Patents by Inventor Robert E. Smith

Robert E. 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).

  • Computerized system for customizing and managing benefits
    Publication number: 20020069077
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer system for administering employee benefits. The computer system comprises a first tier. The first tier includes a plurality of users. At least one user is a workstation having a processor and memory. At least one other user is a system processing means. The workstation is configured for inputting rules into the computer system. The rules are for controlling the computer system. The system processing means is configured to generate and execute transactions based upon the rules. A second tier includes memory configured to store the rules. The rules are organized into tables within the memory of the second tier. A third tier includes memory configured to store benefit data. The benefit data is organized into tables in the third tier memory. The benefit data can be manipulated only by the system processing means executing the rule-based transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Westport Benefits, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John T. Brophy, Ann Lyndon, A. Michael Foley, Robert E. Smith, Philip R. Crevier
  • Cysteine protease inhibitors containing heterocyclic leaving groups
    Publication number: 20020065264
    Abstract: A class of cysteine protease inhibitors which inactivate a cysteine protease by covalently bonding to the protease and releasing a heterocyclic leaving group is presented. The cysteine protease inhibitors of the present invention comprise a first portion which targets a desired cysteine protease and positions the inhibitor near the thiolate anion portion of the active site of the protease, and a second portion which covalently bonds to the cysteine protease and irreversibly deactivates that protease by providing a carbonyl or carbonyl-equivalent which is attacked by the thiolate anion of the active site of the cysteine protease to sequentially cleave a heterocyclic leaving group. The heterocyclic leaving group of the protease inhibitor is of the formula: —O— Het, where Het is a heterocycle having 4-7 atoms in the ring, with at least one of the heterocycle atoms being N, O or S.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Mary P. Zimmerman, Robert E. Smith
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling
    Patent number: 6375153
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a stepped internal bore dimensioned to increase the flow rate through the coupling is disclosed. The coupling allows an increased flow rate without increasing the size or weight of the coupling, by positioning the poppet valve in the body section, rather than in the probe section, of the male coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling with guide for valve actuator
    Patent number: 6357722
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling is disclosed having a poppet valve with an actuator extending from the valve, and a guide between the actuator and bore. The guide is a sleeve shaped member around the actuator with flow passages which ensure a smooth flow of hydraulic fluid through the annulus between the coupling bore and actuator. The guide also helps prevent damage to the actuator, and aligns the actuator during connections, disconnections and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Method of installing a highly tensioned suspended pipeline
    Patent number: 6353988
    Abstract: A highly tensioned, suspended pipeline (HTSP) which is especially useful in permafrost regions, rugged terrain, and active seismic fault areas. Basically, the pipeline is comprised of segments which are fluidly connected together to form the desired length of the line. Each segment is comprised of a length of tensioned pipeline which extends between two fixed anchors and which is suspended over a plurality of vertical support towers therebetween. The length of pipeline is greater than the distance between the anchors to allow the pipeline to sag significantly between adjacent vertical supports whereby there is no need for expansion loops in the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, James D. Hart
  • Plastic sheet product offering matte appearance and method of preparation
    Publication number: 20010036543
    Abstract: A plastic sheet product having a matte finish comprises a core layer of a thermoplastic polymer and at least one layer of a capstock composition which overlies, and is bonded to, at least one face of the core layer. The capstock composition comprises the same or different thermoplastic polymer and contains a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with and dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer of the capstock composition. The sheet product may be prepared by the co-extrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and the capstock composition, and in a particular embodiment, such co-extrusion may be conducted by means of a feedblock. In a particular embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer of the core layer and that of the capstock composition may be the same, such as in the instance of a methylmethacrylate-methylacrylate copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Darrell L. Sparks, Grant B. LaFontaine, Jennifer A. Hay, Robert E. Smith
  • Applied digital and physical signatures over telecommunications media
    Publication number: 20010034835
    Abstract: A Message Authentication Code (MAC), which may be used with Public Key Authentication, assures that the content elements have not been altered and that the issuer is who they say they are. This is accomplished by encrypting the documents hash count using the issuer's private key. The content element's receiving party can verify the MAC using the issuer's Public Key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling
    Publication number: 20010025659
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a stepped internal bore dimensioned to increase the flow rate through the coupling is disclosed. The coupling allows an increased flow rate without increasing the size or weight of the coupling, by positioning the poppet valve in the body section, rather than in the probe section, of the male coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: NATIONAL COUPLING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith
  • Cysteine protease inhibitors containing heterocyclic leaving groups
    Patent number: 6297277
    Abstract: A class of cysteine protease inhibitors which inactivate a cysteine protease by covalently bonding to the protease and releasing a heterocyclic leaving group is presented. The cysteine protease inhibitors of the present invention comprise a first portion which targets a desired cysteine protease and positions the inhibitor near the thiolate anion portion of the active site of the protease, and a second portion which covalently bonds to the cysteine protease and irreversibly deactivates that protease by providing a carbonyl or carbonyl-equivalent which is attacked by the thiolate anion of the active site of the cysteine protease to sequentially cleave a heterocyclic leaving group. The heterocyclic leaving group of the protease inhibitor is of the formula: —O—Het, where Het is a heterocycle having 4-7 atoms in the ring, with at least one of the heterocycle atoms being N, O or S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Prototek, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary P. Zimmerman, Robert E. Smith
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling member
    Patent number: 6283444
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member is disclosed having a valve actuator extending through the probe section and the leading face, and having angled flow ports in the probe section which help keep the hydraulic system clear of debris when the coupling members are disconnected subsea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling member with primary and secondary poppet valves
    Patent number: 6237632
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member is disclosed having a primary poppet valve and a secondary poppet valve to improve reliability against leakage when the coupling members are separated. A spring extends between the first poppet valve and the actuator for the second poppet valve. The secondary poppet valve remains closed unless the first poppet valve is fully opened, so that debris or other material that could prevent sealing of the first poppet valve will not cause leakage of hydraulic fluid through the second poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling with internal guard for flow port
    Patent number: 6227245
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member is disclosed having angled flow ports to prevent ingress of debris into the hydraulic lines. A port guard attached to the valve actuator closes the flow ports unless the poppet valve is opened by mutual engagement with the opposing coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling
    Patent number: 6206040
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a stepped internal bore dimensioned to increase the flow rate through the coupling is disclosed. The coupling allows an increased flow rate without increasing the size or weight of the coupling, by positioning the poppet valve in the body section, rather than in the probe section, of the male coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling with bleed port
    Patent number: 6202691
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling has a bleed port for seawater external to the coupling to enter the bore of the female coupling member when the male member is partially withdrawn from the female member. A ring-shaped radial seal positioned between the coupling members allows fluid to enter through the bleed port and flow into the bore, while sealing against the flow of hydraulic fluid out of the coupling. The bleed port and ring-shaped radial seal provide for seawater to fill the vacuum between the coupling members when they are separated, thereby decreasing the separation force required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Pressure balanced undersea hydraulic coupling
    Patent number: 6202690
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling is pressure balanced to reduce forces tending to urge the coupling members apart during coupling or uncoupling. A seal retainer having an L-shaped fluid passage is used to provide fluid communication between the radial fluid passage in the male member and the longitudinal fluid passage in the female member of the coupling. The seal retainer holds one or more radial seals in the female member upon disengagement of the male coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Method for characterizing nucleic acid molecules
    Patent number: 6190865
    Abstract: A method of characterizing a nucleic acid molecule is disclosed. The method comprises synthesizing DNA in the presence of a reaction mixture comprising a nucleic acid template, a primer molecule, an enzyme that extends the primer so that a DNA molecule may be synthesized, four canonical deoxynucleoside triphosphates and at least one non-canonical deoxynucleoside triphosphate. The non-canonical deoxynucleoside triphosphate is incorporated into the synthesized DNA in place of a portion of only one canonical deoxynucleoside triphosphate. The synthesized DNA is treated with an N-glycosylase that excises a base portion of the non-canonical deoxynucleoside triphosphate from the synthesized DNA. The DNA is then treated in such a manner that the phosphodiester backbone of the DNA is broken at the abasic site, thus creating at least two DNA fragments. The fragments are separated according to size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Epicentre Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Jendrisak, Leslie M. Hoffman, Robert E. Smith
  • Hydraulic coupling with pressure-energized dovetail seal
    Patent number: 6179002
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a radial pressure-energized seal with a dovetail interfit is disclosed. The seal has a pair of flexible sealing surfaces for sealing with the male and female coupling members, and a cavity therebetween that is exposed to fluid pressure in the coupling. The outer circumference of the seal has a dovetail interfit between inclined shoulders in the female member bore and on a seal retainer that holds the seal in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Undersea hydraulic coupling with axial preloading
    Patent number: 6173742
    Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations is disclosed, having a male member with radially extending projections or fins configured to be received in a female member having corresponding grooves in its receiving chamber. Relative rotation of the members urges the male member inwardly and preferably compresses axially a metal seal between the leading face of the male member and an internal shoulder. This preloads the seal before the coupling is pressured up with hydraulic fluid. The rotation of the male member may be done manually or by remote actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Hot stamper foil tape cartridge with reflector pads
    Patent number: 6149326
    Abstract: A tape cartridge for a debossing stamper includes a casing, a tape-containing supply spool and a tape take-up spool in the casing, the supply spool having at least one reflector pad visually accessible from the exterior of the casing by an optical reflective sensor for detecting and indicating an amount of tape remaining on the supply spool. In one embodiment the at least one reflector pad is a series of equally spaced reflector pads on an outer periphery of the supply spool. The sensor provides a feedback on each 1/4 revolution of said supply reel, the feedback being received by firmware to track the number of motor steps to drive the take-up spool and to rotate the supply spool a 1/4 turn, and wherein a computer calculates the amount of tape remaining on the supply spool based on supply spool core diameter, take-up spool core diameter and total tape length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Taurus Impressions, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles T. Groswith, III, William A. Banks, Eugene F. Duval, Roger M. Gray, Raymond D. Heistand, II, Barry C. Kockler, Warren K. Shannon, Robert E. Smith, William J. Usitalo
  • .alpha.- (1,3- or 1, 2- dicarbonylenol ether methyl ketones as cysteine protease inhibitors
    Patent number: 6147188
    Abstract: Cysteine protease inhibitors which deactivate the protease by covalently bonding to the cysteine protease and releasing the enolate of a 1,3-dicarbonyl (or its enolic form). The cysteine protease inhibitors of the present invention accordingly comprise a first portion which targets a desired cysteine protease and positions the inhibitor near the thiolate anion portion of the active site of the protease, and a second portion which covalently bonds to the cysteine protease and irreversibly deactivates that protease by providing a carbonyl or carbonyl-equivalent which is attacked by the thiolate anion of the active site of the cysteine protease to sequentially cleave a .beta.-dicarbonyl enol ether leaving group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Prototek, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary P. Zimmerman, Robert E. Smith, Mark Becker