Patents by Inventor Keith Howard

Keith 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: 7147235
    Abstract: A steerable wheeled sport conveyance is disclosed employing a unique diamond shaped footprint especially adapted for riding at relatively high speeds over various types of terrain. A first set of singular in-line steering wheels are rotatably mounted on the opposing ends of an elongated frame in a manner that also allows one or both of them to pivot on a vertical axis, and a second set of parallel wheels are mounted in an opposing manner across the longitudinal tilt axis of the conveyance. The opposing parallel wheels are attached to corresponding struts, which in turn are independently pivotably mounted near the longitudinal centerline of the frame, and are rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the rotationary plane of the two sets of wheels. Side to side tilting motions of the frame relative to the opposing struts creates vertical displacements between them, thus providing the steering forces that are conveyed and connected to the axles of one or both of the in-line steering wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Keith Howard West
  • Patent number: 7075043
    Abstract: An open coil resistance heater uses one or more standoffs to engage and support the generally straight or uncoiled run of bare or insulated wire that is part of the resistance wire of the heater. The standoff has slots, which are sized to engage the bare or insulated wires for support purposes, and is removably mountable to the heater frame for supporting the run of uncoiled wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Keith Howard, James L. Sherrill
  • Publication number: 20060118545
    Abstract: An open coil resistance heater assembly is made for universal mounting between left and right hand installations in an appliance or other equipment. The heater assembly has its coils arranged symmetrically about a bisecting plane of the heater assembly and/or a center line of its terminal assembly aligned with the bisecting plane. The symmetrical coil arrangement and/or bisected terminal assembly allow the heater to be used in right hand or left hand installations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: James Sherrill, H. Keith Howard
  • Patent number: 6884974
    Abstract: A mica board open coil resistance heater assembly includes a mica board subassembly of at least one pair of mica boards, a resistance wire wound around the boards, an electrical connection clip secured to each mica board, wherein each end of the resistance wire is connected to a respective clip. A terminal plate subassembly includes a thermostat, a ceramic two-hole terminal block, and bus wires, the bus wires adapted to be attached to a portion of the electrical connection clip to connect the resistance wire to power. The ceramic two-hole terminal is able to receive push on terminals from power conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Keith Howard, Robert Kirby
  • Publication number: 20040200651
    Abstract: A steerable wheeled sport conveyance is disclosed employing a unique diamond shaped footprint especially adapted for riding at relatively high speeds over various types of terrain. A first set of singular in-line steering wheels are rotataby mounted on the opposing ends of an elongated frame in a manner that also allows one or both of them to pivot on a vertical axis, and a second set of parallel wheels are mounted in an opposing manner across the longitudinal tilt axis of the conveyance. The opposing parallel wheels are attached to corresponding struts, which in turn are independently pivotably mounted near the longitudinal centerline of the frame, and are rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the rotationary plane of the two sets of wheels. Side to side tilting motions of the frame relative to the opposing struts creates vertical displacements between them, thus providing the steering forces that are conveyed and connected to the axels of one or both of the in-line steering wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Howard West
  • Publication number: 20040182853
    Abstract: A mica board open coil resistance heater assembly includes a mica board subassembly of at least one pair of mica boards, a resistance wire wound around the boards, an electrical connection clip secured to each mica board, wherein each end of the resistance wire is connected to a respective clip. A terminal plate subassembly includes a thermostat, a ceramic two-hole terminal block, and bus wires, the bus wires adapted to be attached to a portion of the electrical connection clip to connect the resistance wire to power. The ceramic two-hole terminal is able to receive push on terminals from power conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: H. Keith Howard, Robert Kirby
  • Patent number: 6770855
    Abstract: A heater having a frame rail and clips, attached to the rail, for securing insulators for supporting a heater coil. Each clip has a main body having a structural member for securing to the rail, and having a pair of flanges symmetrical about a central axis. Each flange has a cut-out for supporting an insulator, the cut-out having an open end, a back abutment edge and a pair of side abutment edges. A bendable tab is located at either side of the open end, each having a first and a second position. In the first position an insulator is insertable into the cut-out, and the insulator is secured by bending the tabs to their second position. Optionally the main body has a cross-section that accommodates the cross section of the rail and the rail is welded to the channel. Alternatively, a plurality of clinching flaps extend from the main body, the flaps shaped and dimensioned for bending around and clinching the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Howard, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Ike Walker
  • Patent number: 6723968
    Abstract: A conductive metal jumper strap has a plate portion with a pair of connection legs forming a u-shape. The connection legs are adapted to connect to terminals to make an electrical connection between two components of a heating device. The plate portion has a bend in it to allow flexing so that the connection legs can make a jumper connection between terminals where the terminal spacing may vary between heating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Danko, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Keith Howard
  • Patent number: 6651813
    Abstract: A wallet for the safe disposal of sharp implements including a closeable cover member. Implement receiving means is provided on the cover member to receive at least one sharp implement. When one or more sharp implements are received in the receiving means, the cover member can be closed over the receiving means to hold the implements in the wallet. The cover member may comprise first and second portions. At least the first portion may define a recess in which the implement receiving means is arranged. Each of the first and second portions may include inner and outer parts. Each outer part is in the form of a flange which are adapted to engage each other when the cover member is closed. A hinge member may extend outwardly from the cover member. A part of the second portion arranged over the implement receiving means may be formed of a transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Clearpac Limited
    Inventors: Sidney John Vallans, Keith Howard Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20030192876
    Abstract: A heater having a frame rail and clips, attached to the rail, for securing insulators for supporting a heater coil. Each clip has a main body having a structural member for securing to the rail, and having a pair of flanges symmetrical about a central axis. Each flange has a cut-out for supporting an insulator, the cut-out having an open end, a back abutment edge and a pair of side abutment edges. A bendable tab is located at either side of the open end, each having a first and a second position. In the first position an insulator is insertable into the cut-out, and the insulator is secured by bending the tabs to their second position. Optionally the main body has a cross-section that accommodates the cross section of the rail and the rail is welded to the channel. Alternatively, a plurality of clinching flaps extend from the main body, the flaps shaped and dimensioned for bending around and clinching the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Keith Howard, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Ike Walker
  • Publication number: 20030192877
    Abstract: A heater having an insulating terminal mounting block, a thermostat and a terminal bushing mounted to a frame. The insulating terminal mounting block supports a plurality of removable terminal members. Each terminal member has a crimping structure at one end and a connection structure at its other end. A temperature sensitive fuse is crimped within the crimping structure of a first and a second of the terminal connection members. A unitary jumper strap connects between the connection structure of the second and a third of the terminal members. A fourth terminal member is supported by the terminal bushing. A second unitary jumper strap connects between the connection structure of the fourth terminal member and a terminal of the thermostat. One terminal of a resistive heating wire is crimped within the crimping structure of one of the terminal connection members supported by the terminal mounting block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Danko, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Keith Howard
  • Patent number: 6596974
    Abstract: A heater having a frame rail and clips, attached to the rail, for securing insulators for supporting a heater coil. Each clip has a main body having a structural member for securing to the rail, and having a pair of flanges symmetrical about a central axis. Each flange has a cut-out for supporting an insulator, the cut-out having an open end, a back abutment edge and a pair of side abutment edges. A bendable tab is located at either side of the open end, each having a first and a second position. In the first position an insulator is insertable into the cut-out, and the insulator is secured by bending the tabs to their second position. Optionally the main body has a cross-section that accommodates the cross section of the rail and the rail is welded to the channel. Alternatively, a plurality of clinching flaps extend from the main body, the flaps shaped and dimensioned for bending around and clinching the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Howard, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Ike Walker
  • Patent number: 6593554
    Abstract: A heater having an insulating terminal mounting block, a thermostat and a terminal bushing mounted to a frame. The insulating terminal mounting block supports a plurality of removable terminal members. Each terminal member has a crimping structure at one end and a connection structure at its other end. A temperature sensitive fuse is crimped within the crimping structure of a first and a second of the terminal connection members. A unitary jumper strap connects between the connection structure of the second and a third of the terminal members. A fourth terminal member is supported by the terminal bushing. A second unitary jumper strap connects between the connection structure of the fourth terminal member and a terminal of the thermostat. One terminal of a resistive heating wire is crimped within the crimping structure of one of the terminal connection members supported by the terminal mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Danko, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Keith Howard
  • Patent number: 6509554
    Abstract: A clip for connecting one or two insulators to a rail (preferably a T-bar member) of an electric heater including at least one bendable metal clinching member, where the clip is securable to the rail by bending the clinching member around the rail. Preferably, the clinching member is one or two T-shaped end members disposed on transverse ends of the clip. Opposite end sections of the ridge of the T-shaped end member constitute clinching flaps which, in use, are clinched around a stem of a T-bar of an electric heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Howard, James Sherrill, Ike Walker
  • Publication number: 20020185491
    Abstract: A heater having an insulating terminal mounting block, a thermostat and a terminal bushing mounted to a frame. The insulating terminal mounting block supports a plurality of removable terminal members. Each terminal member has a crimping structure at one end and a connection structure at its other end. A temperature sensitive fuse is crimped within the crimping structure of a first and a second of the terminal connection members. A unitary jumper strap connects between the connection structure of the second and a third of the terminal members. A fourth terminal member is supported by the terminal bushing. A second unitary jumper strap connects between the connection structure of the fourth terminal member and a terminal of the thermostat. One terminal of a resistive heating wire is crimped within the crimping structure of one of the terminal connection members supported by the terminal mounting block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Danko, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Keith Howard
  • Publication number: 20020046962
    Abstract: A wallet for the safe disposal of sharp implements including a closeable cover member. Implement receiving means is provided on the cover member to receive at least one sharp implement. When one or more sharp implements are received in the receiving means, the cover member can be closed over the receiving means to hold the implements in the wallet. The cover member may comprise first and second portions. At least the first portion may define a recess in which the implement receiving means is arranged. Each of the first and second portions may include inner and outer parts. Each outer part is in the form of a flange which are adapted to engage each other when the cover member is closed. A hinge member may extend outwardly from the cover member. A part of the second portion arranged over the implement receiving means may be formed of a transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Sidney John Vallans, Keith Howard Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20020036199
    Abstract: A heater having a frame rail and clips, attached to the rail, for securing insulators for supporting a heater coil. Each clip has a main body having a structural member for securing to the rail, and having a pair of flanges symmetrical about a central axis. Each flange has a cut-out for supporting an insulator, the cut-out having an open end, a back abutment edge and a pair of side abutment edges. A bendable tab is located at either side of the open end, each having a first and a second position. In the first position an insulator is insertable into the cut-out, and the insulator is secured by bending the tabs to their second position. Optionally the main body has a cross-section that accommodates the cross section of the rail and the rail is welded to the channel. Alternatively, a plurality of clinching flaps extend from the main body, the flaps shaped and dimensioned for bending around and clinching the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Keith Howard, Jimmy L. Sherrill, Ike Walker
  • Publication number: 20020023918
    Abstract: A clip for connecting one or two insulators to a rail (preferably a T-bar member) of an electric heater including a main body, a means for securing an insulator to the main body, and at least one bendable metal clinching member extending from the main body, where the clip is securable to the rail by bending the clinching member around the rail. Preferably, the clinching member is one or two T-shaped end members disposed on transverse ends of the main body. Opposite end sections of the ridge of the T-shaped end member constitute clinching flaps which, in use, are clinched around a stem of a T-bar of an electric heater. The clip is not welded to the T-bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Keith Howard, James Sherrill, Ike Walker
  • Patent number: 6315659
    Abstract: A crop stripper has a rotor provided with metal stripping teeth. The teeth each have an outwardly tapering outer portion extending from a radially inner root portion of arcuate form which provides a root opening between adjacent teeth wider than the spacing between the teeth at the junctions of the inner and outer portions. Along each outer portion the edges of the teeth have flanging which terminates short of the inner portions. The flanging extends over not substantially more than 70%, preferably not more than 60%, of the length of the teeth. The stripping teeth are supported by shorter and thicker backing teeth placed behind the stripping teeth in the direction of rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Shelbourne Reynolds Engineering
    Inventor: Keith Howard Shelbourne
  • Patent number: 5869299
    Abstract: A process for preparing clavulanic acid and other clavam derivatives using an enzyme system from Streptomyces, particularly S. Clavuligerus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham p.l.c.
    Inventors: Keith Howard Baggaley, Neville Hubert Nicholson, Stephen William Elson, Jeffrey Edwards, Alison Jane Earl, William Henry Holms, David Michael Mousdale, Jack Edward Baldwin, Christopher Schofield