Patents by Inventor William L. Smith

William L. 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: 20240122080
    Abstract: A superconductor device includes a high superconductivity transition temperature enhanced from the raw material transition temperature. The superconductor device includes a matrix material and a core material. The enhancing matrix material and the core material together create a system of strongly coupled carriers. A plurality of low-dimensional conductive features can be embedded in the matrix. The low-dimensional conductive features (e.g., nanowires or nanoparticles) can be conductors or superconductors. An interaction between electrons of the low-dimensional conductive features and the enhancing matrix material can promote excitations that increase a superconductivity transition temperature of the superconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Philipp Braeuninger-Weimer, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Cameron Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y.H. Wood, David R. Smith, John Brian Pendry, Charles Whitmer, William Henry Mangione-Smith, Brian C. Holloway, Stuart A. Wolf, Vladimir Z. Kresin
  • Publication number: 20240108710
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the prevention of pneumococcal disease. More specifically, the invention relates to a composition comprising pneumococcal conjugates and a stable nanoemulsion (SNE).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
    Inventors: William J. Smith, Patrick L. Ahl, Randal J. Soukup, Julie M. Skinner
  • Patent number: 11890390
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
  • Publication number: 20240023667
    Abstract: Provided are dynamic cushioning systems (e.g., for use in insoles, orthoses, shoes, etc.), comprising: a fluid chamber (e.g., 100, 200) having at least one flexible fluid reservoir cell in each of a hindfoot and a forefoot portion, and having at least one main fluid transfer channel spanning a midfoot portion and connecting, in fluid exchange communication, the at least one hindfoot fluid reservoir cell with the at least one forefoot fluid reservoir cell to provide a reactive network of hindfoot and/or forefoot fluid reservoir cells in fluid exchange communication. The interconnected multi-reservoir networks provide optimal reactivity and dynamic positional cushioning by controlling fluid transfer rate(s) between and among the fluid reservoir cells. Also provided are methods for making the fluid chambers, along with insoles, orthoses, shoes, and other footwear, etc., comprising same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventor: William L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230220310
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, Thomas F. Fahlen, Jared Heymann, Mike Kinsinger, William Ouellette, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11634667
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, Thomas F. Fahlen, Jared Heymann, Mike Kinsinger, William Ouellette, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11578231
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellancy, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge. Treatment means and compositions are provided that employ associative polyelectrolyte complexes formed by combining a water soluble cationic first polyelectrolyte with a water soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing groups of opposite charge to the first polyelectrolyte under suitable mixing conditions where the one polyelectrolyte present in molar excess is added in the form of a first aqueous solution during a mixing step to a second aqueous solution comprising the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte present in molar deficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, David J. Lestage, Carl W. Bennett, Mona M. Knock, Charles W. Scales, William L. Smith, Rui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220062480
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
  • Patent number: 11202844
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
  • Patent number: 11148114
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture, notably CO2 capture and storage. The composite material includes a mixture of a solid or liquid reactive filler and a gas-permeable polymer such that the reactive filler forms micron-scale domains in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Roger D. Aines, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, James S. Oakdale, Megan M. Smith, William L. Smith, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye
  • Patent number: 11135329
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
  • Patent number: 11027034
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
  • Publication number: 20210108162
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, Thomas F. Fahlen, Jared Heymann, Mike Kinsinger, William Ouellette, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10968363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellancy, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge. Treatment means and compositions are provided that employ associative polyelectrolyte complexes formed by combining a water soluble cationic first polyelectrolyte with a water soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing groups of opposite charge to the first polyelectrolyte under suitable mixing conditions where the one polyelectrolyte present in molar excess is added in the form of a first aqueous solution during a mixing step to a second aqueous solution comprising the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte present in molar deficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, David J. Lestage, Carl W. Bennett, Mona M. Knock, Charles W. Scales, William L. Smith, Rui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20210079253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellancy, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge. Treatment means and compositions are provided that employ associative polyelectrolyte complexes formed by combining a water soluble cationic first polyelectrolyte with a water soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing groups of opposite charge to the first polyelectrolyte under suitable mixing conditions where the one polyelectrolyte present in molar excess is added in the form of a first aqueous solution during a mixing step to a second aqueous solution comprising the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte present in molar deficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, David J. Lestage, Carl W. Bennett, Mona M. Knock, Charles W. Scales, William L. Smith, Rui Zhang
  • Patent number: 10859445
    Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly is described that includes a sensor probe including a probe head and a probe shaft. At least a tip of the sensor probe includes a material with a thermal conductivity proportionality constant greater than stainless steel. A temperature sensor is positioned within the probe shaft adjacent to the tip. A nose piece is positioned on the probe shaft opposite the probe head. The nose piece includes a material with a thermal conductivity proportionality constant greater than stainless steel. The temperature sensor assembly also includes a collar positioned around the probe shaft between the probe head and the nose piece, the collar is capable of rotating relative to the probe shaft during installation of the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10858617
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, Thomas F. Fahlen, Jared Heymann, Mike Kinsinger, William Ouellette, William L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200230277
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
  • Publication number: 20200230278
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
  • Publication number: 20200115662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide a cleaning benefit and surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellancy, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, William L. Smith, Michael Kinsinger, Jared Heymann