Patents by Inventor Leon Smith

Leon 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: 9725775
    Abstract: A chain driven diffuser for use in a sugar extraction process, the diffuser including a diffuser floor, a plurality of chain ladder assemblies being displaceable relative to the diffuser floor, with each chain Id-der assembly comprising two opposing chains being driven by drive sprockets characterized in that at least some of the drive sprockets of the diffuser are driven independently from some of the other drive sprockets of the diffusor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Tongaat Hulett Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Leon Smith
  • Patent number: 9279506
    Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a stationary, cylindrical inner core (27), and a rotatable, cylindrical outer shell (25) disposed about the inner core with the inner core (27) and the outer shell defining a plurality of annular fluid distribution chambers therebetween. The apparatus furthermore includes a rotatable indexing disc (23) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with ports in the outer shell (25), and a stationary indexing disc (22) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with suitable process vessels. The rotary distribution apparatus includes a driving arrangement that comprises a stationary shaft (28) to which the stationary core (27) is secured and a rotatable sleeve (24) rotatable about the stationary shaft (28), the rotatable sleeve (24) driving the rotatable outer shell (25) and the rotatable indexing disc (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Tongaat Hulett Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Leon Smith
  • Publication number: 20140238388
    Abstract: A chain driven diffuser for use in a sugar extraction process, the diffuser including a diffuser floor, a plurality of chain ladder assemblies being displaceable relative to the diffuser floor, with each chain Id-der assembly comprising two opposing chains being driven by drive sprockets characterized in that at least some of the drive sprockets of the diffuser are driven independently from some of the other drive sprockets of the diffusor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Tongast Hulett Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Leon Smith
  • Publication number: 20140144532
    Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a stationary, cylindrical inner core (27), and a rotatable, cylindrical outer shell (25) disposed about the inner core with the inner core (27) and the outer shell defining a plurality of annular fluid distribution chambers therebetween. The apparatus furthermore includes a rotatable indexing disc (23) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with ports in the outer shell (25), and a stationary indexing disc (22) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with suitable process vessels. The rotary distribution apparatus includes a driving arrangement that comprises a stationary shaft (28) to which the stationary core (27) is secured and a rotatable sleeve (24) rotatable about the stationary shaft (28), the rotatable sleeve (24) driving the rotatable outer shell (25) and the rotatable indexing disc (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Tongaat Hulett Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Leon Smith
  • Patent number: 8561333
    Abstract: A Snap N Place sign system and method for supporting a sign message includes a sign substrate associated with a number of rubber nipple fasteners and a lens. The sign message and the lens further include mounting holes placed at their corners for securely holding the sign message in association with the sign substrate and lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be pulled through the mounting holes in the lens utilizing a relatively low insertion force. The rubber nipple fasteners can be driven axially into the mounting holes in the lens with a flexible tab engaging the lens and flexing as they move through the hole in the lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be specifically designed such that the force required to install or push the rubber nipple fastener through the mounting hole is relatively low thereby facilitating ergonomic considerations. The Snap N Place sign system is capable of holding signs of a variety of thicknesses and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Roxanna Meyers, Wesley Meyer, Leon Smith
  • Patent number: 8544501
    Abstract: An indexing arrangement (10) includes a rotor (12) ; a stator (14) spaced from the rotor; a rotary seal (16) located between the rotor and the stator, with the seal being rotatable with the rotor; means for urging the rotary seal into sealing contact with the stator; ports (20, 24, 22) in the rotor, in the stator and in the rotary seal; and connecting means (26) for connecting respective ports (20) in the rotor with respective ports in the rotary seal; so that in use fluid can flow through the ports in the rotor, into the ports in the rotary seal via the connecting means, and out through the ports (24) in the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tongaat Hulett Limited
    Inventor: Leon Smith
  • Patent number: 8277562
    Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous vacuum pan (also sometimes referred to as an evaporative crystallizer) for use in the sugar processing industry, and to a heat exchanger used inside the continuous vacuum pan. The invention also relaters to the heat exchanger as used in other applications in the sugar processing industry. The heat exchanger includes a massecuite flow path for conveying massecuite therethrough, and a heat transfer medium flow path for receiving a heat transfer medium to enable heat transfer to the massecuite flow path. The heat exchanger is characterized therein that a periphery thereof is surrounded by an insulated zone in order to prevent heat transfer from the heat transfer medium flow path to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Tongaat Hulett Limited
    Inventors: David John Love, Leon Smith, Paul Martin Schorn, Stephen David Peacock, Warren David
  • Publication number: 20110220100
    Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous vacuum pan (also sometimes referred to as an evaporative crystallizer) for use in the sugar processing industry, and to a heat exchanger used inside the continuous vacuum pan. The invention also relaters to the heat exchanger as used in other applications in the sugar processing industry. The heat exchanger includes a massecuite flow path for conveying massecuite therethrough, and a heat transfer medium flow path for receiving a heat transfer medium to enable heat transfer to the massecuite flow path. The heat exchanger is characterized therein that a periphery thereof is surrounded by an insulated zone in order to prevent heat transfer from the heat transfer medium flow path to the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Tongaat Hulett Limited
    Inventors: David John Love, Leon Smith, Paul Martin Schorn, Stephen David Peacock, Warren David
  • Publication number: 20100236118
    Abstract: A Snap N Place sign system and method for supporting a sign message includes a sign substrate associated with a number of rubber nipple fasteners and a lens. The sign message and the lens further include mounting holes placed at their corners for securely holding the sign message in association with the sign substrate and lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be pulled through the mounting holes in the lens utilizing a relatively low insertion force. The rubber nipple fasteners can be driven axially into the mounting holes in the lens with a flexible tab engaging the lens and flexing as they move through the hole in the lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be specifically designed such that the force required to install or push the rubber nipple fastener through the mounting hole is relatively low thereby facilitating ergonomic considerations. The Snap N Place sign system is capable of holding signs of a variety of thicknesses and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Roxanna Meyers, Wesley Meyer, Leon Smith
  • Publication number: 20100206412
    Abstract: An indexing arrangement (10) includes a rotor (12); a stator (14) spaced from the rotor; a rotary seal (16) located between the rotor and the stator, with the seal being rotatable with the rotor; means for urging the rotary seal into sealing contact with the stator; ports (20, 24, 22) in the rotor, in the stator and in the rotary seal; and connecting means (26) for connecting respective ports (20) in the rotor with respective ports in the rotary seal; so that in use fluid can flow through the ports in the rotor, into the ports in the rotary seal via the connecting means, and out through the ports (24) in the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Leon Smith
  • Publication number: 20070109068
    Abstract: The present invention provides enhanced security to internal components in a main access compartment of a fuel dispenser. Both a primary lock on a main panel, that secures the main access compartment, and a hidden second lock, hidden inside a lower compartment of the fuel dispenser, must be bypassed to gain access to the internal components, thus providing enhanced security. The lower compartment is also protected by a lock, which must be bypassed in order to gain access to the hidden second lock in an attempt to bypass the hidden second lock. This locking arrangement provides greater security than prior art methods since three locks, including a hidden lock, must be bypassed to breach security and gain access to the internal components in the main access compartment of the fuel dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Applicant: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Smith, John McSpadden, Lester Ward, Dreama Sharpe, Jonathan DeLine
  • Patent number: 7191797
    Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a fixed inner distribution member (12) with inner conduit zone; a rotatable distribution member (16) rotatable about the fixed inner distribution member; a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (18) located between the fixed inner distribution member and the rotatable outer distribution member; each fluid distribution chamber having a fixed port (20) in the fixed inner distribution member to which a fixed supply or return conduit for a fluid can in use be connected and at least one distribution port (22) in the rotatable outer distribution member; at least one indexing arrangement (24) including a rotatable indexing member (26) and a fixed indexing member (28); a plurality of passageways (30, 32, 38, 40) extending through each of the rotatable and fixed indexing members (26, 28), the plurality of passageways each having indexing ports (30.2, 32.2, 38.2, 40.2) and connection ports (30.1, 32.1, 38.1, 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Tongaat-Hulett Group Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Michael Greenfield, Leon Smith
  • Publication number: 20060194848
    Abstract: Selected amines are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as angiogenesis mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Guoqing Chen, Jeffrey Adams, Jean Bemis, Lucian Di Pietro, Celia Dominguez, Daniel Elbaum, Julie Germain, Qi Huang, Joseph Kim, Xiaohu Ouyang, Vinod Patel, Leon Smith, Andrew Tasker, Ning Xi, Shimin Xu, Chester Yuan, Michael Croghan, Tae-Seong Kim
  • Publication number: 20060124177
    Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a fixed inner distribution member (12) with inner conduit zone; a rotatable distribution member (16) rotatable about the fixed inner distribution member; a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (18) located between the fixed inner distribution member and the rotatable outer distribution member; each fluid distribution chamber having a fixed port (20) in the fixed inner distribution member to which a fixed supply or return conduit for a fluid can in use be connected and at least one distribution port (22) in the rotatable outer distribution member; at least one indexing arrangement (24) including a rotatable indexing member (26) and a fixed indexing member (28); a plurality of passageways (30, 32, 38, 40) extending through each of the rotatable and fixed indexing members (26, 28), the plurality of passageways each having indexing ports (30.2, 32.2, 38.2, 40.2) and connection ports (30.1, 32.1, 38.1, 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: The Tongaat-Hulett Group Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Michael Greenfield, Leon Smith
  • Publication number: 20060043299
    Abstract: Compact, OSL-based devices for long-term, unattended radiation detection and spectroscopy are provided. In addition, a method for extracting spectroscopic information from these devices is taught. The devices can comprise OSL pixels and at least one radiation filter surrounding at least a portion of the OSL pixels. The filter can modulate an incident radiation flux. The devices can further comprise a light source and a detector, both proximally located to the OSL pixels, as well as a power source and a wireless communication device, each operably connected to the light source and the detector. Power consumption of the device ranges from ultra-low to zero. The OSL pixels can retain data regarding incident radiation events as trapped charges. The data can be extracted wirelessly or manually. The method for extracting spectroscopic data comprises optically stimulating the exposed OSL pixels, detecting a readout luminescence, and reconstructing an incident-energy spectrum from the luminescence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Leon Smith, Steven Miller, Theodore Bowyer
  • Publication number: 20060043304
    Abstract: Compact, OSL-based devices for long-term, unattended radiation detection and spectroscopy are provided. In addition, a method for extracting spectroscopic information from these devices is taught. The devices can comprise OSL pixels and at least one radiation filter surrounding at least a portion of the OSL pixels. The filter can modulate an incident radiation flux. The devices can further comprise a light source and a detector, both proximally located to the OSL pixels, as well as a power source and a wireless communication device, each operably connected to the light source and the detector. Power consumption of the device ranges from ultra-low to zero. The OSL pixels can retain data regarding incident radiation events as trapped charges. The data can be extracted wirelessly or manually. The method for extracting spectroscopic data comprises optically stimulating the exposed OSL pixels, detecting a readout luminescence, and reconstructing an incident-energy spectrum from the luminescence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Steven Miller, Leon Smith, James Skorpik
  • Publication number: 20060040956
    Abstract: Selected heterocyclic compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as angiogenesis mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Guoqing Chen, Jeffrey Adams, Jean Bemis, Shon Booker, Guolin Cai, Lucian Di Pietro, Celia Dominguez, Daniel Elbaum, Julie Germain, Stephanie Geuns-Meyer, Michael Handley, Qi Huang, Joseph Kim, Tae-Seong Kim, Alexander Kiselyov, Xiaohu Ouyang, Vinod Patel, Leon Smith, Markian Stec, Andrew Tasker, Ning Xi, Shimin Xu, Chester Yuan, Michael Croghan
  • Patent number: 6991708
    Abstract: A continuous vacuum pan includes a cylindrical housing having a vertical axis, at least one liquid heating pan within the housing, and a vertical tube, floating calandria within the liquid heating pan. The vertical tube floating calandria has a downcomer between its periphery and the periphery of the liquid heating pan, and a gap is provided between the bottom of the calandria and the bottom of the liquid heating pan. Radially extending baffles in the liquid heating pan define a plurality of compartments located in series with one another, the compartments ranging from a first upstream compartment to a downstream output compartment. Ports are provided in all of the baffles except in the baffle between the output compartment and the first compartment. The ports are spaced from the bottom of the liquid heating pan, permitting communication between the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Tongaat-Hulett Group Limited
    Inventors: Paul Martin Schorn, Leon Smith
  • Publication number: 20050153960
    Abstract: Selected compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as angiogenesis mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel Elbaum, Benny Askew, Shon Booker, Julie Germain, Gregory Habgood, Michael Handley, Tae-Seong Kim, Aiwen Li, Nobuko Nishimura, Vinod Patel, Chester Yuan, Joseph Kim, Guolin Cai, Guoqing Chen, Michael Croghan, Lucian Di Pietro, Celia Dominguez, Qi Huang, Leon Smith, Andrew Tasker, Ning Xi, Shimin Xu
  • Publication number: 20020173507
    Abstract: Selected novel urea compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as cell proliferation or apoptosis mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving stoke, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Vincent Santora, Benny Askew, Arup Ghose, Andrew Hague, Tae Seong Kim, Ellen Laber, Aiwen Li, Brian Lian, Gang Liu, Mark Norman, Leon Smith, Andrew Tasker, Christopher Tegley, Kevin Yang