Patents by Inventor Steven R. Smith

Steven R. 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: 20240143806
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11954214
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: 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: 20240111881
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20240083861
    Abstract: Described herein are compounds that are HSD17B13 inhibitors, methods of making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of conditions, diseases, or disorders associated with HSD17B13 activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew R. Hudson, Steven P. Govek, Johnny Y. Nagasawa, Iriny Botrous, Nicholas D. Smith, Karensa L. Fasanya
  • Publication number: 20240083853
    Abstract: Described herein are compounds that are HSD17B13 inhibitors, methods of making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of conditions, diseases, or disorders associated with HSD17B13 activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Steven P. Govek, Andiliy G. Lai, Andrew R. Hudson, Nicholas D. Smith, Karensa L. Fasanya
  • Patent number: 11914728
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10418330
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices may include a substrate and a semiconductor die on the substrate. The semiconductor die may include an active surface and a lateral edge at a periphery of the active surface. An electrically insulating material may be located on the active surface proximate the lateral edge. The electrically insulating material may be distinct from any other material located on the active surface. A wire bond may extend from the active surface, over the electrically insulating material, to the substrate. Methods of making semiconductor devices may involve positioning an electrically insulating material on an active surface of a semiconductor die proximate a lateral edge at a periphery of an active surface. After positioning the electrically insulating material on the active surface, a wire bond extending from the active surface, over the electrically insulating material, to the substrate may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Fay, Steven R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150294940
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices may include a substrate and a semiconductor die on the substrate. The semiconductor die may include an active surface and a lateral edge at a periphery of the active surface. An electrically insulating material may be located on the active surface proximate the lateral edge. The electrically insulating material may be distinct from any other material located on the active surface. A wire bond may extend from the active surface, over the electrically insulating material, to the substrate. Methods of making semiconductor devices may involve positioning an electrically insulating material on an active surface of a semiconductor die proximate a lateral edge at a periphery of an active surface. After positioning the electrically insulating material on the active surface, a wire bond extending from the active surface, over the electrically insulating material, to the substrate may be formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen R. Fay, Steven R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9107695
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle having a blade proximate a distal end of the handle. A blade edge inset from a mouth of the recess is exposed within the recess and faces at least partially toward a proximal end of the handle with the blade edge inset from a mouth of the recess. The distal end further comprises a point bounding a portion of the recess and facing at least partially toward the proximal end of the handle. Methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: BROLEX LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Horton, Steven R. Smith, Kristian J. Olsen, Bryce R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130245638
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle having a blade proximate a distal end of the handle. A blade edge inset from a mouth of the recess is exposed within the recess and faces at least partially toward a proximal end of the handle with the blade edge inset from a mouth of the recess. The distal end further comprises a point bounding a portion of the recess and facing at least partially toward the proximal end of the handle. Methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Clinical Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Horton, Steven R. Smith, Kristian J. Olsen, Bryce R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7601562
    Abstract: The present disclosure suggests various microelectronic component assembly designs and methods for manufacturing microelectronic component assemblies. In one particular implementation, the invention provides a microelectronic component assembly that includes spaced-apart first and second lead frame members. A packaged element is disposed between the lead frame members and attached thereto only by a plurality of elongate, flexible links that permit the packaged element to accommodate thermally induced stresses by floating with respect to the first and second lead frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Groothuis, Steven R. Smith, Steve Baughman, Bernard Ball, T. Michael O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7508657
    Abstract: A privacy-enhancing, glare-reducing display screen shield is provided including a pleated central portion, a first leg and a second leg on the edges of the pleated portion and generally parallel to the pleats, and mounting means on at least one leg to enable the display screen shield to be attached to an electronic device. The legs are movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position in which the pleats radiate outwardly in a fan configuration, thus enabling the collapsible, transportable, attachable, and removable design of the display screen shield. The mounting means include adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, complementary mechanical means, or other removable means. Optionally, leg attachment bases that incorporate complementary mounting means and that attach to the electronic device may be provided. One or more display screen shields can be attached to the electronic device to furnish privacy or glare reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Steven R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7469158
    Abstract: An optical measuring device having multiple optical paths between one or more light emitters and one or more light detectors and/or providing at least two sets of wavelength of light along at least one path, with a final measurement being produced as a combination of measurements of the sets of wavelengths of light taken along one or more of the optical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Cutler, William D. Wallace, Steven R. Smith, Daniel J. McGraw, Nick Tu, Clifford G. Montagnoli, Trent W. Banks
  • Patent number: 7446747
    Abstract: A multiple channel programmable gamma correction voltage generator including a resistor ladder, buffers, select logic, and a programmable non-volatile memory device. The memory provides select values indicative of one or more stored gamma correction values. The resistor ladder includes adjustable tap resistors distributed along the resistor ladder. The adjustable tap resistors provide multiple tap voltages distributed according to the gamma correction value. The buffers receive the tap voltages and provide gamma correction voltages. The select logic selects tap points of the adjustable tap resistors to select the tap voltages based on the select values stored in the memory. Additional resistors and switch logic may be included to enable re-positioning of the adjustable tap resistor within the resistor ladder. Latches and address control may be provided on the memory to enable programming and selection of multiple gamma correction values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Youngblood, Steven R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7336985
    Abstract: A fetal heart rate electrode assembly, a connector for use therewith and a cable assembly including a housing assembly configured for engagement with the connector. The electrode assembly includes a drive knob configured and located for selective extension of a fetal scalp electrode beyond a distal end thereof. The connector comprises a rotationally omnidirectional contact assembly disposed within a dielectric housing including an annular groove on the exterior thereof The housing assembly includes longitudinally resiliently biased pin contacts for end face contact with the contacts of the connector disposed within an inner housing of the housing assembly having an O-ring and an annular retention element positioned to respectively wipe the exterior of the connector housing and grasp the connector housing at the annular groove when the connector is inserted thereinto. A system and methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Clinical Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Wm. Dean Wallace, Richard A. Dixon, Christopher A. Cutler, Steven R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080023683
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism for track-type vehicles has a rectangular, elongated base skid onto which at least three separately adjustable lifts are positioned. A first lift is positioned at the forward end of the skid and includes a crossbar extending between the elongated sides of the skid. A telescoping, hydraulic jack is positioned at each end of the crossbar, which jacks can be extended to lift the crossbar into engagement with the lower side of a vehicle. Positionable lifting devices are also located along opposing, elongated sides of the skid. Each lifting device is a telescoping hydraulic jack carried at one end of a telescoping arm. The arm is pivotally mounted to the skid at the other end of the arm. The arm's telescopic length and rotational position can be adjusted as necessary to position the lifting device attached thereto as desired under a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: David L. Reynolds, Steven R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7183485
    Abstract: The present disclosure suggests various microelectronic component assembly designs and methods for manufacturing microelectronic component assemblies. In one particular implementation, the invention provides a microelectronic component assembly that includes spaced-apart first and second lead frame members. A packaged element is disposed between the lead frame members and attached thereto only by a plurality of elongate, flexible links that permit the packaged element to accommodate thermally induced stresses by floating with respect to the first and second lead frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Groothuis, Steven R. Smith, Steve Baughman, Bernard Ball, T. Michael O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6943457
    Abstract: A bow resistant semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die, a leadframe and a plastic body. The plastic body includes a molded inner member encapsulating the die, and a molded outer member encapsulating the molded inner member. The inner member rigidities the package, and is dimensioned such that the outer member has substantially equal volumes of molding compound on either side of the leadframe. The equal volumes of molding compound reduce thermo-mechanical stresses generated during cooling of the molding compound, and reduce package bow. With reduced package bow, a planarity of the terminal leads on the package is maintained. Also, stresses on bonded connections between the terminal leads and electrodes on a supporting substrate, such as a printed circuit board or multi chip module substrate are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040248183
    Abstract: The G/G genotype of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter of the human resistin gene, −180C>G, singificantly increased basal promoter activity in adipocytes. These data were recapitulated in vivo where G/G homozygotes had significantly higher resistin mRNA levels in human abdominal subcutaneous fat. A significant interaction was also found between the −180C>G SNP, a marker of oxidative stress and insulin resistance. In addition, resistin mRNA was positively and independently correlated with insulin resistance and hepatic fat as measured by liver X-ray attenuation. These data implicate resistin in the pathophysiology of the human insulin resistance syndrome, an effect mediated by the −180C>G promoter SNP and cellular oxidative stress. The −180C>G SNP may be used to identify insulin-resistant individuals responsive to anti-oxidant therapy, including treatment with anti-oxidant vitamins (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin E, etc.), supplements (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: George Argyropoulos, Steven R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040177984
    Abstract: The present disclosure suggests various microelectronic component assembly designs and methods for manufacturing microelectronic component assemblies. In one particular implementation, the invention provides a microelectronic component assembly that includes spaced-apart first and second lead frame members. A packaged element is disposed between the lead frame members and attached thereto only by a plurality of elongate, flexible links that permit the packaged element to accommodate thermally induced stresses by floating with respect to the first and second lead frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Steven K. Groothuis, Steven R. Smith, Steve Baughman, Bernard Ball, T. Michael O'Connor