Patents by Inventor Bryan Howell

Bryan Howell 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: 11452362
    Abstract: A convertible hip belt and backpack system for efficient travel include an apparatus with the convertible hip belt. The system includes a backpack having a main compartment and right and left shoulder straps. The system further includes a convertible hip belt having a backpack mode and an independent mode. In the backpack mode, the convertible hip belt includes a right hip pocket and a left hip pocket detachably coupled to the backpack. The convertible hip belt includes a separable fastener that adjustably couples a strap end of the right hip pocket to a strap end of the left hip pocket. In the independent mode, the convertible hip belt is decoupled from the backpack and the right and left hip pockets are instead coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Gravel, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Livingston, Lance Williams, Henry Lee, Monika Robinson, Ethan Powell, Polina Piddubna, McKenzie Briscoe, Bryan Howell, Brooke Fisher
  • Publication number: 20210298460
    Abstract: A convertible hip belt and backpack system for efficient travel include an apparatus with the convertible hip belt. The system includes a backpack having a main compartment and right and left shoulder straps. The system further includes a convertible hip belt having a backpack mode and an independent mode. In the backpack mode, the convertible hip belt includes a right hip pocket and a left hip pocket detachably coupled to the backpack. The convertible hip belt includes a separable fastener that adjustably couples a strap end of the right hip pocket to a strap end of the left hip pocket. In the independent mode, the convertible hip belt is decoupled from the backpack and the right and left hip pockets are instead coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: CHRIS LIVINGSTON, LANCE WILLIAMS, HENRY LEE, MONIKA ROBINSON, ETHAN POWELL, POLINA PIDDUBNA, MCKENZIE BRISCOE, BRYAN HOWELL, BROOKE FISHER
  • Patent number: 10671805
    Abstract: A system, a computer program, and a computerized method for the processing and completion of form documents. A form processing engine receives the form from the user. The form processing engine captures and stores an image of the form and extracts field metadata from the form, specifically each field on the form by name, type, and position. A form completion engine then renders the captured image of the form and generates a field overlay. The form completion engine populates the field overlay with user data as retrieved from a user information data store. The form completion engine may add additional objects and events to the form and invite the user to provide additional information. Completion of form documents is streamlined and largely or completely automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HRB Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jefferson Pennington, Ralph Bryan Howell
  • Patent number: 10576271
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for optimizing patient-specific stimulation parameters for spinal cord stimulation. A patient-specific anatomical model is developed based on a pre-operative image, and a patient-specific electrical model is developed based on the anatomical model. The inputs to the electric model are chosen, and the model is used to calculate a distribution of electrical potentials within the modeled domain. Models of neural elements are stimulated with the electric potentials and used to determine which elements are directly activated by the stimulus. Information about the models inputs and which neural elements are active is applied to a cost function. Based on the value of the cost function, the inputs to the optimization process may be adjusted. Inputs to the optimization process include lead/electrode array geometry, lead configuration, lead positions, and lead signal characteristics, such as pulse width, amplitude, frequency and polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Bryan Howell, Shivanand P. Lad
  • Patent number: 10112049
    Abstract: Example systems and methods concern systems and methods for modeling conduction in a volume. In one embodiment, diffusion eigenvalues of a plurality of diffusion tensors are received. The diffusion tensors are associated with an anatomical structure having heterogeneous and anisotropic tissues. In one embodiment, the diffusion eigenvalues of the diffusion tensors are calculated from imaging data. Then one or more conductance ratios of a conductivity tensor are set based, at least in part, on one or more diffusion ratios of a corresponding diffusion tensor. The conductance eigenvalues of a conductivity tensor can then be calculated based, at least in part, on the one or more conductance ratios of the conductivity tensor. A volume-conductor model of the anatomical structure is generated based, at least in part, on the plurality of calculated conductivity tensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Cameron McIntyre, Bryan Howell
  • Patent number: 10096386
    Abstract: Systems and methods for model-based optimization of spinal cord stimulation electrodes and devices are disclosed. According to an aspect a method includes providing a patient-specific electroanatomical model including the spine, spinal cord, and a map of target neural elements and non-target neural elements. The method also includes using model electrodes to stimulate the target neural elements. Further, the method includes determining differences in activation thresholds between the target neural elements and the non-target neural elements in a plurality of different configurations of the model electrodes. The method also includes generating an optimal spinal cord stimulation electrode configuration based on the determined differences in activation thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Bryan Howell
  • Publication number: 20180104479
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for optimizing patient-specific stimulation parameters for spinal cord stimulation. A patient-specific anatomical model is developed based on a pre-operative image, and a patient-specific electrical model is developed based on the anatomical model. The inputs to the electric model are chosen, and the model is used to calculate a distribution of electrical potentials within the modeled domain. Models of neural elements are stimulated with the electric potentials and used to determine which elements are directly activated by the stimulus. Information about the models inputs and which neural elements are active is applied to a cost function. Based on the value of the cost function, the inputs to the optimization process may be adjusted. Inputs to the optimization process include lead/electrode array geometry, lead configuration, lead positions, and lead signal characteristics, such as pulse width, amplitude, frequency and polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Bryan Howell, Shivanand P. Lad
  • Publication number: 20170165489
    Abstract: Example systems and methods concern systems and methods for modeling conduction in a volume. In one embodiment, diffusion eigenvalues of a plurality of diffusion tensors are received. The diffusion tensors are associated with an anatomical structure having heterogeneous and anisotropic tissues. In one embodiment, the diffusion eigenvalues of the diffusion tensors are calculated from imaging data. Then one or more conductance ratios of a conductivity tensor are set based, at least in part, on one or more diffusion ratios of a corresponding diffusion tensor. The conductance eigenvalues of a conductivity tensor can then be calculated based, at least in part, on the one or more conductance ratios of the conductivity tensor. A volume-conductor model of the anatomical structure is generated based, at least in part, on the plurality of calculated conductivity tensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Cameron McIntyre, Bryan Howell
  • Publication number: 20170161454
    Abstract: Systems and methods for model-based optimization of spinal cord stimulation electrodes and devices are disclosed. According to an aspect a method includes providing a patient-specific electroanatomical model including the spine, spinal cord, and a map of target neural elements and non-target neural elements. The method also includes using model electrodes to stimulate the target neural elements. Further, the method includes determining differences in activation thresholds between the target neural elements and the non-target neural elements in a plurality of different configurations of the model electrodes. The method also includes generating an optimal spinal cord stimulation electrode configuration based on the determined differences in activation thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Bryan Howell
  • Publication number: 20160253303
    Abstract: A system, a computer program, and a computerized method for the processing and completion of form documents. A form processing engine receives the form from the user. The form processing engine captures and stores an image of the form and extracts field metadata from the form, specifically each field on the form by name, type, and position. A form completion engine then renders the captured image of the form and generates a field overlay. The form completion engine populates the field overlay with user data as retrieved from a user information data store. The form completion engine may add additional objects and events to the form and invite the user to provide additional information. Completion of form documents is streamlined and largely or completely automated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Jefferson Pennington, Ralph Bryan Howell
  • Publication number: 20150142624
    Abstract: A system and computerized method for receiving and analyzing a notice document from a taxing authority. A notice form data store has a plurality of notice forms associated therewith, each associated with at least one category. A taxpayer file data store has a plurality of taxpayer files associated therewith. An advance notice engine acquires the notice document associated with the taxpayer; analyzes the notice document by comparing the notice document to the notice forms associated with the notice form data store; analyzes the notice document by comparing the notice document to the taxpayer files associated with the taxpayer file data store; calculates a severity level and at least one category associated; and generates a notice information set based upon the severity level, the at least one category, and the notice document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: James L. Buttonow, Ralph Bryan Howell, Brian Allen Howell, Clay Andre Reimer
  • Patent number: 6239969
    Abstract: A docking apparatus for docking selected portable computers which provides coarse and medium alignment between the docking connector of the computer system and the docking connector of a docking station mounted on a docking tray by providing rails having oppositely facing upright flat faces on a docking tray and notches formed in the underside of the chassis, the notches having corresponding oppositely facing upright flat faces and opposing sloping sidewalls for urging the flat face of the rails toward the flat faces of the notches. The notches are preferably wider at the leading edge of the chassis, away from the connector than at the trailing edge, close to the chassis and the rails are preferably spaced further apart at the leading edge of the tray than they are close to the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Damon Broder, Orin Ozias, Peter Skillman, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 6222728
    Abstract: An alignment tray for facilitating the docking of a computer to a docking device in which a tray member is adapted to receive the computer and guide the computer into a docking engagement with the docking device. The tray member is pivotal between an extended position in which it receives the computer and a folded position for storage or travel. A second tray member is provided which can either be connected to, or formed integrally with, the first-mentioned tray member and may be pivotally connected to the first-mentioned tray member so that the latter member pivots relative to the additional tray member and the docking device to and from its folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Chris Jaggers, Orin Ozias, Bryan Howell, Bryan Hunter
  • Patent number: 6222724
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a base and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The cover includes a substantially planar back plate and peripheral sides overhanging the base. An LCD panel is mounted in the cover and extends in a plane substantially parallel to the back plate. A hinge connection is mounted in an extended portion of one of the peripheral sides and substantially in the plane of the LCD panel. A hinge arm extends from the base and is extended to overhang a peripheral side of the base for pivotal attachment to the hinge connection in the extended portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Rick Wahl, Peter Skillman, Otto Deruntz
  • Patent number: 6141215
    Abstract: A cooling system for a computer includes a chassis having a sidewall with an opening formed therein. A heat spreader plate is mounted in the chassis including a heat sink attached thereto adjacent the sidewall. The heat sink has a side mounted base and a plurality of fins extending laterally from the base toward the sidewall. One of the fins is attached to the heat spreader plate. A heat pipe is connected to the heat spreader plate and extends into engagement with the heat sink. Each of the fins has a terminal edge and opposed ends. The fins at one of the opposed ends are uniformly sloped at an angle toward the base and are exposed to the opening in the sidewall, thus providing the appearance of an inlet grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Gary Podwalny, Mark Penniman, Bryan Howell
  • Patent number: 6128192
    Abstract: A portable computer housing includes a base having a top member and a bottom member clamped together and reinforced by a one-piece end cover member. Peripheral edge portions of the end cover member engage peripheral edge portions of the top member and bottom member. The top member includes a first flange on opposite ends thereof and the bottom member includes a second flange on opposite ends thereof. The first and second flanges form interrupted base end flanges when the top and bottom members are clamped together. The end cover member includes a cover end flange at opposite ends thereof. Each cover end flange overlappingly engages the base end flanges at each opposite end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Mark A. Penniman
  • Patent number: 6069790
    Abstract: A docking device includes a latch for secured engagement with a portable notebook computer. A computer release and eject arm is pivotably mounted in the docking device. The arm includes an elongated body having a handle on one end. A single manual movement of the handle causes the arm to move about a pivot mount on the arm. A first cam surface formed on the arm moves the latch to an unlatch position. A second cam surface maintains the latch in position as the arm continues to pivot. An eject finger extending from the arm, engages the notebook computer and urges the computer away from the docking device for separating engagement of the computer connector and the docking device connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Chris Jaggers, Orin Ozias, Peter Skilman, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 6049454
    Abstract: A computer monitor stand and method according to which a lower support member receives a docking device and a portable computer to enable the computer to be docked to the docking device. An upper support member includes a plate for receiving the monitor, and one or more feet extend between the plate and the docking device. The feet are detachably connected to the plate or the docking device to enable the feet to be changed to adjust the position of the plate and therefore the monitor. This enables a preferred monitor viewing angle to be maintained despite use with different-sized docking stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Dell Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Orin Ozias, Bryan Hunter, Peter Skillman, John W. Lai, Traci Angela Neist
  • Patent number: 6023411
    Abstract: A docking tray includes first guides for receiving a first docking device of a first size and second guides for receiving a second docking device of a second size. Contacts are provided adjacent the first and second guides. A display and control area is provided on the tray, remote from the guides, and is electrically connected to the contacts. The first and second docking devices each have contacts which matingly engage the tray contacts to provide communication with the display and control area. Grip members are formed on opposite sides of the tray and extend inwardly into the tray. The tray has a low profile and includes a surface having a tilt angle of less than two degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, John W. Lai, Bryan Hunter, Peter Skilman, Steve Gluskoter
  • Patent number: 6011687
    Abstract: A docking station adapter for portable computer media modules is described. In one embodiment, the docking station adapter includes a housing that is inserted into a expansion bay of a docking station and into which a media module is inserted, a flexible printed circuit ("FPC") including the necessary connectors for adapting a connector of the media module to a connector of the docking station disposed within the expansion bay, a mechanism for ejecting and removing the module from the adapter, and a mechanism for ejecting and removing the adapter from the expansion bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L. P.
    Inventors: Steve Gluskoter, Ed Cline, Ed Tinsley, Orin M. Ozias, Bryan Howell, Bryan Hunter, Damon Broder