Patents by Inventor R. Smith

R. 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).

  • SURFACE ADAPTATION FOR PATIENT PRONING
    Publication number: 20230329931
    Abstract: A patient proning system includes a surface assembly configured to be positioned on a frame of a support apparatus. The surface assembly includes a pneumatic system that includes bladders arranged in multiple zones and a pump in fluid communication with the bladders. The pump is configured to adjust the bladders between deployed and non-deployed conditions. A controller is configured to selectively control the pneumatic system in at least one of a standard mode and a prone mode based on a patient support position. A control panel is communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to generate at least one prone aid notification to be displayed on a graphical user interface of the control panel. The prone aid notification provides at least one of a reminder, instruction, alert, or information for assisting a caregiver in positioning a patient for the prone mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Marlene Petton, Kathryn R. Smith, Bryan Weidman, Neal Wiggermann, Robert Mark Zerhusen, Jie Zhou
  • Artificially-structured materials with smart elements
    Patent number: 11789200
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an array of elements forms an artificially-structured material. The artificially-structured material can also include an array of tuning mechanisms included as part of the array of elements that are configured to change material properties of the artificially-structured material on a per-element basis. The tuning mechanisms can change the material properties of the artificially-structured material by changing operational properties of the elements in the array of elements on a per-element basis based on one or a combination of stimuli detected by sensors included in the array of tuning mechanisms, programmable circuit modules included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, data stored at individual data stores included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, and communications transmitted through interconnects included as part of the array of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Elwah LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Arnitz, Patrick Bowen, Seyedmohammadreza Faghih Imani, Joseph Hagerty, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Guy S. Lipworth, Nathan P. Myhrvold, David R. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Yaroslav A. Urzhumov, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Ore washer
    Patent number: 11786912
    Abstract: An ore washer is a cylindrical sieve that is slightly smaller than a standard five gallon bucket. The sides and bottom of the cylinder are provided with oblong openings that allow for smaller pieces of rock and dirt to pass. The top of the sieve is provided with a wooden ring and an upright handle that spans side to side. The invention fits within a standard plastic five gallon pail. During use, raw ore is placed in the device, and the device is placed in a pail of water. The handle is swirled back and forth to wash small particles out of the sieve, while larger material and rocks remain behind. This large material is then discarded, and the captured material in the plastic pail is further refined by panning to capture any gold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Chad R. Smith
  • Intelligent assertion tokens for authenticating and controlling network communications using a distributed ledger
    Patent number: 11783333
    Abstract: A method includes generating, via a processor, a bill of materials (BOM) representation associated with a BOM indicating at least one good and including a representation of a plurality of dependencies to qualify the at least one good for at least one of a regulatory claim, a duty benefit claim or an admissibility claim. A smart contract code for a compliance declaration smart contrast that references the BOM representation is transmitted via the processor and to a distributed ledger. A representation of the plurality of assertion token is received, via the processor, from a plurality of remote compute devices, and in response to deploying the compliance declaration smart contract. A compliance declaration token is minted, via the processor, in response to receiving the representation of a plurality of assertion tokens and based on the compliance declaration smart contract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: EYGS LLP
    Inventors: John Stoddard Robotham, Barath Krishna Balasubramanian, Franciscus Cornelis Pieter Putman, Todd R. Smith, Steven John Valeri
  • Multi-lane tows for use with ply-by-ply forming machines
    Patent number: 11780181
    Abstract: A method includes dispensing a first set of lanes, that each comprise a tow of fiber-reinforced material, at a first angle such that the lanes are placed side-by-side with respect to each other, forming a first layer of a multi-lane tow. The method further includes applying a film directly in contact with multi-lane tow that resists shear forces applied to the multi-lane tow, transporting the multi-lane tow to a mandrel, and compacting the multi-lane tow via a Ply-By-Ply (PBP) machine disposed at the mandrel. The method further comprises removing the film from the multi-lane tow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lisa Christina Carlson, Garrett Charles Hanson, Darrell D. Jones, Silas Lawton Studley, Daniel R. Smith, Paul Chace Wilcoxson, Scott Krajca
  • High temperature superconductor
    Patent number: 11785866
    Abstract: A superconductor device includes a high superconductivity transition temperature enhanced from the raw material transition temperature. The superconductor device includes a matrix material and a core material. The enhancing matrix material and the core material together create a system of strongly coupled carriers. A plurality of low-dimensional conductive features can be embedded in the matrix. The low-dimensional conductive features (e.g., nanowires or nanoparticles) can be conductors or superconductors. An interaction between electrons of the low-dimensional conductive features and the enhancing matrix material can promote excitations that increase a superconductivity transition temperature of the superconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventors: Philipp Braeuninger-Weimer, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Cameron Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, David R. Smith, John Brian Pendry, Charles Whitmer, William Henry Mangione-Smith, Brian C. Holloway, Stuart A. Wolf, Vladimir Z. Kresin
  • Surface cleaning apparatus
    Patent number: 11779182
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a fluid delivery system and a recovery system, and is operable in a plurality of user-selectable cleaning modes, including at least a wet vacuuming mode and a dry vacuuming mode. The fluid delivery system has a fluid dispenser that may comprise a spray manifold for wetting a brushroll. The recovery system includes a tank that may have a baffle to separate liquid and/or debris from a working airstream. Operating parameters of the apparatus may be automatically adjusted based on a detected floor type. The apparatus can dock with a tray for recharging and/or self-cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Timothy R. Lambrix, Matthew R. Smith, Matthew Gordon Kamps, Eric Daniel Buehler, Jacob S. Boles
  • Methods, systems, articles of manufacture and apparatus to privatize consumer data
    Patent number: 11783085
    Abstract: Methods, systems, articles of manufacture and apparatus to privatize consumer data are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a consumer data acquirer to collect original data corresponding to (a) confidential information associated with consumers and (b) behavior information associated with the consumers, and a data obfuscator. The data obfuscator is to determine a degree to which the original data is to be obfuscated and a type of obfuscation to be applied to the original data based on the original data, generate obfuscation adjustments of the original data based on the degree and the type, and generate an obfuscation model based on the obfuscation adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Bruce C. Richardson, Shixiao Li, Martin Quinn, Michael R. Smith
  • Context Based Surface Form Generation for Cognitive System Dictionaries
    Publication number: 20230315765
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided in a data processing system to implement an annotator for annotating content using context-based surface forms. The mechanism receives a dictionary data structure of surface forms comprising a plurality of regular expressions and input content. The mechanism compares a given span of text in the input content to each regular expression in the dictionary data structure. Responsive to the given span of text matching a given regular expression, an annotator annotates the span of text with a content indicator corresponding to a content category-associated with the dictionary data structure. The mechanism performs a natural language processing operation on the input content based on results of the annotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Robert C. Sizemore, Jennifer L. La Rocca, Sterling R. Smith, Mario J. Lorenzo, Kristin E. Mcneil, David B. Werts
  • Cable puller
    Patent number: 11777285
    Abstract: Cable pullers are provided. A cable puller includes a frame, and a boom assembly rotatably connected to the frame. The boom assembly includes a drive assembly, a first arm extending in a first direction from the drive assembly, a second arm extending in a second opposite direction from the drive assembly, and a third arm rotatably connected to the second arm. Rotation of the boom assembly relative to the frame causes rotation of the third arm relative to the second arm to a position wherein a longitudinal axis of the third arm is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Current Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Smith
  • Remotely operated isolation valve
    Patent number: 11773691
    Abstract: A shifting tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing having a bore formed therethrough; a tubular mandrel disposed in the housing and longitudinally movable relative thereto; and an engagement member moveable relative to the housing between an extended position, a released position, and a retracted position, wherein: the engagement member is movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to movement of the mandrel relative to the housing, and the engagement member is further movable from the extended position to the released position in response to movement of the mandrel relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Noske, Roddie R. Smith, Paul L. Smith, Thomas F. Bailey, Christopher L. McDowell
  • Using voice commands from a mobile device to remotely access and control a computer
    Patent number: 11778032
    Abstract: A method of using voice commands from a mobile device to remotely access and control a computer. The method includes receiving audio data from the mobile device at the computer. The audio data is decoded into a command. A software program that the command was provided for is determined. At least one process is executed at the computer in response to the command. Output data is generated at the computer in response to executing at least one process at the computer. The output data is transmitted to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Voice Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Todd R. Smith
  • STRENGTH TRAINING APPARATUSES AND METHODS THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20230302322
    Abstract: Strength training apparatuses and methods therefor. The strength training apparatus includes a frame, first and second swing arms pivotally coupled to the frame and extending from the frame above a weight bench, and a user's platform armrest (UPA) releasably secured to and spanning between the swing arms. The UPA is configured to support a user's upper arms while the user is lying supine on the weight bench underneath the UPA. An angular adjusting mechanism located below a horizontal plane of the weight bench is configured to adjust an angle of the swing arms relative to the frame while the UPA is coupled to the swing arms. A platform adjusting mechanism located within the user's platform armrest is configured to adjust a position of the UPA along the swing arms while the UPA is coupled to the swing arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Troy R. Smith
  • Cardiac stimulation system
    Patent number: 11766219
    Abstract: Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Drasler, Michael J. Pikus, Roger Hastings, Scott R. Smith, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Douglas R. Saholt, Graig L. Kveen, Martin R. Willard
  • FAULT DETECTION FOR A WATER LEVEL DETECTION SYSTEM OF A WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20230295861
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance is provided including a sump positioned at a bottom of a wash tub for collecting wash fluid, a drain pump assembly for selectively draining the sump, a measurement device configured for measuring movement of the wash tub, and a water level detection system comprising a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the sump. A controller is configured to operate the drain pump assembly to drain the wash fluid, measure the movement of the wash tub using the measurement device, measure a water level within the sump using the water level detection system, and identify a fault condition in the water level detection system upon determining that the measured movement indicates that the sump is empty and the measured water level indicates that the sump is not empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Charles Derek Hibdon, Darrin R. Smith
  • Methods of antibody production that minimize disulfide bond reduction
    Patent number: 11760777
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses methods for purifying antibodies providing an air overlay or headspace to single-use storage bags containing the antibody during purification. In specific embodiments, the application relates to purification of antibodies to human TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains), such as antibody 22G2, which decrease unwanted disulfide bond reduction. The application further provides depth filtration at lower throughput and/or flux, which also minimizes unwanted disulfide bond reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY
    Inventors: John C. Fann, Brian W. O'Mara, Laura R. Smith
  • Pontoon cover system
    Patent number: 11760441
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for a pontoon covering system are described herein. In an example, a pontoon cover on a spindle is mounted to the rear of the pontoon using a one or more mounting brackets, the mounting bracket including a first portion configured to translate longitudinally with respect to second portion. The cover can be positioned over a support structure connected to the pontoon. The support structure may al low the cover, including a cover securing member support to be aligned with a cover securing member attached to the side of the pontoon. The cover may be secured in the front by a front securing member, and pulled taut over the support structure by turning a handle connected to the spindle while the cover securing member is secured or engaged at least partially within the cover securing member support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: B&W Holding, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Lisiecki, Wayne R. Smith
  • Assembly line fabrication and assembly of aircraft wings
    Patent number: 11753184
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for assembling a wing. Methods include coupling a robot arm to a bracket on a rib held against a wing panel, and operating the coupled robot arm to install shims between the rib and wing panel. Some methods further include mounting (e.g. detachably) the bracket, such as by aligning it with indexing features at the rib. In some methods, the bracket enforces a contour to the rib. Systems include a carriage coupled to a rib, and a robot arm extending therefrom that is operable to perform work (e.g. inspection, installing shims and/or fasteners, etc.) at an interface between the rib and a wing panel. Apparatus includes a robot arm dimensioned for placement at an interface between a rib and a wing panel, with the robot arm including an end effector to perform work upon the interface (e.g. inspection, installing shims and/or fasteners, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Smith, Darrell D. Jones
  • Motion Control System
    Publication number: 20230278386
    Abstract: A motion control system includes a top mount, a bottom mount, a rigid housing, an air spring, and a linear actuator. The air spring transfers force of a first load path between the top mount and the bottom mount. The air spring includes a pressurized cavity containing pressurized gas that transfers the force of the first load path. The linear actuator transfers force of a second load path between the top mount and the bottom mount in parallel to the first load path. The rigid housing defines at least part of the pressurized cavity and transfers the force of the second load path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Hall, Jacob L. Dawson, Paul J. Keas, Troy A. Carter, Roland R. Smith
  • Selective deep parsing of natural language content
    Patent number: 11748562
    Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to perform selective deep parsing of natural language content. A targeted deep parse natural language processing system is configured to recognize one or more triggers that specify elements within natural language content that indicate a portion of natural language content that is to be targeted with a deep parse operation. A portion of natural language content is received and a pre-deep parse scan operation is performed on the natural language content based on the one or more triggers to identify one or more sub-portions of the natural language content that contain at least one of the one or more triggers. A deep parse is performed on only the one or more sub-portions of the portion of natural language content that contain at least one of the one or more triggers, while other sub-portions of the portion of natural language content are not deep parsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Robert C. Sizemore, David B. Werts, Sterling R. Smith