Patents by Inventor Steven M. Smith
Steven M. 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: 20240143806Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2024Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turrentine, Steven T Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
-
Publication number: 20240130565Abstract: A fryer and method for cooking food products is provided that automates the movement of baskets carrying the food products. The fryer) includes a cooking chamber with a heating element located therein for heating cooking medium in the cooking chamber. The fryer also includes at least one vertical transport assembly that selectively engages with and moves the basket vertically into and out of the cooking medium. A horizontal transport assembly selectively engages with and moves the basket horizontally between different positions. The horizontal transport assembly hands off the basket to and from the vertical transport assembly, and first and second hooks on the horizontal transport assembly engage with front and rear receiving mechanisms on the basket to continuously maintain at least two points of contact with the basket. This allows for controlled pivotal movements of the basket when food products are to be added or removed from the basket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2024Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Melissa M. Hohler, Steven V. Ricca, Thomas M. Smith
-
Patent number: 11963079Abstract: An example power tool includes a battery pack receiving portion including a battery pack compartment including a battery pack support structure configured to receive and support a battery pack including battery terminals. The power tool further includes a terminal block located in the battery pack receiving portion and including tool terminals. At least two terminals of the tool terminals are configured to electrically and physically couple to the battery terminals. The power tool further includes an insertable device compartment located in the battery pack receiving portion and configured to receive an insertable wireless communication device including a first electronic processor, a transceiver, and device terminals. At least one device terminal is configured to electrically and physically couple to at least one shared terminal of the at least two terminals of the tool terminals. The insertable wireless communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Richard P. Brault, Anthony Davis, Steven M. Smith, Ben Gordon, Amith J. Baskaran
-
Patent number: 11954214Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to share policy information. The policy information may be associated with a smart contract. Accordingly, the policy information may be encrypted using a public key for the smart contract and compiled into a block of the blockchain. In response to a request to provide access to the information to a particular node, the private key for the smart contract may be encrypted using the public key for the particular node and compiled into a block of the blockchain.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turrentine, Steven T. Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
-
Publication number: 20240111881Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a blockchain comprising a plurality of immutable sales records corresponding to sales made by agents of an entity are provided. According to certain aspects, a transaction request indicating a sale made by an agent of the entity may be received at a first node. A block including a sales record indicating the sale made by the agent may be added to a blockchain and transmitted to another node for validation. The first node may add the block to a copy of the blockchain, where the block may be identified by a hash value that references a previous block in the blockchain that includes at least one additional sales record.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turentine, Steven T. Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
-
Patent number: 11910957Abstract: A fryer and method for cooking food products is provided that automates the movement of baskets carrying the food products. The fryer includes a cooking chamber with a heating element located therein for heating cooking medium in the cooking chamber. The fryer also includes at least one vertical transport assembly that selectively engages with and moves the basket vertically into and out of the cooking medium. A horizontal transport assembly selectively engages with and moves the basket horizontally between different positions. The horizontal transport assembly hands off the basket to and from the vertical transport assembly, and first and second hooks on the horizontal transport assembly engage with front and rear receiving mechanisms on the basket to continuously maintain at least two points of contact with the basket. This allows for controlled pivotal movements of the basket when food products are to be added or removed from the basket.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Henny Penny CorporationInventors: Melissa M. Hohler, Steven V. Ricca, Thomas M. Smith
-
Patent number: 11914728Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Melinda Teresa Magerkurth, Eric Bellas, Jaime Skaggs, Shawn M. Call, Eric R. Moore, Vicki King, Burton J. Floyd, David Turrentine, Steven T. Olson, Timothy Caleb Wells, Corin Rebekah Chapman, Edward W. Breitweiser, Robert Gomez, Shelia Cummings Smith
-
Publication number: 20240064891Abstract: A power tool may include a compartment in its housing and a first printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing and electrically coupled to a first connector. An insertable wireless communication device may include a second electronic processor and an antenna that are each mounted to a second PCB. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to be received in the compartment and may include a second connector configured to electrically and physically couple to the first connector. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device. When the insertable wireless communication device is inserted into the compartment, a first conductive layer of the first PCB may be configured to be electrically coupled to the antenna via the first connector and the second connector such that the first conductive layer of the first PCB serves as a ground plane of the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: John B. Lienau, Anthony M. Davis, Ian A. Duncan, Benjamin Gordon, Stephen Matson, Steven M. Smith
-
Publication number: 20230296234Abstract: A device for performing a function. The device including a housing, an indicator configured to provide an indication, a first electronic processer within the housing and configured to control operation of the indicator, and a wireless communication device including a second electronic processer. The wireless communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device, communicate with the first electronic processer to transfer data between the first electronic processer and the external device, receive a signal from the external device, and provide the signal to the first electronic processer. The first electronic processer is configured to prohibit, in response to receiving the signal from the wireless communication device, the indicator from providing the indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Jay Walsh, Steven M. Smith, Jonathan E. Abbott
-
Publication number: 20230262434Abstract: An example power tool includes a battery pack receiving portion including a battery pack compartment including a battery pack support structure configured to receive and support a battery pack including battery terminals. The power tool further includes a terminal block located in the battery pack receiving portion and including tool terminals. At least two terminals of the tool terminals are configured to electrically and physically couple to the battery terminals. The power tool further includes an insertable device compartment located in the battery pack receiving portion and configured to receive an insertable wireless communication device including a first electronic processor, a transceiver, and device terminals. At least one device terminal is configured to electrically and physically couple to at least one shared terminal of the at least two terminals of the tool terminals. The insertable wireless communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Richard P. Brault, Anthony Davis, Steven M. Smith, Ben Gordon, Amith J. Baskaran
-
Patent number: 11665519Abstract: An example power tool includes a battery pack receiving portion including a battery pack compartment including a battery pack support structure configured to receive and support a battery pack including battery terminals. The power tool further includes a terminal block located in the battery pack receiving portion and including tool terminals. At least two terminals of the tool terminals are configured to electrically and physically couple to the battery terminals. The power tool further includes an insertable device compartment located in the battery pack receiving portion and configured to receive an insertable wireless communication device including a first electronic processor, a transceiver, and device terminals. At least one device terminal is configured to electrically and physically couple to at least one shared terminal of the at least two terminals of the tool terminals. The insertable wireless communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Richard P. Brault, Anthony Davis, Steven M. Smith, Ben Gordon, Amith J. Baskaran
-
Patent number: 11570888Abstract: A power tool may include a compartment in its housing and a first printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing and electrically coupled to a first connector. An insertable wireless communication device may include a second electronic processor and an antenna that are each mounted to a second PCB. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to be received in the compartment and may include a second connector configured to electrically and physically couple to the first connector. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device. When the insertable wireless communication device is inserted into the compartment, a first conductive layer of the first PCB may be configured to be electrically coupled to the antenna via the first connector and the second connector such that the first conductive layer of the first PCB serves as a ground plane of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2022Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: John B. Lienau, Anthony M. Davis, Ian A. Duncan, Benjamin Gordon, Stephen Matson, Steven M. Smith
-
Publication number: 20220287172Abstract: A power tool may include a compartment in its housing and a first printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing and electrically coupled to a first connector. An insertable wireless communication device may include a second electronic processor and an antenna that are each mounted to a second PCB. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to be received in the compartment and may include a second connector configured to electrically and physically couple to the first connector. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device. When the insertable wireless communication device is inserted into the compartment, a first conductive layer of the first PCB may be configured to be electrically coupled to the antenna via the first connector and the second connector such that the first conductive layer of the first PCB serves as a ground plane of the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: John B. Lienau, Anthony M. Davis, Ian A. Duncan, Benjamin Gordon, Stephen Matson, Steven M. Smith
-
Patent number: 11212909Abstract: A wireless communication device configured to be removably received in a first compartment of a first power tool device of a first type or in a second compartment of a second power tool device of a second type different than the first type of the first power tool device. An electronic processor of the wireless communication device may be configured to determine whether the wireless communication device is coupled to the first power tool device of the first type or the second power tool device of the second type. The electronic processor may be further configured to set an operational characteristic of the wireless communication device based on the determination of whether the wireless communication device is coupled to the first power tool device or the second power tool device.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Steven M. Smith, Anthony M. Davis
-
Publication number: 20210360775Abstract: A wireless communication device configured to be removably received in a first compartment of a first power tool device of a first type or in a second compartment of a second power tool device of a second type different than the first type of the first power tool device. An electronic processor of the wireless communication device may be configured to determine whether the wireless communication device is coupled to the first power tool device of the first type or the second power tool device of the second type. The electronic processor may be further configured to set an operational characteristic of the wireless communication device based on the determination of whether the wireless communication device is coupled to the first power tool device or the second power tool device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2020Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Steven M. Smith, Anthony M. Davis
-
Patent number: 11142319Abstract: A tool includes a handle, an extension member extending from the handle, and an anchor assembly coupled to the extension member opposite the handle. The anchor assembly is configured for selective anchoring to a seat track of an air cargo pallet, and the anchor assembly includes at least one locking member that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In particular, when the at least one locking member is in the unlocked position, the at least one locking member is configured to advance into a slot of the seat track. When the at least one tool is in the locked position, the at least one locking member is configured to mechanically interfere with at least a portion of the seat track in a manner retaining the at least one locking member in the slot, thereby anchoring the anchor assembly to the seat track.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Samuel F. Harrison, Aliaksandr Antsipau, Sebastian Bahamonde, Tiffany Lynn Cremer, Andrew John Gawne, Jason T. Laib, Racha Lwali, Sean O. Maylone, Steven M. Smith, Andrew Kyle Winn
-
Patent number: 10946123Abstract: A catheter connector assembly which may be included with a corporeal drainage system, and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The catheter connector assembly may include a catheter connector and a drainage line connector. The catheter connector may include a connector body with a coupling feature, a deformable sealing element, and a retaining member. The drainage line connector may include a drainage line body first and second hinge clips, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to deform the deformable sealing element when the drainage line connector is coupled to the catheter connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Steven M. Smith, Jim C. Beasley, Kelly B. Powers
-
Publication number: 20200252774Abstract: An example power tool includes a battery pack receiving portion including a battery pack compartment including a battery pack support structure configured to receive and support a battery pack including battery terminals. The power tool further includes a terminal block located in the battery pack receiving portion and including tool terminals. At least two terminals of the tool terminals are configured to electrically and physically couple to the battery terminals. The power tool further includes an insertable device compartment located in the battery pack receiving portion and configured to receive an insertable wireless communication device including a first electronic processor, a transceiver, and device terminals. At least one device terminal is configured to electrically and physically couple to at least one shared terminal of the at least two terminals of the tool terminals. The insertable wireless communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Richard P. Brault, Anthony Davis, Steven M. Smith, Ben Gordon, Amith J. Baskaran
-
Publication number: 20200000984Abstract: A catheter connector assembly which may be included with a corporeal drainage system, and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The catheter connector assembly may include a catheter connector and a drainage line connector. The catheter connector may include a connector body with a coupling feature, a deformable sealing element, and a retaining member. The drainage line connector may include a drainage line body first and second hinge clips, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to deform the deformable sealing element when the drainage line connector is coupled to the catheter connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Steven M. Smith, Jim C. Beasley, Kelly B. Powers
-
Publication number: 20190274722Abstract: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Walter H. Shang, Steven M. Smith, James D. Beal