Patents by Inventor John R. Howard

John R. 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).

  • Patent number: 12142098
    Abstract: In examples, a relative skin reflectance of a captured image of a subject is quantified. Based on the relative skin reflectance, the captured image is determined as suitable or not suitable for biometric identification. When the captured image is determined not suitable, a remedial capture setting is calculated and provided to an image capturing resource. Another captured image of the subject, captured under the remedial capture setting, is received from the image capturing resource. The relative skin reflectance of the another captured image is quantified and based thereon, there is a determining of whether the another captured image is suitable or is not suitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventors: Arun R. Vemury, Yevgeniy B. Sirotin, Cynthia M. Cook, John J. Howard, Jerry L. Tipton
  • Patent number: 9371669
    Abstract: Remote-activation locks designed to permit unlocking and/or locking of the lock without physical manipulation of the lock are articulated to a product/good in a manner so as to deny one or more benefits associated with the product/good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: John S. Berg, Christopher H. Reynolds, Jibing Lin, David A. Vogel, Paul A. Keenan, John R. Howard
  • Patent number: 7997423
    Abstract: A cooking oil container has a filter cup retained at the upper end thereof. The filter cup retains a planar circular filter at the lower end and a seal between the filter holder and the bottom of the filter cup prevents oil from overflowing around the circumference of the filter holder to avoid the filter. The filter cup is spaced from the inner walls of the container to allow air to escape from the bottom of the container. The top of the container has a grip ring and the inverted top is useable as a drip tray for the filter cup while oil is being poured out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: David Goodman, John R. Howard, Robert W. Machacek
  • Publication number: 20100300159
    Abstract: Remote-activation locks designed to permit unlocking and/or locking of the lock without physical manipulation of the lock are articulated to a product/good in a manner so as to deny one or more benefits associated with the product/good.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ProTeqt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Berg, Christopher H. Reynolds, Jibing Lin, David A. Vogel, Paul A. Keenan, John R. Howard
  • Publication number: 20080041781
    Abstract: A cooking oil container has a filter cup retained at the upper end thereof. The filter cup retains a planar circular filter at the lower end and a seal between the filter holder and the bottom of the filter cup prevents oil from overflowing around the circumference of the filter holder to avoid the filter. The filter cup is spaced from the inner walls of the container to allow air to escape from the bottom of the container. The top of the container has a grip ring and the inverted top is useable as a drip tray for the filter cup while oil is being poured out of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: David Goodman, John R. Howard, Robert W. Machacek
  • Patent number: 6655071
    Abstract: A retainer for holding a plurality of waterfowl decoys has at least three arms pivotally mounted on a pin so as to be moveable between a first position in which the arms are aligned parallel to each other for storage and a open position in which the arms are angularly oriented with respect to one another. The device includes a locking pin for fitting into a first set of holes in the three arms for locking the arms in the first position and fitting into a second set of holes in the arms for locking the arms in the second position. The device further includes a moveable post at the end of each arm for retaining a waterfowl decoy and a ratchet engagement between the post and the arm to permit manual movement of the post with respect to the arm to its desired orientation to retain the post in the desired orientation after it has been positioned without requiring the tightening or untightening of screws and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Charles David Barnes, Ellen Marie McLean, John R. Howard, Charles E. Nichols, William Sigsworth
  • Publication number: 20030198616
    Abstract: A skin moisturizing composition comprising water, a skin moisturizer, a water soluble hydroxyalkylcellulose polymer and additives is free of fats and oils. The composition derives substantial water-barrier properties from the water soluble hydroxyalkylcellulose polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Combe Incorporated
    Inventor: John R. Howard
  • Publication number: 20030183734
    Abstract: A retainer for holding a plurality of waterfowl decoys has at least three arms pivotally mounted on a pin so as to be moveable between a first position in which the arms are aligned parallel to each other for storage and a open position in which the arms are angularly oriented with respect to one another. The device includes a locking pin for fitting into a first set of holes in the three arms for locking the arms in the first position and fitting into a second set of holes in the arms for locking the arms in the second position. The device further includes a moveable post at the end of each arm for retaining a waterfowl decoy and a ratchet engagement between the post and the arm to permit manual movement of the post with respect to the arm to its desired orientation to retain the post in the desired orientation after it has been positioned without requiring the tightening or untightening of screws and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Charles David Barnes, Ellen Marie McLean, John R. Howard, Charles E. Nichols, William Sigsworth
  • Patent number: 6450328
    Abstract: A storage and multi-positional display apparatus, particularly suited to dental equipment and materials, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover having individual rigid segments which are hinged together, with a storage tray secured to one of the segments. The apparatus can be transformed from a storage position wherein the segments are folded to form an enclosure surrounding the tray and protecting its contents, into one of many angled display positions wherein the tray is exposed. The angled positions mount the tray at an angular orientation best suited to the particular user performing a particular dental procedure, while the cover and tray provide for aseptic conditions and minimized cross-contamination of the dental equipment and material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Machacek, John R. Howard, Rich Nagel
  • Publication number: 20020000442
    Abstract: A nestable, dual-ovenable cooking pan (10) made of thin, thermoformed plastic sheet material has an interlocking beam and skin structure including a peripheral frame (24) in its floor (12) and vertical horizontal ribs (28, 30) in its walls (14, 16). This structure cooperates with integral handles (32) in a top flange (20) to enhance strength and rigidity. The handles have uniform or non-uniform undulations (34, 36) which, in addition to providing rigidity, increase the effective thickness of the handles and allow the pan to be comfortably picked up and carried when hot. The handles cool relatively quickly. The undulations give the handles a purchase and feel similar to those of thicker handles of ceramic permanent cookware. The plastic sheet material is preferably nucleated CPET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Howard, Charles E. Nichols, Mohamad Ali Jamnia, Robert Emmet Walter
  • Patent number: 6143285
    Abstract: A body powder composition containing croscarmellose sodium in effective moisture absorbent amounts and a powder diluent such as talc or topical starch. The composition may contain other constituents normally utilized in powders intended for topical application to the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Combe Incorporated
    Inventor: John R. Howard
  • Patent number: 5795027
    Abstract: Blanks of stiff material such as corrugated cardboard are foldable to form an ottoman and an arm chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: NEWance, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Howard, Robert W. Machacek
  • Patent number: 5658067
    Abstract: A modular light unit is disclosed which has a housing including an openable access panel with an electric lamp mounted in the housing. The housing has opposed ends which respectively mount male and female double insulated electrical connector plug means therein for electrically connecting the light unit to another light unit. The double insulated connector is formed with fully isolated terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Munters Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Engle, John R. Howard, Robert Machacek, George S. Boznos
  • Patent number: 5451228
    Abstract: A tibial resector guide having an angularly adjustable head controlled by a thumb actuated slide mechanism. The head may be positioned in a plurality of predetermined angular orientations in the anterior-posterior plane. The cutting head guide includes angled side walls which permit the guide to have a narrow aperture yet allow the saw blade to completely pass through the tibia. Further, the tibial resector of this invention includes a telescoping rod and a length adjustment mechanism adjacent the head for providing small height adjustments for positioning the head. The length adjustment member includes an enlarged thumb wheel to ease operation. A pinning platform is connected to the adjustment member such that it is shiftable with the adjustment member relative to the guide head. The pinning platform permits the surgeon to pin the upper end of the instrument to the patient's leg preventing movement of the instrument during resection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Johnson, Richard A. Lane, Thomas D. Petersen, Chuck Nichols, John R. Howard
  • Patent number: 5445640
    Abstract: A tibial resector guide having an angularly adjustable head controlled by a thumb actuated slide mechanism. The head may be positioned in a plurality of predetermined angular orientations in the anterior-posterior plane. The cutting head guide includes angled side walls which permit the guide to have a narrow aperture yet allow the saw blade to completely pass through the tibia. Further, the tibial resector of this invention includes a telescoping rod and a length adjustment mechanism adjacent the head for providing small height adjustments for positioning the head. The length adjustment member includes an enlarged thumb wheel to ease operation. A pinning platform is connected to the adjustment member such that it is shiftable with the adjustment member relative to the guide head. The pinning platform permits the surgeon to pin the upper end of the instrument to the patient's leg preventing movement of the instrument during resection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Johnson, Richard A. Lane, Thomas D. Petersen, Chuck Nichols, John R. Howard
  • Patent number: 5394810
    Abstract: An item of foldable furniture has a first blank for a top portion and one or more second blanks for pedestals. The top blank is rectangular in shape with a plurality of parallel scores such that the blank may be folded for storage and shipping. A first score midway along the length of the first blank such that the top of the furniture is folded along its longitudinal centerline and has second and third scores such that the item of furniture may be folded and inserted into a package for shipping. Each pedestal is constructed of a second blank which also has a plurality of longitudinal scores dividing the pedestal blank into sections. When the ends of the pedestal blank are joined, a pedestal is formed. A double score is provided between a first and a second of the sections of the pedestal such that the first and second sections can be folded around a third and fourth section in order that the pedestal may be folded for storage and shipping along with the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: HMV Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Howard, Robert W. Machacek
  • Patent number: 5306276
    Abstract: A tibial resector guide having an angularly adjustable head controlled by a thumb actuated slide mechanism. The head may be positioned in a plurality of predetermined angular orientations in the anterior-posterior plane. The cutting head guide includes angled side walls which permit the guide to have a narrow aperture yet allow the saw blade to completely pass through the tibia. Further, the tibial resector of this invention includes a telescoping rod and a length adjustment mechanism adjacent the head for providing small height adjustments for positioning the head. The length adjustment member includes an enlarged thumb wheel to ease operation. A pinning platform is connected to the adjustment member such that it is shiftable with the adjustment member relative to the guide head. The pinning platform permits the surgeon to pin the upper end of the instrument to the patient's leg preventing movement of the instrument during resection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignees: Zimmer, Inc., Thomas D. Petersen
    Inventors: Todd S. Johnson, Richard A. Lane, Thomas D. Petersen, Chuck Nichols, John R. Howard
  • Patent number: D386278
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Engle, John R. Howard, Robert Machacek, George S. Boznos
  • Patent number: D397486
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Engle, John R. Howard, Robert Machacek, George S. Boznos
  • Patent number: D427298
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Fire Designs, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Maust, John R. Howard, Robert W. Machacek, John Desautels