Patents by Inventor Norman J. Smith

Norman J. 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).

  • Capacitive RF coupler for utility smart meter radio frequency communications
    Patent number: 9118095
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating a low insertion loss apparatus for capacitive coupling of radio frequency (RF) signals from within the confines of a dielectric housing of a utility meter, through the dielectric cover, avoiding the need for drilling a hole in the utility meter body or meter dielectric cover, to route the coaxial RF cable from the embedded wireless modem to an external remote antenna or in-line power amplifier. Specifically the invention relates to an improved capacitive coupling method, which provides for an un-tethered or tethered integral radio frequency (RF) coupler where said RF coupler is located within and on the outer surface of a replacement dielectric cover or alternately retro-fitted on the inner surface and outer surface of an existing utility meter dielectric cover. A method and apparatus for a, standalone, alternative embodiment of the capacitive RF Coupler apparatus is also described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: RF SAVVY TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Norman J. Smith
  • CAPACITIVE RF COUPLER FOR UTILITY SMART METER RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATIONS
    Publication number: 20130057367
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating a low insertion loss apparatus for capacitive coupling of radio frequency (RF) signals from within the confines of a dielectric housing of a utility meter, through the dielectric cover, avoiding the need for drilling a hole in the utility meter body or meter dielectric cover, to route the coaxial RF cable from the embedded wireless modem to an external remote antenna or in-line power amplifier. Specifically the invention relates to an improved capacitive coupling method, which provides for an un-tethered or tethered integral radio frequency (RF) coupler where said RF coupler is located within and on the outer surface of a replacement dielectric cover or alternately retro-fitted on the inner surface and outer surface of an existing utility meter dielectric cover. A method and apparatus for a, standalone, alternative embodiment of the capacitive RF Coupler apparatus is also described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ALPHA MICRO COMPONENTS U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Norman J. Smith
  • Horticultural sheet mulch
    Patent number: 3955319
    Abstract: There is disclosed an agricultural mulch in sheet form pierced by a recurring, closely spaced slit pattern which provides normally closed passage points between the open air and ground at any random point in the growing area for germinating plants and rain water. The slit pattern can provide structural integrity for the sheet laterally, longitudinally, diagonally or various combinations thereof, and can additionally provide flaps which can be oriented to protect the emergent plants from cold winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1976
    Inventor: Norman J. Smith
  • Headband with yoke
    Patent number: D464469
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Moldex-Metric, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Dix, Terry L. Grimsley, Norman J. Smith, Stephen E. Young, Mark Magidson
  • Earplug
    Patent number: D536089
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Moldex-Metric, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Magidson, Norman J Smith
  • Container for earplugs
    Patent number: D614048
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Moldex-Metric, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman J. Smith