Patents by Inventor Michael M. Smith

Michael M. 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: 11981027
    Abstract: A robotic system for a robotic limb configured to recover energy for minimizing power consumption of the robotic system, comprising a first support member, a second support member, and a quasi-passive elastic actuator rotatably coupling the first and second support members to define a joint of the robotic system rotatable about an axis of rotation defining a degree of freedom. The quasi-passive elastic actuator can comprise a first vane device and a second vane device, the first vane device and second vane device being rotatable relative to each other within the housing and defining, at least in part, a compression chamber and an expansion chamber. The system can further comprise a valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising a valve device disposed through an opening of the first vane device along the axis of rotation, and a shunt circuit facilitating fluid flow between the compression and expansion chambers through the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Sarcos Corp.
    Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier, Brian J. Maclean, Michael Myers
  • Publication number: 20240139054
    Abstract: A foot-supporting appendage of a wearable robotic exoskeleton configured to support a foot of a user wearing the robotic exoskeleton. The foot-supporting appendage can include a rearward support configured to support a hind foot portion of a foot of the user. The foot-supporting appendage can further include a frontward support configured to connect to the rearward support and configured to support a forefoot portion of the foot of the user. A size of the foot-supporting appendage is adjustable to accommodate a respective foot of a user of a plurality of users having different sizes of feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier, Michael Myers
  • Patent number: 11969578
    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: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Dexcom, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Morris, Scott M. Belliveau, Esteban Cabrera, Jr., Rian 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, Anna Leigh Davis, Kevin Shoemaker, Brian Christopher Smith, Benjamin Elrod West, Atiim Joseph Wiley
  • Publication number: 20240123379
    Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Stephen P. Huda, James M. Buckley, John Anthony Triunfo, Joseph K. Patterson, Michael T. La Tulippe, Robert Camp, Robert F. Smith
  • Patent number: 11957893
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Joel A. Anderson, Michael J. Ebert, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith
  • Patent number: 11957894
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Chasensky, Bernard Q. Li, Brad C. Tischendorf, Chris J. Paidosh, Christian S. Nielsen, Craig L. Schmidt, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Eric H. Bonde, Erik R. Scott, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Gordon O. Munns, Joel A. Anderson, John E. Kast, Joseph J. Viavattine, Markus W. Reiterer, Michael J. Ebert, Phillip C. Falkner, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Randy S. Roles, Reginald D. Robinson, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Thomas P. Miltich, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei
  • Publication number: 20240118291
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by identification of altered metabolic characteristics in such subjects. By measuring concentrations of metabolites in a sample, such as a blood or plasma sample, from a subject, changes in the activity of specific metabolic pathways can be identified. In turn, ASD subjects can be classified based on metabolic defects. Thus, the methods allow healthcare professionals to provide patient-specific guidance on a course of treatment for individuals who have or are at risk of developing ASD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Alan M. Smith, Daniel Braas, Michael Ludwig, Elizabeth L.R. Donley, Robert Burrier
  • Publication number: 20240108711
    Abstract: The invention is related to multivalent immunogenic compositions comprising more than one S. pneumoniae polysaccharide protein conjugates, wherein each of the conjugates comprises a polysaccharide from an S. pneumoniae serotype conjugated to a carrier protein, wherein the serotypes of S. pneumoniae are as defined herein. Also provided are methods for inducing a protective immune response in a human patient comprising administering the multivalent immunogenic compositions of the invention to the patient. The multivalent immunogenic compositions are useful for providing protection against S. pneumoniae infection and diseases caused by S. pneumoniae. The compositions of the invention are also useful as part of treatment regimes that provide complementary protection for patients that have been vaccinated with a multivalent vaccine indicated for the prevention of pneumococcal disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
    Inventors: William J. Smith, Patrick McHugh, Michael Albert Winters, Julie M. Skinner, Jian He, Luwy Musey, Chitrananda Abeygunawardana, Yadong Adam Cui, Michael J. Kosinski
  • Publication number: 20240091442
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    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: 20240091963
    Abstract: A length adjustable robotic limb comprises a first joint assembly, a second joint assembly, and a structural member extending between the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly, the structural member defining a longitudinal axis. An adjustable interface can be provided between the structural member and one of the first and second joint assemblies. The adjustable interface can facilitate adjustment of a length between the first and second joint assemblies. A rotational interface between the structural member and one of the first and second joint assemblies can facilitate relative rotation between the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly about the longitudinal axis in a degree of freedom corresponding to medial/lateral rotation of a portion of a human limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier, Michael J. Myers
  • Publication number: 20240094233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Jacob N. WOHLSTADTER, Manish KOCHAR, Peter J. BOSCO, Ian D. CHAMBERLIN, Bandele JEFFREY-COKER, Eric M. JONES, Gary I. KRIVOY, Don E. KRUEGER, Aaron H. LEIMKUEHLER, Pei-Ming WU, Kim-Xuan NGUYEN, Pankaj OBEROI, Louis W. PANG, Jennifer PARKER, Victor PELLICIER, Nicholas SAMMONS, George SIGAL, Michael L. VOCK, Stanley T. SMITH, Carl C. STEVENS, Rodger D. OSBORNE, Kenneth E. PAGE, Michael T. WADE, Jon WILLOUGHBY, Lei WANG, Xinri CONG, Kin NG
  • Patent number: 11934019
    Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11931312
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, John G. Byers, Scott M. Corbin, Richard H. Heimbrock, Michael A. Knecht, Bradley T. Smith, Lori Ann Zapfe, Robert M. Zerhusen, Kenneth L. Lilly, Jonathan D. Turner, James L. Walke, Joseph T. Canter, Richard J. Schuman, Sr., John V. Harmeyer
  • Patent number: 11911720
    Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Paul H. Adams, Stephen P. Huda, James M. Buckley, John Anthony Triunfo, Joseph K. Patterson, Michael T. La Tulippe, Robert Camp, Robert F. Smith
  • Patent number: 9158838
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining query return referent data for concept types in a conceptual graph includes generating a conceptual graph for a document query, the conceptual graph comprising a plurality of graph terms, identifying one of more of the plurality of graph terms needing referent data, identifying conceptually similar terms for each of the graph terms, for the graph terms needing referents, identifying referent data by searching for instances where conceptually similar terms for graph terms needing referent data are associated by conceptually similar terms for the linking concept term, and associating identified referent data with the graph terms needing referent data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Peoples, Michael R. Johnson, Michael M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8577924
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining concept attributes for a concept term includes receiving a concept term and determining one or more word senses for the concept term. A word sense is selected from the one or more word senses, and, based on the selected word sense, one or more conceptually similar terms for the concept term is determined. The method also includes determining that at least one of the one or more conceptually similar terms is a concept attribute for the concept term and generating a mapping to associate the concept attribute with the concept term. The mapping is stored in an onomasticon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Peoples, Michael R. Johnson, Michael M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100153092
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for expanding concept attributes for a concept term includes receiving an attribute term for expansion and determining one or more word senses for the attribute term. A word sense is selected from the one or more word senses. One or more conceptually similar terms is selected for the attribute term based on the word sense and it is determined that that at least one of the one or more conceptually similar terms is an additional attribute. A first mapping associating the additional attribute with the attribute term is generated, and a second mapping associating the additional attribute with the concept term is generated. The mappings are stored in an onomasticon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce E. Peoples, Michael R. Johnson, Michael M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100153368
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining referents for concept types in a conceptual graph includes generating a conceptual graph for a search query, the conceptual graph comprising a plurality of graph terms, identifying at least one graph term needing referents, identifying referents for each graph term needing referents by searching for instances where conceptually similar terms for graph terms needing referents are associated by conceptually similar terms for the linking concept term; and associating identified referents with the graph terms needing referents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce E. Peoples, Michael R. Johnson, Michael M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100153367
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining concept attributes for a concept term includes receiving a concept term and determining one or more word senses for the concept term. A word sense is selected from the one or more word senses, and, based on the selected word sense, one or more conceptually similar terms for the concept term is determined. The method also includes determining that at least one of the one or more conceptually similar terms is a concept attribute for the concept term and generating a mapping to associate the concept attribute with the concept term. The mapping is stored in an onomasticon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce E. Peoples, Michael R. Johnson, Michael M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100153369
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining query return referent data for concept types in a conceptual graph includes generating a conceptual graph for a document query, the conceptual graph comprising a plurality of graph terms, identifying one of more of the plurality of graph terms needing referent data, identifying conceptually similar terms for each of the graph terms, for the graph terms needing referents, identifying referent data by searching for instances where conceptually similar terms for graph terms needing referent data are associated by conceptually similar terms for the linking concept term, and associating identified referent data with the graph terms needing referent data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Peoples, Michael R. Johnson, Michael M. Smith