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).
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Patent number: 12270988Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20250011162Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2022Publication date: January 9, 2025Inventors: Nicholas MILLER, James Howard Thomas RANSLEY, Paul M. HAGELIN, Markus LUTZ
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Publication number: 20250005046Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2024Publication date: January 2, 2025Inventors: Sean William Keenan, Jerry Hong, Howard Thomas Liu, Anthony H. Maggio, Emily Yiming Cai
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Publication number: 20240411060Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2024Publication date: December 12, 2024Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 12109292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: ORALDENT LIMITEDInventor: Howard Thomas
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Patent number: 12092844Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11980185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Citrox Biosciences LimitedInventor: Howard Thomas
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Patent number: 11889763Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11808566Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Gagemaker, LPInventors: Eric Otten, Howard Thomas
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Publication number: 20230134593Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Applicants: Ancra International LLC, Wabash National, L.P.Inventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Alan Kauffman, Aaron Michael Smith, James Juhyeon Song, Michael Robert Stimler
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Patent number: 11578050Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Citrox Biosciences LimitedInventors: Howard Thomas, Denis Dowling, Marie G. Katsikogianni
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Patent number: 11505736Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ian Wood Straffin, Howard Thomas Riley, Teddy Joel Dubois, James William Ogle
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Publication number: 20220283340Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2021Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220271214Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220250533Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Ancra International LLCInventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Kauffman, Jerome Jones
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Patent number: 11345273Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: ANCRA INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Kauffman, Jerome Jones
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Publication number: 20220073487Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventor: Howard Thomas
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Patent number: 11207840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Andrew Leung, Howard Thomas Rolleston
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Publication number: 20210380033Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: Ancra International LLCInventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Gregory Kauffman, Jerome Jones
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Publication number: 20210317362Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ian Wood Straffin, Howard Thomas Riley, Teddy Joel Dubois, James William Ogle