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).

  • Patent number: 8256706
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Smith, Kevin G. Bowcutt
  • Publication number: 20120095450
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy W. Morgan, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110319173
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Backer, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100022422
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Gefei Wu, Zhiqiang Zhang, Frances E. Lockwood, Stephanie M. McCoy, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090313968
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7449432
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property, LLC (ALIP)
    Inventors: Frances E. Lockwood, Zhiqiang Zhang, Gefei Wu, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080242566
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Frances E. Lockwood, Zhiqiang Zhang, Gefei Wu, Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7257987
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Brien, Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7214648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Mandeep S. Saini, Thomas R. Smith, Michael A. Dituro, Richard J. Baumgart, Frances E. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6865926
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Brien, Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6845983
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Acadia Elastomers Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Suggs, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040035183
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: The State of Oregon acting and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portl
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Brien, Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6666409
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030183727
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030119682
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: ASHLAND INC.
    Inventors: Mandeep S. Saini, Thomas R. Smith, Michael A. Dituro, Richard J. Baumgart, Frances E. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6557803
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030042367
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jon J. Carpenter, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Jennifer L. Green, Brian R. Lindley, James K. Wechsler, Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6269905
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5490945
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Smith, Mary F. Salomon, Kirk E. Davis, Jack L. Karn, John M. Cahoon
  • Patent number: 5297805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: J.M. Clipper Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Merkin, Thomas R. Smith, John G. Cechin