Patents by Inventor Robert D. Smith

Robert 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).

  • Publication number: 20240238932
    Abstract: A knife sharpener of the present disclosure comprises a housing defining a hollow interior and an interchangeable knife guide cartridge releaseably coupled to the housing. The interchangeable knife guide cartridge improves an operation and a versatility of the sharpener, while optimizing knife blade sharpening. A motor assembly is disposed in the hollow interior of the housing and includes a drive shaft operably coupled to at least one sharpening disk and at least one stropping disk. The disks cooperate with the interchangeable knife guide cartridge to achieve a desired edge angle of the knife blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2024
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Samuel J. Smith, Bela Elek, Robert D. Smith, Rong Liu, Morgan E. McElhiney
  • Patent number: 11390327
    Abstract: Subframe brace apparatus and related assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle assembly includes a subframe of a vehicle, a vehicle body structure, and a brace attaching the subframe to the vehicle body structure. A body of the brace includes a first end coupled to the subframe and a second end coupled to the vehicle body structure. The first end of the body is configured to remain connected to the subframe during an offset frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a first load to the first end. The first end of the body is also configured to separate from the subframe during a full frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a second load to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, INC.
    Inventors: Kyler A. Tolman, Alex B. Taylor, Ryan M. Mahn, Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210316792
    Abstract: Subframe brace apparatus and related assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle assembly includes a subframe of a vehicle, a vehicle body structure, and a brace attaching the subframe to the vehicle body structure. A body of the brace includes a first end coupled to the subframe and a second end coupled to the vehicle body structure. The first end of the body is configured to remain connected to the subframe during an offset frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a first load to the first end. The first end of the body is also configured to separate from the subframe during a full frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a second load to the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, INC.
    Inventors: Kyler A. TOLMAN, Alex B. TAYLOR, Ryan M. MAHN, Robert D. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20210197752
    Abstract: An airbag for a vehicle including a main bag body and a tail bag body is provided. The tail bag body extends forward from the main bag body in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The airbag is operable between an undeployed state and a deployed state such that, when the airbag is in the deployed state, the tail bag body extends into a cavity of an instrument panel defined by an upper wall, a front wall, and a lower wall. When in the deployed state, the tail bag body contacts at least one of the upper wall, the front wall, and a lower wall in order to inhibit movement of the main bag body in a vehicle vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Colby S. Williams, Robert D. Smith, Jessica A. Riffe
  • Publication number: 20200380572
    Abstract: A method and system of dynamically pricing tickets for an event is disclosed herein. A computing system retrieves historical pricing information for a given team. The historical pricing information includes ticket sale information for a plurality of events. The computing system generates a predictive model using a machine learning model. The computing system receives a set of tickets for an upcoming event. The upcoming event is between the given team and an opponent. The computing system generates, via the predictive model, an event score and a spring value for the upcoming event based on historical ticket sale data for the given team, team-specific information, and opponent-specific information. The computing system constructs a price for each ticket in the set of tickets based on parameters of each ticket, the event score, and the spring value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: Event Dynamic
    Inventor: Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200329635
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting agricultural product having: a frame; a first cutting component; and a support for the first cutting component on the frame that is driven to cause the first cutting component to be moved in a cutting path. The first cutting component has a body with a first serrated cutting edge to sever agricultural product engaged thereagainst. The first cutting edge has a length and a plurality of teeth spaced from each other in a lengthwise direction. Each tooth has a tip, Spacing between the tooth tips is non-uniform over a majority of the length of the first cutting edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Robert D. Smith, Ben Richard
  • Publication number: 20200273055
    Abstract: A method and system of dynamically pricing tickets for an event is disclosed herein. A computing system retrieves historical pricing information for a given team. The computing system generates a predictive model using a machine learning model. The computing system generates the predictive model by generating a plurality of input data sets based on historical pricing information and learning, by the machine learning model, a price for each ticket based at least on the team-specific information, opponent-specific information, and historical price data. Each input data set includes team-specific information, opponent-specific information, and historical ticket sale data. The computing system receives a set of tickets for an upcoming event. The upcoming event is between the given team and an opponent. The computing system generates, via the predictive model, a price for each ticket in the set of tickets based on parameters of each ticket, the team-specific information, and opponent-specific information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: Event Dynamic
    Inventor: Robert D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9373881
    Abstract: A low RCS array panel employs a number of linkable support segments. Each support segment has several junctions spaced along it, and the support segments are designed to connect with each other at the junctions to create a support grid. The segments can connect orthogonally, and the junctions can be spaced according to the frequency performance requirements for the antenna the array panel is designed to support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Basil W. Thompson, Jr., Robert D. Smith, Almer M. Garnett
  • Patent number: 9287608
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a structure and method for providing better antenna element retention in the any environment. The structure may comprise at least two card guides attached to a base. Each card guide may have at least one antenna slot, and individual antenna elements may be guided into position by an antenna slot of two different card guides. The individual antenna elements may have their freedom of motion restricted in the direction of their insertion by caps attached to the card guides. The individual antenna elements may have their freedom of motion restricted in a direction transverse to their direction of insertion by retention members attached to the card guides. By allowing for the “top-down” assembly of individual antenna elements in a modular fashion, embodiments of the present invention may facilitate easier repair of antenna element arrays, than prior art array assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Basil W. Thompson, Jr., Robert D. Smith, Paul Simmons
  • Publication number: 20140059840
    Abstract: A low RCS array panel employs a number of linkable support segments. Each support segment has several junctions spaced along it, and the support segments are designed to connect with each other at the junctions to create a support grid. The segments can connect orthogonally, and the junctions can be spaced according to the frequency performance requirements for the antenna the array panel is designed to support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Basil W. Thompson, JR., Robert D. Smith, Almer M. Garnett
  • Publication number: 20130327088
    Abstract: An interchangeable jewellery insert for detachable attachment to a receptacle is described. The jewellery insert has a body with two ends, the first end has at least one dimension sized to fit within a receiving aperture of the receptacle of the item, the second end has at least one dimension larger than the receiving aperture. The first end of the body has a first magnetic element. The receiving aperture has a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element provide a repelling force to secure the interchangeable jewellery insert to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8292353
    Abstract: A construction for an automotive vehicle having a generally vertically extending pillar positioned adjacent a door opening as well as a laterally extending cross member having one end aligned with the pillar adjacent its bottom. A gusset has one end secured to one end of the cross member and a second end secured to the pillar. A crush box is attached to the pillar and includes at least a portion aligned with the second end of the gusset to provide a controlled pillar deformation resulting in a constant force-deformation loading of the gusset during a side impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Toro Ishimaru, Jonathan R. Young, Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120101087
    Abstract: The present invention relates to, in part, novel bisphenol compounds useful for the recognition, attachment and growth of unwanted biologics on natural and manmade surfaces. Another aspect of the invention relates to combinatorial libraries for producing the same. Another aspect of the invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Randall S. Alberte, Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110127800
    Abstract: A construction for an automotive vehicle having a generally vertically extending pillar positioned adjacent a door opening as well as a laterally extending cross member having one end aligned with the pillar adjacent its bottom. A gusset has one end secured to one end of the cross member and a second end secured to the pillar. A crush box is attached to the pillar and includes at least a portion aligned with the second end of the gusset to provide a controlled pillar deformation resulting in a constant force-deformation loading of the gusset during a side impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Toru Ishimaru, Jonathan R. Young, Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090188149
    Abstract: An improved fishing rod comprising a plurality of generally triangular shaped strips joined together to define an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of sides extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Each of the triangular strips has an exterior side that defines a side of the rod and two interior sides that define an angle opposite the exterior side. The angle opposite the exterior side of at least one of the triangular strips is greater than the angle opposite the exterior side of the remaining triangular strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090124690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to, in part, novel sulfate and bisphenol compounds useful for the recognition, attachment and growth of unwanted biologics on natural and manmade surfaces. Another aspect of the invention relates to combinatorial libraries for producing the same. Another aspect of the invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Randall S. Alberte, Robert D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7479571
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to compounds, comprising at least two moieties selected from the group consisting of aryl sulfonates and aryl sulfates. A second aspect of the present invention relates to combinatorial libraries of the aforementioned compounds. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a compound of the present invention. A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound or composition of the present invention in a method for inhibiting bioadhesion to a surface. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound or composition of the present invention in a method for enhancing bioadhesion to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Cernofina, LLC
    Inventors: Randall S. Alberte, Robert D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7409837
    Abstract: An interchangeable jewelry insert having an extension formed of elastic material that can frictionally engage a surface of a receptacle for receiving the insert. The interchangeable jewelry insert may be detachably attached to any item that can be configured to have a receptacle for receiving the insert. The extension of the interchangeable jewelry insert is sized for convenience of handling and storage. The use of an elastically deformable extension extending, at two or more points having sufficient angular separation, from the periphery of the body of an insert allows for a secure fit within the receptacle, while maintaining a convenient connection system that can be manipulated by manual forces of a jewelry wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Robert D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7132567
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to compounds, comprising at least two moieties selected from the group consisting of aryl sulfonates and aryl sulfates. A second aspect of the present invention relates to combinatorial libraries of the aforementioned compounds. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a compound of the present invention. A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound or composition of the present invention in a method for inhibiting bioadhesion to a surface. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a compound or composition of the present invention in a method for enhancing bioadhesion to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Cerno Biosciences, LLC
    Inventors: Randall S. Alberte, Robert D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020133247
    Abstract: A system and method for seamlessly switching between multiple media streams of multimedia content is disclosed. A media server transmits a first media stream to a media client and a media player plays it to a user. At some point, a request to play a second media stream at the media client is detected. A media stream buffer is provided that buffers one or both of the media streams. The media stream buffer enables the media player to continue to play at least one of the media streams while switching between the first media stream and the second media stream. Since the media player continues to play at least one of the media streams to the user without interruption, the switch from the first media stream to the second media stream is thus affected seamlessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Robert D. Smith, Daniel S. Schiappa, Robert D. McDonald