Patents by Inventor Michael Howard

Michael 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: 9681094
    Abstract: Embodiments obtain a content item representing graphic content suitable for display as part of a shared media event, determine an activity metric for said content item, determine an activity metric for a participant of said shared media event, comparing the activity metric of the content item and the activity metric the participant, cause a display to render the graphic content associated with said content item, and render a representation of said participant. In at least some implementations, the relative displayed positions of said graphic content and said representation of the participant are based on the result of the comparison of the activity metric of the content item and the activity metric the participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Thomas Faulkner, Ruchir Astavans, Michael Howard Hill, Ewin Davis Kannuthottiyil, Mark Robert Swift
  • Patent number: 9664128
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Publication number: 20170138282
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Publication number: 20170119549
    Abstract: A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee includes an adjustable femoral portion, a tibial portion and at least one sensor coupled with the femoral and/or tibial portions to sense pressure exerted by the femoral and tibial portions against one another. The femoral portion is adapted for removably coupling with a distal end of a femur to adjust tension in soft tissue adjacent the knee and has at least one positioning feature adapted to move relative to the distal end of the femur as the femoral portion is adjusted, thus helping position a femoral prosthetic on the distal end of the femur. The sensor(s) may be adapted to sense pressure at medial and lateral sides of the knee, and relative pressures may be displayed as data on a visual display. Adjustments to the femoral member may be made to balance pressure at flexion and extension of the knee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Michael G. Fisher, Anthony K. Hedley, Michael Howard, Kevin M. Cordes, Toshinobu Katsuya
  • Patent number: 9639131
    Abstract: A variety of data storage devices, methods and systems are implemented for control of memory associated with backup functionality. One such data storage device includes a power circuit that provides main power. The data storage device has a first solid-state memory circuit that maintains data in the absence of electrical power. A second memory circuit is subject to data loss in the absence of electrical power. A storage circuit stores energy and provides the stored energy to the second memory circuit in response to a loss of main power. A test circuit discharges a portion of the stored energy to provide output data indicative of power-providing capabilities of the storage circuit. A memory controller controls data transfers to the data storage device by temporarily storing data destined for the first solid-state memory circuit and setting the amount of memory available for temporary storage in response to the output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Michael Howard Miller, Martin Ragnar Furuhjelm, Jonathan Williams Haines
  • Patent number: 9611792
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Publication number: 20170091279
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a novel technology and method for data owners to expose data and users to gain access to data within their enterprise while maintaining data governance policies required by the data owner. An example of the technology and methods are described herein which provides a technology agnostic framework that enables sharing and management of data across repositories, data formats, applications, and systems in the enterprise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Sapan SHAH, Barry HAMMEN, Michael HOWARD, Kyle LILLY, Eric PERRY, Kris SIEGEL, Adam YOHRLING, Matthew CARROLL, Michael SCHILLER, Steve TOUW, Jeffrey HASTINGS, Catherine HOLMES
  • Patent number: 9599046
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving combustion in a highly exhaust gas diluted engine are disclosed. The methods and systems may be provided in an engine that includes independent control of cylinder valves with respect to other cylinder valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael Howard Shelby, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Publication number: 20170067418
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing EGR gas temperature for an engine that includes at least one dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may provide exhaust gas to engine cylinders and the exhaust gas does not include exhaust gases from cylinders other than the dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may allow the engine to operate at higher EGR dilution levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Michael Damian Czekala, Gregory Patrick McConville
  • Patent number: 9587596
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a twin turbocharged engine with a single exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system are disclosed. In one example approach a system is provided comprising a first turbocharger in a first intake passage with a low-pressure EGR system fluidically coupling exhaust exiting the first turbocharger to intake air entering the first turbocharger, and a second turbocharger in a second intake passage without a low-pressure EGR system fluidically coupling exhaust exiting the second turbocharger to intake air entering the second turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, James Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby
  • Patent number: 9581114
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing EGR gas temperature for an engine that includes at least one dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may provide exhaust gas to engine cylinders and the exhaust gas does not include exhaust gases from cylinders other than the dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may allow the engine to operate at higher EGR dilution levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Michael Damian Czekala, Gregory Patrick McConville
  • Patent number: 9572588
    Abstract: A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee includes an adjustable femoral portion, a tibial portion and at least one sensor coupled with the femoral and/or tibial portions to sense pressure exerted by the femoral and tibial portions against one another. The femoral portion is adapted for removably coupling with a distal end of a femur to adjust tension in soft tissue adjacent the knee and has at least one positioning feature adapted to move relative to the distal end of the femur as the femoral portion is adjusted, thus helping position a femoral prosthetic on the distal end of the femur. The sensor(s) may be adapted to sense pressure at medial and lateral sides of the knee, and relative pressures may be displayed as data on a visual display. Adjustments to the femoral member may be made to balance pressure at flexion and extension of the knee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Synvasive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fisher, Anthony K Hedley, Michael Howard, Kevin M Cordes, Toshinobu Katsuya
  • Publication number: 20170040782
    Abstract: An electrical isolator includes a flexible non-electrically conductive membrane and an inelastic flexible dielectric member journalled in the membrane and extending from the first end of the membrane to the second end of the membrane. First and second coupling members are anchored to the ends of the dielectric member. The ends of the membrane are mated in sealed engagement with the coupling members so that the coupling members fluidically seal the ends of the membrane and fluidically seal the dielectric member within the membrane. The membrane is filled with a dielectric fluid so as to displace any air in the membrane and the dielectric member. The coupling members are adapted to couple to objects at opposite ends of the electrical isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: David Karl Wabnegger, Robert Wayne Palmer, Jody Milton Greer, Michael Howard Boudreau
  • Patent number: 9558900
    Abstract: An electrical disconnect includes a housing having a recess defined therein extending from an opening toward a base. The disconnect also includes a vacuum envelope defined within the housing near the base; a fixed contact assembly including a fixed contact structured to be in electrical communication with a voltage source disposed partially within the vacuum envelope; and a movable contact assembly including a movable contact having a first end disposed within the vacuum envelope and a second end disposed in the recess near the base and movable between a closed position in electrical contact with the fixed contact and an open position spaced apart from the fixed contact a separation distance. The housing includes a dynamic shield electrically connected to the movable contact, the dynamic shield being disposed about the recess within the housing and extending from the base toward the opening thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Davis Pearce, Bryan Richard Benson, Melvin Lavern Hughes, Timothy Gordon Robirds, Michael Howard Abrahamsen
  • Publication number: 20170018381
    Abstract: A contact assembly for an electrical component includes: a bus member; and a switching assembly structured to move between first and second positions. The switching assembly includes: a stationary contact extending from the bus member, a movable contact engaging the stationary contact when the switching assembly is in the first position and disengaging the stationary contact when the switching assembly moves toward the second position, and a switching device coupled to the bus member. When the switching assembly is in the first position, the switching device and the stationary contact are electrically connected in parallel with the bus member and the movable contact. When the switching assembly moves from the first position toward the second position, the switching device disconnects power after the movable contact disengages the stationary contact in order that electrical disconnection between the bus member and the movable contact occurs within the switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICHAEL HOWARD ABRAHAMSEN, DANIEL GARETT SIMS, MATTHEW STEPHEN WEIDEMEIER, ROBERT KIRKLAND SMITH, HONGBIN WANG
  • Patent number: 9539684
    Abstract: A machine tool having a monolithic base is disclosed. The monolithic base includes at least two flat surfaces that are mutually orthogonal and that are convex with respect to each other. The machine tool includes at least two moveable stages, each mounted to one of the flat surfaces, and each stage also being mutually orthogonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: MICROLUTION INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Honegger, Michael Howard, Elizabeth Amundsen, Brendon DiVincenzo, Grzegorz Nowobilski, Andrew Phillip
  • Publication number: 20170002759
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an impact of PCV hydrocarbons on an output of an intake oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include disabling EGR flow when the impact of PCV hydrocarbons on the output of the intake oxygen sensor is above a threshold. The impact of the PCV hydrocarbons on the output of the intake oxygen sensor may be based on a difference between the output of the intake oxygen sensor and a DPOV sensor when EGR is flow and a difference between the output of the intake oxygen sensor and expected blow-by when EGR is not flowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch, Stephen B. Smith, Michael Howard Shelby, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Mohannad Hakeem
  • Patent number: 9528475
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for engine dilution control via direct injection of water from a reservoir. In one example, a method may include during select conditions, direct injecting fluid from a reservoir into an EGR cooler. This approach can be used to supplement EGR flow during situations that decrease EGR flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Michael Howard Shelby, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Damian Czekala, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 9528406
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving purge air-fuel ratio control. Fuel vapors from a canister and the crankcase are selectively purged to a group of cylinders and not to remaining engine cylinders. Exhaust is recirculated from the selected group of cylinders to the engine intake wherefrom the EGR is ingested in the remaining engine cylinders and the selected group of cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Joseph Styles, Michael Howard Shelby
  • Patent number: D780679
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Michael Howard Curtis, Jonathan James Shondel