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: 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
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Publication number: 20110319173Abstract: 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: June 29, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Jonathan Backer, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20100022422Abstract: A process for producing a nanographite dispersion in a fluid wherein the thermal conductivity of the dispersion is enhanced from the base fluid by more than 10% for a 1% graphite dispersion. A high purity graphite with high crystallinity and reduced surface damage and oxidation is selected as the starting material. The starting material is subjected to a process of wet media milling in the presence of dispersant and solvent fluid. The mill temperature is controlled to control and reduce surface damage to yield a nanographite with flake shape and controlled aspect ratio until a particle size average of 300 nm diameter and 50 nm is obtained. The process recycles a portion of the milled material to increase the ratio of small particle distribution to large particles in an intermediate product with small and large particle bi-modal distribution. The large particle distribution is removed by a separation process such as centrifugation or filtration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Gefei Wu, Zhiqiang Zhang, Frances E. Lockwood, Stephanie M. McCoy, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20090313968Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: 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: 7449432Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of nanomaterials as a viscosity modifier and thermal conductivity improver for gear oil and other lubricating oil compositions. The gear oils of the instant invention have a higher viscosity index, higher shear stability, and improved thermal conductivity compared to currently available gear oils. The preferred nanoparticles also impart a reduction in the coefficient of friction, including reduced friction in the boundary lubrication regime. These properties are obtained by replacing part or all of the polymer thickener or viscosity index improver or some other part of the composition normally used in gear oils with nanomaterials of suitable shape, size, and composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property, LLC (ALIP)Inventors: Frances E. Lockwood, Zhiqiang Zhang, Gefei Wu, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20080242566Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of nanomaterials as a viscosity modifier and thermal conductivity improver for gear oil and other lubricating oil compositions. The gear oils of the instant invention have a higher viscosity index, higher shear stability, and improved thermal conductivity compared to currently available gear oils. The preferred nanoparticles also impart a reduction in the coefficient of friction, including reduced friction in the boundary lubrication regime. These properties are obtained by replacing part or all of the polymer thickener or viscosity index improver or some other part of the composition normally used in gear oils with nanomaterials of suitable shape, size, and composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2006Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Frances E. Lockwood, Zhiqiang Zhang, Gefei Wu, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 7257987Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State UniversityInventors: Robert J. O'Brien, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 7214648Abstract: An engine lubricant formulated as a complete crankcase motor oil or additive concentrate composed of a combination of chemical constituents including a base oil selected from a synthetic oil, a mineral oil or semi-synthetic base oil (hydrogenated oil) or combination thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, a dispersant inhibitor containing zinc dithiophosphate, and viscosity index improvers and one or more seal swelling agents to lubricate the engine and recondition the seals of new and/or high mileage engines. Addition of a polyalphaolefin and/or one or more esters such as a diester or polyolester may also be utilized therein. The lubricant may be formulated as a complete engine oil crankcase lubricant, or concentrated into an additive for addition to conventional mineral oil based engine oil, synthetic engine oils, or blends thereof in an effective amount of up to 30 percent volume percent, typically from 20 to 25 percent by volume.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property, LLCInventors: Mandeep S. Saini, Thomas R. Smith, Michael A. Dituro, Richard J. Baumgart, Frances E. Lockwood
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Patent number: 6865926Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State UniversityInventors: Robert J. O'Brien, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 6845983Abstract: A gasket (10) for sealing flange connections in piping systems for media, while changing a natural frequency of the gasket to avoid resonance in the flange connection, comprising a plate (12) that defines a opening (14) for passage of media through the flange connection sealed with the plate, with opposing sealing surfaces (18) between an edge (20) of the opening and an outer perimeter edge (22) of the plate, and a channel (26) received around an outer perimeter edge of the plate and unloaded in the flange connection whereby the channel being unloaded but in engagement to the plate changes a natural frequency of the plate to avoid resonance in the flange connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Acadia Elastomers CorporationInventors: Steven M. Suggs, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20040035183Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: The State of Oregon acting and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of PortlInventors: Robert J. O'Brien, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 6666409Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift the the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20030183727Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20030119682Abstract: An engine lubricant formulated as a complete crankcase motor oil or additive concentrate composed of a combination of chemical constituents including a base oil selected from a synthetic oil, a mineral oil or semi-synthetic base oil (hydrogenated oil) or combination thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, a dispersant inhibitor containing zinc dithiophosphate, and viscosity index improvers and one or more seal swelling agents to lubricate the engine and recondition the seals of new and/or high mileage engines. Addition of a polyalphaolefin and/or one or more esters such as a diester or polyolester may also be utilized therein. The lubricant may be formulated as a complete engine oil crankcase lubricant, or concentrated into an additive for addition to conventional mineral oil based engine oil, synthetic engine oils, or blends thereof in an effective amount of up to 30 percent volume percent, typically from 20 to 25 percent by volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: ASHLAND INC.Inventors: Mandeep S. Saini, Thomas R. Smith, Michael A. Dituro, Richard J. Baumgart, Frances E. Lockwood
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Patent number: 6557803Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
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Publication number: 20030042367Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 6269905Abstract: A load-bearing table for use on a peaked roof is made up of a platform which is hinged along a general center line for resting on the peak of the roof and has support bars pivotally attached and extending downward from the platform on either side of the peak to help support the table by applying forces which squeeze or pinch together against the rooftop on either side of the peak to hold the table and load in place and to minimize any damage to the roof and rafters. The support bars are adjustable with respect to the platform to accommodate different roof pitches.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Thomas R. Smith
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Patent number: 5490945Abstract: A lubricating oil composition is described which comprises a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity and(A) at least about 1% by weight of at least one carboxylic derivative composition produced by reacting(A-1) at least one substituted succinic acylating agent containing at least about 50 carbon atoms in the substituent with(A-2) from about 0.5 equivalent up to about 2 moles, per equivalent of acylating agent (A-1), of at least one amine compound characterized by the presence within its structure of at least one HN< group; and(B) an amount of at least one alkali metal overbased salt of a carboxylic acid or a mixture of a carboxylic acid and an organic sulfonic acid sufficient to provide at least about 0.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: The Lubrizol CorporationInventors: Thomas R. Smith, Mary F. Salomon, Kirk E. Davis, Jack L. Karn, John M. Cahoon
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Patent number: 5297805Abstract: A sealing ring for a seal assembly used in oil field equipment including an elastomeric body and a reinforced face. The reinforced face is of molded polytetrafluoroethylene and is integral with the elastomeric body to provide improved pressure capability for the seal without the need for backup rings. The elastomeric body is formed to have a waisted cross section with a narrower portion in the middle and a wider portion at each end. The wider ends provide multiple sealing surfaces and allow fewer rings to be used.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: J.M. Clipper Corp.Inventors: Robert A. Merkin, Thomas R. Smith, John G. Cechin