Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Smith
Thomas 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).
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Patent number: 11957893Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Joel A. Anderson, Michael J. Ebert, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith
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Patent number: 11957894Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony M. Chasensky, Bernard Q. Li, Brad C. Tischendorf, Chris J. Paidosh, Christian S. Nielsen, Craig L. Schmidt, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Eric H. Bonde, Erik R. Scott, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Gordon O. Munns, Joel A. Anderson, John E. Kast, Joseph J. Viavattine, Markus W. Reiterer, Michael J. Ebert, Phillip C. Falkner, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Randy S. Roles, Reginald D. Robinson, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Thomas P. Miltich, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei
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Publication number: 20240115449Abstract: An embodiment of a storage device for medical products includes a cabinet defining an enclosure having a plurality of compartments. In addition, the storage device includes a plurality of storage containers, each storage container configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of compartments. Further, the storage device includes an actuation assembly including a plurality of arms that are configured to engage the plurality of storage containers so as to secure the plurality of storage containers in the plurality of compartments. Still further, the storage device includes a release mechanism that is configured to simultaneously actuate each of the plurality of arms to release the plurality of storage containers from the plurality of compartments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Thomas J. Larkner, David A. Ferrer, Jesse M. Smith, Dennis H. Smith, Adam A. Cloud, Mark D. Lockwood, Mark G. Loeffelholz, James R. Edwards
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Patent number: 11934161Abstract: System and method provide wireless distributed lighting control systems implementing a secure peer-to-peer, self-organizing and self-healing mesh network of actuators and system inputs. The system and method can be designed specifically for indoor and outdoor lighting where actuators include in-fixture, on-fixture and circuit control modules with ON/OFF and full range dimming capabilities, and system inputs include occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight sensors and switches. A unique messaging protocol facilitates wireless and wired communication between actuators and system inputs, and provides web-based commissioning and monitoring of the lighting control system using a wireless access point accessible from a local network or Internet which can provide an intuitive and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: HLI SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Theodore E. Weber, Terrence R. Arbouw, Ronald K. Bender, Ronald J. Cummings-Kralik, Michael D. Crane, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Robert A. Martin, Peter A. Moyle, Gregory F. Smith, Stephan K. Zitz
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Patent number: 10215284Abstract: A seal for installation within a flowline diverter assembly including a housing having a bore, and a spool received within the bore. The seal includes an annular body configured to be received between the spool and the bore. The body also has an inner diameter face disposable opposite the spool, and an outer diameter face disposable opposite the bore. The inner diameter face has a first and a second lip portion which are energizable responsive to fluid pressure. A generally annular first spring member is molded into the outer diameter face adjacent a first end face of the body, and a generally annular second spring member is molded into the body outer diameter face adjacent a second end face. Generally annular third and fourth spring members each also may be molded into a corresponding one of the body lip portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventor: Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 9732776Abstract: A Marman clamp is disclosed. The Marman clamp includes a release mechanism with either pins or tubes formed with a shape memory alloy. The release mechanism opens and closes the clamp depending on the temperature of the pins or tubes. The temperature of the pins or tubes may be based on whether a space vehicle including the clamp is in a direct line of sight of radiation from the sun. Alternatively, a heat source may control the temperature of the pins or tubes. The Marman clamp may also open and close as a result of an independent force applied to the release mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Casey Lyn Madsen, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 9643630Abstract: A hose draining device that rolls along the ground and raises up a portion of a flexible hose to facilitate draining the hose. The device has a leading roller that is close to the ground, a center roller that is spaced away from the ground, and a trailing roller that is further away from the ground than the center roller. The hose is supported by the rollers while the device moves along the length of the hose. The device has a handle portion that is removable for storage and transportation. A counterbalance may be provided near the leading roller to stabilize the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 9447336Abstract: Methods, systems and designs are provided for removing mercury from crudes. Crude oil is heated to a temperature above 100° C. in a stabilization column for a time sufficient to convert all of the forms of mercury in the oil into the elemental mercury form. The elemental mercury is then stripped from the crude oil by flashing, or preferably by gas stripping with a gas injected at the bottom of the column. Either process transfers the elemental mercury from the oil phase into the gas phase. Elemental mercury can then be removed from the gas phase by methods such as condensation, precipitation, or absorption either alone or in combination.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Charles J. Lord, III, Thomas R. Smith, David O'Halloran
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Publication number: 20160229220Abstract: An elongated and retractable sterile marker apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated marker operating assembly a top portion of which is connected to the handle assembly, and a sterile marker assembly which is connected to a bottom portion of the elongated marker operating assembly. Preferably, the sterile marker assembly includes a felt marker tip. The elongated and retractable sterile marker apparatus is particularly useful in pain management procedures to mark needle locations. Preferably, the handle assembly includes a pair of finger-reception members which are connected to an outside portion of the elongated marker operating assembly. A thumb-reception member is received in the elongated marker operating assembly for operating the elongated marker operating assembly. Preferably, a return spring is provided to return the tip of the sterile marker portion into a marker unit housing when the tip is no longer being used for marking.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Timothy W. Morgan, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20160102689Abstract: A Marman clamp is disclosed. The Marman clamp includes a release mechanism with either pins or tubes formed with a shape memory alloy. The release mechanism opens and closes the clamp depending on the temperature of the pins or tubes. The temperature of the pins or tubes may be based on whether a space vehicle including the clamp is in a direct line of sight of radiation from the sun. Alternatively, a heat source may control the temperature of the pins or tubes. The Marman clamp may also open and close as a result of an independent force applied to the release mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Casey Lyn Madsen, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 9067142Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating a shared activity conducted by multiple participants via remote devices, particularly when there are more players then available remote devices. For example, the shared activity may be users playing electronic versions of a variety of card games or board games (or other game types). Users interact with a central device and one or more remote devices. The central device may be used to present “public” information on a central game play field—such as a game board, draw and discard piles, place cards, current scores, whose turn it is, etc. And the remote devices are used to present “private” game information to individual players—such as a player's “hole cards” or letter tiles. Further, users may make game choices and provide game input by interacting with the handheld device.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Backer, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20150108040Abstract: Methods, systems and designs are provided for removing mercury from crudes. Crude oil is heated to a temperature above 100° C. in a stabilization column for a time sufficient to convert all of the forms of mercury in the oil into the elemental mercury form. The elemental mercury is then stripped from the crude oil by flashing, or preferably by gas stripping with a gas injected at the bottom of the column. Either process transfers the elemental mercury from the oil phase into the gas phase. Elemental mercury can then be removed from the gas phase by methods such as condensation, precipitation, or absorption either alone or in combination.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Charles J. LORD, III, Thomas R. SMITH, David O'HALLORAN
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Patent number: 8955791Abstract: A vehicle comprises a first stage supersonic aircraft, and a second stage hypersonic aircraft. The second stage aircraft is in tandem with the first stage aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Smith, Kevin G. Bowcutt
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Publication number: 20130299626Abstract: A vehicle comprises a first stage supersonic aircraft, and a second stage hypersonic aircraft. The second stage aircraft is in tandem with the first stage aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Smith, Kevin G. Bowcutt
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Publication number: 20130303279Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating a shared activity conducted by multiple participants via remote devices, particularly when there are more players then available remote devices. For example, the shared activity may be users playing electronic versions of a variety of card games or board games (or other game types). Users interact with a central device and one or more remote devices. The central device may be used to present “public” information on a central game play field—such as a game board, draw and discard piles, place cards, current scores, whose turn it is, etc. And the remote devices are used to present “private” game information to individual players—such as a player's “hole cards” or letter tiles. Further, users may make game choices and provide game input by interacting with the handheld device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Jonathan BACKER, Thomas R. SMITH
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Publication number: 20130234401Abstract: A seal for installation within a flowline diverter assembly including a housing having a bore, and a spool received within the bore. The seal includes an annular body configured to be received between the spool and the bore. The body also has an inner diameter face disposable opposite the spool, and an outer a fluid face disposable opposite the bore. The inner diameter face has a first and a second lip portion which are energizable responsive to fluid pressure. A generally annular first spring member is molded into the outer diameter face adjacent a first end face of the body, and a generally annular second spring member is molded into the body outer diameter face adjacent a second end face. Generally annular third and fourth spring members each also may be molded into a corresponding one of the body lip portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 8506408Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating a shared activity conducted by multiple participants via remote devices, particularly when there are more players then available remote devices. For example, the shared activity may be users playing electronic versions of a variety of card games or board games (or other game types). Users interact with a central device and one or more remote devices. The central device may be used to present “public” information on a central game play field—such as a game board, draw and discard piles, place cards, current scores, whose turn it is, etc. And the remote devices are used to present “private” game information to individual players—such as a player's “hole cards” or letter tiles. Further, users may make game choices and provide game input by interacting with the handheld device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Disney Enterprises, IncInventors: Jonathan Backer, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 8292217Abstract: Hypersonic inlet systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an inlet for an airbreathing propulsion system includes an inboard surface at least partially shaped to conform to a plurality of streamline-traces of a design flowfield approaching an aperture, an outboard surface spaced apart from the inboard surface, an upper surface extending between the inboard and outboard surfaces, and a lower surface extending between the inboard and outboard surfaces, wherein leading edges of the inboard, outboard, upper, and lower surfaces cooperatively define the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Smith, Angel M. Espinosa, Daniel J. Farrell, Andrew Robertson, John C. Leylegian, Jason S. Tyll, Florin Girlea, Joseph A. Alifano, Randy S. M. Chue
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Patent number: 8256706Abstract: Methods, aircraft, and engine nacelles are disclosed. A wing leading edge of a planform is superimposed on a wing shockwave that extends in a first direction from a shockwave apex toward the wing leading edge. A waverider shape is streamline traced between the wing leading edge and a trailing edge of the planform to form a waverider wing. A position of an engine inlet vertex relative to the waverider wing is identified. An inlet shockwave is projected from the inlet vertex in a second direction generally opposed to the first direction. The inlet shockwave intersects the wing shockwave. An inlet leading edge of an engine inlet includes a lower leading edge including a plurality of points where the inlet shockwave intersects the wing shockwave.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Smith, Kevin G. Bowcutt
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Publication number: 20120095450Abstract: An elongated and retractable sterile marker apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated marker operating assembly a top portion of which is connected to the handle assembly, and a sterile marker assembly which is connected to a bottom portion of the elongated marker operating assembly. Preferably, the sterile marker assembly includes a felt marker tip. The elongated and retractable sterile marker apparatus is particularly useful in pain management procedures to mark needle locations. Preferably, the handle assembly includes a pair of finger-reception members which are connected to an outside portion of the elongated marker operating assembly. A thumb-reception member is received in the elongated marker operating assembly for operating the elongated marker operating assembly. Preferably, a return spring is provided to return the tip of the sterile marker portion into a marker unit housing when the tip is no longer being used for marking.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Timothy W. Morgan, Thomas R. Smith