Patents by Inventor James Howarth
James Howarth 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).
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Patent number: 11625100Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide apparatus and methods for providing haptic feedback, and in particular to user-operated buttons for electrical and electronic products that provide haptic feedback to the user when operated.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Benjamin David Brown, James Howarth, Thomas James Powell, Eugene Yu Jen Ho, Jonathan Morgan
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Publication number: 20230071152Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Chee Keong Lai, James Howarth, Peter Francis Ladwig, Richard Rodger Jenneke, Robin Eddington, Stephen Matthew Bunting
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Publication number: 20230052986Abstract: An SMA haptic assembly comprises relatively movable first and second parts and a length of SMA wire, the ends of which are connected to the first part or second part, wherein the first and second parts comprise at least one contact portion making contact with the length of SMA wire on opposite sides of the length of SMA wire and relatively positioned so as to guide the length of SMA wire along a tortuous path such that the first and second parts are driven in opposite directions along a movement axis on contraction of the length of SMA wire. The at least one contact portion of one or both of the first and second parts is formed from sheet material that is shaped to guide the path of the SMA wire in contact therewith, thereby reducing the overall thickness and simplifying manufacture.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2021Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, Andreas Flouris, Nicolas Heijne, James Howarth
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Publication number: 20230048232Abstract: A shape memory alloy apparatus (1) comprising: a member (3) comprising a first end portion (5) and a second end portion (7); and a shape memory alloy component (9) connected to the member (3). The shape memory alloy component (9) being configured to, on contraction, change the separation between the first end portion (5) and the second end portion (7) of the member (3), the member (3) being configured to be in tension during contraction of the shape memory alloy component (9), wherein the said separation changes in a direction that is angled to the direction of contraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2021Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Joshua Carr, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, James Howarth
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Patent number: 11577851Abstract: A cover for an intake of an air-breathing engine in a missile is disclosed. The cover comprises a motive arrangement operable to move from a first configuration in which the cover is lockable to a missile, to a second configuration in which the cover is pushed outwardly from the missile. In the first configuration, the surface of the cover is flush with the surface of the missile and the motive arrangement is located inwardly of the cover surface. A missile provided with such a cover is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: MBDA UK LimitedInventor: Anthony James Howarth
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Publication number: 20230014977Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide an actuator that comprises segments of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wire that can be used to deliver a relatively large output stroke. In particular, two segments of SMA actuator wire may be mechanically coupled together around a corner of a static component of the actuator such that a displacement (e.g. contraction) of one segment causes a displacement (e.g. contraction) of the other segment. In this way, the displacement of each segment combines in an additive manner to generate a large output stroke that is able to move a moveable component of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20220403831Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present techniques provide specific arrangements of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in SMA actuation apparatuses. In one arrangement, a single straight shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, which may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction. In another arrangement, two straight lengths of shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, where the SMA wires may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, James Howarth
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Patent number: 11526021Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignees: Cambridge Mechatronics Limited, Hutchinson Technology IncorporatedInventors: Chee Keong Lai, James Howarth, Peter Francis Ladwig, Richard Rodger Jenneke, Robin Eddington, Stephen Matthew Bunting
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Patent number: 11506123Abstract: A cover for an intake of an air-breathing engine in a missile is disclosed. The cover comprises a closure for closing the inlet so as to prevent ingress of debris; and a fastening attachable to an aircraft-mounted launcher and configured such that the cover remains attached to the aircraft on launch of the missile.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: MBDA UK LimitedInventor: Anthony James Howarth
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Publication number: 20220357557Abstract: An actuator assembly comprises: first (20) and second (10) parts, wherein a primary axis (P) is defined with reference to the second part; a plurality of lengths of shape-memory alloy wire (30) connected between the first and second parts, wherein the lengths of wire are configured, when selectively powered, to cause three-dimensional movement of the first part relative to the second part; and a mechanism configured, when the lengths of wire are unpowered, to hold the first part in at least one position and/or orientation relative to the second part against the force of gravity for any orientation of the second part.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Robert Langhorne, James Howarth, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20220333741Abstract: A metering device for attaching to a container configured to store a fluid, the device including: a valve configured to control the amount of fluid dispensed from the container; a user interface comprising at least one control configured to operate the valve between an open position and a closed position; and a control circuit configured to set a threshold amount of the fluid to be dispensed from the container, where the control circuit is configured to override the user interface and close the valve when the threshold amount of fluid to be dispensed has been reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2020Publication date: October 20, 2022Applicant: BBOXX LTDInventors: Paul BUETTNER, Joseph Luke FEARON, Thomas James HOWARTH, Fabian IRIARTE, Paolo NAZZARI, Kyle Stuart Reid MCINNES, Richard Charles WILLIAMS
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Patent number: 11454221Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present techniques provide specific arrangements of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in SMA actuation apparatuses. In one arrangement, a single straight shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, which may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction. In another arrangement, two straight lengths of shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, where the SMA wires may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, James Howarth
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Patent number: 11448201Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide an actuator that comprises segments of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wire that can be used to deliver a relatively large output stroke. In particular, two segments of SMA actuator wire may be mechanically coupled together around a corner of a static component of the actuator such that a displacement (e.g. contraction) of one segment causes a displacement (e.g. contraction) of the other segment. In this way, the displacement of each segment combines in an additive manner to generate a large output stroke that is able to move a moveable component of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20220112886Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide mechanisms for electrically connecting shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires of an actuation device to a power or current source via at least one connection element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Robert Langhorne, Martin McBrien
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Patent number: 11286916Abstract: An SMA actuator arrangement is assembled using a strut element shaped to comprise a sacrificial strut body and crimp tabs held apart by the sacrificial strut body. A SMA wire is laid across the crimp tabs which are folded and pressed to form crimps holding the SMA wire. The crimps are then attached to static and moving parts, after which the sacrificial strut body is removed. The method allows the crimping to be performed without hindrance from the static and moving parts, the sacrificial strut body holding the relative locations of the crimps prior to attachment.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Cambridge Mechatronics LimitedInventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin David Brown
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Patent number: 11231022Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide mechanisms for electrically connecting shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires of an actuation device to a power or current source via at least one connection element.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Robert Langhorne, Martin McBrien
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Publication number: 20220003957Abstract: An actuator assembly comprises a static part and a movable part. A helical bearing arrangement supporting the movable part on the static part guides helical movement of the movable part with respect to the static part around a helical axis. One or more actuators, that are not shape memory alloy actuators, are arranged to drive movement of the movable part around the helical axis, which thereby includes a component of translational movement along the helical axis. The helical movement increases the force within the actuator assembly allowing actuation of heavier movable parts, and may improve posture.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2019Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Bunting, James Howarth, Daniel Burbridge
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Publication number: 20210365120Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide haptic button assemblies in which the haptic button has a low profile while still providing a satisfying tactile response or sensation to a user. Advantageously, the haptic button assemblies may have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The haptic assemblies may, for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly with respect to the edge of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2019Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: David Kuan Wei Ooi, Peter Van Wyk, Joshua Carr, Thomas James Powell, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, Andreas Flouris, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Dominic George Webber, James Howarth
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Publication number: 20210262453Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus (1) comprises a support structure (2) and a movable element (3) supported thereon by a suspension system (8, 10) that supports the movable element on the support structure and guides movement of the movable element along a movement axis. Two closely spaced lengths of SMA wire (4) that are close to parallel and inclined at the same acute angle with respect to a plane normal to the movement axis are connected to the support structure and to the movable element so as to apply respective forces to the movable element with respective components parallel to the movement axis that are in opposite directions. The two lengths of shape memory alloy wire apply a couple to the movable element perpendicular to the movement axis and the suspension system includes a pair of flexures or bearings that resist the resultant couple applied to the movable element by the lengths of SMA wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2019Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Andrew Brown, Andreas Flouris, James Howarth
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Publication number: 20210263392Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a support structure (2) and a movable element (10). A helical bearing arrangement (20) supporting the movable element on the support structure guides helical movement of the movable element with respect to the support structure around a helical axis (H). At least one shape memory alloy actuator wire (60) is connected between the support structure and the movable element in, or at an acute angle to, a plane normal to the helical axis, so as to drive rotation of the movable element around the helical axis which the helical bearing arrangement converts into said helical movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2019Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Andrew Brown, Stephen Bunting, Daniel Burbridge, Oliver Hart, Nicholas Heijne, James Howarth, Marc-Sebastian Scholz