Patents by Inventor Kevin W. Smith

Kevin W. 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: 11826549
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for inter-app communications between software applications on a mobile communications device. In one aspect, a computer-readable medium on a mobile computing device comprising an inter-application communication data structure to facilitate transitioning and distributing data between software applications in a shared app group for an operating system of the mobile computing device includes a scheme field of the data structure providing a scheme id associated with a target software app to transition to from a source software app, wherein the scheme id is listed on a scheme list stored with the source software app; and a payload field of the data structure providing data and/or an identification where to access data in a shared file system accessible to the software applications in the shared app group, wherein the payload field is encrypted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Dexcom, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Morris, Scott M. Belliveau, Esteban Cabrera, Jr., Anna Leigh Davis, Rian W. Draeger, Laura J. Dunn, Timothy Joseph Goldsmith, Hari Hampapuram, Christopher Robert Hannemann, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Katherine Yerre Koehler, Patrick Wile McBride, Michael Robert Mensinger, Francis William Pascual, Philip Mansiel Pellouchoud, Nicholas Polytaridis, Philip Thomas Pupa, Kevin Shoemaker, Brian Christopher Smith, Benjamin Elrod West, Atiim Joseph Wiley
  • Publication number: 20230371954
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, a trigger, and a lockout assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which translates relative to the body to thereby adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. The trigger is operable to actuate the stapling head assembly. The lockout assembly includes an electrically powered braking feature. A method of operating the surgical instrument includes providing the lockout assembly in a first state to permit translation of the translating member. The translating member is then translated. The lockout assembly is then transitioned to a second state to prevent further translation of the translating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Brian W. Bear, Matthew H. Bolton, Rodney V. Clingaman, Brian F. DiNardo, William D. Fox, Kevin L. Houser, John P. Measamer, Christopher C. Miller, Mark D. Overmyer, Kevin D. Sackett, Charles J. Scheib, Emily A. Schellin, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Craig S. Smith, Omar J. Vakharia, Jason E. Zerkle
  • Patent number: 11806682
    Abstract: Viscosity and other properties are determined at desired temperatures in drilling mud and other fluids by using a versatile cavitation device which, operating in the cavitation mode, mixes and heats the fluid to a specified temperature, and, operating in the shear mode, acts as a spindle for application of Couette principles to determine viscosity as a function of shear stress and shear rate. The invention obviates the practice of adjusting rheology of a drilling fluid by passing it through the drill bit. Drilling fluid may be managed by a “straight-through” method to the well, or by placing the cavitation device in a loop which isolates an aliquot of known volume and circulating the fluid through the loop including the cavitation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SCIDEV ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230348543
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleotide sequences encoding an insecticidal protein exhibiting Lepidopteran inhibitory activity, as well as novel insecticidal proteins referred to herein as a BCW 001, BCW 002, BCW 003, and BCW toxic protein-containing chimeras and BCW toxin insecticide, transgenic plants expressing the chimeras or the insecticide, and methods for detecting the presence of the nucleotide sequences or the insecticide in a biological sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: James A. BAUM, David J. BOWEN, Catherine A. CHAY, David J. CHI, William P. CLINTON, Crystal L. DART, Leigh ENGLISH, Stanislaw FLASINSKI, Victor M. GUZOV, Kevin A. JARRELL, Uma R. KESANAPALLI, Thomas M. MALVAR, Robert M. MCCARROLL, Jason S. MILLIGAN, Jay P. MORGENSTERN, Deborah G. RUCKER, Sara A. SALVADOR, Temple F. SMITH, Carlos E. SOTO, Collin M. STULTZ, Brian M. TURCZYK, Ty T. VAUGHN, Moritz W.F. VON RECHENBERG
  • Publication number: 20230338140
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can comprise a stent frame radially movable between a contracted configuration and a maximum expanded configuration. The stent assembly can comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending jack strut assemblies, wherein each jack strut assembly comprises a proximal jack strut comprising a distal surface, a distal jack strut comprising a proximal surface, and a jack screw connecting the proximal jack strut and the distal jack strut. The proximal surface of each distal jack strut does not contact the distal surface of each respective proximal jack strut when the stent assembly is in the contracted configuration. The proximal surface of each distal jack strut contacts the distal surface of each respective proximal jack strut when the stent assembly is in the maximum expanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Richard George Cartledge, Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, Eric Petersen, M. Sean McBrayer
  • Publication number: 20230318376
    Abstract: A power tool or a mower is provided including brushless direct-current motor having an inner stator and an outer rotor. A rotor shaft extends through a stator core of the inner stator. The motor includes a first end cap disposed on a first side of the stator and supporting the rotor shaft via a front bearing and a second end cap disposed on a second side of the stator and supporting the rotor shaft via a rear bearing. The front end cap is mounted on a housing of the power tool or a deck of the mower while the rear end cap is located fully outside the housing or the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11759203
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprised of a stapling end effector having a staple-applying assembly with opposing stapling surfaces defining a closure distance therebetween, wherein at least one stapling surface is movable, and a handle connected to the stapling end effector and comprising a staple-firing assembly that causes the staple-applying assembly to staple tissue between the stapling surfaces. The handle further comprises a power source, electric motor, and closure assembly that has a drive part movable by the motor, detection mechanism, a controller. The drive part is connected to the stapling end effector. When the motor is supplied with power, the drive part advances the movable stapling surface towards the opposing stapling surface. The detection mechanism detects a position of the drive part along the drive-part axis and the controller is configured to prevent stapling unless the drive part is at a position corresponding to a closure distance within a pre-defined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Carlos Rivera, Matthew A. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20230285026
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The body includes a motor, a first user input feature, and a second user input feature. The first user input feature is operable to activate the motor. The shaft extends distally from the body. The stapling head assembly is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil coupling feature, at least one annular array of staples, and a staple driver. The second user input feature is operable to drive the anvil coupling feature longitudinally. The staple driver is operable to drive the at least one annular array of staples. The motor is operable to drive the staple driver. The anvil is configured to couple with the anvil coupling feature. The anvil is further configured to deform the staples driven by the staple driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Brian F. DiNardo, Brian W. Bear, Charles J. Scheib, Christopher C. Miller, Craig S. Smith, Emily A. Schellin, Frederick E. Shelton, Jason E. Zerkle, Jeffrey C. Gagel, John P. Measamer, Johnny H. Alexander, Joseph T. Kluener, Kevin D. Sackett, Kevin L. Houser, Mark D. Overmyer, Matthew H. Bolton, Omar J. Vakharia, Richard F. Schwemberger, Richard L. Leimbach, Rodney V. Clingaman, Timothy E. Goode, William D. Fox, William R. Stager
  • Publication number: 20230286801
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for purifying as-synthesized boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) material to remove impurities of boron, amorphous boron nitride (a-BN), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanocages, h-BN nanosheets, and carbon-containing compounds. The processes include heating the BNNT materials at different temperatures in the presence of inert gas and a hydrogen feedstock or in the presence of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas G. DUSHATINSKI, Kevin C. JORDAN, Michael W. SMITH, R. Roy WHITNEY, Jonathan C. STEVENS
  • Patent number: 11751873
    Abstract: A surgical device comprising a surgical end effector, an actuation assembly having a part operable to move between a first position and a second position, an electrically-powered motor, a transmission mechanically connecting the motor to the part and being operable to selectively displace the part between the first and second positions when the motor is operated, and a manual release mechanically coupled to the transmission to selectively interrupt the transmission and, during interruption, displace the part towards the first position independent of operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Carlos Rivera, Matthew A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11707356
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Richard George Cartledge, Kevin W. Smith, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Korey Kline, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, Michael Walter Kirk, Carlos Rivera, Eric Petersen, M. Sean McBrayer
  • Patent number: 11702455
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleotide sequences encoding an insecticidal protein exhibiting Lepidopteran inhibitory activity, as well as novel insecticidal proteins referred to herein as a BCW 001, BCW 002, BCW 003, and BCW toxic protein-containing chimeras and BCW toxin insecticide, transgenic plants expressing the chimeras or the insecticide, and methods for detecting the presence of the nucleotide sequences or the insecticide in a biological sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: James A. Baum, David J. Bowen, Catherine A. Chay, David J. Chi, William P. Clinton, Crystal L. Dart, Leigh English, Stanislaw Flasinski, Victor M. Guzov, Kevin A. Jarrell, Uma R. Kesanapalli, Thomas M. Malvar, Robert M. McCarroll, Jason S. Milligan, Jay P. Morgenstern, Deborah G. Rucker, Sara A. Salvador, Temple F. Smith, Carlos E. Soto, Collin M. Stultz, Brian M. Turczyk, Ty T. Vaughn, Moritz W. F. Von Rechenberg
  • Patent number: 11670977
    Abstract: A brushless direct-current motor is provided includes an inner stator and an outer rotor. A rotor shaft extends through a stator core of the inner stator. A first end cap includes a radial back plate disposed on a first side of the stator and a front center opening through which the rotor shaft is supported via a front bearing. A second end cap includes an inner annular body extending axially inwardly and forming a rear center opening, an outer annular body, and a main body extending on a second side of the stator. The inner annular body includes a first portion that extends at least partially into an opening of the stator core and supports the rotor shaft via a rear bearing, and a second portion rearward of the first portion that received a rear end of the rotor shaft therein and houses a sensor board therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230149867
    Abstract: Viscosity and other properties are determined at desired temperatures in drilling mud and other fluids by using a versatile cavitation device which, operating in the cavitation mode, mixes and heats the fluid to a specified temperature, and, operating in the shear mode, acts as a spindle for application of Couette principles to determine viscosity as a function of shear stress and shear rate. The invention obviates the practice of adjusting rheology of a drilling fluid by passing it through the drill bit. Drilling fluid may be managed by a “straight-through” method to the well, or by placing the cavitation device in a loop which isolates an aliquot of known volume and circulating the fluid through the loop including the cavitation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Highland Fluid Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20230149869
    Abstract: Viscosity and other properties are determined at desired temperatures in drilling mud and other fluids by using a versatile cavitation device which, operating in the cavitation mode, mixes and heats the fluid to a specified temperature, and, operating in the shear mode, acts as a spindle for application of Couette principles to determine viscosity as a function of shear stress and shear rate. The invention obviates the practice of adjusting rheology of a drilling fluid by passing it through the drill bit. Drilling fluid may be managed by a “straight-through” method to the well, or by placing the cavitation device in a loop which isolates an aliquot of known volume and circulating the fluid through the loop including the cavitation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Highland Fluid Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20230149868
    Abstract: Viscosity and other properties are determined at desired temperatures in drilling mud and other fluids by using a versatile cavitation device which, operating in the cavitation mode, mixes and heats the fluid to a specified temperature, and, operating in the shear mode, acts as a spindle for application of Couette principles to determine viscosity as a function of shear stress and shear rate. The invention obviates the practice of adjusting rheology of a drilling fluid by passing it through the drill bit. Drilling fluid may be managed by a “straight-through” method to the well, or by placing the cavitation device in a loop which isolates an aliquot of known volume and circulating the fluid through the loop including the cavitation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Highland Fluid Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20230078376
    Abstract: A very light weight, noncompressible drilling fluid including a very light weight hydrocarbon base liquid, and a styrenic butadiene diblock copolymer is heated to achieve excellent rheology including thixotropicity, making an effective drilling fluid with a density of 8 pounds per gallon or less. Densities as low as 4 pounds per gallon are achieved with the addition of glass bubbles. The glass bubbles may, but normally will not, exceed 50% by volume. A method of making the drilling fluid includes passing the light weight liquid and the copolymer through a cavitation device. The invention includes drilling and with and recirculating the fluid to maintain the desired density, viscosity and rheology by adjusting the ingredients accordingly. A method of managed pressure drilling employs the novel fluid, enabling control of drill pressure and physical properties of the fluid including equivalent circulating density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: Highland Fluid Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230064549
    Abstract: A multiple-firing clip device comprises a shaft comprising an exterior surface, an interior receiving therein suture fixation clips, and a distal end opening shaped to eject a suture fixation clip therefrom. The shaft defines a lateral opening and a distal shaft portion between the lateral opening and the distal end opening. A shuttle moves on the shaft and comprises a shuttle body, a snare having a distal snare portion, and a snare extension slide movable from the shuttle body along a given extent defining a slide distance and a distal end. The shuttle extends at least the distal snare portion distally through the lateral opening from the environment into the interior, through the distal shaft portion, and through the distal end opening along a length that is at least equal to the slide distance when the snare extension slide moves to the distal end of the given extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Richard George Cartledge, Korey Kline, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez
  • Patent number: 11549045
    Abstract: A very light weight, noncompressible drilling fluid including a very light weight hydrocarbon base liquid, and a styrenic butadiene diblock copolymer is heated to achieve excellent rheology including thixotropicity, making an effective drilling fluid with a density of 8 pounds per gallon or less. Densities as low as 4 pounds per gallon are achieved with the addition of glass bubbles. The glass bubbles may, but normally will not, exceed 50% by volume. A method of making the drilling fluid includes passing the light weight liquid and the copolymer through a cavitation device. The invention includes drilling and with and recirculating the fluid to maintain the desired density, viscosity and rheology by adjusting the ingredients accordingly. A method of managed pressure drilling employs the novel fluid, enabling control of drill pressure and physical properties of the fluid including equivalent circulating density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Highland Fluid Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220361946
    Abstract: A controllable stiffness endoscope overtube includes an overtube shaft including an inner sheath defining an access lumen and an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath from proximal to distal end of inner sheath to define an annulus therebetween having a proximal portion with a vacuum connection. The sheath distal ends are longitudinally fixed to one another and sized to receive an endoscope. The outer sheath has a constant outer diameter over at least a distal portion of the annulus proximate to the distal ends of the sheaths. A vacuum device is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection and applies vacuum to the annulus. Responsive thereto, annulus pressure is lowered, the sheaths are drawn together, and the overtube shaft is stiffened over at least the distal portion to stiffen and maintain a current shape of the overtube shaft over at least the distal portion of the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Syn Variflex, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira