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).

  • Publication number: 20240098198
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Aric Brant Zandhuisen, Michael Jay Ahten, Robert W. Rudeen, Keith Layne Rogers, Brett Thomas Howard
  • Publication number: 20210291717
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 11059413
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 10938488
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Keysight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20200220627
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventor: Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 10630397
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Keysight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20200047658
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 10471878
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20190031077
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
  • Publication number: 20180359023
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventor: Michael W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20180359036
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventor: Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 10093219
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20170274814
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
  • Patent number: 9694733
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20160068094
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
  • Patent number: 9193291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 9073516
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Patent number: 9007012
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20150021950
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michael A. SCHWINDAMAN, Thomas J. ROGERS, Michael W. HOWARD
  • Patent number: 8690128
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schwindaman, Thomas J. Rogers, Michael W. Howard