Patents by Inventor Vincent A. Smith

Vincent A. 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).

  • Publication number: 20160122062
    Abstract: A string box and method of use thereof. The string box may be designed in any shape or size and be made up of any rigid material and the string may be designed in any shape or size and be made of any material such as cotton, cat gut, nylon, plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as a string type of material that can be used to suspend the object with enough strength to hold the item being shipped, stored or otherwise used so that the object being placed in the box is in suspension essentially keeping the object being damaged or hitting the sides of the container it is being shipped, stored or otherwise used in. The box is uniquely designed to allow for a simple one-step process using a box with an integrated string system that is used to suspend an article to be to be packaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventor: Jack Vincent Smith
  • Patent number: 9295947
    Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Bonhomme, John Doyle, Kurt Greenizen, George Gagne, Sean Devin, Gerard Lombard, Vincent Smith
  • Patent number: 9293010
    Abstract: A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to execute an interface. The gaming machine may be configured to receive, a plurality of times, player input to play a first wagering game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine may be further configured to generate, each time the player input is received, game results for the first wagering game. The gaming machine may also be configured to generate game results for a second wagering game. The gaming machine may also be configured to present an animation of the wagering agent engaging in wagering activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cameron Filipour, Vincent Smith, Mark Ross, Craig Schaefer, Brian Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150282250
    Abstract: An outdoor study was conducted to assess the effects of a vehicle roof defroster line widths and separation of the connections located on the roof of a motor vehicle. Because additional independent variables were needed, including size, and location of the target areas, independent variables were length of time the defroster was on to properly melt snow or ice. Also, ratings of how easily these vehicle roof defrosters could be applied to various vehicle roof tops. There were two main findings. First, neither the width nor separation of the opaque lines, affected the roofs melting of snow or ice within the target areas. Second, the subjective ratings of the ease in which the vehicle roof defroster can be installed. These results suggest that drivers will agree to the increased safety, and decreased risk of not melting hazardous ice and snow from the roof of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Vincent Smith
  • Patent number: 9115353
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting light-induced degradation of nucleic acids includes irradiating a portion of the nucleic acids in the presence of a detection solution comprising a polyphenolic compound. A method of detecting a nucleic acid having a fluorescent tag includes irradiating at least a portion of the nucleic acid with light of a suitable wavelength to induce a fluorescence emission and detecting the fluorescence emission. Optionally, the polyphenolic compound is gallic acid, a lower alkyl ester thereof, or mixtures thereof. A kit includes one or more nucleotides, an enzyme capable of catalyzing incorporation of the nucleotides into a nucleic acid strand and a polyphenolic compound suitable for preparing a detection solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Kay Klausing, Vincent Smith, Min-Jui Richard Shen, John Moore, Kevin Hall
  • Patent number: 9103668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser-based measuring device which can be used to measure geometrical sizes and lines of a plane from a distance away. The device comprises a hand-held or mountable housing unit containing a laser projector, two pivotally fixed mirrors moveable by a first and second motor respectively, and at least one range finder, wherein the laser generates a visible line whose width is determined by the on time of the laser the angle of reflection of the first mirror and the rotational speed of the second mirror. The range finder(s) project the laser beam through a marked lens which then illuminate a ruled line or grid upon the planar surface to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Vincent Smith
  • Patent number: 9050565
    Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Bonhomme, John Doyle, Kurt Greenizen, George Gagne, Sean Devin, Gerard Lombard, Vincent Smith
  • Patent number: 8964031
    Abstract: A system for measuring the speed of a vehicle includes: one or more cameras (200) for capturing images of vehicles (100) on a road (50); timing means for timing the capture of the images; a processor arranged to: identify in the captured images a feature (150) of the vehicle; calculate the size in pixels of the feature (150) of the vehicle in two or more of the captured images; and determine the speed of the vehicle (100) based at least in part on the calculated sizes and the times at which each image was captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan Clucas, Brian David Vincent Smith
  • Patent number: 8934013
    Abstract: A video camera system includes: a video sensor providing image data; a low power imminent event detector coupled to the sensor which receives the image data from the video sensor and processes the received image data to detect changes in the image data and thereby detect an imminent event and produces an event signal on detection of an imminent event; and a main event processor also coupled to the video sensor to receive the image data, the main event processor being a higher power device than the imminent event detector, the main event detector having a dormant mode in which the main event detector consumes little or no power and a fully active powered up mode, wherein: the main event processor switches from the dormant mode to the fully active mode in response to the event signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Brian David Vincent Smith
  • Publication number: 20140224723
    Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Bonhomme, John Doyle, Kurt Greenizen, George Gagne, Sean Devin, Gerard Lombard, Vincent Smith
  • Publication number: 20140202013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser-based measuring device which can be used to measure geometrical sizes and lines of a plane from a distance away. The device comprises a hand-held or mountable housing unit containing a laser projector, two pivotally fixed mirrors moveable by a first and second motor respectively, and at least one range finder, wherein the laser generates a visible line whose width is determined by the on time of the laser the angle of reflection of the first mirror and the rotational speed of the second mirror. The range finder(s) project the laser beam through a marked lens which then illuminate a ruled line or grid upon the planar surface to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Vincent Smith
  • Patent number: 8747670
    Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Bonhomme, John Doyle, Kurt Greenizen, George Gagne, Sean Devin, Gerard Lombard, Vincent Smith
  • Publication number: 20140045579
    Abstract: A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to execute an interface. The gaming machine may be configured to receive, a plurality of times, player input to play a first wagering game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine may be further configured to generate, each time the player input is received, game results for the first wagering game. The gaming machine may also be configured to generate game results for a second wagering game. The gaming machine may also be configured to present an animation of the wagering agent engaging in wagering activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Cameron Filipour, Vincent Smith, Mark Ross, Craig Schaefer, Brian Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130337904
    Abstract: A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel De Waal, Vincent Smith, Lance R. Peterson, Hans Elias
  • Patent number: 8517828
    Abstract: A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel Dewaal, Vincent Smith, Lance R. Peterson, Hans Elias
  • Patent number: 8357296
    Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Bonhomme, John Doyle, Kurt Greenizen, George Gagne, Sean Devin, Gerard Lombard, Vincent Smith, Mark Kavonian
  • Publication number: 20120206602
    Abstract: A system for measuring the speed of a vehicle includes: one or more cameras (200) for capturing images of vehicles (100) on a road (50); timing means for timing the capture of the images; a processor arranged to: identify in the captured images a feature (150) of the vehicle; calculate the size in pixels of the feature (150) of the vehicle in two or more of the captured images; and determine the speed of the vehicle (100) based at least in part on the calculated sizes and the times at which each image was captured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: PIPS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan Clucas, Brian David Vincent Smith
  • Publication number: 20120196673
    Abstract: A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel Dewaal, Vincent Smith, Lance R. Peterson, Hans Elias
  • Publication number: 20120196758
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting light-induced degradation of nucleic acids includes irradiating a portion of the nucleic acids in the presence of a detection solution comprising a polyphenolic compound. A method of detecting a nucleic acid having a fluorescent tag includes irradiating at least a portion of the nucleic acid with light of a suitable wavelength to induce a fluorescence emission and detecting the fluorescence emission. Optionally, the polyphenolic compound is gallic acid, a lower alkyl ester thereof, or mixtures thereof. A kit includes one or more nucleotides, an enzyme capable of catalyzing incorporation of the nucleotides into a nucleic acid strand and a polyphenolic compound suitable for preparing a detection solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Kay KLAUSING, Vincent Smith, Min-Jui Richard Shen, John Moore, Kevin Hall
  • Patent number: 8197337
    Abstract: A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel DeWaal, Vincent Smith, Hans Elias, Lance R. Peterson