Patents by Inventor Michael D. Smith

Michael D. 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: 12330380
    Abstract: A hybrid electrofusion processor selectively operating on either battery power or AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Central Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Roger Rutherford, Michael D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20250189051
    Abstract: A smart valve gas shut-off system for use in a building to detect the presence of natural gas and to shut off the supply of gas leading to the appliance from where the gas was detected. The smart valve gas shut-off system uses a sensor to detect the natural gas and a sensor alarm, in the form of a light indicator or other indicator, that while the sensor is in the alarm state, the valve controlling the supply of gas to the appliance is disabled as well as the reset button, meaning the valve that controls the flow of gas cannot be opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventors: Michael D. Smith, Tom Veeley
  • Publication number: 20250133197
    Abstract: Mathematical relationships between the scene geometry, camera parameters, and viewing environment are used to control stereography to obtain various results influencing the viewer's perception of 3D imagery. The methods may include setting a horizontal shift, convergence distance, and camera interaxial parameter to achieve various effects. The methods may be implemented in a computer-implemented tool for interactively modifying scene parameters during a 2D-to-3D conversion process, which may then trigger the re-rendering of the 3D content on the fly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2024
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher E. Nolan, Bradley T. Collar, Michael D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20250075708
    Abstract: An air transferring system is disclosed. The air transferring system includes an enclosure, a faceplate, and a blower assembly attached to the faceplate. The enclosure includes a base, a lid having an air exhaust, and a shroud. The shroud has an open shroud top, an open shroud bottom, and an opening in the shroud defined between a first shroud edge and a second shroud edge. Each of the shroud edges extends between the open shroud top and the shroud bottom. The faceplate includes a faceplate opening that extends between the first and second shroud edges. The blower assembly includes a blower exhaust proximate to all of the faceplate opening, an exhaust opening, and an impeller for drawing air through the air exhaust, faceplate opening, and blower exhaust and urging the air out the exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Chirag Sureshbhai Patel, Michael D. Smith, Steven A. Trimble, Surya Madugula, SaiGeetha Padiri, Jeffrey C. Hutson, Cameron Perini, Mitchell McDonald, Griffin Roach, Abhishek Sharma
  • Patent number: 12212731
    Abstract: Mathematical relationships between the scene geometry, camera parameters, and viewing environment are used to control stereography to obtain various results influencing the viewer's perception of 3D imagery. The methods may include setting a horizontal shift, convergence distance, and camera interaxial parameter to achieve various effects. The methods may be implemented in a computer-implemented tool for interactively modifying scene parameters during a 2D-to-3D conversion process, which may then trigger the re-rendering of the 3D content on the fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Nolan, Bradley T. Collar, Michael D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20240392908
    Abstract: An electrofusion coupler has a rigid housing with an internal bore. A coil lines an inner surface of the bore. An annular, unidirectional restraining member is configured to allow one end of a pipe to push through the restraining member in one direction into the internal bore and restrain the pipe from moving in an opposite direction when power is applied to the coil to weld the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Michael D. SMITH, Steven W. VANANTWERP
  • Publication number: 20240275083
    Abstract: Electrical connectors and assemblies may include a housing and a contact member therein. The contact member includes electrical contacts. A contact barrier is connected to the housing and movable between a closed state and an open state. In the open state, the contact member is exposed and, in the closed state, the contact member is protected by the contact barrier. The contact barrier is biased into the closed state. Electrical connectors and assemblies may include a housing with a core assembly having at least one electrical contact. A rotatable coupling member is rotatably attached to an end of the housing and includes a coupling housing, at least one latching element coupled to an inner surface of the coupling housing, and at least one center biasing element configured to bias and self-center the rotatable coupling member relative to the housing into a ready-to-connect orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Ronald I. Frank, James R. Meszaros, George L. Goulart, Braden J. Ishaug, Robert G. Hennemuth, III, Michael D. Smith, Michael A. Yashin, Gordon J. Udall, Daniel R. McNevin, James Joseph Moriarty
  • Publication number: 20240165893
    Abstract: A hybrid electrofusion processor selectively operating on either battery power or AC power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Roger RUTHERFORD, Michael D. Smith
  • Patent number: 11873836
    Abstract: A blower assembly for a gas-burning appliance includes a blower and a motor coupled to the blower and configured to turn the blower to provide airflow through the gas-burning appliance. The blower assembly also includes a housing enclosing the blower and the motor. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The first portion and the second portion define a cavity therebetween to receive the motor and the blower. The blower assembly further includes an inlet sleeve coupled between the first portion and the second portion. The inlet sleeve is configured to couple to the gas-burning appliance and receive the airflow from the gas-burning appliance. The blower assembly also includes a seal extending at least partially around the inlet sleeve and at least partially between the inlet sleeve and at least one of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Post, Michael D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230291884
    Abstract: Mathematical relationships between the scene geometry, camera parameters, and viewing environment are used to control stereography to obtain various results influencing the viewer's perception of 3D imagery. The methods may include setting a horizontal shift, convergence distance, and camera interaxial parameter to achieve various effects. The methods may be implemented in a computer-implemented tool for interactively modifying scene parameters during a 2D-to-3D conversion process, which may then trigger the re-rendering of the 3D content on the fly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher E. Nolan, Bradley T. Collar, Michael D. Smith
  • Patent number: 11735853
    Abstract: An electrical connector or electrical connector assembly that has a housing, a contact carrier, one or more spring members, and an interposer or contact system. The contact carrier is movable with respect to the housing between unmated and mated electrical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: AMPHENOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald I. Frank, James R. Meszaros, George L. Goulart, Jr., Braden J. Ishaug, Robert G. Hennemuth, III, Michael D. Smith, Michael A. Yashin, Gordon J. Udall, Daniel R. McNevin
  • Patent number: 11473957
    Abstract: A meter bypass assembly includes a housing and a valve assembly. The housing defines a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet. The valve assembly is rotatable to a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first inlet to the first outlet and from the second inlet to the second outlet. The valve assembly is also rotatable to a second position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first inlet to the second outlet and is restricted from flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet and from the second inlet to the second outlet. The valve assembly includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing and first and second valve bodies rotationally fixed to opposing ends of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Central Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Smith, Thomas G. Veeley
  • Patent number: 11477430
    Abstract: Mathematical relationships between the scene geometry, camera parameters, and viewing environment are used to control stereography to obtain various results influencing the viewer's perception of 3D imagery. The methods may include setting a horizontal shift, convergence distance, and camera interaxial parameter to achieve various effects. The methods may be implemented in a computer-implemented tool for interactively modifying scene parameters during a 2D-to-3D conversion process, which may then trigger the re-rendering of the 3D content on the fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Nolan, Bradley T. Collar, Michael D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220181814
    Abstract: An electrical connector or electrical connector assembly that has a housing, a contact carrier, one or more spring members, and an interposer or contact system. The contact carrier is movable with respect to the housing between unmated and mated electrical positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Ronald I. Frank, James R. Meszaros, George L. Goulart, JR., Braden J. Ishaug, Robert G. Hennemuth, III, Michael D. Smith, Michael A. Yashin, Gordon J. Udall, Daniel R. McNevin
  • Patent number: 11324529
    Abstract: A handheld surgical device with a working portion driven by a motor, wherein the working portion is contained in a concave-shaped portion when it is not activated, and the working portion becomes exposed from the concave-shaped portion when it is activated. The activation of the working portion can be controlled by a switch located at a handle portion of the handheld surgical device. The handheld surgical device includes a concave-shaped portion with a cutting edge, which is not driven by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Michael D. Smith
  • Patent number: 11128080
    Abstract: An electrical connector or electrical connector assembly that has a housing, a contact carrier, one or more spring members, and an interposer or contact system. The contact carrier is movable with respect to the housing between unmated and mated electrical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald I. Frank, James R. Meszaros, George L. Goulart, Jr., Braden J. Ishaug, Robert G. Hennemuth, III, Michael D. Smith, Michael A. Yashin, Gordon J. Udall, Daniel R. Mcnevin
  • Publication number: 20210207986
    Abstract: A meter bypass assembly includes a housing and a valve assembly. The housing defines a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet. The valve assembly is rotatable to a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first inlet to the first outlet and from the second inlet to the second outlet. The valve assembly is also rotatable to a second position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the first inlet to the second outlet and is restricted from flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet and from the second inlet to the second outlet. The valve assembly includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing and first and second valve bodies rotationally fixed to opposing ends of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Michael D. SMITH, Thomas G. VEELEY
  • Patent number: 10957011
    Abstract: A system and method of capturing and rendering stereoscopic panoramic content is provided. The system may capture information from a virtual scene to generate a stereoscopic panorama in the form of a stereoscopic cube map. Using the pre-captured cube map, the system may render stereoscopic images during gameplay, image viewing, and/or playback of a three dimensional video. The system may capture camera distance information during capture for use in distortion reduction during image rendering and playback. The system may implement additional distortion reduction measures. Further, the system may use the capture camera distance information to write to depth buffers corresponding to rendered images for use when introducing dynamic gameplay elements into the scene. Additionally, the system may use realistic camera models to simulate human anatomy and reduce distortions associated with simplistic camera models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: HIDDEN PATH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventors: David Edwards, Michael D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210076022
    Abstract: Mathematical relationships between the scene geometry, camera parameters, and viewing environment are used to control stereography to obtain various results influencing the viewer's perception of 3D imagery. The methods may include setting a horizontal shift, convergence distance, and camera interaxial parameter to achieve various effects. The methods may be implemented in a computer-implemented tool for interactively modifying scene parameters during a 2D-to-3D conversion process, which may then trigger the re-rendering of the 3D content on the fly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher E. Nolan, Bradley T. Collar, Michael D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10856011
    Abstract: Efficient image compression for video data characterized by a non-neutral dominant white point is achieved by transforming the input video signal into a de-correlated video signal based on a color difference encoding transform, wherein the color difference encoding transform is adapted based on the dominant white point using an algorithm. The adapting algorithm is designed for optimizing low-entropy output when the white point is other than a neutral or equal-energy value. Decompression is handled conversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Smith