Patents by Inventor J. Fowler

J. Fowler 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: 6683772
    Abstract: A system for suppressing the effects of lightning including an antenna, a cable extending from the antenna, an enclosure having an interior volume, a coil of conductive wire received within the interior volume of the enclosure, and a piece of electronic equipment suitable for receiving from or transmitting through the antenna. The electronic equipment is interconnected to a lead from the coil of conductive wire. The coil of conductive wire has another lead connected to the cable. The cable is a coaxial cable or a heliaxial cable. A conductive grit or steel shot fills a portion of the interior volume of the enclosure around the coil of conductive wire. A grounding rod is electrically interconnected to at least one of the cables, the enclosure and the electronic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6677517
    Abstract: A lightning suppression system for a power supply line including an enclosure with an interior volume, a first coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure, a second coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure, and a third coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure. The power supply line is connected to the leads of the first, second and third coils. A conductive grit fills a portion of the interior volume of the enclosure. A grounding rod is connected by a conductive line to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6674626
    Abstract: A lightning suppression system including a first wire, a second wire, a third wire, a fourth wire, an enclosure having an interior volume, a first coil connected to the first wire and positioned within the enclosure, a second coil connected to the second wire and positioned within the enclosure, a third coil connected to the third wire and positioned within the enclosure, a fourth coil connected to the fourth wire and positioned within the enclosure, and a piece of electronic equipment interconnected to each of the coils. A conductive grit, such as steel shot, fills a portion of the enclosure around the respective coils. The lightning suppression system is for interconnection to a first twisted pair of wires and a second twisted pair of wires associated with a T1 circuit or a DSL circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6671941
    Abstract: A method of producing an aircraft assembly tool for supporting an aircraft component comprising calculating a plurality of predetermined positions and corresponding orientations in space at which the aircraft is to be supported, designing a fixture frame at predetermined locations of the frame associated with the predetermined positions, constructing the fixture frame, providing pick-up devices with receiving elements, securing the pick-up devices to the fixture frame, and adjusting each receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bae Systems plc
    Inventors: William S Scott, Simon Cheetham, Russell P McKeown, Kevin J Fowler
  • Patent number: 6667971
    Abstract: A system and method to provide enhanced computer network services to computer network subscribers. A static route is created in the subscriber's computer to establish a continuous logical connection between the subscriber's computer and a continuous service provider to provide the subscriber with continuous services. Simultaneously, subscribers can obtain services offered by temporary service providers over the network. To obtain these services, the system establishes a temporary logical connection between the user and the temporary service provider. The temporary logical connection is destroyed when the user has completed using the desired services of the temporary service provider. To increase security, the continuous service provider is not directly connected to systems not controlled by the continuous service provider, such as the Internet. However, where such security concerns are not relevant, the continuous service provider can be connected to such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Abdi R. Modarressi, Henry J. Fowler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030210965
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting cargo includes a rotatable support arm and at least one bracing arm that extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from the longitudinal arm. No more than one of the bracing arms contacts and supports a corner of the cargo. At least one of the bracing arms preferably includes an extendable assembly for providing at least partial support of the cargo. The extendable assembly may include, for example, a sleeve and a movable structure located within the sleeve, wherein the movable structure may be extended from the sleeve to contact the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Saul Erech, Dexter J. Fowler, James A. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6646854
    Abstract: A lightning suppression attenuator including an enclosure having an interior volume and a coil of conductive wire received within the interior volume of the enclosure. The coil has a first lead extending outwardly through a first opening of the enclosure and a second lead extending outwardly of a second opening in the enclosure. A conductive grit fills a portion of the enclosure. The coil has a central void with turns of wire extending around the central void. The first lead is connected to a first discharge grounding system. The second lead is connected to a second discharge grounding system. The rigid foam material is affixed within the enclosure around the conductive grit and over the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20030197413
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes an elongated continuous frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion. A mounting assembly is attached to the lower portion of the frame member and is adapted to be mounted on the floor of a vehicle. A back support structure is attached to the upper portion of the frame member. A bottom support structure is attached to the lower portion of the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Robert O. Walker, Thomas J. Fowler, Theodore M. Grohs
  • Publication number: 20030160481
    Abstract: An occupant seat of a motor vehicle includes a backrest, and a headrest mounted atop the backrest on a pair of posts. The headrest includes a base portion supported by the posts, and an occupant-engaging contact portion that is supported by the base portion for relative translational movement along a pair of tracks defined on the base portion. In response to a suitable control signal, such as the tensioning of a Bowden cable in response to an applied force, the contact portion moves under the control of an articulated linkage against a return spring bias and away from the base portion. The translational movement of the contact portion relative to the base portion serves to control contact surface inclination throughout the range of movement of the contact portion relative to the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Veine, Thomas J. Fowler, James A. Mulvihill
  • Patent number: 6607242
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly includes a curved support member for upwardly and forwardly deploying a headrest. The support member is selectively locked and unlocked to alternately maintain the headrest in a retracted position or deploy the headrest. A vehicle impact sensor signals the release of the support member when a vehicle impact is sensed. The headrest is deployed quickly and effectively until it reaches its potential full deployment, or until an occupant's head contacts the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel Estrada, Mercedes Castelo, Luis Otero, Thomas J. Fowler, Ernesto E. Blanco, H. Winston Maue
  • Publication number: 20030151279
    Abstract: A headrest assembly including a headrest pad having a front surface and side portions that are movable between a first position and a second position wherein the side portions are forward of the front surface of the headrest pad. A shift mechanism is provided for moving the side portion to the second position. A trigger is actuated in response to an impact that causes the shift mechanism to move the side portion from the first position to the second position. The headrest pad preferably has a central section that is flanked by right and left side portions. The side portions pivot on a shaft or hinge mechanism that includes a spring that biases the side portions toward the second position. The trigger is preferably a hook that is mounted on a slide secured to the headrest pad. A torsion spring is secured between the hook and the slide so that the hook may be displaced relative to the headrest pad when the impact exerts an inertial load to the headrest pad above a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6547878
    Abstract: A sealant dispensing system is disclosed which is capable of applying sealant material to irregularly shaped, i.e., non-circular, closure members. To accomplish this, the closure member is loaded onto a rotary chuck in a conventional manner. The sealant applying gun, however, is moveable relative to the end. In this manner, through a combination of rotation of the closure member and movement of the gun, the gun is able to follow the outline of a closure member of any shape. In order to allow non-circular closure members to be loaded onto a chuck, the chuck must first be stopped. After the closure member is loaded, chuck rotation is then initiated. In order to allow this selective chuck rotation, the chuck may be attached to a servo motor. An electromagnet may be located in proximity to each chuck of the sealant dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Alcoa Packaging Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton W. Rutledge, Tracy J. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6526706
    Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Homebuilding Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020171990
    Abstract: A lightning suppression system including a first wire, a second wire, a third wire, a fourth wire, an enclosure having an interior volume, a first coil connected to the first wire and positioned within the enclosure, a second coil connected to the second wire and positioned within the enclosure, a third coil connected to the third wire and positioned within the enclosure, a fourth coil connected to the fourth wire and positioned within the enclosure, and a piece of electronic equipment interconnected to each of the coils. A conductive grit, such as steel shot, fills a portion of the enclosure around the respective coils. The lightning suppression system is for interconnection to a first twisted pair of wires and a second twisted pair of wires associated with a T1 circuit or a DSL circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020171989
    Abstract: A system for suppressing the effects of lightning including an antenna, a cable extending from the antenna, an enclosure having an interior volume, a coil of conductive wire received within the interior volume of the enclosure, and a piece of electronic equipment suitable for receiving from or transmitting through the antenna. The electronic equipment is interconnected to a lead from the coil of conductive wire. The coil of conductive wire has another lead connected to the cable. The cable is a coaxial cable or a heliaxial cable. A conductive grit or steel shot fills a portion of the interior volume of the enclosure around the coil of conductive wire. A grounding rod is electrically interconnected to at least one of the cables, the enclosure and the electronic equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020170725
    Abstract: A lightning suppression system for a power supply line including an enclosure with an interior volume, a first coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure, a second coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure, and a third coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure. The power supply line is connected to the leads of the first, second and third coils. A conductive grit fills a portion of the interior volume of the enclosure. A grounding rod is connected by a conductive line to the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020171991
    Abstract: A lightning suppression system including an instrument, a first cable electrically connected to the instrument, an enclosure having an interior volume, a first coil positioned within the enclosure and electrically interconnected to a first wire of the first cable, a second coil positioned within the enclosure and electrically interconnected to a second wire of the first cable, and an electronic device electrically interconnected by a second cable to the first and second coils. A conductive grit fills a portion of the enclosure around the first and second coils. A grounding rod is electrically connected by a conductive line to the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020171988
    Abstract: A lightning suppression attenuator including an enclosure having an interior volume and a coil of conductive wire received within the interior volume of the enclosure. The coil has a first lead extending outwardly through a first opening of the enclosure and a second lead extending outwardly of a second opening in the enclosure. A conductive grit fills a portion of the enclosure. The coil has a central void with turns of wire extending around the central void. The first lead is connected to a first discharge grounding system. The second lead is connected to a second discharge grounding system. The rigid foam material is affixed within the enclosure around the conductive grit and over the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020145315
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle, such as a vehicle seat, includes a vehicle component having a first portion fixed relative to the vehicle, and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. An energy management device is connected to the first and second portions. The device controls the motion of the second portion relative to the first portion through a duration of time during rapid acceleration of the vehicle component to reduce peak acceleration forces acting on the vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory S. Fraley, Thomas J. Fowler, Mladen Humer, Stephen Lambrecht, H. Winston Maue, Ernesto E. Blanco, Jennifer Navarro, Colin Ager, Alastair MacGregor, Peter Cauwood
  • Publication number: 20020124081
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a network-enabled appliance. The appliance may aid the remote monitoring of various measured data. The device may monitor a variable or set of variables and output the data upon request. In addition, the appliance may issue alarms, alerts, warning and other notifications when a variable matches a setpoint or undergoes a specified change, deviation, and/or fluctuation. Further the appliance may be operable to communicate with other appliances. The communication may comprise periodic pinging of peer appliances. In this manner, a peer appliance may detect a failure in other network-enabled appliances when an anticipated ping is not received. Further, the communication may enable the establishment of a directory of capabilities of various appliances. In this manner, a group of appliances may perform more complex behaviors by grouping resources. Further, a group of appliances may act to reestablish the behavior of a failed device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: NetBotz Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Primm, John J. Fowler, Gary Faulkner