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).

  • Patent number: 11791059
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Banyay, Richard A. Basel, David C. DiBasilio, Jeremy R. Koether, Gregory A. Meyer, Stephen D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230097311
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen D. Smith, Stephen Millan
  • Publication number: 20220270772
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. BANYAY, Richard A. BASEL, David C. DIBASILIO, Jeremy R. KOETHER, Gregory A. MEYER, Stephen D. SMITH
  • Patent number: 10139216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Michael Berne Rannow, Stephen D. Smith, Jason T. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20170023349
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Berne Rannow, Stephen D. Smith, Jason T. Kraft
  • Patent number: 9217430
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Smith, Hiroshi Matsui, Vijay A. Karambalkar
  • Publication number: 20140130660
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy F. Elliott, Stephen D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8691154
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, Stephen D. Smith, Dennis F. McNamara, Suzanne M. Scott, John Koke
  • Patent number: 8631651
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy F. Elliott, Stephen D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8522690
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eugene A. Smith, Stephen D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130216437
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, Stephen D. Smith, Dennis F. McNamara, Suzanne M. Scott, John Koke
  • Patent number: 8372459
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby, Vincent A. Piucci, Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott
  • Publication number: 20120177518
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Smith, Hiroshi Matsui, Vijay A. Karambalkar
  • Publication number: 20120148713
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby, Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott, Vincent A. Piucci
  • Publication number: 20120078673
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: John Koke, Stephen D. Smith, Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci
  • Publication number: 20120012466
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SEALED AIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, JR., Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott, Dennis F. McNamara, JR., John Koke
  • Publication number: 20110305810
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby, Vincent A. Piucci, Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Stephen D. Smith, Suzanne M. Scott
  • Publication number: 20100180585
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy F. ELLIOTT, Stephen D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6941598
    Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 6794788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Smith, Joe Liu C. Liu, Rick Bailey, Roy Fleshman