Patents by Inventor Howard Thomas

Howard Thomas 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: 12270988
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator includes a primary electrode, a secondary electrode overlying at least a portion of the primary electrode, and an electroactive layer disposed between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode, where the electroactive layer has a first curvature when zero voltage is applied between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode, and a second curvature when a non-zero voltage is applied between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Nagi Hosni Elabbasi, Christopher Stipe, Spencer Allan Wells, Kenneth Alexander Diest, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Taha Masood, Laura Cressman, James Howard Thomas Ransley
  • Publication number: 20250011162
    Abstract: A resonator and/or MEMS device is provided with a flexible suspension mount to reduce mechanical stress and/or interference arising from other electrical components. In one illustrative embodiment, the flexible suspension mount can be configured as one or more metallic springs that provide for electrical connection as well as for specific spring and dampening coefficients. In another illustrative material, techniques can be use which change spring and/or dampening coefficients at a particular point in the manufacturing/assembly/distribution process, optionally before device characterization and/or programming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Nicholas MILLER, James Howard Thomas RANSLEY, Paul M. HAGELIN, Markus LUTZ
  • Publication number: 20250005046
    Abstract: A system and method for managing, categorizing and manipulating data within a server environment utilizing a user interface, a generative AI field in database, and database datastores. The generative AI field accepts natural language requests from a user and determines appropriate prompts for a generative AI model. The generated prompt is configured to generate data providing the functionality specified in the natural language request. The functionality may include categorizing data, generating fields in a database, assisting prompt generation and producing functions for further data manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Sean William Keenan, Jerry Hong, Howard Thomas Liu, Anthony H. Maggio, Emily Yiming Cai
  • Publication number: 20240411060
    Abstract: A liquid lens includes a substrate, a transparent elastic membrane forming a cavity with the substrate, and a transparent fluid filling the cavity between the substrate and the membrane. The membrane has a pre-distorted, rotationally asymmetric shape in absence of the fluid in the cavity. When the cavity is filled with the fluid and the substrate is disposed vertically w.r.t. gravity at a pre-defined clocking angle, the membrane adopts a substantially rotationally symmetric shape due to elasticity of the membrane counteracting gravity exerting a downward force on the fluid in the cavity, reducing the effect of the gravity sag on optical performance of the liquid lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Nagi Hosni Elabbasi, Spencer Allan Wells, Christopher Stipe, Kenneth Alexander Diest, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Laura Cressman, Taha Masood, James Howard Thomas Ransley
  • Patent number: 12109292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and their use in oral hygiene. More particularly, the compositions comprise one or more flavonoids, such as naringin and neohesperidine and polylysine and/or caprylic acid and/or a zinc salt. Such compositions may be in the form of, for example, a solution, gel, spray, chewing gum or paste suitable for use in the oral cavity. The composition may be used in reducing bacterial numbers on teeth, gums or other surfaces in the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: ORALDENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Howard Thomas
  • Patent number: 12092844
    Abstract: A liquid lens includes a substrate, a transparent elastic membrane forming a cavity with the substrate, and a transparent fluid filling the cavity between the substrate and the membrane. The membrane has a pre-distorted, rotationally asymmetric shape in absence of the fluid in the cavity. When the cavity is filled with the fluid and the substrate is disposed vertically w.r.t. gravity at a pre-defined clocking angle, the membrane adopts a substantially rotationally symmetric shape due to elasticity of the membrane counteracting gravity exerting a downward force on the fluid in the cavity, reducing the effect of the gravity sag on optical performance of the liquid lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Nagi Hosni Elabbasi, Spencer Allan Wells, Christopher Stipe, Kenneth Alexander Diest, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Laura Cressman, Taha Masood, James Howard Thomas Ransley
  • Patent number: 11980185
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and their use for preventing, eradicating or ameliorating infections. More particularly, the compositions comprise one or more flavonoids, such as naringin and neohesperidin and caprylic acid and/or polylysine. Such compositions can, for example, be employed for reducing or eliminating bacteria, fungi and other parasites from water, such as water intended for drinking or from food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Citrox Biosciences Limited
    Inventor: Howard Thomas
  • Patent number: 11889763
    Abstract: An actuator may be integrated into an optical element such as a liquid lens and configured to create spherical curvature as well as a variable cylinder radius and axis in a surface of the optical element. An example actuator may include a stack of electromechanical layers, and electrodes configured to apply an electric field independently across each of the electromechanical layers. Within the stack, an orientation of neighboring electromechanical layers may differ, e.g., stepwise, by at least approximately 10°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Spencer Allan Wells, Christopher Stipe, Kenneth Alexander Diest, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Nagi Hosni Elabbasi, James Howard Thomas Ransley, Taha Masood, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Laura Cressman
  • Patent number: 11808566
    Abstract: A method system of reducing operator-induced error in measurements comprises a measurement tool, such as a diameter gage, that is configured to communicate electrical signals representative of measurements to a computing device, which is configured to receive the signals and to determine a value for the measurement without the operator having to interact with the tool to zero the gage, acquire the data or transmit the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Gagemaker, LP
    Inventors: Eric Otten, Howard Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230134593
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for restraining cargo in a cargo compartment. In one embodiment, the system comprises a bracket having a main plate segment. At least one adapter is coupled to the bracket and dimensioned to be releasably secured to a location within the cargo compartment. A hook is disposed along a portion of the bracket, the hook comprising a receiving space formed between a rear segment, an end segment and a front segment. A portion of cargo is dimensioned to be placed within a portion of the receiving space. The system may include a locking member, wherein the portion of cargo is capable of being inserted into the receiving space when the locking member is in an open state, and wherein the portion of cargo is restrained from forward, rearward and lateral movement in the cargo compartment when the locking member is in a closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicants: Ancra International LLC, Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Alan Kauffman, Aaron Michael Smith, James Juhyeon Song, Michael Robert Stimler
  • Patent number: 11578050
    Abstract: Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Citrox Biosciences Limited
    Inventors: Howard Thomas, Denis Dowling, Marie G. Katsikogianni
  • Patent number: 11505736
    Abstract: A system may include: a source of water fluidically coupled to a fracturing blender; water testing equipment disposed between the source of water and the fracturing blender wherein the water testing equipment is operable to measure at least one property of the source of water; a plurality of friction reducing polymers operable to be added to the fracturing blender; and a control system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the processor to provide software that configures the processor to receive an input signal from the water testing equipment and select at least one of the plurality of friction reducing polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Wood Straffin, Howard Thomas Riley, Teddy Joel Dubois, James William Ogle
  • Publication number: 20220283340
    Abstract: A liquid lens includes a substrate, a transparent elastic membrane forming a cavity with the substrate, and a transparent fluid filling the cavity between the substrate and the membrane. The membrane has a pre-distorted, rotationally asymmetric shape in absence of the fluid in the cavity. When the cavity is filled with the fluid and the substrate is disposed vertically w.r.t. gravity at a pre-defined clocking angle, the membrane adopts a substantially rotationally symmetric shape due to elasticity of the membrane counteracting gravity exerting a downward force on the fluid in the cavity, reducing the effect of the gravity sag on optical performance of the liquid lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Nagi Hosni Elabbasi, Spencer Allan Wells, Christopher Stipe, Kenneth Alexander Diest, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Laura Cressman, Taha Masood, James Howard Thomas Ransley
  • Publication number: 20220271214
    Abstract: An actuator may be integrated into an optical element such as a liquid lens and configured to create spherical curvature as well as a variable cylinder radius and axis in a surface of the optical element. An example actuator may include a stack of electromechanical layers, and electrodes configured to apply an electric field independently across each of the electromechanical layers. Within the stack, an orientation of neighboring electromechanical layers may differ, e.g., stepwise, by at least approximately 10°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Spencer Allan Wells, Christopher Stipe, Kenneth Alexander Diest, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Nagi Hosni Elabbasi, James Howard Thomas Ransley, Taha Masood, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Laura Cressman
  • Publication number: 20220250533
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for restraining cargo in a cargo compartment. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first track sub-assembly comprising a vertical track secured to at least one horizontal support member. The at least one horizontal support member is dimensioned to span between a plurality of preexisting vertical logistics posts on a first sidewall of a cargo compartment. In one embodiment, the at least one horizontal support member comprises first and second ends, and a center point positioned halfway between the first and second ends, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the vertical track is offset from the center point of the first horizontal support member by a predetermined distance. A first beam assembly having a first end to assembly is movable along the vertical track and configured to be secured at a predetermined height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Ancra International LLC
    Inventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Kauffman, Jerome Jones
  • Patent number: 11345273
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for restraining cargo in a cargo compartment. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first track sub-assembly comprising a vertical track secured to at least one horizontal support member. The at least one horizontal support member is dimensioned to span between a plurality of preexisting vertical logistics posts on a first sidewall of a cargo compartment. In one embodiment, the at least one horizontal support member comprises first and second ends, and a center point positioned halfway between the first and second ends, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the vertical track is offset from the center point of the first horizontal support member by a predetermined distance. A first beam assembly having a first end to assembly is movable along the vertical track and configured to be secured at a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ANCRA INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Kauffman, Jerome Jones
  • Publication number: 20220073487
    Abstract: Cellulosic fibrous materials are described which are impregnated with a bioflavonoid composition, the bioflavonoid content of the composition comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such impregnated materials is also described, for example as paper or bamboo towels and cardboard, as well as the process for impregnating the materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventor: Howard Thomas
  • Patent number: 11207840
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes pre-fabricated supports arrangeable to support the three-dimensional object during additive manufacturing; and a computer configured to at least: access a computer geometric model of the three-dimensional object, and geometric parameters of the pre-fabricated supports; and generate an arrangement of the pre-fabricated supports with respective coordinates in a coordinate system, to support the three-dimensional object in the coordinate system during additive manufacturing, the computer being configured to generate the arrangement based on the computer geometric model of the three-dimensional object and the geometric parameters of the pre-fabricated supports, the computer being configured to generate different arrangements of the pre-fabricated supports for different three-dimensional objects having different computer geometric models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Andrew Leung, Howard Thomas Rolleston
  • Publication number: 20210380033
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for restraining cargo in a cargo compartment. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first track sub-assembly comprising a vertical track secured to at least one horizontal support member. The at least one horizontal support member is dimensioned to span between a plurality of preexisting vertical logistics posts on a first sidewall of a cargo compartment. In one embodiment, the at least one horizontal support member comprises first and second ends, and a center point positioned halfway between the first and second ends, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the vertical track is offset from the center point of the first horizontal support member by a predetermined distance. A first beam assembly having a first end to assembly is movable along the vertical track and configured to be secured at a predetermined height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Ancra International LLC
    Inventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Kauffman, Jerome Jones
  • Publication number: 20210317362
    Abstract: A system may include: a source of water fluidically coupled to a fracturing blender; water testing equipment disposed between the source of water and the fracturing blender wherein the water testing equipment is operable to measure at least one property of the source of water; a plurality of friction reducing polymers operable to be added to the fracturing blender; and a control system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the processor to provide software that configures the processor to receive an input signal from the water testing equipment and select at least one of the plurality of friction reducing polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Wood Straffin, Howard Thomas Riley, Teddy Joel Dubois, James William Ogle