Patents by Inventor Michael W. Howard
Michael W. 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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Publication number: 20240098198Abstract: An image-reading device, such as optical code readers used in retail environments to scan objects, is configured to select from various operational modes. The operational modes are selected based on an application of the image-reading device, such as optical code identification or image recognition. Red, white, and other color light sources are activated in patterns corresponding to an illumination sequence of the selected operational mode, while imagers are activated to capture an image based on an exposure pattern of the selected operational mode. Further, a repeating series of light pulses having different portions of light is provided. Various imagers are configured to capture images over one of the portions. This allows an operator to perceive one continuous light pattern, yet allows various imagers to capture an image under different light conditions used for different applications of the image-reading device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Aric Brant Zandhuisen, Michael Jay Ahten, Robert W. Rudeen, Keith Layne Rogers, Brett Thomas Howard
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Publication number: 20210291717Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Patent number: 11059413Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Patent number: 10938488Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring free space properties of an antenna. The system includes an analyzer adapted to obtain from an antenna supported in the air by an aircraft, at least one property of the antenna, and to determine at least one property of the antenna. The system also includes a telemetry unit adapted to relay information from the analyzer to a ground station.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Keysight Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Howard
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Publication number: 20200220627Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring free space properties of an antenna. The system includes an analyzer adapted to obtain from an antenna supported in the air by an aircraft, at least one property of the antenna, and to determine at least one property of the antenna. The system also includes a telemetry unit adapted to relay information from the analyzer to a ground station.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventor: Michael W. Howard
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Patent number: 10630397Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring free space properties of an antenna. The method may include supporting the antenna above the ground by an aircraft and using an analyzer to determine at least one property of the antenna while the antenna is suspended in the air. In example embodiments, the method may further include flying drone around the antenna while the antenna is suspended and using the drone to take measurements of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Keysight Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Howard
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Publication number: 20200047658Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Patent number: 10471878Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Publication number: 20190031077Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
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Publication number: 20180359023Abstract: Example embodiments relate to systems that use solar powered antennas. In some systems, the antennas are integrated with solar panels to facilitate communication in remote areas. In some systems the solar powered antennas may communicate with satellites to provide an Internet connection. In some systems the solar powered antennas may be used for interplanetary communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Michael W. Howard
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Publication number: 20180359036Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring free space properties of an antenna. The method may include supporting the antenna above the ground by an aircraft and using an analyzer to determine at least one property of the antenna while the antenna is suspended in the air. In example embodiments, the method may further include flying drone around the antenna while the antenna is suspended and using the drone to take measurements of the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Michael W. Howard
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Patent number: 10093219Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Publication number: 20170274814Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
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Patent number: 9694733Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Publication number: 20160068094Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
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Patent number: 9193291Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Michael Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Patent number: 9073516Abstract: A leveling jack for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, includes a leveling piston and cylinder, a bi-directional, reversible pump, and a reservoir within a common sealed housing that does not require exterior fluid connections. The piston is extended from the housing to contact the ground and effect leveling by operating the pump in one direction, and is retracted into the cylinder by operating the pump in the other direction. Accordingly, the leveling jack is a self-contained unit, and does not require a central hydraulic unit and the necessary hoses between the jack and the central hydraulic unit as needed in the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING INC.Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Patent number: 9007012Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
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Publication number: 20150021950Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
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Patent number: 8690128Abstract: An anodized aluminum hydraulic leveling cylinder 10 for a vehicle includes an extruded hollow body 20 having a vehicle attachment portion 24 for attaching the body to the underside of a vehicle. A piston 80 is slidably fitted into the interior of the body. The piston is formed of ductile aluminum capable of being machined to a desirable shape and dimensions. The piston is hard anodized and PTFE coated for durable and silent operation. Hydraulic oil passage means 23a, 23b is formed in the body, and a cap 50 with a pair of dual flow-through passages 53 is attached to the top end 30 of the body for permitting the flow of pressurized hydraulic oil into and out of the interior of the body to effect axial movement of the piston. Hydraulic fluid may be transferred through one or more hollow mounting bolts.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard