Patents by Inventor David Howard

David Howard 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).

  • MAGNETICALLY BIASED TILTING ROLLER BEARING TAPE GUIDANCE
    Publication number: 20130021693
    Abstract: A tape movement constraint for a tape drive system, comprises a tiltable tape roller bearing having a grooved surface adapted to contact and engage a surface of the tape as the roller barrel rotates, and an actuator adapted to pivot the roller bearing surface when the actuator is actuated, to control the lateral position of a tape. In operation, in one embodiment, a roller barrel of the tiltable roller bearing is biased in a first position on a pivot axis, using magnetic attraction between a movable magnet and a return path structure of magnetically permeable material. The roller barrel is pivoted on the pivot axis by conducting current through a fixed coil to generate a magnetic field which is conducted by the return path structure to interact with the magnetic field of the magnet. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Armando Jesus Argumedo, Nhan Xuan Bui, William Marvin Dyer, Reed Alan Hancock, David Howard Flores Harper, Wayne Isami Imaino, Kevin Bruce Judd
  • Airflow Pattern for Spiral Ovens
    Publication number: 20120318254
    Abstract: An improved spiral oven and method for its use includes the step of using a forward/reversing fan to produce a first airflow and a second inverted airflow in the cooking chamber. The proportion of time each airflow occurs may be unbalanced within an oven residence time or cook cycle, and either airflow may begin the cycle. The first airflow creates a flow across the cook belt predominantly at the top and bottom tiers, whereas the second airflow creates this flow predominantly in the middle tiers. A braking resistor allows the fan to quickly changeover between full-forward and full-reverse directions. Because of the reversing airflow pattern, the product cooks more evenly across the cook belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: David Howard
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING HEALTHCARE ADVERTISEMENTS
    Publication number: 20120278098
    Abstract: A system and method for healthcare advertisements and clinical messaging to healthcare consumers and physicians are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Andre T. Vovan, Chris T. Vovan, William Allen Mincey, David Howard Glazov
  • Magnetically biased tilting roller bearing tape guidance
    Patent number: 8270114
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tape movement constraint for a tape drive system, comprises a tiltable tape roller bearing having a roller barrel biased in a first position on a pivot axis, using magnetic attraction between a movable magnet and a return path structure of magnetically permeable material. The roller barrel is pivoted on the pivot axis by conducting current through a fixed coil to generate a magnetic field which is conducted by the return path structure to interact with the magnetic field of the magnet. At least a portion of any air bearing between the moving tape and the barrel surface is quenched using grooves formed in the barrel surface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Armando Jesus Argumedo, Nhan Xuan Bui, William Marvin Dyer, Reed Alan Hancock, David Howard Flores Harper, Wayne Isami Imaino, Kevin Bruce Judd
  • Fan Speed Control from Adaptive Voltage Supply
    Publication number: 20120203394
    Abstract: Measurement circuit components are included in an integrated circuit fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. A method is provided for controlling the speed of a cooling fan provided to cool an integrated circuit in which includes the steps of receiving a voltage from a thermal diode, addressing a table of digital temperatures by incrementing the address of the table entries every clock cycle of a circuit clock, converting the addressed data to a second voltage representing temperature, comparing the first voltage to the second voltage, providing a resulting temperature when both the first and second voltages are equal, and adjusting the fan speed accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Deepak Singh, Francois Ibrahim Atallah, David Howard Allen
  • Apparatus and method for revenue distribution generated from delivering healthcare advertisements via EMR systems, RHIN, and electronic advertising servers
    Patent number: 8239215
    Abstract: A system and method for effectively distributing revenues generated from delivering specific healthcare advertisements and non health-care specific advertisements over electronic medical record systems (EMR) and a regional healthcare information network (RHIN) using an electronic advertising server in a manner compliant with HIPAA and Federal Anti-Kickback laws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mitochon Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre T. Vovan, Chris T. Vovan, William Allen Mincey, David Howard Glazov
  • Fan speed control from thermal diode measurement
    Patent number: 8219261
    Abstract: Measurement circuit components are included in an integrated circuit fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. A method is provided for controlling the speed of a cooling fan provided to cool an integrated circuit in which includes the steps of receiving a voltage from a thermal diode, addressing a table of digital temperatures by incrementing the address of the table entries every clock cycle of a circuit clock, converting the addressed data to a second voltage representing temperature, comparing the first voltage to the second voltage, providing a resulting temperature when both the first and second voltages are equal, and adjusting the fan speed accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Deepak K. Singh, Francois Ibrahim Atallah, David Howard Allen
  • Process for Producing Precooked Bacon Slices
    Publication number: 20120148719
    Abstract: A process for producing precooked bacon slices comprising the steps of (a) conveying bacon slices through a spiral oven, (b) indirectly cooking the bacon slices in the spiral oven using a cooking medium which is circulated within the oven at a low rate sufficient to prevent the bacon slices from being displaced on the conveyor, and (c) adding steam to the cooking medium as necessary to at least reduce the percentage or substantially eliminate the presence of air in the cooking medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: David Howard
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS AND SOFTWARE FOR RESEARCHING STATUTORY INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20120072450
    Abstract: With conventional print and electronic tools, researching statutory material is difficult and time-consuming. So, to facilitate this type of research, the present inventors devised systems, methods, and software that promise to improve the ability of researchers to find, verify, read, and/or interpret statutory information. One exemplary system provides options for users to access statutory information by citation, by table of contents, by index, and/or by popular name; presents specific statutory information in combination with visual indicators, such as red or yellow flags, that indicate the validity or status of the information; and provides requested statutory information in context of links to related information, such as tables of contents, other versions of a statute, case law, scholarly materials, legislative history, cross-referenced statutes, and administrative-law materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: THOMSON REUTERS GLOBAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: David Howard Spencer, Darla Renae Agard
  • Enhanced field effect transistor
    Patent number: 8138054
    Abstract: An enhanced FET capable of controlling current above and below a gate of the FET. The FET is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A source and drain are formed in the substrate (or in a well in the substrate). A first epitaxial layer of similar doping to the source and drain are grown on the source and drain, the first epitaxial layer is thicker than the gate, but not so thick as to cover the top of the gate. A second epitaxial layer of opposite doping is grown on the first epitaxial layer thick enough to cover the top of the gate. The portion of the second epitaxial layer above the gate serves as a body through which the gate controls current flow between portions of the first epitaxial layer over the drain and the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Howard Allen, Todd Alan Christensen, David Paul Paulsen, John Edward Sheets, II
  • Contact block
    Patent number: 8119940
    Abstract: The present invention includes a contact block for a safety switch that has a support structure and a pair of electrical contacts that are fixed in position on the support structure. The contact block includes a contact block plunger provided with a bridging contact. The bridging contact extends through the contact block plunger, from one side to another, and protrudes from the sides of the contact block plunger. The contact block plunger is moveable in-between the fixed pair of electrical contacts to move the bridging contacts into and out of contact with the fixed pair of electrical contacts. A contact block guide extends along the support structure and between the pair of fixed electrical contacts and cooperates with the contact block plunger such that the contact block plunger is restricted to movement along the contact block guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventor: David Howard Kerr
  • METHOD, CONTINUOUS APPARATUS, AND BURNER FOR PRODUCING A SURFACE-ROASTED PRODUCT
    Publication number: 20120015084
    Abstract: An apparatus, a loop burner element, and a method for surface-roasting a food product wherein the roasting apparatus comprises (a) a conveyor which carries the food product and (b) at least one non-linear ribbon flame burner element or element assembly which preferably applies a ribbon flame to at least the upper and side surfaces of the food product as it is conducted through the roasting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: David Howard
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS, DEVICES, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR TERAHERTZ RADIATION DETECTION
    Publication number: 20110267599
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media relating to terahertz radiation detection are disclosed. A method of detecting terahertz radiation may include transmitting a reference beam and a signal beam through a common-path interferometer. The method may further include transmitting a terahertz beam through a target object. Furthermore, the method may include causing the signal beam and the terahertz beam to simultaneously propagate through an electro-optical element within the common-path interferometer after transmitting the terahertz beam through the target object to induce a phase delay between the signal beam and the reference beam. In addition, the method may include calculating the phase delay and calculating an amplitude of an electric field of the terahertz beam from the phase delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: David Howard Hurley
  • FUEL ACCUMULATOR AND FUEL SYSTEM USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20110251776
    Abstract: A fuel accumulator is provided to assist restarting a direct injection engine fuel system. The fuel accumulator includes a central guide post with a fuel passage. A cup shaped plunger with a closed end is slideably disposed on the central guide post. A seal means is disposed between the plunger and the central guide post to define a substantially sealed fuel chamber. A biasing means is provided to urge the plunger onto the central guide post. A fuel admission valve selectively prevents and permits fuel from entering and exiting the fuel accumulator. When a fuel system stop is commanded, pressurized fuel is admitted into the fuel chamber, thereby compressing the biasing means which maintains a restart pressure. When a fuel system start is commanded, pressurized fuel is expelled from the fuel accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Peter E. Bartell, Lucille G. Lavan, David Howard Burke
  • System including a pivot assembly for adjusting misalignment and skew between a read/write head and a flexible data storage media
    Patent number: 8035926
    Abstract: A system for adjusting misalignment between a read/write head and a flexible data storage media is provided. The system includes a head carriage assembly, a linear assembly that includes a pivot member pivotably supporting the head carriage assembly, and a magnetic assembly coupled to the head carriage assembly. Current is applied to the magnetic assembly for dynamically positioning the head carriage assembly relative to a direction of media movement across the head carriage assembly. A first current is applied to the magnetic assembly for track following of media moving across the head carriage assembly. A second current is applied to the magnetic assembly for dynamically rotationally positioning the head carriage assembly to compensate for skew of flexible media moving across the head carriage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: David Howard Flores Harper
  • Systems, methods, and software for researching statutory information
    Patent number: 8032533
    Abstract: With conventional print and electronic tools, researching statutory material is difficult and time-consuming. So, to facilitate this type of research, the present inventors devised systems, methods, and software that promise to improve the ability of researchers to find, verify, read, and/or interpret statutory information. One exemplary system provides options for users to access statutory information by citation, by table of contents, by index, and/or by popular name; presents specific statutory information in combination with visual indicators, such as red or yellow flags, that indicate the validity or status of the information; and provides requested statutory information in context of links to related information, such as tables of contents, other versions of a statute, case law, scholarly materials, legislative history, cross-referenced statutes, and administrative-law materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Reuters Global Resources
    Inventors: David Howard Spencer, Darla Renae Agard
  • Method, apparatus, and program for implementing an automation computing evaluation scale to generate recommendations
    Patent number: 8019640
    Abstract: An automation assessment tool is provided that defines autonomic technology, processes, organization, and skill sets that apply to autonomic computing. The automation assessment tool provides educational material about autonomic computing and a scale of maturity levels, which is used to assess on-demand preparedness. The automation assessment tool presents a survey and collects answers to the survey questions. The automation assessment tool then determines solutions and recommendations to achieve a target level of on-demand preparedness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Miles A. Barel, Sandra Carter, John P. Crosskey, Leslie Mark Ernest, David Howard Evans, Lori Lynn Ford, Ronald C. Lilies, Dwight Spence, Albert L. Swett
  • Linear actuator with wear-resistant ceramic bushing
    Patent number: 7954393
    Abstract: An actuator in one embodiment includes a threaded shaft; a shaft engaging portion coupled to the threaded shaft, the shaft engaging portion being moveable in a direction parallel to an axis of the threaded shaft upon a relative rotation between the threaded shaft and the shaft engaging portion; and a ceramic bushing coupled to the shaft engaging portion, the bushing encircling the threaded shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Howard Flores Harper, Luis Hector Palacios Borja
  • Parallel processing systems and method
    Patent number: 7941479
    Abstract: Methods and systems for parallel computation of an algorithm using a plurality of nodes configured as a Howard Cascade. A home node of a Howard Cascade receives a request from a host system to compute an algorithm identified in the request. The request is distributed to processing nodes of the Howard Cascade in a time sequence order in a manner to minimize the time to so expand the Howard Cascade. The participating nodes then perform the designated portion of the algorithm in parallel. Partial results from each node are agglomerated upstream to higher nodes of the structure and then returned to the host system. The nodes each include a library of stored algorithms accompanied by data template information defining partitioning of the data used in the algorithm among the number of participating nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Massively Parallel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin David Howard, Glen Curtis Rea, Nick Wade Robertson, Silva Chang
  • Automatically Linking Partitions on a Tape Media Device
    Publication number: 20110107023
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically linking partitions on storage media for use within a storage management system is provided to minimize wasted space on the storage media, the time and expense traditionally spent reclaiming partitions containing invalid data, and the computer processing capability required to write data to and read data from the storage media. The storage management system includes a partitioned storage tape, a host application running on a server, and an archive device. The host application is operative to track location information for each host file or data object written to the storage tape. Using the location information, the host application is able to identify one or more “free” or writable partitions that are created on the storage tape as host files expire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan P. McCallister, David Howard