Patents by Inventor Steven Edward Smith

Steven Edward 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: 11906347
    Abstract: A configurable-width industrial weighing scale configured to hang directly from one of multiple engine-powered lifting machines and/or to couple to a quick-attach plate or other attachment means of an engine-powered lifting machine and configured to directly support a lifting element and/or couple to a quick-attach plate or other attachment means of a lifting element. A weighing element includes front and rear plates in parallel with one another and a weighing assembly therebetween. The weighing assembly may include a strain gauge-based load cell, a shock absorber, a mechanical preload adjustment to control a vertical difference between the front and rear plates, a mechanical linearity control to adjust an angle of the weighing assembly, a carriage alignment bolt to compensate for an uneven surface of a lifting carriage of the engine-powered lifting machine, and/or a mechanical adjustment to compensate for a distance between the front plate and a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 11867553
    Abstract: A mobile weighing apparatus includes a base tubing, a column extending from the base tubing, a handle extending from the column, a plurality of wheels, a weighing platform, and a plurality of load cells coupled to or between the base tubing and the weighing platform. The weighting platform may be suspended from the load cells, such as with wire rope bolts, such that a force applied to the column does not affect weighment of an object on the weighing platform. The apparatus may include a kingpin-less swivel rear wheel, a rear wheel brake to preclude rotation of the rear wheel about an axle of the rear wheel, and an actuator to actuate the rear brake when the rear wheel is in any position over a 360-degree range. The wheels may be positioned adjacent respective corners of a triangularly shaped base tubing, and the apparatus may further include a clinometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: BUCKEYE SCALE, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 11747588
    Abstract: Described examples include a device having a body. The device also has a first flexure on a first surface of the body, the first flexure having a first modulus of elasticity. The device has a second flexure on a second surface of the body, the second surface of the body opposite to the first surface of the body, and the second flexure having a second modulus of elasticity. The device also has a fixed member on a surface of the second flexure opposite to the first flexure. The device also has an adjustment device on a surface of the first flexure opposite to the second flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20230059508
    Abstract: A configurable-width industrial weighing scale configured to hang directly from one of multiple engine-powered lifting machines and/or to couple to a quick-attach plate or other attachment means of an engine-powered lifting machine and configured to directly support a lifting element and/or couple to a quick-attach plate or other attachment means of a lifting element. A weighing element includes front and rear plates in parallel with one another and a weighing assembly therebetween. The weighing assembly may include a strain gauge-based load cell, a shock absorber, a mechanical preload adjustment to control a vertical difference between the front and rear plates, a mechanical linearity control to adjust an angle of the weighing assembly, a carriage alignment bolt to compensate for an uneven surface of a lifting carriage of the engine-powered lifting machine, and/or a mechanical adjustment to compensate for a distance between the front plate and a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 11573396
    Abstract: A multi-axis gimbal actuator includes a first tilt frame tiltably coupled to a second tilt frame. The second frame is tiltably coupled to a reference frame. The first tilt frame is offset from the second tilt frame and approximately parallel to the second tilt frame while in a neutral position. An optical element is mounted on the first tilt frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 11360319
    Abstract: Described examples include a light tunnel of a material, the light tunnel including: a first section having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a second section having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, a third section having a fifth surface and an opposing sixth surface, and a fourth section having a seventh surface and an opposing eighth surface; a first crease between the first section and the second section, a second crease between the second section and the third section, a third crease between the third section and the fourth section, and an intersection between an end of the first section and the fourth section; and a reflective coating forming a reflective surface on the first, third, fifth and seventh surfaces, the reflective surface being continuous across at least one of the creases, and the reflective coating being discontinuous at the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Zhongyan Sheng, Don Holamon, Steven Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 11312075
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator outputs modulated light including: modulated first light when the spatial light modulator receives first light; and modulated second light when the spatial light modulator receives second light. Projection optics project the modulated light onto: a first pixel region when a component or the spatial light modulator has a first position; and a second pixel region when the component or the spatial light modulator has a second position. The first and second pixel regions partially overlap. A pixel shifter moves the component or the spatial light modulator between: the first position when the spatial light modulator outputs the modulated first light; and the second position when the spatial light modulator outputs the modulated second light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Zhongyan Sheng, Stephen Aldridge Shaw, Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20210255420
    Abstract: Described examples include a device having a body. The device also has a first flexure on a first surface of the body, the first flexure having a first modulus of elasticity. The device has a second flexure on a second surface of the body, the second surface of the body opposite to the first surface of the body, and the second flexure having a second modulus of elasticity. The device also has a fixed member on a surface of the second flexure opposite to the first flexure. The device also has an adjustment device on a surface of the first flexure opposite to the second flexure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20210131858
    Abstract: A mobile weighing apparatus includes a base tubing, a column extending from the base tubing, a handle extending from the column, a plurality of wheels, a weighing platform, and a plurality of load cells coupled to or between the base tubing and the weighing platform. The weighting platform may be suspended from the load cells, such as with wire rope bolts, such that a force applied to the column does not affect weighment of an object on the weighing platform. The apparatus may include a kingpin-less swivel rear wheel, a rear wheel brake to preclude rotation of the rear wheel about an axle of the rear wheel, and an actuator to actuate the rear brake when the rear wheel is in any position over a 360-degree range. The wheels may be positioned adjacent respective corners of a triangularly shaped base tubing, and the apparatus may further include a clinometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 10962406
    Abstract: A mobile weighing scale is disclosed. The mobile weighing scale comprises a column; a weighing platform for supporting an object to be weighed; and a plurality of load cells for computing weighment of the object are connected to the weighing platform, wherein the plurality of load cells are mounted internal to the top of a base tubing, wherein the base tubing is attached to the weighing platform. Further, the mobile weighing scale may comprise a vibrator, removably attached at a proximal end of the weighing platform, for producing vibratory forces on the weighing platform to densify a material within the object to be weighed. The mobile weighing scale may further comprise an electronic indicator, attached to the column, for displaying the computed weighment of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: BUCKEYE SCALE, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20200201059
    Abstract: Described examples include a light tunnel of a material, the light tunnel including: a first section having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a second section having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, a third section having a fifth surface and an opposing sixth surface, and a fourth section having a seventh surface and an opposing eighth surface; a first crease between the first section and the second section, a second crease between the second section and the third section, a third crease between the third section and the fourth section, and an intersection between an end of the first section and the fourth section; and a reflective coating forming a reflective surface on the first, third, fifth and seventh surfaces, the reflective surface being continuous across at least one of the creases, and the reflective coating being discontinuous at the intersection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Zhongyan Sheng, Don Holamon, Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20200122394
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator outputs modulated light including: modulated first light when the spatial light modulator receives first light; and modulated second light when the spatial light modulator receives second light. Projection optics project the modulated light onto: a first pixel region when a component or the spatial light modulator has a first position; and a second pixel region when the component or the spatial light modulator has a second position. The first and second pixel regions partially overlap. A pixel shifter moves the component or the spatial light modulator between: the first position when the spatial light modulator outputs the modulated first light; and the second position when the spatial light modulator outputs the modulated second light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Zhongyan Sheng, Stephen Aldridge Shaw, Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20190339115
    Abstract: A mobile weighing scale is disclosed. The mobile weighing scale comprises a column; a weighing platform for supporting an object to be weighed; and a plurality of load cells for computing weighment of the object are connected to the weighing platform, wherein the plurality of load cells are mounted internal to the top of a base tubing, wherein the base tubing is attached to the weighing platform. Further, the mobile weighing scale may comprise a vibrator, removably attached at a proximal end of the weighing platform, for producing vibratory forces on the weighing platform to densify a material within the object to be weighed. The mobile weighing scale may further comprise an electronic indicator, attached to the column, for displaying the computed weighment of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20190227261
    Abstract: A multi-axis gimbal actuator includes a first tilt frame tiltably coupled to a second tilt frame. The second frame is tiltably coupled to a reference frame. The first tilt frame is offset from the second tilt frame and approximately parallel to the second tilt frame while in a neutral position. An optical element is mounted on the first tilt frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventor: Steven Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 8379322
    Abstract: A projection display system and method is provided. One or more light sources, such as solid state lasers, generates light of various colors that is modulated by a spatial light modulator, such as a digital micro-mirror device. The projection optics of the system include a telecentric rear group of lenses followed by a pair of aspheric lenses formed of a continuous piece of material. A folding mirror, such as a single-piece or multi-piece angular mirror, is disposed along the optical path between the aspheric lenses, to reduce the depth of the enclosure, and an aspheric mirror projects the image onto a projection screen. A folding mirror may be used after the aspheric mirror to further reduce the depth of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Edward Smith, Patrick Rene Destain
  • Patent number: 8353598
    Abstract: Display systems and methods for mobile devices and mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display system for a mobile device is provided. The mobile device is handheld and includes a primary display screen. The display system includes an auxiliary screen and a connecting device coupled to the auxiliary screen and attachable to the mobile device. An image from the mobile device is producible on the auxiliary screen. The display system is removable from the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonardo William Estevez, William Robert Krenik, Steven Edward Smith, Yoram Solomon, Jose Vasquez, Steven Monroe Penn
  • Patent number: 7883219
    Abstract: System and method for thin projection display systems. An embodiment comprises a light source, an array of light modulators optically coupled to the light source, a lensed mirror optically coupled to the array, and a controller electronically coupled to the array and to the light source. The array produces images on a display plane by modulating light from the light source based on image data and the controller provides light commands to the light source and load image data into the array. The lensed mirror reflects modulated light from the array onto the display plane, the lensed mirror comprising a refractive portion and a reflective portion. The refractive portion of the lensed mirror helps to increase the light bending capability to help reduce the overall thickness of a projection display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: John David Jackson, Steven Edward Smith, Duane Scott Dewald
  • Patent number: 7835054
    Abstract: An optical architecture comprises a refractive cylinder that is movable relative to the incident light. By moving the refractive cylinder, the output light from the refractive cylinder is capable of sweeping through a spatial angle. Examples of the optical architecture can be implemented in an imaging system, such as a display system, for sequentially illuminating the target, such as a light valve in a display system with a high brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick Rene Destain, Steven Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20100045569
    Abstract: Display systems and methods for mobile devices and mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display system for a mobile device is provided. The mobile device is handheld and includes a primary display screen. The display system includes an auxiliary screen and a connecting device coupled to the auxiliary screen and attachable to the mobile device. An image from the mobile device is producible on the auxiliary screen. The display system is removable from the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Leonardo William Estevez, William Robert Krenik, Steven Edward Smith, Yoram Solomon, Jose Vasquez, Steven Monroe Penn
  • Publication number: 20090009842
    Abstract: An optical architecture comprises a refractive cylinder that is movable relative to the incident light. By moving the refractive cylinder, the output light from the refractive cylinder is capable of sweeping through a spatial angle. Examples of the optical architecture can be implemented in an imaging system, such as a display system, for sequentially illuminating the target, such as a light valve in a display system with a high brightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick Rene Destain, Steven Edward Smith