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: 10036715
    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 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Malvern Panalytical Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Broga, Phillip Price, Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 10010506
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Novus International, Inc.
    Inventors: Houston Stephen Smith, Matthew J. Fischer, Graciela B. Arhancet, Rangarani Karnati, John A. Hume, Xiaojun Wang
  • Patent number: 10014006
    Abstract: A system receives an audio stream from an application, and performs signal analysis on the audio stream to compute (on sound and silence) a sequence of events. The sequence of events identifies a pattern comprised of at least two of sound, silence, frequency, magnitude, duration, tone, and Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF). The pattern matches a similar pattern of at least two of sound, silence, frequency, magnitude, duration, tone, and DTMF, and the signal analysis is performed on sound and silence within the audio stream. The similar pattern is associated with at least one of an automated device or human answering the call. The system determines whether the sequence of events indicates the phone call is answered by the automated device or the human, based on rules in a heuristic engine and/or a known audio print from a library of known audio prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ampersand, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Smith, George Howitt, Douglas Campbell
  • Patent number: 10006820
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, Sinan Filiz, John Stephen Smith, Anshuman Bhuyan, James E. Pedder, Vikram Garg
  • Patent number: 10006828
    Abstract: Systems and methods for accurately and precisely measuring the resistance of a resistive sensor of a matched resistive sensor pair disposed on opposite surfaces of a substrate. Certain embodiments include coupled each sensor of the matched resistive sensors to a thermally-isolated pair of reference resistors contained within an integrated circuit so as to form a Wheatstone bridge. A controller associated with the integrated circuit can adjust the resistance of the thermally-isolated pair of reference resistors until the ratio of resistances matches to the ratio of resistances between the sensors of the matched pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Manu Agarwal, John Stephen Smith, Sumant Ranganathan
  • Publication number: 20180157363
    Abstract: One or more transparent transistor force sensitive structures can be included in an electronic device. The transistor force sensitive structures(s) is used to detect a force that is applied to the electronic device, to a component in the electronic device, and/or to an input region of the electronic device. As one example, the one or more transparent transistor force sensitive structures may be included in a display stack of a display in an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, James E. Pedder, John Stephen Smith, Xiaonan Wen
  • Publication number: 20180127161
    Abstract: A cup lid assembly includes a cover and a cap. The cover includes an annular mounting portion that secures the cover to the cup rim, an outer annular side wall, an annular upper ridge, an annular inner sidewall, and an interior portion. The annular upper ridge has a drink opening, and the annular inner sidewall slopes downward and inward from the annular upper ridge toward the interior portion. The cap is removably attachable to the cover and includes a main body arranged to be positioned over the interior portion of the cover and a hinged flap extending from the main body. The hinged flap includes a plug adapted to seal the drink opening. The annular inner sidewall has printed text provided on the sloped surface of the annular inner sidewall opposite the drink opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen A. Smith, Weston Koennecke
  • Patent number: 9965092
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 9956355
    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: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Cagri Giray Besirli, Stephen Smith, Kevin P. Pipe, Gun-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9947524
    Abstract: A method of detecting one or more compounds, chemicals or contaminants in a substrate by mass spectrometry is disclosed. A non-living substrate is analyzed by contacting the substrate with a diathermy knife. An electric current is applied to the diathermy knife such that the diathermy knife vaporizes a portion of the substrate. The vapor is aspirated via a sampling tube pumped by a venturi pump into a vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometer. Analyte molecules are aspirated into the vacuum chamber whereupon they impact a surface of the vacuum chamber and are ionized to form analyte ions which are then mass analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Steven Derek Pringle, Michael Raymond Morris, Stephen Smith, Michael McCullagh
  • Patent number: 9927905
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device having a force sensing device. The force sensing device receives a continuous force input which is translated into a discrete event. In order to more accurately determine when the discrete event is to occur, the electronic device includes a two low-pass filters that concurrently receive a force signal from the force sensing device. The first low-pass filter has a first bandwidth and the second low-pass filter has a second bandwidth that is greater than the first bandwidth. The two low-pass filters filter the force signal to provide a user interface with a precise feel for slower more deliberate input while also providing fast response times for stronger, shorter input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Publication number: 20180070577
    Abstract: Bird Saver Light prevents or minimizes bird collisions with glazing. BSL is deployable from within a building. BSL operates on the critical Fourth Surface of insulated glazing units. BSL avoids warranty issues associated with films and appliqués. BSL is potentially critical in protecting wild bird populations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventor: Stephens Smith Farrell
  • Publication number: 20180067612
    Abstract: A strain-sensitive structure includes two resistive structures connected in series and formed on one surface of a substrate. One resistive structure is formed with a first trace arranged in first trace pattern. The other resistive structure is formed with a second trace arranged in a second trace pattern. The first resistive structure is configured to experience strain in response to an applied stress on the substrate. The second resistive structure is configured to experience less strain in response to the applied stress on the substrate compared to the first resistive structure. Together the strain-sensitive structure and the substrate form a force sensing layer that can be included in an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 9908667
    Abstract: A cup lid assembly includes a cover and a cap. The cover includes an annular mounting portion that secures the cover to the cup rim, an outer annular side wall, an annular upper ridge, an annular inner sidewall, and an interior portion. The annular upper ridge has a drink opening, and the annular inner sidewall slopes downward and inward from the annular upper ridge toward the interior portion. The cap is removably attachable to the cover and includes a main body arranged to be positioned over the interior portion of the cover and a hinged flap extending from the main body. The hinged flap includes a plug adapted to seal the drink opening. The annular inner sidewall has printed text provided on the sloped surface of the annular inner sidewall opposite the drink opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: LBP Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Stephen A. Smith, Weston Koennecke
  • Patent number: 9911077
    Abstract: An RFID transponder in one embodiment comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, processing logic coupled to the RF transceiver, a switch coupled to the processing logic, a tunneling device coupled to the switch and a differential sensing circuit having a first input coupled to the tunneling device and a second input coupled to a predetermined reference voltage. In one embodiment, the tunneling device can discharge to a voltage below the predetermined reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ruizhang Technology Limited Company
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 9886118
    Abstract: One or more transparent transistor force sensitive structures can be included in an electronic device. The transistor force sensitive structures(s) is used to detect a force that is applied to the electronic device, to a component in the electronic device, and/or to an input region of the electronic device. As one example, the one or more transparent transistor force sensitive structures may be included in a display stack of a display in an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vosgueritchian, James E. Pedder, John Stephen Smith, Xiaonan Wen
  • Publication number: 20180030309
    Abstract: A system for forming an elastomeric composition for application to a substrate includes an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component. The isocyanate component includes a polymeric polyisocyanate and optionally an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer. The isocyanate-reactive component is reactive with the isocyanate component and includes a polyol component and a polyetheramine. The polyol component is a mixture of (a) a hydrophobic polyol; (b) a polyether polyol different than the hydrophobic polyol and having a weight average molecular weight greater than 500 g/mol; and (c) a polyaminopolyol. The elastomeric composition is formed as the reaction product of the isocyanate component and the isocyanate-reactive component and may be applied as an elastomeric coating layer on a substrate such as a steel pipe. The steel pipe having the applied elastomeric coating layer satisfies the standard for use in the water supply industry as set forth in AWWA C222.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Lyle CAILLOUETTE, David R. PHELPS, Stephen SMITH, Karl GUST
  • 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