Patents by Inventor Stephen Smith

Stephen 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: 20170370146
    Abstract: Conventional UPVC windows have casements which are pivotable and movable in a limited manner relative to the frame. It is desirable to be to move all the casements such that substantially the entire the frame is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Invisifold Limited
    Inventors: Neil Ingram, Stephen Smith
  • Publication number: 20170336902
    Abstract: A force-responsive sensor incorporating a force-sensitive element is in communication with a power controller. The power controller changes one or more performance characteristics associated with the force-responsive sensor. A performance characteristic can include a bias voltage or current, a duty cycle, a sampling rate, and so on. The performance characteristic(s) can be changed in response to a touch event or based on an operational setting of the force-responsive sensor (or an electronic device incorporating the force-responsive sensor). Regulation of the performance characteristic(s) reduces power consumption of the force-responsive sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Publication number: 20170321790
    Abstract: A flex spline torque transfer device using force applied at multiple positions for each area of contact between the flex spline and outer ring. The positions of at which force is applied may be outside the areas of contact. This design may also be used in conjunction with a magnetic method of applying force to the flex spline, mechanical force acting as a constraint to prevent the flex spline from fully disengaging from the outer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: James Brent KLASSEN, Stephen Smith Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 9805227
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selecting a subset of RFID tags are provided in some embodiments. These methods and apparatuses utilize the susceptibility to light by persistent nodes found in passive tags. Light can be used to intentionally reduce persistence times in a particular subset tags or even an individual tag. Then, persistent nodes can be used as a selection criterion to distinguish previously illuminated tags from non-illuminated tags. In other embodiments, a power circuit receives a RF input source and generates a direct current (DC) output voltage. The circuit includes a bias circuit to supply a gate to source bias, which is independent of the DC output voltage. The circuit further includes a voltage multiplier circuit that is coupled to the bias circuit. The voltage multiplier circuit has MOS transistors with one transistor to receive the gate to source bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ruizhang Technology Limited Company
    Inventors: Mark Alfred Hadley, James Harold Atherton, Jay Tu, Edward John Boling, John Stephen Smith
  • Publication number: 20170304558
    Abstract: A handheld cryoanesthesia or analgesia device for cooling a target area on cutaneous membranes, mucous membranes, and tissue of the mucocutaneous zone having an elongated body and a thermoelectric cooling system disposed within the elongated body. The thermoelectric cooling system is configured to physically contact and thermally couple the target area of the cutaneous membranes, mucous membranes, and tissue of the mucocutaneous zone to induce cryoanesthesia or analgesia. The thermoelectric cooling system includes a thermally-conductive cold tip, a thermally-conductive cooling power concentrator thermally coupled to the cold tip, at least one Peltier unit module thermally coupled to the cooling power concentrator, a heatsink thermally coupled to at least one Peltier unit module, a power source, at least one thermal sensor, and a controller operably outputting a control signal to the Peltier unit module to maintain a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Cagri Giray BESIRLI, Stephen SMITH, Kevin P. PIPE, Gun-Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20170300161
    Abstract: An optical force sensor that may compensate for environmental effects, including, for example, variations in temperature of the device or the surroundings. In some examples, two force-sensitive layers are separated by a compliant layer. The relative electrical response of the two force-sensitive layers may be used to compute an estimate of the force of a touch that reduces the effect of variations in temperature. In some examples, piezoelectric films having anisotropic strain properties are used to reduce the effects of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Charley T. Ogata, John Stephen Smith, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Shin John Choi, Brian Q. Huppi, Christopher J. Butler, Martin P. Grunthaner
  • Publication number: 20170285864
    Abstract: A force sensor is disclosed. The force sensor includes a force-sensitive structure that compensates for temperature and other environmental changes through the use of a strain-sensitive element and one or more reference elements. An array of such force-sensitive structures forms a force-sensing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: James E. Pedder, John Stephen Smith, Michael Vosgueritchian, Vikram Garg, Sinan Filiz, Miguel C. Christophy
  • Publication number: 20170281069
    Abstract: Methods and systems relate to determining sensory motor performance based on user non-postural movements within a generated dynamic virtual environment. The generated environment requires users to: (i) utilize primary sensor inputs (e.g., vision, vestibular sensation and somatosensation); (ii) assess the dynamic virtual environment; and (iii) integrate and translate those inputs into movement to control the dynamic virtual environment. The methods may include receiving non-postural user input with respect to a state of one or more attributes of a dynamic virtual environment provided on a user interface for one or more sessions, the one or more attributes including a control object and a target which moves with respect to the control object; determining performance information based on the user input and the state of the one or more attributes for the one or more sessions; and determining sensory motor performance information from the performance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Russell K. Gore, Michelle LaPlaca, David W. Wright, Tamara Espinoza, Shean Phelps, Brian Liu, Stephen Smith, Nicole Kosoris, Alessio Medda, Courtney Crooks
  • Publication number: 20170277711
    Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer-implemented method for performing multi-level deduplication of data are disclosed. A zone stamp is generated for each zone in a plurality of zones contained in at least one data stream. The zone stamp is compared to another zone stamp. The zone stamp and another zone stamp represent zones in the plurality of zones. The comparison is performed for zones at corresponding zone levels based on a determination that a zone stamp of a zone of a preceding zone level is not similar to another zone stamp of another preceding zone level. The zone at the preceding zone level includes at least one zone of a next zone level having a size smaller than or equal to a size of the zone of the preceding zone level. The zone and another zone are deduplicated based on a determination that the zone stamp is similar to another zone stamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: Exagrid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Therrien, Yee-ching Chao, Thomas G. Hansen, Daniel P. Martinelli, Lucas H. Makosky, Mark B. Hecker, Stephen A. Smith, Adrian VanderSpek
  • Publication number: 20170268942
    Abstract: A transparent force sensor for detecting an applied force on a surface of a device. The transparent force sensor includes a transparent force-sensitive film having an array of strain-relief features oriented along a first direction. The transparent force-sensitive film is formed from a transparent piezoelectric material that exhibits a substantially reduced net charge when strained along a primary direction. The force sensor also includes a display element disposed on one side of the transparent force-sensitive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: James E. Pedder, John Stephen Smith
  • Publication number: 20170269909
    Abstract: A comparison graph is disclosed. A system for comparing code branches comprises a code branch separator for determining a first set of commits in a first code branch that are not common to a second code branch, and determining a second set of commits in the second code branch that are not common to the first code branch; and a user interface determiner for determining a display of the first set of commits and the second set of commits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen Smith, Danny Greg, Karl Tobias Ahlin
  • Publication number: 20170269757
    Abstract: An optically transparent force sensor, which may be used as input to an electronic device. The optically transparent force sensor may be configured to compensate for variations in temperature using two or more force-sensitive components that are formed from materials having different temperature- and strain-dependent responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, Charley T. Ogata, John Stephen Smith, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Shin John Choi, Brian Q. Huppi, Christopher J. Butler, Martin P. Grunthaner
  • Publication number: 20170261387
    Abstract: A strain-responsive sensor incorporating a strain-sensitive element is disclosed. The strain-sensitive element includes a matched-pair of resistive structures disposed on opposite sides of a substrate. One resistive structure of the matched pair is coupled to a crossover, either a physical crossover or a soft crossover, such that current within the resistive structures of the matched pair flows in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, Sinan Filiz, John Stephen Smith, Anshuman Bhuyan, James E. Pedder, Vikram Garg
  • Patent number: 9758183
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for building a location fingerprint database for a transit system are described. The transit system can be a subway system including underground train stations and routes where location determination using GPS signals is difficult or impossible. A sampling device can measure signals, e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals detected at the stations or on the routes. A location server can construct a location fingerprint for each of the stations and the routes. Each location fingerprint can represent expected signal measurements by a user device if the user device is located at the respective station or route. The location server can provide the location fingerprint to a user device for the user device to determine a location of the user device within the station or on the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David Benjamin Millman, Johan Olav Bergerengen, Robert Mayor, Brian Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 9755463
    Abstract: An electric machine comprise a first carrier having an array of electromagnetic elements and a second carrier having electromagnetic elements defining magnetic poles, the second carrier being arranged to move relative to the first carrier. An airgap is provided between the first carrier and the second carrier. The electromagnetic elements of the first carrier include posts, with slots between the posts, one or more electric conductors in each slot, the posts of the first carrier having a post height in mm. The first carrier and the second carrier together define a size of the electric machine. The magnetic poles having a pole pitch in mm. The size of the motor, pole pitch and post height are selected to fall within a region in a space defined by size, pole pitch and post height that provides a benefit in terms of force or torque per weight per excitation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Genesis Robotics LLP
    Inventors: James Brent Klassen, Stephen Smith Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 9755420
    Abstract: An electrical transmission system is described herein. The electrical transmission system can include at least one first phase high-voltage conductor. The electrical transmission system can also include an arrester coupled to the at least one first phase high-voltage conductor, where the arrester includes an arrester body and an isolator, where the arrester body includes a top end and a bottom end, where the top end of the arrester is coupled to the at least one first phase high-voltage conductor, and where the bottom end of the arrester body is coupled to the isolator. The electrical transmission system can further include a ground conductor coupled to a bottom end of the isolator of the arrester. The electrical transmission system can also include a tether coupled to the ground conductor, where the tether comprises a distal end, where the distal end of the tether is coupled to the arrester above the isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Timothy Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 9742225
    Abstract: An electric machine comprise a first carrier having an array of electromagnetic elements and a second carrier having electromagnetic elements defining magnetic poles, the second carrier being arranged to move relative to the first carrier. An airgap is provided between the first carrier and the second carrier. The electromagnetic elements of the first carrier include posts, with slots between the posts, one or more electric conductors in each slot, the posts of the first carrier having a post height in mm. The first carrier and the second carrier together define a size of the electric machine. The magnetic poles having a pole pitch in mm. The size of the motor, pole pitch and post height are selected to fall within a region in a space defined by size, pole pitch and post height that provides a benefit in terms of force or torque per weight per excitation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Genesis Robotics LLP
    Inventors: James Brent Klassen, Stephen Smith Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20170227463
    Abstract: A method of determining an absorption or turbidity coefficient of a liquid involves storing a set of data describing a plurality of droplets or other discrete bodies of liquid of different shapes, sizes and absorption or turbidity coefficients. Each body is captured as a combination of a measurable transmission parameter obtained by modelling the interaction of light with a drop, and of one or more dimensional measurements selected from lengths, areas and volumes. The absorption or turbidity coefficient is indicated also. By measuring the transmission of light through a real body of liquid, and making measurements allowing the droplet to be specified, the absorption or turbidity coefficient associated with a droplet giving rise to the same behaviour in transmitting light can be identified from the data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen SMITH, Norman MCMILLAN, Martin O'NEILL, Sven RIEDEL, John HAMMOND
  • Publication number: 20170216208
    Abstract: The invention relates to matrix and layer compositions comprising a first polymer. The matrix and layer compositions are useful in the delivery of bioactives. In particular, the matrices and layers may have advantageous properties including mechanical properties and protection of bioactives and may also provide for pH-dependent release of a bioactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Houston Stephen Smith, Matthew J. Fischer, Graciela B. Arhancet, Rangarani Karnati, John A. Hume, Xiaojun Wang
  • Publication number: 20170202059
    Abstract: An induction stirring apparatus for an apparatus such as a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooking surface is equipped with a transmitter coil, and the induction stirring apparatus comprises a stirring paddle, motor, receiver coil and transformer. The motor is configured to drive a gear to turn the stirring paddle. The receiver coil is inductively coupleable with the transmitter coil of the cooking surface to transfer electrical energy from the transmitter coil to the receiver coil. The transformer is coupled to and between the motor and the receiver coil. The transformer is configured to transfer the electrical energy from the receiver coil to the motor and thereby power the motor to drive the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Stoufer, Thomas Josefsson, John W. Taylor, Chris Hoy, Stephen Smith