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).

  • Publication number: 20240245437
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    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
  • Publication number: 20240245438
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20240240674
    Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a shaft having an end region to be coupled to another component with a mechanical fastener, the shaft comprising a protrusion extending radially outwardly from the shaft within the end region of the shaft. The steering shaft assembly also includes a ring flag coupleable to the end region of the shaft, the ring flag comprising a recess positioned to receive the protrusion of the shaft at a desired relative axial position of the ring flag and the shaft to rotationally align the ring flag and the shaft at a desired rotational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew L. Messing, Douglas M. Schneider, Steven R. Burk, Robert J. Smith, Phillip D. Beckman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20240175462
    Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a shaft having a first end region including a nose, a male spline region coupleable with a female spline region of a clamp yoke, a ring flag seat adjacent said nose, and a first ring flag locating feature between said ring flag seat and said male spline region. The steering shaft assembly also includes a ring flag having an annular band seated on said ring flag seat, a flag extending axially from said annular band in a first direction beyond said first end and radially outwardly from said annular band, and a second ring flag locating feature extending axially from said annular band in a second direction opposite said first direction, said second ring flag locating feature interacting with said first ring flag locating feature to orient said ring flag in a predetermined rotational orientation relative to said shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew L. Messing, Douglas M. Schneider, Steven R. Burk, Robert J. Smith, Phillip D. Beckman, JR., Bruce D. Kniebbe
  • Patent number: 11903585
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 11900460
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 11769201
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230091108
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: BOLDER SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 11534166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Bolder Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220313482
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Jeremy Thomas Dabrowiak, Sean W. Yip, Christo Petrov Pamichev, Robert J. Smith, Masoumeh Mafi
  • Patent number: 11459013
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew L. Messing, Robert J. Smith, Clinton D. Spencer, Brandon M. McComb, Jacob A. Caverly, Douglas M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11407438
    Abstract: A lever assembly for a steering column includes a rotatable lock lever. The lever assembly also includes a bolt operatively coupled to the rotatable lock lever and rotated therewith. The lever assembly further includes a clamp load assembly operatively coupled to the bolt. The clamp load assembly includes an assist cam having a cam profile defined by at least one ramp. The clamp load assembly also includes an assist follower having a follower profile in contact with the cam profile. The clamp load assembly further includes an assist spring disposed between the assist follower and a column structure, the assist spring biasing the assist follower into contact with the assist cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas M. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Brandon M. McComb, Matthew L. Messing
  • Patent number: 11164253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210010535
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew L. Messing, Robert J. Smith, Clinton D. Spencer, Brandon M. McComb, Jacob A. Caverly, Douglas M. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20200345362
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200277001
    Abstract: A lever assembly for a steering column includes a rotatable lock lever. The lever assembly also includes a bolt operatively coupled to the rotatable lock lever and rotated therewith. The lever assembly further includes a clamp load assembly operatively coupled to the bolt. The clamp load assembly includes an assist cam having a cam profile defined by at least one ramp. The clamp load assembly also includes an assist follower having a follower profile in contact with the cam profile. The clamp load assembly further includes an assist spring disposed between the assist follower and a column structure, the assist spring biasing the assist follower into contact with the assist cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Douglas M. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Brandon M. McComb, Matthew L. Messing
  • Publication number: 20190047120
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a part comprises providing a component for cutting and directing a water jet at the component so as to cut the component. The water jet comprises water and abrasive particles that are crystalline solids formed from organic acid or calcium oxalate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Robert J. SMITH, Daniel CLARK
  • Publication number: 20190039210
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a part comprises providing a component for cutting and directing a water jet at the component so as to cut the component. The water jet comprises water and abrasive particles having a nucleus made from a first substance and a second substance surrounding the nucleus, the first substance being denser than the second substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Daniel CLARK, Michael J. WALLIS, Robert J. SMITH
  • Patent number: 10143474
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Just Right Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bucciaglia, Richard N. Granger, Allison B. Lyle, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith