mohammad Nosrati, Jacob R. Lindley, Allen N. Boldt, Sanhong Zhang, Louis P. Steinhauser, Dennis S. Grimard
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Patent number: 9518946Abstract: A thermographic inspection system includes a heat source configured to be removably attached to an exterior surface of an object. A thermal imaging device obtains a thermal image of the object, and an analyzing device determines a location of a defect in the object based on the thermal image.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Mohammad Nosrati, Cal Swanson, Kevin Ptasienski, Kevin R. Smith, Louis P. Steinhauser
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Publication number: 20160358761Abstract: A support pedestal device for an electrostatic chuck includes a base housing defining an internal cavity, and a base insert disposed proximate the internal cavity of the base housing. A fluid pathway is formed in the internal cavity and includes a plurality of linear-parallel cooling channels separated by corresponding plurality of linear-parallel cooling fins, a fluid supply channel, and a fluid return channel. A cooling fluid flows through the fluid supply channel, through the plurality of linear-parallel cooling channels, and back through the fluid return channel to cool the support pedestal device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Boris Atlas, Mohammad Nosrati, Kevin R. Smith, Ken Ames, Kevin Ptasienski
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Publication number: 20160082693Abstract: A multi-layer sheet for forming an expanded foam container, the multi-layer sheet comprising a first layer of an expanded foam material comprising a first polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer and a second layer of an unexpanded material comprising a second polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer that is co-extruded, extrusion coated, or laminated on a first side of the first layer, wherein an exterior surface of the second layer has a low gloss level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: CHENGTAO LI, GARY R. WILKES, WAYNE J. MYER, TIM E. ACKLEY, CARL E. STEVENS, WILLIAM I. WOLFE, MICHAEL HARVEY, MARK S. DECKER, RYAN P. GINGRAS, KEVIN R. SMITH, PETER MATYSIAK, TOBIN L. EMRICK, STEVE K. MAKELA, RICK L. MEIRNDORF, ERIK J. DURFEE, JAMES W. HUERTA, ALEX C. FENKER
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Publication number: 20160082621Abstract: A process for forming a multi-layer sheet for forming an expanded foam container, the process comprising: extruding a first layer comprising a first polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer and at least one blowing agent; providing a second layer comprising a second polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer onto a first side of the first layer; and expanding the first layer to form the multi-layer sheet comprising an expanded first layer and an unexpanded second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: CHENGTAO LI, GARY R. WILKES, WAYNE J. MYER, TIM E. ACKLEY, CARL E. STEVENS, WILLIAM I. WOLFE, MICHAEL HARVEY, MARK S. DECKER, RYAN P. GINGRAS, KEVIN R. SMITH, PETER MATYSIAK, TOBIN L. EMRICK, STEVE K. MAKELA, RICK L. MEIRNDORF, ERIK J. DURFEE, JAMES W. HUERTA, ALEX C. FENKER
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Publication number: 20160082692Abstract: A multi-layer sheet for forming an expanded foam container, the multi-layer sheet comprising a first layer of an expanded foam material comprising a first polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer and a second layer of an unexpanded material comprising a second polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer that is co-extruded, extrusion coated, or laminated on a first side of the first layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: CHENGTAO LI, GARY R. WILKES, WAYNE J. MYER, TIM E. ACKLEY, CARL E. STEVENS, WILLIAM I. WOLFE, MICHAEL HARVEY, MARK S. DECKER, RYAN P. GINGRAS, KEVIN R. SMITH, PETER MATYSIAK, TOBIN L. EMRICK, STEVE K. MAKELA, RICK L. MEIRNDORF, ERIK J. DURFEE, JAMES W. HUERTA, ALEX C. FENKER
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Publication number: 20150153293Abstract: A thermographic inspection system includes a heat source configured to be removably attached to an exterior surface of an object. A thermal imaging device obtains a thermal image of the object, and an analyzing device determines a location of a defect in the object based on the thermal image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Mohammad Nosrati, Cal Swanson, Kevin Ptasienski, Kevin R. Smith, Louis P. Steinhauser
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Patent number: 7950693Abstract: A dual stage inflator device including a housing defining first and second chamber each containing a quantity of gas generant material ignitable to produce combustion products. A divider plate, separating the first chamber from the second chamber, is disposed and fixed within the housing. The divider plate includes an opening to allow gas flow communication from the second chamber to the first chamber. A removable plug element is normally disposed in the divider plate opening to prevent gas flow communication between the first chamber and the second chamber when in a static state.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Jackson, Kevin R. Smith
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Publication number: 20100317733Abstract: It has now been discovered that inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (“sEH”) are useful in reducing the severity of or inhibiting the progression of obstructive pulmonary diseases, restrictive airway diseases, and asthma. Administering a cis-epoxyeicosantrienoic acid (“EET”) in addition to the inhibitor is at least additive, and may be synergistic, in reducing or inhibiting these conditions and diseases, as measured by reduced numbers of neutrophils present in the lung. The inhibitor of sEH may be a nucleic acid, such as a small interfering RNA.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Bruce D. Hammock, Kent E. Pinkerton, Kevin R. Smith, Takaho Watanabe, Seung Jin Ma
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Patent number: D617158Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventor: Kevin R. Smith
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Patent number: D649160Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventor: Kevin R. Smith