Patents by Inventor Michael C. Howard
Michael C. 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).
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Patent number: 11719302Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Patent number: 11708482Abstract: Tires and tire components are provided having improved fire properties, as well as the vulcanizable compositions for making the tires and tire components. A vulcanizable composition is provided that includes at least one vulcanizable polymer, a curative, a halogenated hydrocarbon, and expandable graphite. The tires and tire components have improved properties including one or more of improved flame retardancy, reduced smoke density and/or toxicity, and reduced heat release.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLCInventors: Michael C. Howard, Brandon C. Adcock, Hang Li
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Publication number: 20220227968Abstract: A method of preparing a cured air spring bellows includes preparing a vulcanizable composition including a eutectic composition by mixing a vulcanizable elastomer, a sulfur-based curative, zinc oxide, and a eutectic composition; preparing a green member using the vulcanizable composition; and curing the green member to form the air spring bellows.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2020Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventor: Michael C. HOWARD
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Publication number: 20220154795Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Patent number: 11268588Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Patent number: 11111979Abstract: An air spring having an airsleeve, wherein at least one layer of the airsleeve includes the vulcanization product of a composition that includes at least one vuicanizable polymer, a curative, at least one halogenated hydrocarbon wax, and expandable graphite.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Michael C. Howard, Brandon C. Adcock, Hang Li
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Publication number: 20200270431Abstract: Tires and tire components are provided having improved fire properties, as well as the vulcanizable compositions for making the tires and tire components. A vulcanizable composition is provided that includes at least one vulcanizable polymer, a curative, a halogenated hydrocarbon, and expandable graphite. The tires and tire components have improved properties including one or more of improved flame retardancy, reduced smoke density and/or toxicity, and reduced heat release.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2018Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Michael C. Howard, Brandon C. Adcock, Hang Li
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Publication number: 20190331189Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Publication number: 20190249741Abstract: An air spring having an airsleeve, wherein at least one layer of said airsleeve includes the vulcanization product of a composition that includes at least one vulcanizable polymer, a curative, at least one halogenated hydrocarbon wax, and expandable graphite.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2017Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Michael C. Howard, Brandon C. Adcock, Hang Li
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Patent number: 10316921Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Patent number: 9731558Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire assembly having an inner tire and an outer tire are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignees: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC, Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Jon I. Stuckey, David J. Zemla, Jason B. Smith, Pradipta N. Moulik, Michael C. Howard, Jonathan D. Wood
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Publication number: 20170114854Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2017Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Patent number: 9588053Abstract: A replacement indicator can be operatively associated with an elastomeric article such that the replacement indicator is visually observable. In some cases, the replacement indicator can be secured on or along the elastomeric article. Gas spring assemblies and pneumatic tires including a replacement indicator, as well as methods of manufacture are also included.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Jason D. Nieten, Graham R. Brookes, Michael C. Howard, Pradipta N. Moulik
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Patent number: 9556921Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLCInventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Publication number: 20150246583Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire assembly having an inner tire and an outer tire are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Jon I. Stuckey, David J. Zemla, Jason B. Smith, Pradipta N. Moulik, Michael C. Howard, Jonathan D. Wood
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Patent number: 9098951Abstract: An indicator of an estimated remaining life of an associated spring device can include at least one sensor and at least one processor. The at least one sensor can be operative to generate a signal having a relation to at least one of a usage condition and an environmental exposure condition of a spring device. The at least one processor can be communicatively coupled with the at least one sensor and programmed to receive signals from the at least one sensor, derive data from the received signals, and determine an estimated remaining life of at least the spring device using the data and an expression modeling a relationship between an estimated remaining life of the spring device and at least one of a usage condition and an environmental exposure condition. A gas spring and indicator assembly, a suspension system and a method are also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Jason D. Nieten, Pradipta N. Moulik, Michael C. Howard
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Publication number: 20150000589Abstract: A replacement indicator can be operatively associated with an elastomeric article such that the replacement indicator is visually observable. In some cases, the replacement indicator can be secured on or along the elastomeric article. Gas spring assemblies and pneumatic tires including a replacement indicator, as well as methods of manufacture are also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Jason D. Nieten, Graham R. Brookes, Michael C. Howard, Pradipta N. Moulik
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Publication number: 20140333016Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Michael C. HOWARD, Hao WANG, Sheel AGARWAL, John D. RENSEL
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Patent number: 8800974Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
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Publication number: 20140095015Abstract: An indicator of an estimated remaining life of an associated spring device can include at least one sensor and at least one processor. The at least one sensor can be operative to generate a signal having a relation to at least one of a usage condition and an environmental exposure condition of a spring device. The at least one processor can be communicatively coupled with the at least one sensor and programmed to receive signals from the at least one sensor, derive data from the received signals, and determine an estimated remaining life of at least the spring device using the data and an expression modeling a relationship between an estimated remaining life of the spring device and at least one of a usage condition and an environmental exposure condition. A gas spring and indicator assembly, a suspension system and a method are also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventors: Jason D. Nieten, Pradipta N. Moulik, Michael C. Howard