Patents by Inventor Stephen D. Smith
Stephen 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).
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Patent number: 11791059Abstract: A system configured to monitor the structural health of reactor vessel internals of a nuclear reactor is disclosed herein. The system includes a memory configured to store historical information associated with past performance of the nuclear reactor, and an anomaly detection subsystem including a control circuit configured to receive a signal from a sensor. The anomaly detection subsystem is configured to determine, via the control circuit, a characteristic of a vibrational response of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the signal; access, via the control circuit, the historical information stored in the memory; compare, via the control circuit, the determined characteristic to the historical information stored in the memory; and determine, via the control circuit, a condition of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined characteristic and the historical information.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Gregory A. Banyay, Richard A. Basel, David C. DiBasilio, Jeremy R. Koether, Gregory A. Meyer, Stephen D. Smith
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Publication number: 20230097311Abstract: Contact centers often simultaneously utilize two or more entities for making routing decisions to match a caller with an agent. The entities utilize discrete methodologies, such as algorithmic versus artificial intelligence (AI) based decision making. Algorithmic decision-making components provide robustness and ensuring the very best match, of all possible matches, is made. AI-based decision making provides a decision based on learning/training and is often faster. The decisions reached are expected to be identical. However, the management and data reporting from two very different systems can produce errors and increase overhead. Accordingly, a management component is provided to harmonize the inputs and outputs of these disparate systems to comport to a single standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Stephen D. Smith, Stephen Millan
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Publication number: 20220270772Abstract: A system configured to monitor the structural health of reactor vessel internals of a nuclear reactor is disclosed herein. The system includes a memory configured to store historical information associated with past performance of the nuclear reactor, and an anomaly detection subsystem including a control circuit configured to receive a signal from a sensor. The anomaly detection subsystem is configured to determine, via the control circuit, a characteristic of a vibrational response of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the signal; access, via the control circuit, the historical information stored in the memory; compare, via the control circuit, the determined characteristic to the historical information stored in the memory; and determine, via the control circuit, a condition of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined characteristic and the historical information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Gregory A. BANYAY, Richard A. BASEL, David C. DIBASILIO, Jeremy R. KOETHER, Gregory A. MEYER, Stephen D. SMITH
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Patent number: 10139216Abstract: An online method for reconfiguring pressure and position sensors in a hydraulic system is disclosed. In one step, a sensor drift condition, a recalibration request, or an unisolated fault condition is detected. In another step, a system pressure sensor or another sensor, such as a load-sense pressure sensor, is verified as a trusted master reference sensor. Another step includes measuring and recording a first pressure reading at the master reference sensor and first voltage readings associated with first, second, third, and fourth pressure slave sensors at a first pump pressure set point. Another step includes, repeating the previous step at a second pump pressure set point. A new gain and offset for each of the first, second, third, and fourth pressure sensors can be calculated based on a comparison of the recoded first and second pressure readings and the recorded first and second voltage readings.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Michael Berne Rannow, Stephen D. Smith, Jason T. Kraft
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Publication number: 20170023349Abstract: An online method for reconfiguring pressure and position sensors in a hydraulic system is disclosed. In one step, a sensor drift condition, a recalibration request, or an unisolated fault condition is detected. In another step, a system pressure sensor or another sensor, such as a load-sense pressure sensor, is verified as a trusted master reference sensor. Another step includes measuring and recording a first pressure reading at the master reference sensor and first voltage readings associated with first, second, third, and fourth pressure slave sensors at a first pump pressure set point. Another step includes, repeating the previous step at a second pump pressure set point. A new gain and offset for each of the first, second, third, and fourth pressure sensors can be calculated based on a comparison of the recoded first and second pressure readings and the recorded first and second voltage readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Michael Berne Rannow, Stephen D. Smith, Jason T. Kraft
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Patent number: 9217430Abstract: A gerotor assembly includes a star, a ring, and an annular plug member, as well as an o-ring. The star member defines a center opening of a first diameter which is connectable to a low-pressure fluid reservoir. The ring member circumscribes the star member. The ring member defines, in conjunction with a stationary end cap of a fluid control device, a fluid channel connectable to a high-pressure fluid supply. The plug member is circumscribed by the star member, and defines a center bore of a second diameter less than the first diameter. The o-ring is positioned between the star and the plug members. The plug member forms a fluid seal against the end cap. A fluid control device includes the above gerotor assembly and a valve housing section. A method of assembling the gerotor assembly and fluid control device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Stephen D. Smith, Hiroshi Matsui, Vijay A. Karambalkar
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Publication number: 20140130660Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for fluid contraction in a hydraulic powered telescoping boom may include a monitor determining the elevation angle of the telescoping boom, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid control responsive to the monitor. The fluid control provides the hydraulic fluid from the supply to a hydraulic cylinder controlling extension of the telescoping boom when the elevation angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle to compensate for thermal contraction of hydraulic fluid and thus prevent uncommanded boom retraction. A method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: Timothy F. Elliott, Stephen D. Smith
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Patent number: 8691154Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Diversey, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, Stephen D. Smith, Dennis F. McNamara, Suzanne M. Scott, John Koke
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Patent number: 8631651Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for fluid contraction in a hydraulic powered telescoping boom may include a monitor determining the elevation angle of the telescoping boom, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid control responsive to the monitor. The fluid control provides the hydraulic fluid from the supply to a hydraulic cylinder controlling extension of the telescoping boom when the elevation angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle to compensate for thermal contraction of hydraulic fluid and thus prevent uncommanded boom retraction. A method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: Timothy F. Elliott, Stephen D. Smith
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Patent number: 8522690Abstract: A method of identifying an anomalous orientation definition condition of a remote locomotive (12) of a train includes monitoring an operating condition of the remote locomotive of the train, the remote locomotive configured to operate according to a defined orientation with respect to a lead locomotive of the train. The method also includes identifying an operating condition of the remote locomotive indicative of the remote locomotive operating contrary to an operating condition of the lead locomotive.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eugene A. Smith, Stephen D. Smith
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Publication number: 20130216437Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, Stephen D. Smith, Dennis F. McNamara, Suzanne M. Scott, John Koke
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Patent number: 8372459Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens, which may be arranged in a vertical orientation. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby, Vincent A. Piucci, Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott
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Publication number: 20120177518Abstract: A gerotor assembly includes a star, a ring, and an annular plug member, as well as an o-ring. The star member defines a center opening of a first diameter which is connectable to a low-pressure fluid reservoir. The ring member circumscribes the star member. The ring member defines, in conjunction with a stationary end cap of a fluid control device, a fluid channel connectable to a high-pressure fluid supply. The plug member is circumscribed by the star member, and defines a center bore of a second diameter less than the first diameter. The o-ring is positioned between the star and the plug members. The plug member forms a fluid seal against the end cap. A fluid control device includes the above gerotor assembly and a valve housing section. A method of assembling the gerotor assembly and fluid control device are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Stephen D. Smith, Hiroshi Matsui, Vijay A. Karambalkar
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Publication number: 20120148713Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby, Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott, Vincent A. Piucci
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Publication number: 20120078673Abstract: The present disclosure describes a dynamic queueing and management system. The system utilizes the desired completion time in determining where to place new orders into the queue of orders to be fulfilled. If the desired completion time changes, the position of the corresponding order is adjusted within the queue. In some embodiments, the desired completion time is determined based on the location of the customer, either within the store or en route to the store. The queueing and management system may also separate the order input function from the order fulfillment and delivery functions. This may optimize each part of the process and allow faster service.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: John Koke, Stephen D. Smith, Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci
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Publication number: 20120012466Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter comprises a method and system for producing cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions using a replaceable cartridge system. Particularly, the consumables needed to electrochemically or chemically produce the cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions can be supplied in a cartridge in a quantity measured to last for the chosen design life of the cartridge. Alternatively, the cartridge can comprise cleaning and/or sanitizing precursors that can be pre-prepared and supplied in a highly concentrated form.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: SEALED AIR CORPORATIONInventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, JR., Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott, Dennis F. McNamara, JR., John Koke
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Publication number: 20110305810Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens, which may be arranged in a vertical orientation. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby, Vincent A. Piucci, Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott
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Publication number: 20100180585Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for fluid contraction in a hydraulic powered telescoping boom may include a monitor determining the elevation angle of the telescoping boom, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid control responsive to the monitor. The fluid control provides the hydraulic fluid from the supply to a hydraulic cylinder controlling extension of the telescoping boom when the elevation angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle to compensate for thermal contraction of hydraulic fluid and thus prevent uncommanded boom retraction. A method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Timothy F. ELLIOTT, Stephen D. Smith
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Patent number: 6941598Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
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Patent number: 6794788Abstract: A modular electric motor. The modular motor includes a plurality of mechanically and electrically coupleable stator sections and mechanically coupleable housing sections. At least one stator section has conductors extending longitudinally therethrough for generating a magnetic field to impart rotative motion in a rotor. A given motor may be assembled to a variety of desired lengths by mechanically and electrically coupling the appropriate number of motor sections. This facilitates construction of a desired horsepower motor for a given application.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen D. Smith, Joe Liu C. Liu, Rick Bailey, Roy Fleshman