Patents by Inventor Tom Little

Tom Little 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: 9758982
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20170234001
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces coupled together to form at least a portion of the flood vent panel. The flood vent panel further includes one or more insulation piece connectors coupled to the plurality of insulation pieces, and configured to couple the plurality of insulation pieces together. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure, so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The one or more insulation piece connectors are further configured to uncouple one or more of the plurality of insulation pieces from the panel when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the flood vent panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20170218688
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame forming a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a door pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway for allowing a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The door has two opposing faces that include a first face and a second face. The flood vent further includes a first float positioned within the door in a location in-between the first face and a second float. Additionally, the first float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a first direction. The flood vent further includes the second float positioned within the door in a location in-between the second face and the first float. Furthermore, the second float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9719249
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame configured to form a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a panel configured to be coupled to the frame in the fluid passageway so as to at least partially block the fluid passageway through the opening in the structure. The flood vent also includes one or more connectors configured to couple the panel to the frame. The one or more connectors are further configured to uncouple the panel from the frame when 0.5-5.0 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure is applied to a portion of the panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid, so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway provided by the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20170167132
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame configured to form a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a panel configured to be coupled to the frame in the fluid passageway so as to at least partially block the fluid passageway through the opening in the structure. The flood vent also includes one or more connectors configured to couple the panel to the frame. The one or more connectors are further configured to uncouple the panel from the frame when 0.5-5.0 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure is applied to a portion of the panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid, so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway provided by the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20170167156
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Smart Vent Products, Inc
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9670717
    Abstract: A flood vent includes a door pivotable within a frame between a closed position and an open position. A fluid trigger that is triggerable by a fluid to allow the door to pivot from the closed position to the open position includes a retainer and a fluid modifiable material. The fluid modifiable material is positioned between the door and the retainer thereby obstructing the door from pivoting from the closed position to the open position until the fluid modifiable material is modified by contact with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: SMART VENT PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9637912
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces coupled together to form at least a portion of the flood vent panel. The flood vent panel further includes one or more insulation piece connectors coupled to the plurality of insulation pieces, and configured to couple the plurality of insulation pieces together. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure, so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The one or more insulation piece connectors are further configured to uncouple one or more of the plurality of insulation pieces from the panel when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the flood vent panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9624637
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame forming a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a door pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway for allowing a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The door has two opposing faces that include a first face and a second face. The flood vent further includes a first float positioned within the door in a location in-between the first face and a second float. Additionally, the first float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a first direction. The flood vent further includes the second float positioned within the door in a location in-between the second face and the first float. Furthermore, the second float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9551153
    Abstract: A scupper door system includes a frame defining a passageway. A door is mounted within the frame at a pivot and is therein rotatable about the pivot within the passageway between a closed position, blocking the passageway, and an open position wherein the passageway is open to permit passage of water therethrough. A latch mechanism is configured to retain the door in the closed position and is triggerable in response to a preset water condition at one side of the passage to release the door from the closed position and allow the door to rotate to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20160298383
    Abstract: A flood vent includes a door pivotable within a frame between a closed position and an open position. A fluid trigger that is triggerable by a fluid to allow the door to pivot from the closed position to the open position includes a retainer and a fluid modifiable material. The fluid modifiable material is positioned between the door and the retainer thereby obstructing the door from pivoting from the closed position to the open position until the fluid modifiable material is modified by contact with the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Smart Vent, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20160298335
    Abstract: A scupper door system includes a frame defining a passageway. A door is mounted within the frame at a pivot and is therein rotatable about the pivot within the passageway between a closed position, blocking the passageway, and an open position wherein the passageway is open to permit passage of water therethrough. A latch mechanism is configured to retain the door in the closed position and is triggerable in response to a preset water condition at one side of the passage to release the door from the closed position and allow the door to rotate to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20160298382
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame, a door, and at least one connector. The frame forms a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. Furthermore, the frame extends into the opening in the structure in a first direction. The door is pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway, and allows a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The at least one connector is positioned between an outer perimeter of the frame and an inner perimeter of the opening. Furthermore, each of the at least one connector is configured to apply pressure to the inner perimeter of the opening in a second direction that is at least generally orthogonal to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20160298381
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame forming a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a door pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway for allowing a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The door has two opposing faces that include a first face and a second face. The flood vent further includes a first float positioned within the door in a location in-between the first face and a second float. Additionally, the first float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a first direction. The flood vent further includes the second float positioned within the door in a location in-between the second face and the first float. Furthermore, the second float is configured to allow the door to pivot in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20160298380
    Abstract: A vent barrier system may include an insert and a cover. The insert may be dimensioned to be inserted within a flood vent duct through a first opening such that side faces of the insert contact sidewalls of the duct and thereby provide an insulative seal between the first opening and a second opening of the duct when inserted therein. The may be configured to be attached to the insert and be dimensioned to be selectively securable to vent at the first opening. The cover may be manipulatable to selectively remove the insert from the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, JR., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9376803
    Abstract: A flood vent includes a door pivotable within a frame between a closed position and an open position. A fluid trigger that is triggerable by a fluid to allow the door to pivot from the closed position to the open position includes a retainer and a fluid modifiable material. The fluid modifiable material is positioned between the door and the retainer thereby obstructing the door from pivoting from the closed position to the open position until the fluid modifiable material is modified by contact with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SMART VENT PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9353569
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame, a door, and at least one connector. The frame forms a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. Furthermore, the frame extends into the opening in the structure in a first direction. The door is pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway, and allows a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The at least one connector is positioned between an outer perimeter of the frame and an inner perimeter of the opening. Furthermore, each of the at least one connector is configured to apply pressure to the inner perimeter of the opening in a second direction that is at least generally orthogonal to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Publication number: 20060241448
    Abstract: A system for developing an ultrasound image, comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at an effective frame rate of at least 200 frames per second (fps) using scan line based image reconstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Godwin Liu, Chris White, Randy Hendriks, Stuart Foster, Tom Little
  • Patent number: 7052460
    Abstract: A system for developing an ultrasound image, comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at an effective frame rate of at least 200 frames per second (fps) using scan line based image reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: VisualSonics Inc.
    Inventors: Godwin Liu, Chris Aleksandr White, Randy Hendriks, Stuart Foster, Tom Little
  • Publication number: 20040236219
    Abstract: A system for developing an ultrasound image, comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at an effective frame rate of at least 200 frames per second (fps) using scan line based image reconstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Godwin Liu, Chris Aleksandr White, Randy Hendriks, Stuart Foster, Tom Little