Patents by Inventor Todd E. Smith

Todd E. 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: 11957893
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11957894
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11935151
    Abstract: Examples described herein relate to a graphics processing system that includes one or more integrated graphics systems and one or more discrete graphics systems. In some examples, an operating system (OS) or other software supports switching between image display data being provided from either an integrated graphics system or a discrete graphics system by configuring a multiplexer at runtime to output image data to a display. In some examples, a multiplexer is not used and interface supported messages are used to transfer image data from an integrated graphics system to a discrete graphics system and the discrete graphics system generates and outputs image data to a display. In some examples, interface supported messages are used to transfer image data from a discrete graphics system to an integrated graphics system and the integrated graphics system uses an overlay process to generate a composite image for output to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Akiyama, John Howard, Murali Ramadoss, Gary K. Smith, Todd M. Witter, Satish Ramanathan, Zhengmin Li
  • Publication number: 20230349345
    Abstract: A fuel heating apparatus including a heat exchanger body having a first removable end plate, a main body, and a second removable end plate opposite the first removable end plate. The first and second removable end plates are secured to opposing sides of the heat exchanger main body by a plurality of threaded fasteners. The first removable end plate includes a fuel inlet line and a thermal fluid inlet line, and the second removable end plate includes a fuel outlet line and a thermal fluid outlet line. The main body includes a plurality of interior first fluid pathways and a plurality of interior thermal fluid pathways defined therein, the interior first fluid pathways being responsible for connecting the fuel inlet line to the fuel outlet line and the interior thermal fluid pathways being responsible for connecting the thermal fluid inlet line to the thermal fluid outlet line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Todd E. Smith, Calvin Whitaker
  • Patent number: 11725613
    Abstract: A method of improving fuel efficiency in a diesel fuel internal combustion engine on a vehicle includes providing a combustion system including a fuel tank, an engine, and a fuel line disposed between the fuel tank and the engine. A heat exchanger is positioned on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. Working thermal fluid is passed from a reservoir through the heat exchanger while fuel is passed through the heat exchanger, increasing the temperature of the fuel passing through the heat exchanger. A vibration isolation mount is installed between the heat exchanger and the vehicle, thereby reducing vibration of the heat exchanger during use of the vehicle. Heated fuel from the heat exchanger is delivered to the engine, improving the fuel efficiency of the engine by burning the heated fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: CT Energy Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Todd E. Smith, Calvin Whitaker, Frederick M. Shofner, Rick P. Dye
  • Publication number: 20190211781
    Abstract: A method of improving fuel efficiency in a diesel fuel internal combustion engine on a vehicle includes providing a combustion system including a fuel tank, an engine, and a fuel line disposed between the fuel tank and the engine. A heat exchanger is positioned on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. Working thermal fluid is passed from a reservoir through the heat exchanger while fuel is passed through the heat exchanger, increasing the temperature of the fuel passing through the heat exchanger. A vibration isolation mount is installed between the heat exchanger and the vehicle, thereby reducing vibration of the heat exchanger during use of the vehicle. Heated fuel from the heat exchanger is delivered to the engine, improving the fuel efficiency of the engine by burning the heated fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Todd E. Smith, Calvin Whitaker, Frederick M. Shofner, Rick P. Dye
  • Patent number: 10233874
    Abstract: A fuel heating apparatus includes a fuel filter head having an upper side, a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. A fuel filter is disposed on the fuel filter head including an unfiltered fuel plenum and a filtered fuel plenum inside the fuel filter. A heating element is disposed inside the filtered fuel plenum inside the fuel filter. One or more temperature sensors are included inside the fuel filter in some embodiments. The heating element and temperature sensor are connected to a thermostat to regulate the temperature inside the fuel filter to prevent gelling of fuel. Additionally, in some embodiments, a heat exchanger is disposed on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. A working thermal fluid passes through the heat exchanger in thermal contact with the fuel. Heat transfer between the working thermal fluid and the fuel preheats the fuel prior to delivery to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: CT Energy Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Todd E. Smith, Calvin Whitaker, Frederick M. Shofner, Rick P. Dye
  • Publication number: 20170254299
    Abstract: A fuel heating apparatus includes a fuel filter head having an upper side, a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. A fuel filter is disposed on the fuel filter head including an unfiltered fuel plenum and a filtered fuel plenum inside the fuel filter. A heating element is disposed inside the filtered fuel plenum inside the fuel filter. One or more temperature sensors are included inside the fuel filter in some embodiments. The heating element and temperature sensor are connected to a thermostat to regulate the temperature inside the fuel filter to prevent gelling of fuel. Additionally, in some embodiments, a heat exchanger is disposed on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. A working thermal fluid passes through the heat exchanger in thermal contact with the fuel. Heat transfer between the working thermal fluid and the fuel preheats the fuel prior to delivery to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Todd E. Smith, Calvin Whitaker, Frederick M. Shofner, Rick P. Dye
  • Publication number: 20150295764
    Abstract: An interface device is configured to provide one or more links to first-party medical devices, each of which communicates using a proprietary protocol. The interface device can translate between the proprietary protocol and a second protocol that is accessible via a second link to the interface device. Details of the second protocol can be provided to third parties for configuring third-party medical devices to connect to the interface device via the second link. Using the second link, one or more third-party medical devices can send information to and/or receive information from the first-party medical devices without the need for the third-party device (or devices) to have any information about the proprietary protocol(s) of the first-party medical device(s). The first-party medical devices can include surgical tools and related support equipment and the third-party medical device can include a control station used to monitor and control the tools and support equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventor: Todd E. Smith
  • Patent number: 9081696
    Abstract: An interface device is configured to provide one or more links to first-party medical devices, each of which communicates using a proprietary protocol. The interface device can translate between the proprietary protocol and a second protocol that is accessible via a second link to the interface device. Details of the second protocol can be provided to third parties for configuring third-party medical devices to connect to the interface device via the second link. Using the second link, one or more third-party medical devices can send information to and/or receive information from the first-party medical devices without the need for the third-party device (or devices) to have any information about the proprietary protocol(s) of the first-party medical device(s). The first-party medical devices can include surgical tools and related support equipment and the third-party medical device can include a control station used to monitor and control the tools and support equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8753344
    Abstract: A dynamic sensing method and apparatus employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) surgical sensors for gathering and reporting surgical parameters pertaining to a drive mechanism of a surgical device, such as speed, rotation, torque and other characteristics of the surgical device. The surgical device employs or affixes the surgical sensor on or about a surgical device for detecting electromechanical characteristics during the surgical procedure. The surgical procedure disposes the medical device in the surgical field responsive to the drive mechanism of a shaver or other endoscopic instrument inserted in a surgical field defined by the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Smith, Paul R. Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20130151739
    Abstract: An interface device is configured to provide one or more links to first-party medical devices, each of which communicates using a proprietary protocol. The interface device can translate between the proprietary protocol and a second protocol that is accessible via a second link to the interface device. Details of the second protocol can be provided to third parties for configuring third-party medical devices to connect to the interface device via the second link. Using the second link, one or more third-party medical devices can send information to and/or receive information from the first-party medical devices without the need for the third-party device (or devices) to have any information about the proprietary protocol(s) of the first-party medical device(s). The first-party medical devices can include surgical tools and related support equipment and the third-party medical device can include a control station used to monitor and control the tools and support equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Todd E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6313496
    Abstract: The invention comprises capacitors and methods of forming capacitors. In one implementation, a method of forming a capacitor includes forming a first capacitor electrode. An Si3N4 comprising capacitor dielectric layer is formed over the first capacitor electrode. The Si3N4 comprising layer is oxidized in the presence of a chlorine containing atmosphere under conditions which form a silicon oxynitride layer comprising chlorine atop the Si3N4 layer. In one aspect, the oxidizing sequentially comprises a dry oxidation in the presence of an oxygen containing gas in the substantial absence of chlorine, a dry oxidation in the presence of a gas comprising oxygen and chlorine, and a wet oxidation comprising chlorine. A second capacitor electrode is formed over the chlorine containing silicon oxynitride layer. In one implementation, a method of forming a capacitor comprises forming a first capacitor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6300187
    Abstract: The invention comprises capacitors and methods of forming capacitors. In one implementation, a method of forming a capacitor includes forming a first capacitor electrode. An Si3N4 comprising capacitor dielectric layer is formed over the first capacitor electrode. The Si3N4 comprising layer is oxidized in the presence of a chlorine containing atmosphere under conditions which form a silicon oxynitride layer comprising chlorine atop the Si3N4 layer. In one aspect, the oxidizing sequentially comprises a dry oxidation in the presence of an oxygen containing gas in the substantial absence of chlorine, a dry oxidation in the presence of a gas comprising oxygen and chlorine, and a wet oxidation comprising chlorine. A second capacitor electrode is formed over the chlorine containing silicon oxynitride layer. In one implementation, a method of forming a capacitor comprises forming a first capacitor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010003661
    Abstract: The invention comprises capacitors and methods of forming capacitors. In one implementation, a method of forming a capacitor includes forming a first capacitor electrode. An Si3N4 comprising capacitor dielectric layer is formed over the first capacitor electrode. The Si3N4 comprising layer is oxidized in the presence of a chlorine containing atmosphere under conditions which form a silicon oxynitride layer comprising chlorine atop the Si3N4 layer. In one aspect, the oxidizing sequentially comprises a dry oxidation in the presence of an oxygen containing gas in the substantial absence of chlorine, a dry oxidation in the presence of a gas comprising oxygen and chlorine, and a wet oxidation comprising chlorine. A second capacitor electrode is formed over the chlorine containing silicon oxynitride layer. In one implementation, a method of forming a capacitor comprises forming a first capacitor electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventor: TODD E. SMITH
  • Patent number: 5423521
    Abstract: An insert member including a plurality of strand members having first and second ends and being oriented in a relative spatial relationship representative of a predetermined path, first end portions for mounting the first ends of the strand members and second end portions for mounting the second ends of the strand members, wherein the first and second means are separated by a predetermined distance to provide the predetermined spatial relationship of the strand members. Also, a combination for making a ceramic gas distribution device which includes this insert member and at least one ceramic in an unfired or green state cast partially therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Quigley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Lawrence Stover, Regis W. Lewis, Todd E. Smith, Ronald T. Snyder