Patents by Inventor Robert J. Smith
Robert 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).
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Publication number: 20240139064Abstract: Methods of operating a haptic actuator to apply physical and/or thermal sensations to a user to provide subjective symptom relief to a user are described. In some embodiments, a haptic actuator may be automatically activated when one or more detected user states are compared to one or more predetermined activation parameters to determine the user is experiencing an episode related to a condition of the user. In another embodiment, one or more operating parameters of a haptic actuator may be updated if the haptic actuator did not provided a desired amount of subjective symptom relief to a user during use. In yet another embodiment, a haptic actuator may create an event log based on activation events when the haptic actuator is used to provide symptom relief for a condition of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2024Publication date: May 2, 2024Applicant: EMBR Labs IP LLCInventors: Matthew J. Smith, David Cohen-Tanugi, Kristen Warren, Robert Balke
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Publication number: 20240139065Abstract: Methods of operating a haptic actuator to apply physical and/or thermal sensations to a user to provide subjective symptom relief to a user are described. In some embodiments, a haptic actuator may be automatically activated when one or more detected user states are compared to one or more predetermined activation parameters to determine the user is experiencing an episode related to a condition of the user. In another embodiment, one or more operating parameters of a haptic actuator may be updated if the haptic actuator did not provided a desired amount of subjective symptom relief to a user during use. In yet another embodiment, a haptic actuator may create an event log based on activation events when the haptic actuator is used to provide symptom relief for a condition of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2024Publication date: May 2, 2024Applicant: EMBR Labs IP LLCInventors: Matthew J. Smith, David Cohen-Tanugi, Kristen Warren, Robert Balke
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Publication number: 20240143806Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2024Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turrentine, Steven T Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
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Patent number: 11950819Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.Inventors: W. Bret Smith, Paul Dayton, Sean F. Scanlan, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, John T. Treace, Robert D. Santrock, Daniel J. Hatch, Joe W. Ferguson
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Patent number: 11954214Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to share policy information. The policy information may be associated with a smart contract. Accordingly, the policy information may be encrypted using a public key for the smart contract and compiled into a block of the blockchain. In response to a request to provide access to the information to a particular node, the private key for the smart contract may be encrypted using the public key for the particular node and compiled into a block of the blockchain.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turrentine, Steven T. Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
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Publication number: 20240111881Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a blockchain comprising a plurality of immutable sales records corresponding to sales made by agents of an entity are provided. According to certain aspects, a transaction request indicating a sale made by an agent of the entity may be received at a first node. A block including a sales record indicating the sale made by the agent may be added to a blockchain and transmitted to another node for validation. The first node may add the block to a copy of the blockchain, where the block may be identified by a hash value that references a previous block in the blockchain that includes at least one additional sales record.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turentine, Steven T. Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
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Publication number: 20240091457Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous injection of fluid, in some examples these apparatuses may include a manifold, a pair of reciprocating pistons, and an actuation control that may apply both suction (aspiration) and injection of fluid as part of the same actuation. The systems and methods may be configured to simplify the operation of a continuous fluid injection system, including one that aspirated prior, to injection to confirm the absence/presence of blood.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Robert E. MAYLE, Jr., Erik J. SHAHOIAN, Terrence C. SMITH
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Patent number: 11934161Abstract: System and method provide wireless distributed lighting control systems implementing a secure peer-to-peer, self-organizing and self-healing mesh network of actuators and system inputs. The system and method can be designed specifically for indoor and outdoor lighting where actuators include in-fixture, on-fixture and circuit control modules with ON/OFF and full range dimming capabilities, and system inputs include occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight sensors and switches. A unique messaging protocol facilitates wireless and wired communication between actuators and system inputs, and provides web-based commissioning and monitoring of the lighting control system using a wireless access point accessible from a local network or Internet which can provide an intuitive and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: HLI SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Theodore E. Weber, Terrence R. Arbouw, Ronald K. Bender, Ronald J. Cummings-Kralik, Michael D. Crane, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Robert A. Martin, Peter A. Moyle, Gregory F. Smith, Stephan K. Zitz
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Patent number: 11931312Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20240081843Abstract: Systems, techniques, and devices are described that may be used in a minimally invasive bone realignment procedure. In some examples, a method of performing a minimally invasive metatarsal correction procedure involves using a bone preparation guide having a guide surface with a length less than a diameter of a bone to be cut using the guide surface. The clinician can guide a bone preparation instrument along the guide surface and angle the bone preparation instrument beyond one or both ends of the guide surface to cut the end of the underlying bone beyond one or both of the ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Adriaan Kuyler, Paul Dayton, Mark Erik Easley, William T. DeCarbo, Daniel J. Hatch, Jody McAleer, Robert D. Santrock, W. Bret Smith, Sean F. Scanlan, Jason May, Michael Stedham
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Publication number: 20240075815Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, an energy storage device supported by the chassis and configured to provide electrical power to a prime mover, wherein activation of the prime mover selectively drives the refuse vehicle, a body for storing refuse therein supported by the chassis, a first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, a second first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, and a motor coupled to at least one of the body or the chassis and configured to drive the first hydraulic pump and drive the second hydraulic pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Jeffrey Koga, Emily Davis, Jerrod Kappers, Vince Schad, Robert S. Messina, Christopher K. Yakes, Vincent Hoover, Clinton T. Weckwerth, Zachary L. Klein, John Beck, Brendan Chan, Skylar A. Wachter, Nader Nasr, Chad K. Smith, Logan Gary, Derek A. Wente, Shawn Naglik, Mike J. Bolton, Jacob Wallin, Quincy Wittman, Christopher J. Rukas, Dylan Hess, Jason Rice, Zhenyi Wei, Bashar Amin, Catherine Linsmeier, Joshua D. Rocholl, Dale Matsumoto
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Patent number: 11914728Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turrentine, Steven T. Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
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Patent number: 11911085Abstract: Methods for temporarily fixing an orientation of a bone or bones. Methods of correcting a bunion deformity. Bone positioning devices. Methods of using a bone positioning device. Bone preparation guides. Methods of using a bone preparation guide.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2023Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Santrock, Paul Dayton, Daniel J. Hatch, W. Bret Smith, F. Barry Bays, Carlos Eduardo Gil, Sean F. Scanlan, Joe W. Ferguson, John T. Treace
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Patent number: 11903585Abstract: A surgical stapler, a cartridge for a surgical stapler, a cutting mechanism for a surgical stapler, and a method of applying surgical staples in a patient are disclosed herein. The stapler may have an anvil movably coupled to a support jaw between a clamped configuration and a closed configuration. The cartridge may be configured to fit within an envelope diameter and to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base length and a leg length, the leg length at least 53% of the envelope diameter. The cartridge may have slots shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 11900460Abstract: In various aspects, a computer receives bond market information in digital form via a network cloud from various combinations of a trading computer of an electronic trading platform and an information computer of an information source and the computer then transforms the bond market information into a bond market analysis. Accordingly, the bond market information, which is generally disorganized digital information existing on various combinations of the trading computer and the information computer, is transmitted to the computer via the network cloud and then transformed by the computer into an organized bond market analysis, which is also in digital form, and which may be displayed in various ways. The computer may automatically generate order information in digital form in response to the bond market analysis and the computer may communicate the order via the network cloud to the trading computer for execution.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2023Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Inventor: Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 11769201Abstract: In various aspects, a computer receives bond market information in digital form via a network cloud from various combinations of a trading computer of an electronic trading platform and an information computer of an information source and the computer then transforms the bond market information into a bond market analysis. Accordingly, the bond market information, which is generally disorganized digital information existing on various combinations of the trading computer and the information computer, is transmitted to the computer via the network cloud and then transformed by the computer into an organized bond market analysis, which is also in digital form, and which may be displayed in various ways. The computer may automatically generate order information in digital form in response to the bond market analysis and the computer may communicate the order via the network cloud to the trading computer for execution.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Inventor: Robert J. Smith
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Publication number: 20230091108Abstract: A surgical stapler, a cartridge for a surgical stapler, a cutting mechanism for a surgical stapler, and a method of applying surgical staples in a patient are disclosed herein. The stapler may have an anvil movably coupled to a support jaw between a clamped configuration and a closed configuration. The cartridge may be configured to fit within an envelope diameter and to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base length and a leg length, the leg length at least 53% of the envelope diameter. The cartridge may have slots shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: BOLDER SURGICAL, LLCInventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 11534166Abstract: A surgical stapler, a cartridge for a surgical stapler, a cutting mechanism for a surgical stapler, and a method of applying surgical staples in a patient are disclosed herein. The stapler may have an anvil movably coupled to a support jaw between a clamped configuration and a closed configuration. The cartridge may be configured to fit within an envelope diameter and to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base length and a leg length, the leg length at least 53% of the envelope diameter. The cartridge may have slots shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Bolder Surgical, LLCInventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Publication number: 20220313482Abstract: A temperature management system for ease and timing of priming, setup and/or operation by a user. The temperature management system is configured to control a temperature of a patient's body using a heat exchange device. The temperature management system includes a console that is coupled to a heat exchange device, such as a catheter or surface pad. The console includes a hardware interface for receiving or coupling to a fluid loop configured to supply the heat exchange device with heating or cooling working fluid (e.g., saline). The interface provides instructions, indicators, and/or hardware elements to assist a user in configuring and priming the fluid loop for operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2021Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Jeremy Thomas Dabrowiak, Sean W. Yip, Christo Petrov Pamichev, Robert J. Smith, Masoumeh Mafi
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Patent number: 11459013Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column housing. The steering column assembly also includes a lower shaft disposed within the steering column housing and axially adjustable. The steering column assembly further includes a torque adjustment assembly operatively connected to the lower shaft to increase or decrease a steering shaft turning torque.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Matthew L. Messing, Robert J. Smith, Clinton D. Spencer, Brandon M. McComb, Jacob A. Caverly, Douglas M. Schneider