Patents by Inventor Lloyd Smith

Lloyd 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: 7485443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for attaching nucleic acids to solid supports and modifying nucleic acids. For example, in some embodiments, the 5? nuclease activity of a cleavage agent is used to cleave a cleavage structure formed on the solid support, the occurrence of the cleavage event indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Priscilla Wilkins Stevens, David Kelso, Victor Lyamichev, Jeff Hall, Bruce P. Neri, Robert W. Kwiatkowski, Jr., Lloyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20080050833
    Abstract: Relative quantification of metabolites by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) requiring a mechanism for simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes in two or more samples. Labeling reagents that are reactive to particular compound classes and differ only in their isotopic kit facilitating relative quantification and providing tangible evidence for the existence of specific functional groups. Heavy and light isotopic forms of methylacetimidate were synthesized and used as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing molecules, such as biological samples. Heavy and light isotopic forms of formaldehyde and cholamine were also synthesized and used independently as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing and carboxylic acid-containing molecules, such as found in biological samples. Advantageously, the labeled end-products are positively charged under normal acidic conditions involving conventional Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Lloyd Smith, Michael Shortreed, Brian Frey, Margaret Phillips, Joshua Coon, Shane Lamos, Casey Krusemark, Peter Belshaw, Madhusudan Patel, Neil Kelleher
  • Publication number: 20070102634
    Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices and device components for preparing ions from liquid samples containing chemical species and methods and devices for analyzing chemical species in liquid samples. The present invention provides an ion source for generating analyte ions having a selected charge state distribution, such as a reduced charged state distribution, that may be effectively interfaced with a variety of charged particle analyzers, including virtually any type of mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Frey, Lloyd Smith, Michael Westphall
  • Publication number: 20070023621
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices and device components for detecting, sensing and analyzing molecules. Detectors of the present invention provide good detection sensitivity over a wide range of molecular masses ranging from a few Daltons up to 10s of megadaltons, which does not decrease as function of molecular mass. Sensors and analyzers of the present invention detect emission from an array of resonators to determine the molecular masses and/or electric charges of molecules which impact or contact an external surface of a membrane that is used to mount and excite the resonators in the array. Resonators in the array are excited via piezoelectric and/or magnetic excitation of the mounting membrane and, optionally, grid electrodes are used in certain configurations for electrically biasing for the resonator array, and for amplification or suppression of emission from the resonators so as to provide detection and mass/electric charge analysis with good sensitivity and resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Blick, Michael Westphall, Lloyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20060211024
    Abstract: An assay for analysis of a nucleic acid sample is provided. In one embodiment, the assay includes: a) employing an RNA sample to obtain a DNA probe; b) contacting the DNA probe with a substrate containing a surface-immobilized RNA oligonucleotide to produce a surface-immobilized RNA/DNA duplex; and c) detecting RNAseH-dependent cleavage of the surface-immobilized RNA oligonucleotide in the RNA/DNA duplex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Corn, Lloyd Smith, Timothy Burland, Voula Kodoyianni
  • Publication number: 20050164177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a solid support and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. For example, in some embodiments, a 5? nuclease activity from any of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Bruce Neri, Jeff Hall, Victor Lyamichev, Lloyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20050056267
    Abstract: A gas cooking appliance includes a combination radiant/convection cooking system mounted below a bottom wall portion of an oven cavity. The combination cooking system includes a gas burner in the form of a ring element having a central portion within which is positioned a convection fan. In addition to the convection fan, a forced air combustion fan supplies a combustion airflow to the gas burner. The oven preferably includes a glass panel arranged in a bottom wall portion of the oven cavity, above the gas burner. Arranged about the central opening are a plurality of vented openings for introducing the convective airflow into the oven cavity. The glass panel provides both a conductive heat surface transmitting at least a portion of the radiate heat energy into the oven cavity and a viewing surface allowing a consumer to view the operation of the gas burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: David Levi, Mark Pickering, Lloyd Smith
  • Patent number: 6840130
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a first member having a slot formed therein, a pin laterally extending into the slot and having an abutment facing the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member, and a second member rigidly secured to the pin and movable relative to the first member along the slot. A plastic bushing encircles the pin and extends into the slot. The bushing has a flange engaging the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member. A plastic washer encircles the pin and is located between the first and second members. A spring washer such as a wave or Belleville washer is located between the abutment and the flange and resiliently biases the second member relative to the first member to resist relative lateral movement between the first and second members to reduce lash therebetween. The pin can be ether a guide pin or a drive pin of the control pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Allen Toelke, Michael William Depotter, Gordon Lloyd Smith, Dean William Reynolds, James Allen
  • Publication number: 20050003355
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a corresponding composition of matter for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms. The composition of matter includes a metal substrate, a probe oligonucleotide immobilized on the substrate; and an upstream oligonucleotide either immobilized on the substrate or in a solution in contact with the substrate. The probe oligonucleotide and the upstream oligonucleotide participate cooperatively in an invasive cleavage reaction when the substrate is contacted with a cleavage agent and a target nucleic acid. Under proper reactions conditions, the probe oligonucleotide, the upstream oligonucleotide, the target nucleotide, and the cleavage agent cooperative result in the formation of a cleavage product at or near the location of a single nucleotide polymorphism of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventors: Manchun Lu, Jeff Hall, Michael Shortreed, Liman Wang, Travis Berggren, Priscilla Stevens, David Kelso, Victor Lyamichev, Bruce Neri, Lloyd Smith
  • Patent number: 6810765
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a lower arm which moves relative to an upper arm to adjust the position of a pedal. A control system includes a sensor and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller determines a position of lower arm based on signals from the sensor and automatically stops movement when the lower arm reaches a stored position or an end of travel without engaging mechanical stops, when sensors indicate that there is a failure in the drive system, and when sensors indicate that a predetermined fore/aft offset between two pedals is not maintained. The controller automatically moves the lower arm to a predetermined position when signals indicate the driver may egress the vehicle. A lock-out switch prevents movement of the lower arm so that the lower arm is not accidentally moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rongjun Zhang, Steven Allen Toelke, Gordon Lloyd Smith, Richard Scott Bigham, Michael William DePotter
  • Patent number: 6805462
    Abstract: A towable power plant is disclosed capable of supplying visible light for use at a worksite and at least on other power source. The power source may generate compressed air, electricity, or may pump water or a hydraulic fluid. The light tower may be coupled to the drawbar of an existing towable power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Sullivan-Palatek, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Smith, Robert C. Dezan, Philip H. Dupuis
  • Publication number: 20030119020
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for attaching nucleic acids to solid supports and modifying nucleic acids. For example, in some embodiments, the 5′ nuclease activity of a cleavage agent is used to cleave a cleavage structure formed on the solid support, the occurrence of the cleavage event indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Priscilla Wilkins Stevens, David Kelso, Victor Lyamichev, Jeff Hall, Bruce P. Neri, Robert W. Kwiatkowski, Lloyd Smith
  • Patent number: 6516683
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a motor vehicle an upper arm having a pivot axis and first and second generally planar members, and a lower arm having a lower end carrying a pedal and an upper end operatively connected to the upper arm for selected movement relative to the upper arm. The first and second members are generally parallel and spaced apart. The first and second members each form first and second camming surfaces at a peripheral edge thereof. The upper arm carries first and second cam pins laterally extending from the lower arm and engaging the first and second camming surfaces respectively. The first and second camming surfaces and the first and second cam pins are adapted to mechanically lock the upper and lower arms together for mutual rotation about the pivot axis upon application of a load to the pedal. Preferably a spring operably connects the upper and lower arms to resiliently bias the first and second cam pins into engagement with the first and second camming surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Srini Sundaresan, Gordon Lloyd Smith
  • Patent number: 6510761
    Abstract: A method of operating a control pedal assembly includes the steps providing a pair of adjustable control pedals. Each control pedal includes a first support and a second support having a lower arm and moveable relative to the first support to adjust the fore-aft position of the lower arm upon operation of a motor. A predetermined fore-aft relationship is provided between the lower arms of each of the pair of control pedals. The predetermined fore-aft relationship is maintained during operation of the motor to move the second supports relative to the first supports while adjusting the fore-aft position of the lower arms. The motor is stopped during operation if the predetermined fore-aft relationship between the lower arms is not maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies
    Inventors: Rongjun Zhang, Steven Allen Toelke, Gordon Lloyd Smith, Richard Scott Bigham, Michael William DePotter
  • Patent number: 6502654
    Abstract: A utility transport tractor having a cargo box above the rear axle with the operator's platform forward of the rear axle enabling additional seats to be included. To maintain the functionality of a conventional agricultural tractor, the cargo box tail gate and a portion of the cargo box floor can be raised to positions in which they both extend upwardly and forwardly toward the operator. In these positions, the three point hitch at the rear of the tractor is visible to the operator as is typically the case conventional agricultural tractors. The tail gate is mounted to the cargo box for rotation about multiple axes to pivot the tail gate to multiple open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Witte, Robert James Recker, Barrie Lloyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20020170760
    Abstract: A utility transport tractor having a cargo box above the rear axle with the operator's platform forward of the rear axle enabling additional seats to be included. To maintain the functionality of a conventional agricultural tractor, the cargo box tail gate and a portion of the cargo box floor can be raised to positions in which they both extend upwardly and forwardly toward the operator. In these positions, the three point hitch at the rear of the tractor is visible to the operator as is typically the case conventional agricultural tractors. The tail gate is mounted to the cargo box for rotation about multiple axes to pivot the tail gate to multiple open positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Witte, Robert James Recker, Barrie Lloyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20020088299
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a first member having a slot formed therein, a pin laterally extending into the slot and having an abutment facing the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member, and a second member rigidly secured to the pin and movable relative to the first member along the slot. A plastic bushing encircles the pin and extends into the slot. The bushing has a flange engaging the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member. A plastic washer encircles the pin and is located between the first and second members. A spring washer such as a wave or Belleville washer is located between the abutment and the flange and resiliently biases the second member relative to the first member to resist relative lateral movement between the first and second members to reduce lash therebetween. The pin can be ether a guide pin or a drive pin of the control pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Steven Allen Toelke, Michael William Depotter, Gordon Lloyd Smith, Dean William Reynolds, James Allen
  • Publication number: 20020083789
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly for a motor vehicle an upper arm having a pivot axis and first and second generally planar members, and a lower arm having a lower end carrying a pedal and an upper end operatively connected to the upper arm for selected movement relative to the upper arm. The first and second members are generally parallel and spaced apart. The first and second members each form first and second camming surfaces at a peripheral edge thereof. The upper arm carries first and second cam pins laterally extending from the lower arm and engaging the first and second camming surfaces respectively. The first and second camming surfaces and the first and second cam pins are adapted to mechanically lock the upper and lower arms together for mutual rotation about the pivot axis upon application of a load to the pedal. Preferably a spring operably connects the upper and lower arms to resiliently bias the first and second cam pins into engagement with the first and second camming surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Srini Sundaresan, Gordon Lloyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20020078786
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes an upper arm and a lower arm carrying a pedal. The lower arm is selectively moveable relative to the upper arm to adjust the position of the pedal relative to the upper arm. A drive screw is secured to the upper arm. A drive nut threadably engages the drive screw and is adapted to move axially along the drive screw upon rotation of the drive screw. A motor is operatively connected to the drive screw to selectively rotate the drive screw. The lower arm is operatively connected to the drive nut for fore-aft movement of the lower arm relative to the upper arm upon axial movement of the drive nut along the drive screw. A control system includes a sensor located at the drive screw and adapted to directly sense rotation of the drive screw and a controller in communication with the sensor to receive electrical signals from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Rongjun Zhang, Steven Allen Toelke, Gordon Lloyd Smith, Richard Scott Bigham, Michael William DePotter
  • Publication number: 20020078785
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes an upper arm and a lower arm carrying a pedal. The lower arm is selectively moveable relative to the upper arm to adjust the position of the pedal relative to the upper arm. A drive screw is secured to the upper arm. A drive nut threadably engages the drive screw and is adapted to move axially along the drive screw upon rotation of the drive screw. A motor is operatively connected to the drive screw to selectively rotate the drive screw. The lower arm is operatively connected to the drive nut for fore-aft movement of the lower arm relative to the upper arm upon axial movement of the drive nut along the drive screw. A control system includes a sensor located at the drive screw and adapted to directly sense rotation of the drive screw and a controller in communication with the sensor to receive electrical signals from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Rongjun Zhang, Steven Allen Toelke, Gordon Lloyd Smith, Richard Scott Bigham, Michael William DePotter