Patents by Inventor Ronald E. Smith

Ronald 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).

  • Publication number: 20240100781
    Abstract: Improved battery separators, base films or membranes, batteries, cells, devices, systems, vehicles, and/or methods of making and/or using such separators, films or membranes, batteries, cells, devices, systems, vehicles, and/or methods of enhancing battery or cell charge rates, charge capacity, and/or discharge rates, and/or methods of improving batteries, systems including such batteries, vehicles including such batteries and/or systems, and/or the like; biaxially oriented porous membranes, composites including biaxially oriented porous membranes, biaxially oriented microporous membranes, biaxially oriented macroporous membranes, battery separators with improved charge capacities and the related methods and methods of manufacture, methods of use, and the like; flat sheet membranes, liquid retention media; dry process separators; biaxially stretched separators; dry process biaxially stretched separators having a thickness range between about 5 ?m and 50 ?m, preferably between about 10 ?m and 25 ?m, having imp
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Xiaomin Zhang, Gerald P. Rumierz, Karl F. Humiston, Charles E. Haire, Tyrone S. Fields, Michael A. Braswell, Ronald A. Proctor, Ronnie E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11942776
    Abstract: A system for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric transmission line system caused by a line break, includes: the transmission lines, a programmable relay protection system, including a plurality of existing low sensitivity (LS) relays and a corresponding set of high sensitivity (HS) relays in parallel with the is relays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Viking Protection Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Stuart, Ronald E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11934161
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20240079869
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to detection of abnormal, risky, or aberrant conditions in a power distribution network and to corresponding trip signals being used to trip open devices such as reclosers upstream of where the abnormal condition is detected. Detection of open phase on a distribution circuit prevents severed conductors from causing a ground fault, therefore avoiding the possibility of fire and dangerous conditions. The voltage unbalance may be measured using an end of line relay that includes an electrical sensor or relay, a tripping mechanism, and a signal transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: VIRGA SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: RONALD E. SMITH
  • Patent number: 11852692
    Abstract: A system for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric distribution line system caused by a line break, includes: the transmission lines, a programmable relay protection system, including high sensitivity. The HS relays on each line are programmed to include: preset acceptable operating parameter ranges of at least two electric operating conditions, namely, high sensitivity instantaneous undercurrent and at least one high sensitivity negative sequence overcurrent; monitoring; permitting closed circuit operation when all of the lines show that the two operating conditions are within the preset acceptable operating parameter ranges; tripping a circuit breaking device on a broken line when that line shows that the two operating conditions are outside the preset parameter ranges; and shutting down power to the broken line before it otherwise causes a ground fault or other short circuit. A third parameter monitoring: rate of change in current is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MILO GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Stuart, Ronald E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11831147
    Abstract: A method for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric transmission line system caused by a line break, includes: providing a programmable relay protection system, including a plurality of relay devices on each line, programmed to include: preset parameter ranges of at least two electric operating conditions, at least one high sensitivity instantaneous undercurrent and at least one high sensitivity condition selected from line differential overcurrent and negative sequence overcurrent (and combinations thereof), the preset ranges being acceptable operating parameter ranges; monitoring; permitting closed circuit operation when all of the lines show that the two operating conditions are within the preset acceptable operating parameter ranges; tripping a circuit breaker on a broken line when that line shows that the two operating conditions are outside the preset parameter ranges; and shutting down power to the broken line before it otherwise causes a ground fault or other short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Viking Protection Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Stuart, Ronald E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230318289
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to detection of abnormal, risky, or abberant conditions in a power distribution network and to corresponding trip signals being used to trip open devices such as reclosers upstream of where the abnormal condition is detected. Detection of a missing broadband over power-line signal or of an open circuit between phases of a power distribution circuit may prevent severed conductors from causing a ground fault, therefore avoiding the possibility of fire and dangerous conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Virga Systems LLC
    Inventors: Vahid Madani, Ronald E. Smith, Robert B. Stuart, Kenneth Hyung Choi, Justin Dongjin Choi
  • Patent number: 11769998
    Abstract: A system for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric transmission line system caused by a line break, includes: the transmission lines, a programmable relay protection system, including a plurality of relay devices on each line, programmed to include: preset parameter ranges of at least two electric operating conditions, at least one high sensitivity instantaneous undercurrent and at least one high sensitivity condition selected from line differential overcurrent and negative sequence overcurrent (and combinations thereof), the preset ranges being acceptable operating parameter ranges; monitoring; permitting closed circuit operation when all of the lines show that the two operating conditions are within the preset acceptable operating parameter ranges; tripping a circuit breaker on a broken line when that line shows that the two operating conditions are outside the preset parameter ranges; and shutting down power to the broken line before it otherwise causes a ground fault or other short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Viking Protection Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Stuart, Ronald E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230261459
    Abstract: A system for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric transmission line system caused by a line break, includes: the transmission lines, a programmable relay protection system, including a plurality of relay devices on each line, programmed to include: preset parameter ranges of at least two electric operating conditions, at least one high sensitivity instantaneous undercurrent and at least one high sensitivity condition selected from line differential overcurrent and negative sequence overcurrent (and combinations thereof), the preset ranges being acceptable operating parameter ranges; monitoring; permitting closed circuit operation when all of the lines show that the two operating conditions are within the preset acceptable operating parameter ranges; tripping a circuit breaker on a broken line when that line shows that the two operating conditions are outside the preset parameter ranges; and shutting down power to the broken line before it otherwise causes a ground fault or other short circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Viking Protection Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Stuart, Ronald E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230261460
    Abstract: A system for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric transmission line system caused by a line break, includes: the transmission lines, a programmable relay protection system, including a plurality of existing low sensitivity (LS) relays and a corresponding set of high sensitivity (HS) relays in parallel with the is relays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Viking Protection Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Stuart, Ronald E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230261461
    Abstract: A method for preventing ground fault in a three-phase electric transmission line system caused by a line break, includes: providing a programmable relay protection system, including a plurality of relay devices on each line, programmed to include: preset parameter ranges of at least two electric operating conditions, at least one high sensitivity instantaneous undercurrent and at least one high sensitivity condition selected from line differential overcurrent and negative sequence overcurrent (and combinations thereof), the preset ranges being acceptable operating parameter ranges; monitoring; permitting closed circuit operation when all of the lines show that the two operating conditions are within the preset acceptable operating parameter ranges; tripping a circuit breaker on a broken line when that line shows that the two operating conditions are outside the preset parameter ranges; and shutting down power to the broken line before it otherwise causes a ground fault or other short circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Robert `B. Stuart, Ronald E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230032535
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pulsation dampening system for high-pressure (e.g., 10K psi and higher) fluid lines. At high fluid flow pressures, the dampening system is a dual stage dampening system, responsive to low (e.g., when first charging the fluid line) and to very high-pressure pulsations. An external containment shell handles the full fluid flow pressures. One or more internal shells contain and handle the internal gas dampening system. The in-flow relationship of the gas dampening component assures that pressure differences between the internal gas handling system and the high-pressure fluid flow is always relatively small. This enables the gas handling components to be constructed of less robust material than the external shell (even though the gas system's internal pressure can equal that of the fluid flow), and be less susceptible to pressure failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventor: Ronald E. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20220252185
    Abstract: A subsea cable installation and recovery system to provide cables to various subsea tools. The subsea cable installation and recovery system may include a subsea cable transportation unit. The subsea cable transportation unit may include a base platform and a drive unit provided within the base platform. Additionally, a storage structure may be provided on the base platform and operationally coupled to the drive unit. The storage structure may be configured to receive a drum. At least one drive connection may be provided on a surface of the base platform. The at least one drive connection may be operationally coupled to the drive unit and configured to provide torque or hydraulics to operate the drive unit. The storage structure may be configured to rotate based on the torque or hydraulics and unspool or spool a cable wrapped around the drum. A stabilizing fin may extend outwardly from the base platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Deep Down, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fields, Jacob Hardgrave, Troy Moran, Ronald E. Smith, Neil Stuckey, Dustin Goitia, Christopher Sebesta
  • Patent number: 11384886
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pulsation dampening system for high-pressure (e.g., 10K psi and higher) fluid lines. At high fluid flow pressures, the dampening system is a dual stage dampening system, responsive to low (e.g., when first charging the fluid line) and to very high-pressure pulsations. An external containment shell handles the full fluid flow pressures. One or more internal shells contain and handle the internal gas dampening system. The in-flow relationship of the gas dampening component assures that pressure differences between the internal gas handling system and the high-pressure fluid flow is always relatively small. This enables the gas handling components to be constructed of less robust material than the external shell (even though the gas system's internal pressure can equal that of the fluid flow), and be less susceptible to pressure failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Ronald E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220203889
    Abstract: A vehicle alert system and method are provided. The vehicle alert system and method provide for a non-audible alert upon actuation of an actuation area, such as a car horn. The non-audible alert may include operating or actuating one or more lights. A mobile application may be provided for providing an alert in response to the actuation of the actuation area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventor: Ronald E. Smith, JR.
  • Patent number: 11345565
    Abstract: A carousel for pipe products including cables and umbilicals includes a drum coupled to a carousel adapter, the carousel adapter coupled to a drive unit. The carousel adapter includes an upper base plate opposite a lower base plate, a fixed base leg coupled between the upper base plate and the lower base plate and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The carousel adapter also includes a plurality of foldable base legs coupled between the upper base plate and the lower base plate and extending radially outwardly from the upper and lower base plates. Each of the foldable base legs is disposed about a periphery of the upper and lower base plates and is rotatable about an independent axis perpendicular to the upper base plate and the lower base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Koil Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Smith, Neil Stuckey, Troy Moran, Jacob Hargrave, Chris Sebesta, Michael Fields, Dustin Goitia
  • Publication number: 20210156504
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pulsation dampening system for high-pressure (e.g., 10K psi and higher) fluid lines. At high fluid flow pressures, the dampening system is a dual stage dampening system, responsive to low (e.g., when first charging the fluid line) and to very high-pressure pulsations. An external containment shell handles the full fluid flow pressures. One or more internal shells contain and handle the internal gas dampening system. The in-flow relationship of the gas dampening component assures that pressure differences between the internal gas handling system and the high-pressure fluid flow is always relatively small. This enables the gas handling components to be constructed of less robust material than the external shell (even though the gas system's internal pressure can equal that of the fluid flow), and be less susceptible to pressure failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald E. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20210009379
    Abstract: A carousel for pipe products including cables and umbilicals includes a drum coupled to a carousel adapter, the carousel adapter coupled to a drive unit. The carousel adapter includes an upper base plate opposite a lower base plate, a fixed base leg coupled between the upper base plate and the lower base plate and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The carousel adapter also includes a plurality of foldable base legs coupled between the upper base plate and the lower base plate and extending radially outwardly from the upper and lower base plates. Each of the foldable base legs is disposed about a periphery of the upper and lower base plates and is rotatable about an independent axis perpendicular to the upper base plate and the lower base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Deep Down, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Smith, Neil Stucky, Troy Moran, Jacob Hargrave, Chris Sebesta
  • Publication number: 20200256495
    Abstract: Disclosed is an in-flow pulsation dampening system for high-pressure (e.g., 10K psi and higher) fluid lines. At high fluid flow pressures, the dampening system is a dual stage dampening system, responsive to low (e.g., when first charging the fluid line) and to very high-pressure pulsations. An external containment shell handles the full fluid flow pressures. One or more internal shells contain and handle the internal gas dampening system. The in-flow relationship of the gas dampening component assures that pressure differences between the internal gas handling system and the high-pressure fluid flow is always relatively small. This enables the gas handling components to be constructed of less robust material than the external shell (even though the gas system's internal pressure can equal that of the fluid flow), and be less susceptible to pressure failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald E. SMITH
  • Patent number: 10591101
    Abstract: Disclosed is an in-flow pulsation dampening system for high-pressure (e.g., 10K psi and higher) fluid lines. At high fluid flow pressures, the dampening system is a dual stage dampening system, responsive to low (e.g., when first charging the fluid line) and to very high-pressure pulsations. An external containment shell handles the full fluid flow pressures. One or more internal shells contain and handle the internal gas dampening system. The in-flow relationship of the gas dampening component assures that pressure differences between the internal gas handling system and the high-pressure fluid flow is always relatively small. This enables the gas handling components to be constructed of less robust material than the external shell (even though the gas system's internal pressure can equal that of the fluid flow), and be less susceptible to pressure failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald E. Smith