Patents by Inventor Stephen W. Smith

Stephen W. 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: 20110077966
    Abstract: A method of managing information related to immunotherapy treatment in a computer system is provided. The computer system includes an input peripheral system for reading a computer-readable code and inputting the computer-readable code into the computer system. An antigen having a predetermined concentration is associated with a master code that is computer readable to at least identify the antigen and the concentration of the antigen associated with the master code. An antigen recipe to be administered to the patient during immunotherapy treatment is associated with an antigen recipe code that is computer readable to identify each antigen included in the antigen recipe that is to be administered to the patient. In response to receiving the master code read by the input peripheral system in communication with the computer system, the antigen and the concentration of the antigen are associated with the antigen recipe code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: AUGUSTA E.N.T., P.C.
    Inventors: Alan B. Whitehouse, Christopher L. Vickery, Keith A. Lynn, Stephen W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110074585
    Abstract: Provided are a method and system for tracking a patient at a medical facility. Tracking the patient includes, using a computer comprising an input peripheral manipulated by a user, receiving a first location of the patient within the medical facility identified by the user via the input peripheral. The first location is displayed on a display device operatively connected to the computer, the first location being identified by a graphical marker representing the first location where the patient can be found. In response to a user interaction with the input peripheral, a second location of the patient is received, indicating movement of the patient from the first location to the second, different location. In response to receiving the second location, the graphical marker on the display device operatively connected to the computer is moved to identify the second location where the patient can be found after being moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: AUGUSTA E.N.T., P.C.
    Inventors: J. Douglas Harmon, Alan B. Whitehouse, W. Andrew Wells, Keith A. Lynn, Stephen W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110033728
    Abstract: A first material with a known maximum temperature of operation is coated with a second material on at least one surface of the first material. The coating has a melting temperature that is greater than the maximum temperature of operation of the first material. The coating is heated to its melting temperature until the coating flows into any cracks in the first material's surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, John A. Newman, Robert S. Piascik, Edward H. Glaesgen
  • Publication number: 20100238532
    Abstract: A disclosed optical scanner apparatus can include a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An optical scanning device can be configured to direct optical radiation, which is moveably coupled to the proximal portion of the member and can be configured to rotate in a plane of movement to a first position to direct the optical radiation along a first path and can be configured to rotate in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the optical radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator can be coupled to the optical scanning device, where the MEMS actuator can be configured to move in a first direction to move the optical scanning device to the first position and can be configured to move in a second direction to move the optical scanning device to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Duke University University of North Carolina
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, Kenneth L. Gentry, Jason Zara, Stephen M. Bobbio
  • Publication number: 20100190026
    Abstract: A composite material includes a structural material and a shape-memory alloy embedded in the structural material. The shape-memory alloy changes crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite in response to a predefined critical macroscopic average strain of the composite material. In a second embodiment, the composite material includes a plurality of particles of a ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy embedded in the structural material. The ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy changes crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and changes magnetic phase in response to the predefined critical macroscopic average strain of the composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terryl A. Wallace, Stephen W. Smith, Robert S. Piascik, Michael R. Horne, Peter L. Messick, Joel A. Alexa, Edward H. Glaessgen, Benjamin T. Hailer
  • Patent number: 7706039
    Abstract: A disclosed scanner apparatus includes a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An electromagnetic radiation device is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation therefrom and is movably coupled to the distal portion of the member. The electromagnetic radiation device is configured to move in a first plane of movement to a first position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a first path and configured to move in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator is coupled to the electromagnetic radiation device, wherein the MEMS actuator is configured to move in a first direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the first position and configured to move in a second direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the second position. Other scanning and robotic structure devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignees: Duke University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, Kenneth L. Gentry, Jason Zara, Stephen M. Bobbio
  • Publication number: 20100085619
    Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Mills, Paul Patterson, Jason Zara, Stephen W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090287223
    Abstract: Laparoscopic ultrasound has seen increased use as a surgical aide in general, gynecological, and urological procedures. The application of real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) ultrasound to these laparoscopic procedures may increase information available to the surgeon and serve as an additional intraoperative guidance tool. The integration of RT3D with recent advances in robotic surgery can also increase automation and ease of use. In one non-limiting exemplary implementation, a 1 cm diameter probe for RT3D has been used laparoscopically for in vivo imaging of a canine. The probe, which operates at 5 MHz, was used to image the spleen, liver, and gall bladder as well as to guide surgical instruments. Furthermore, the 3D measurement system of the volumetric scanner used with this probe was tested as a guidance mechanism for a robotic linear motion system in order to simulate the feasibility of RT3D/robotic surgery integration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Eric Pua, Edward D. Light, Daniel Von Allmen, Stephen W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7573627
    Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Patrick Mills, Paul Patterson, Jason Zara, Stephen W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7543367
    Abstract: A manufacturing facility and method for assembling a railway car having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe are provided. The composite box structure may be defined in part by exterior metal sheets, side stakes attached to the exterior metal sheets, insulating materials disposed between the side stakes and the exterior metal sheets and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material. The composite box structure preferably includes a pair of endwalls, a pair of sidewalls, a floor assembly and a roof assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Beers, G. Wayne Kirk, Jr., Stephen W. Smith, John L. Wright, Wade L. McCallon
  • Patent number: 7478600
    Abstract: A composite box structure mounted on and attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material attached to the side stakes. Insulating material may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one fiber reinforced layer of fiber reinforced material. The insulating materials provide resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. A primary floor assembly and a secondary floor assembly may be mounted on the railway car underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Beers, Stephen W. Smith, Christopher Crisafulli, Shaun Richmond, Ricky A. Cribbs
  • Publication number: 20080266636
    Abstract: A disclosed scanner apparatus includes a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An electromagnetic radiation device is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation therefrom and is movably coupled to the distal portion of the member. The electromagnetic radiation device is configured to move in a first plane of movement to a first position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a first path and configured to move in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator is coupled to the electromagnetic radiation device, wherein the MEMS actuator is configured to move in a first direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the first position and configured to move in a second direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the second position. Other scanning and robotic structure devices are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, Kenneth L. Gentry, Jason Zara, Stephen M. Bobbio
  • Patent number: 7424935
    Abstract: A door assembly for an elevator having a cab having a cab entry, the elevator having an elevator shaft having upper and lower shaft entries, the assembly incorporating first, second, and third ladder frames having a plurality of roller carrying rungs and bolt and spacer sleeves spanning between the ladder frames' rungs, each ladder frame having proximal and distal ends, the first ladder frame overlying and extending outwardly from the elevator's cab entry, the second ladder frame overlying and extending inwardly from the elevator's upper entry, and the third ladder frame overlying and extending inwardly from the elevator's lower entry; the door assembly incorporating first, second, and third pluralities of rollable trolleys mounted upon the first, second, and third ladder frames' pluralities of roller carrying rungs; and the door assembly incorporating first, second, and third pluralities of door panels, suspending from the first, second, and third pluralities of rollable trolleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Columbia Elevator Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7420724
    Abstract: A disclosed scanner apparatus includes a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An electromagnetic radiation device is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation therefrom and is moveably coupled to the distal portion of the member. The electromagnetic radiation device is configured to move in a first plane of movement to a first position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a first path and configured to move in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator is coupled to the electromagnetic radiation device, wherein the MEMS actuator is configured to move in a first direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the first position and configured to move in a second direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the second position. Other scanning and robotic structure devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, Kenneth L. Gentry, Jason Zara, Stephen M. Bobbio
  • Patent number: 7329225
    Abstract: An oscillating shaft is scanned to provide images including the oscillating shaft in vivo in real-time with a real-time three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound scanner. An interventional device can be guided in vivo using an ultrasound scanner and includes a sheath having a bore therethrough from a proximal portion to a spaced-apart distal portion. A shaft has a proximal portion and a spaced-apart distal portion and is configured for insertion into the bore of the sheath. A vibrator is coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft and is configured to cause the distal portion of the shaft to oscillate at a shaft frequency. An isolator is coupled to the proximal portion of the sheath and to the vibrator, wherein the isolator is configured to reduce damping of an oscillation of the shaft by the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, Matthew Fronheiser, Rebecca Booi, Patrick D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7228805
    Abstract: A composite box structure mounted on and attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material attached to the side stakes. Insulating material may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one fiber reinforced layer of fiber reinforced material. The insulating materials provide resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. A primary floor assembly and a secondary floor assembly may be mounted on the railway car underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Beers, Stephen W. Smith, Christopher Crisafulli, Shaun Richmond, Ricky A. Cribbs
  • Patent number: 7099103
    Abstract: In one exemplary aspect of the present invention a method for cleaning a media drive transducer head is provided. The method includes transporting a portion of a cleaning tape over a transducer head under a first set of conditions, the first set of conditions associated with a cleaning process of the transducer head, and transporting the portion of the cleaning tape over the transducer head under a second set of conditions, the second set of conditions associated with a writing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Stewart, Stephen W. Smith, Christopher P. King, Set B. Chau, Lee V. Jaderborg
  • Patent number: 6941875
    Abstract: A composite box structure assembled on and securely attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or on insulated boxcar. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic attached to the side stakes. Foam insulation may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The foam insulation provides improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, Alex K. Hoover, Albert A. Beers, Robert J. Barry, Gary W. Kirk, Jr., Joseph A. Seiter
  • Patent number: 6904848
    Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Allen E. Norton, Stephen W. Smith, William A. Knapp, Alex K. Hoover, Ronald J. Zupancich, James J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 6903562
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a micromachine relay is provided. A pin controller comprises at least one spring pin designed to movably couple the pin controller to a device under test (DUT) to provide signals to the DUT. The pin controller further includes a micromachine relay coupled to the at least one spring pin to control the movement of the at least one spring pin and an integrated circuit for controlling the micromachine relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: LTX Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, William R. Creek