Patents by Inventor Ronald B. Howes

Ronald B. Howes 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: 20200401088
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. DILLER, LOUIS M. HOLZMAN, RONALD B. HOWES, STEPHEN X. SKAFF, QUANG V. DAO, CHRISTOPHER A. BUCK, BRIAN PHILIP CARLSON, RYAN A. CHERNIK, ARON D. DAHLGREN, WESLEY M. NELSON
  • Patent number: 10795324
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
  • Publication number: 20160223996
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, JR., Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
  • Patent number: 9261866
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Diller, Louis M. Holzman, Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Stephen X. Skaff, Quang Van Dao, Christopher A. Buck
  • Patent number: 8702015
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Eric R. Balz
  • Publication number: 20120296447
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHRIS D. DILLER, LOUIS M. HOLZMAN, RONALD B. HOWES, JR., STEPHEN X. SKAFF, QUANG VAN DAO, CHRISTOPHER A. BUCK
  • Patent number: 8082764
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for indicating satisfactory times for titrating a chemical solution, e.g., cleaning product, used by a utility device to clean and/or sanitize various types of articles. The utility device is described in an exemplary embodiment as being a warewashing machine that applies the chemical solution to articles provided to the machine on racks. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank from a combination of at least one chemical product and at least one rinse agent. Whereas the chemical product is described as a detergent, the rinse agent is described as water. Over a time period including multiple wash cycles, the chemical product and the rinse agent are added to the solution tank, thereby changing conductivity of the chemical solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Robert E. May, David Howland
  • Publication number: 20110031330
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, JR., Eric R. Balz
  • Patent number: 7874501
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Eric R. Balz
  • Publication number: 20090001192
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, JR., Eric R. Balz
  • Patent number: 6910640
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040089731
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes
  • Patent number: 6707873
    Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Luke P. Thompson, James L. Copeland, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020150198
    Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Luke P. Thompson, James L. Copeland, Ronald B. Howes
  • Patent number: 6404837
    Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke P. Thompson, James L. Copeland, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5588763
    Abstract: A magnetically encoded plastic card production system is provided which includes a supply mechanism for supplying a series of blank plastic cards. An encoder is operatively coupled to the supply mechanism which encodes a magnetic strip on each card. A separating mechanism is operatively coupled following the encoder which has a roller surface for adhesively attracting loose particles from a surface of each card. A design placing mechanism is operatively coupled immediately following the separating mechanism which places a graphic design on each card. In this arrangement, the loose particles are separated from each card subsequent to encoding the magnetic strip on each card and prior to placing the graphic design on each card. A collecting mechanism is operatively coupled to the design placing mechanism which collects each card after each card has passed through the encoder, separating mechanism, and design placing mechanism. A method for producing magnetically encoded plastic cards is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Datacard Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Nubson, Glenn R. Carney, Luc DeBleeckere, Ronald B. Howes, Milo B. Squires, David E. Wickstrom, Dennis J. Warwick, Benjamin H. Sannel, Gretchen J. Moeller, Paul R. Caron, Harold D. Schofield
  • Patent number: 5453821
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a two-pulse solenoid embossing system implementing an amplitude feedback circuit, i.e., current monitor (48), to provide precise amplitude and timing control over two current pulses (4, 5), and thereby provide precision control over the position and velocity of the embossing system's print elements (64a, 64b). To maintain the current amplitude during the second current pulse (5), the method and apparatus alternatively switches the power on and off to the solenoid coils (55) with a frequency such that a substantially constant current amplitude is maintained in the solenoid coils (55). The embossing system provides an improved solenoid body assembly (61) including a first stack of steel laminations (93), a center block (82) and a second stack of steel laminations (81). A plunger (62) is slidably connected to the solenoid body assembly (61) by shaft (63). Cavities (79) receive dowel pins (71) which are attached to plunger (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: DataCard Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Thomas R. Emmons, Dennis J. Warwick
  • Patent number: 5401111
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for removing particulate matter from one or more surfaces of a workpiece, such as a credit card blank, prior to printing a graphic design thereon. The apparatus includes a pair of cleaning rollers which engage both sides of the card, the cleaning rollers having an adhesive coating for removing loose particulate matter from the surfaces of the card. The apparatus also includes a stripper system for stripping collected particulate matter away from the cleaning rollers after a predetermined number of cards have been cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: DataCard Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Nubson, Glenn R. Carney, Luc DeBleeckere, Ronald B. Howes, Milo B. Squires, David E. Wickstrom, Dennis J. Warwick, Benjamin H. Sannel, Gretchen J. Moeller, Paul R. Caron, Harold D. Schofield
  • Patent number: 5320435
    Abstract: An apparatus for embossing sheet material by applying pressure to punch and die members positioned on both sides of the sheet material using force developed by one or more solenoids to force the punch and die members together to apply an imprinting force. In order to reduce the impact force, noise and wear on the mechanical parts, the solenoid may be energized in two separate steps, the first to move the punch and die members into contact with the surface of the card and the second to apply the embossing force to the punch and die members. Both rotary and linear solenoids may be used with differing coupling linkages in various embodiments of the embossing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: DataCard Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Warwick, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5204802
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a two-pulse solenoid embossing system implementing an amplitude feedback circuit, i.e., current monitor (48), to provide precise amplitude and timing control over two current pulses (4, 5), and thereby provide precision control over the position and velocity of the embossing system's print elements (64a, 64b). To maintain the current amplitude during the second current pulse (5), the method and apparatus alternatively switches the power on and off to the solenoid coils (55) with a frequency such that a substantially constant current amplitude is maintained in the solenoid coils (55). The embossing system provides an improved solenoid body assembly (61) including a first stack of steel laminations (93), a center block (82) and a second stack of steel laminations (81). A plunger (62) is slidably connected to the solenoid body assembly (61) by shaft (63). Cavities (79) receive dowel pins (71) which are attached to plunger (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: DataCard Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Thomas R. Emmons, Dennis J. Warwick