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).

  • Patent number: 10466829
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    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
  • Patent number: 10452617
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10423265
    Abstract: An optical force sensor, which may be used as input to an electronic device. The optical 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    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: 20190266131
    Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer program product for performing deduplication of data using a scalable deduplication grid are disclosed. A listing of a plurality of zone stamps is generated, where each zone stamp represents a zone in the plurality of zones in a data stream. The listing contains a logical arrangement of the plurality of zone stamps obtained from each storage location and being accessible by a plurality of servers. A first zone stamp in the listing is compared to a second zone stamp in the listing. The first and second zones are delta-compressed based on a determination that the first zone stamp is substantially similar to the second zone stamp. A server is selected to perform the comparison and delta-compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hansen, Daniel P. Martinelli, Lucas H. Makosky, Mark B. Hecker, Stephen A. Smith, Adrian T. VanderSpek, David G. Therrien
  • Publication number: 20190261621
    Abstract: Systems and methods for attracting predatory animals using audible signals are described herein. The system may include an electronic caller device and a handheld remote controller. The system may provide up to 360° sound propagation across one or more devices wireless connected and linked to provide realistic sounds throughout an environment to realistically mimic sounds known to attract a predator. A handset or mobile device is provided with a user-interface for controlling, monitoring and recording information associated with the playback of the audio signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Smith, Jacob R. Thomason
  • Patent number: 10387374
    Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer program product for performing deduplication of data using a scalable deduplication grid are disclosed. A listing of a plurality of zone stamps is generated, where each zone stamp represents a zone in the plurality of zones in a data stream. The listing contains a logical arrangement of the plurality of zone stamps obtained from each storage location and being accessible by a plurality of servers. A first zone stamp in the listing is compared to a second zone stamp in the listing. The first and second zones are delta-compressed based on a determination that the first zone stamp is substantially similar to the second zone stamp. A server is selected to perform the comparison and delta-compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Exagrid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hansen, Daniel P. Martinelli, Lucas H. Makosky, Mark B. Hecker, Stephen A. Smith, Adrian T. VanderSpek, David G. Therrien
  • Patent number: 10379657
    Abstract: A device configured to sense a touch on a surface of the device. The device includes a cover and a force-sensing structure disposed below the cover. The force-sensing structure may be positioned below a display and used in combination with other force-sensing elements to estimate the force of a touch on the cover of a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sinan Filiz, Martin P. Grunthaner, John Stephen Smith, Charley T. Ogata, Christian M. Sauer, Shin John Choi, Christopher J. Butler, Steven J. Martisauskas
  • Patent number: 10353506
    Abstract: Structures and methods are disclosed for an electronic device having an input surface that uses dual sensors to measure forces applied to the input surface. The forces can be estimated over a greater range of values than would be possible with either sensor alone. A second sensor can be used after a first sensor has reached a limit. A first sensor can be a strain sensor and a second sensor a pressure sensor. Both sensors may be resistance based, with signals from both sensors can be combined and measured by processing circuitry. Each sensor type may be part of planar arrays disposed beneath the input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, Sinan Filiz, James E. Pedder, John Stephen Smith, Saahil Mehra, Xiaofan Niu
  • Publication number: 20190205015
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can receive a first contextual content item created by a first user. A user input is received from a second user indicating an intent to acquire the first contextual content item. The second user is provided with access to utilize the first contextual content item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Stephen Smith, Joshua Barton Dickens, Christine Choi, Hyun Woo Jung
  • Publication number: 20190205017
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can receive a selection of a primary content item. A user input is received indicating a user intent to add a camera sticker to the primary content item. In response to the user input, a camera sticker capture interface is provided which comprises a camera viewfinder window and a shutter button overlaid on the primary content item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Stephen Smith, Joshua Barton Dickens, Christine Choi, Hyun Woo Jung
  • Patent number: 10322248
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Cagri Giray Besirli, Stephen Smith, Kevin P. Pipe, Gun-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 10318089
    Abstract: Several techniques for driving a force sensor to reduce common mode offset are disclosed. The force sensor can include at least one set of individual strain sensitive structures formed on or in a surface of a substrate. Each set of individual strain sensitive structures can include one or more strain sensitive structures. At least one external resistor is operably connected in series between a first output of one or more transmitter channels and at least one set of strain sensitive structures. The external resistor(s) effectively increases the resistances of the strain sensitive structures to reduce the common mode offset. Additionally or alternatively, one or more signal generators may be connected to one or more transmitter channels. Each signal generator is configured to produce one or more signals that is/are designed to reduce common mode offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Stephen Smith, Manu Agarwal, Christian M. Sauer
  • Publication number: 20190167916
    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: February 12, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Cagri Giray BESIRLI, Stephen SMITH, Kevin P. PIPE, Gun-Ho KIM
  • Patent number: 10309846
    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 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. In addition, one resistive structure of the matched pair has a different loop area than the other resistive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 10302784
    Abstract: A seismic-detection sensor device includes two accelerometers having different sensitivities. The seismic-detection sensor device provides excellent precision and operability monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Draka Elevator Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 10296123
    Abstract: A force sensing device can be included in a display. Noise produced by various sources can be injected into the force signals produced by the force sensing device. Example noise sources include, but are not limited to, the display, Johnson or Thermal noise from the force sensing device, system noise, and magnetically-coupled or background noise produced by ambient light sources. A sampling scheme that includes one or more noise cancelling techniques can be employed to reduce the amount of noise in the force signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Manu Agarwal, John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 10275069
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a cover glass, one or more strain gauges operable to indicate force exerted on the cover glass based on deformation of the cover glass, a housing that defines a sway space gap into which the cover glass deforms when the force is exerted on the cover glass, and an incompressible fluid positioned in the sway space gap. The incompressible fluid allows deformation of the cover glass into the sway space gap when the force is exerted on the cover glass and maintains a constant volume under hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 10254239
    Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Malvern Panalytical Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Broga, Phillip Price, Stephen Smith
  • Publication number: 20190095026
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a cover glass, one or more strain gauges operable to indicate force exerted on the cover glass based on deformation of the cover glass, a housing that defines a sway space gap into which the cover glass deforms when the force is exerted on the cover glass, and an incompressible fluid positioned in the sway space gap. The incompressible fluid allows deformation of the cover glass into the sway space gap when the force is exerted on the cover glass and maintains a constant volume under hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 10238814
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Cagri Giray Besirli, Stephen Smith, Kevin P. Pipe, Gun-Ho Kim