Patents by Inventor Stephen F. Smith

Stephen F. 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: 12042109
    Abstract: A method of using a flat headed mop is provided. The method includes cleaning a surface with the mop pad, then rotating the mop head into the folded position at a instance with a biasing member coupled to a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly being disposed between the mop head and a mop pole. Next, inserting the mop head into a first fluid to remove contaminants from the mop pad, then inserting the mop head into a wringing assembly to remove at least a portion of the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen P. Huda, Joseph K. Patterson, Robert F. Smith, William Harrington
  • Publication number: 20220415168
    Abstract: Traffic control systems, signal control systems, and methods of using such systems are disclosed. A real-time adaptive traffic control system includes multiple signal control systems, each associated with a signalized intersection. Each signal control system includes a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver receives inflow traffic control information from other signal control systems and information associated with one or more vehicles or devices. The processor generates a signal timing plan based on the information and the inflow traffic control information. The transmitter transmits outflow traffic control information to other signal control systems. A fee or toll may be incurred for receiving the route information associated with a vehicle or device. The result of providing such route information may be better traffic flow for the transmitting vehicle or device and other vehicles or devices resulting from improved information being available to the traffic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Rapid Flow Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Barlow, Stephen F. Smith, Allen Hawkes
  • Patent number: 9830813
    Abstract: Scalable urban traffic control system has been developed to address current challenges and offers a new approach to real-time, adaptive control of traffic signal networks. The methods and system described herein exploit a novel conceptualization of the signal network control problem as a decentralized process, where each intersection in the network independently and asynchronously solves a single-machine scheduling problem in a rolling horizon fashion to allocate green time to its local traffic, and intersections communicate planned outflows to their downstream neighbors to increase visibility of future incoming traffic and achieve coordinated behavior. The novel formulation of the intersection control problem as a single-machine scheduling problem abstracts flows of vehicles into clusters, which enables orders-of-magnitude speedup over previous time-based formulations and is what allows truly real-time (second-by-second) response to changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, Gregory J. Barlow, Xiao-Feng Xie
  • Publication number: 20160042641
    Abstract: Scalable urban traffic control system has been developed to address current challenges and offers a new approach to real-time, adaptive control of traffic signal networks. The methods and system described herein exploit a novel conceptualization of the signal network control problem as a decentralized process, where each intersection in the network independently and asynchronously solves a single-machine scheduling problem in a rolling horizon fashion to allocate green time to its local traffic, and intersections communicate planned outflows to their downstream neighbors to increase visibility of future incoming traffic and achieve coordinated behavior. The novel formulation of the intersection control problem as a single-machine scheduling problem abstracts flows of vehicles into clusters, which enables orders-of-magnitude speedup over previous time-based formulations and is what allows truly real-time (second-by-second) response to changing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, Gregory J. Barlow, Xiao-Feng Xie
  • Patent number: 9159229
    Abstract: Scalable urban traffic control system has been developed to address current challenges and offers a new approach to real-time, adaptive control of traffic signal networks. The methods and system described herein exploit a novel conceptualization of the signal network control problem as a decentralized process, where each intersection in the network independently and asynchronously solves a single-machine scheduling problem in a rolling horizon fashion to allocate green time to its local traffic, and intersections communicate planned outflows to their downstream neighbors to increase visibility of future incoming traffic and achieve coordinated behavior. The novel formulation of the intersection control problem as a single-machine scheduling problem abstracts flows of vehicles into clusters, which enables orders-of-magnitude speedup over previous time-based formulations and is what allows truly real-time (second-by-second) response to changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation
    Inventors: Xiao-Feng Xie, Stephen F. Smith, Gregory J. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20140368358
    Abstract: Scalable urban traffic control system has been developed to address current challenges and offers a new approach to real-time, adaptive control of traffic signal networks. The methods and system described herein exploit a novel conceptualization of the signal network control problem as a decentralized process, where each intersection in the network independently and asynchronously solves a single-machine scheduling problem in a rolling horizon fashion to allocate green time to its local traffic, and intersections communicate planned outflows to their downstream neighbors to increase visibility of future incoming traffic and achieve coordinated behavior. The novel formulation of the intersection control problem as a single-machine scheduling problem abstracts flows of vehicles into clusters, which enables orders-of-magnitude speedup over previous time-based formulations and is what allows truly real-time (second-by-second) response to changing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation
    Inventors: Xiao-Feng Xie, Stephen F. Smith, Gregory J. Barlow
  • Patent number: 8695205
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for attaching a safety cutting blade onto a substrate, such as a cardboard blank. A piece of cutting blade material is cut to length and fed to a forming station that bends the piece to form a safety cutting blade having a plurality of cutting teeth. The cutting blade is fed to a crimping station where the cutting blade is mated with a substrate and affixed with the substrate. A transport then conveys the combined cutting blade and substrate away from the crimping station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Metal Edge International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Q. Moyer, Jeffrey L. Schroy, Jonathan C. Tyson, David J. Dravuschak, Andrew Levan, Joseph M. Dorner, Jr., Leonard C. Wagner, Christopher Yatsko, Stephen F. Smith, James W Day
  • Patent number: 8355866
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A method includes providing a global positioning system fix having a plurality of tracking parameters; providing a theater positioning system fix; monitoring the plurality of tracking parameters for predetermined conditions; and, when the predetermined conditions are met, sending a notifying signal and switching to the theater positioning system fix as a primary fix. An apparatus includes a system controller; a global positioning system receiver coupled to the system controller; a radio frequency locating receiver coupled to the system controller; and an operator interface coupled to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 8299966
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20120032842
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A method includes providing a global positioning system fix having a plurality of tracking parameters; providing a theater positioning system fix; monitoring the plurality of tracking parameters for predetermined conditions; and, when the predetermined conditions are met, sending a notifying signal and switching to the theater positioning system fix as a primary fix. An apparatus includes a system controller; a global positioning system receiver coupled to the system controller; a radio frequency locating receiver coupled to the system controller; and an operator interface coupled to the system controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20120029818
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A method includes providing a global positioning system fix having a plurality of tracking parameters; providing a theater positioning system fix; monitoring the plurality of tracking parameters for predetermined conditions; and, when the predetermined conditions are met, sending a notifying signal and switching to the theater positioning system fix as a primary fix. An apparatus includes a system controller; a global positioning system receiver coupled to the system controller; a radio frequency locating receiver coupled to the system controller; and an operator interface coupled to the system controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 8089408
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 8068984
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A method includes providing a global positioning system fix having a plurality of tracking parameters; providing a theater positioning system fix; monitoring the plurality of tracking parameters for predetermined conditions; and, when the predetermined conditions are met, sending a notifying signal and switching to the theater positioning system fix as a primary fix. An apparatus includes a system controller; a global positioning system receiver coupled to the system controller; a radio frequency locating receiver coupled to the system controller; and an operator interface coupled to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 7881416
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for carrier phase synchronization for improved AM and TV broadcast reception. A method includes synchronizing the phase of a carrier frequency of a broadcast signal with the phase of a remote reference frequency. An apparatus includes a receiver to detect the phase of a reference signal; a phase comparator coupled to the reference signal-phase receiver; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase comparator; and a phase-controlled radio frequency output coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 7876267
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Patent number: 7859464
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100170197
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for attaching a safety cutting blade onto a substrate, such as a cardboard blank. A piece of cutting blade material is cut to length and fed to a forming station that bends the piece to form a safety cutting blade having a plurality of cutting teeth. The cutting blade is fed to a crimping station where the cutting blade is mated with a substrate and affixed with the substrate. A transport then conveys the combined cutting blade and substrate away from the crimping station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Joshua Q Moyer, Jeffrey L. Schroy, Jonathan C. Tyson, David J. Dravuschak, Andrew Levan, Joseph M. Dorner, JR., Leonard C. Wagner, Christopher Yatsko, Stephen F. Smith, James W. Day
  • Publication number: 20100103989
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100103046
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100103982
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen F. Smith, James A. Moore