Patents by Inventor R. Howard

R. 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: 20100269035
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for displaying information topics that are available via an online help system. The methods and systems store information for given topics in a respective folder associated with a given topic, detect the selection of one of the folders associated with a topic of interest, search files at a hierarchical level in the selected folder to identify files of a predetermined type, locate HTML metatags that pertain to the display of help information, merge data associated with the HTML metatags into a HTML template file to generate an HTML file containing data associated with each of the located HTML metatags, and provide a table of contents for the topic of interest associated with the selected folder using the generated HTML file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Meyer, Albert R. Howard, JR., Kevin Knabe, Richard B. Hoiberg
  • Patent number: 7806182
    Abstract: A subterranean formation stimulation method utilizes a treatment fluid comprising residual drilling fluid injected into the formation, and producing the stimulated formation. In one embodiment, a tight gas formation is fractured and the fracture has a higher conductivity than the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: George Waters, Paul R. Howard, Don Williamson, John W. Still
  • Publication number: 20100248997
    Abstract: The invention discloses method of treatment and reuse of oilfield produced water. The method comprises: providing an aqueous medium comprised at least in part of oilfield produced water; contacting the aqueous medium with a zirconium compound; whereby the fluid viscosity and/or fluid drag reduction ability of the combination of the aqueous medium and zirconium compound is improved compared to the aqueous medium alone; introducing the combination in to the well; and allowing the combination to contact the formation. In another embodiment, the aqueous medium is further contacted by a friction-reduction additive. Still in another embodiment, the aqueous medium is further contacted by a gelling additive. Still in another embodiment, the fluid is energized with a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Lijun Lin, Chucks I. Ezeokonkwo, Curtis L. Bonney, Paul R. Howard, Sudhir Shenoy, Baudel William Quintero, Ksenia Eliseeva
  • Publication number: 20100242035
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that monitor upgrade availability for computer information on a user's computer and allows the user to determine which of the available upgrades will be downloaded to the user's computer and installed. The upgrade availability for computer information on the user's computer is monitored in the background, without user-intervention when the user connects to a network, such as the Internet. If any such upgrades are available, a flag is set to notify the user of such upgrades. The user is notified of any available upgrades when computer information is accessed for which an upgrade is available, and given a choice of whether or not to download the available upgrade(s). The downloaded upgrade(s) may then be installed by an installation means. In this manner, the present invention allows for the user to download only those upgrades desired by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Meyer, Albert R. Howard, JR., Wayne Loofbourrow
  • Patent number: 7770123
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for dynamically generating an HTML-based information help system. The information help system provides a user with a table of contents of the information that is currently available on the system. The table of contents is generated by scanning specific files for meta-tag information. The gathered information is merged with pre-defined HTML template files that control the formatting and presentation of the information. The resulting table of contents which is provided to the user accurately reflects the current content of the information system. By dynamically generating the table of contents for the information help system, the present invention allows authors to add, remove, and change individual components of the system while ensuring that users are presented with an accurate and complete list of the information available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Meyer, Albert R. Howard, Jr., Kevin Knabe, Richard B. Hoiberg
  • Patent number: 7752092
    Abstract: System and method for accessing and displaying previous financial return information in financial return preparation programs. For example, historical tax return information for a taxable entity may be used in the preparation of a current tax return, and some of this information or data may be transferred into a current tax return electronic document, or used in the calculation of a value for a field in a current tax return document. Embodiments may provide a mechanism that enables the preparer to “jump” from a current financial return electronic document, or field on a current electronic document, that is being prepared using a current program to an electronic document prepared using a previous program, and that thus allows the preparer to directly view the source of transferred information or data. Embodiments may thus allow the preparer to identify the specific sources of transferred data or information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Sara D. Mattice, Jennifer L. Reeves, Pamela R. Welch, Laurie A. Irish-Duncan, William W. Huckabee, James G. Johnson, Kenneth R. Howard
  • Patent number: 7734721
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that monitors upgrade availability for computer information on a user's computer and allows the user to determine which of the available upgrades will be downloaded to the user's computer and installed. The upgrade availability for computer information on the user's computer is monitored in the background, without user-intervention when the user connects to a network, such as the Internet. If any such upgrades are available, a flag is set to notify the user of such upgrades. The user is notified of any available upgrades when computer information is accessed for which an upgrade is available, and given a choice of whether or not to download the available upgrade(s). The downloaded upgrade(s) may then be installed by an installation means. In this manner, the present invention allows for the user to download only those upgrades desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Meyer, Albert R. Howard, Jr., Wayne Loofbourrow
  • Patent number: 7716099
    Abstract: System and method for providing customer support via Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for particular aspects of tax programs and other computer-implemented processes. Different areas of tax preparation may be identified as different modules in the tax program. After selecting a module, a user of the tax program may select a particular document or particular field on a document that the user may need assistance with. A user interface may provide one or more mechanisms whereby the user may access VoIP support targeted at the particular aspect (e.g., module, document, or field). By enabling users to select particular aspects of the tax program and to invoke VoIP support for aspects at which support is needed, embodiments may enable users to sort themselves into queues targeted at the particular aspects for which support is needed before contacting the vendor's support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela R. Welch, William W. Huckabee, Kenneth R. Howard, Hiep Nguyen, Sara D. Mattice, Jennifer L. Reeves, James G. Johnson, Albert S. Baines, Stephen H. Wright
  • Publication number: 20100093891
    Abstract: The invention provides a method. The method injects into a wellbore, a fluid comprising at least one of an acrylamide polymer and an acrylamide copolymer, and at least one of an oxidizing agent and a radical initiator; and allows viscosity of the fluid to increase for a first period of time; and subsequently, allows viscosity of the fluid to decrease for a second period of time. In a further aspect the invention provides a fluid for use in a well within a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The fluid is in a first embodiment, made of an acrylamide polymer and/or copolymer and an oxidizing agent or radical initiator, wherein concentration of the oxidizing agent or radical initiator is such that the fluid increases its viscosity for a period of time and after said period of time decreases its viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Syed Ali, Richard D. Hutchins, Lijun Lin, Curtis L. Boney, Carlos Abad, Javier Sanchez Reyes, Paul R. Howard
  • Patent number: 7674163
    Abstract: A fillet board for filleting fish having spines or horns on their pectoral fins extending outwardly from the sides of the fish body. The board defines apertures each sized to receive the horn of a fish laid flat on one side with the horn secured by the board. A plurality of apertures are sized and spaced along a portion of the length of the board to accommodate fish of different sizes. The fillet board has a spacer element to elevate the board above a supporting surface to provide clearance for fish horns to extend below the board. The fillet board includes a tail clamp for securing the tail of a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Michael R. Howard
  • Publication number: 20090318313
    Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is carried out by forming treatment fluid comprising water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation through the wellbore at a pressure above the fracture pressure of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Leiming Li, Lijun Lin, Paul R. Howard, Curtis L. Boney, Carlos Abad
  • Publication number: 20090305914
    Abstract: A method of forming a gelled organic-based fluid is disclosed. The method comprises combining an organic solvent, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a metal carboxylate crosslinker; and forming the gelled organic-based fluid. In a further aspect, the method is used to treat a subterranean formation of a well, for example for a stimulation job as fracturing or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Syed Ali, Lijun Lin, Mathew M. Samuel, Curtis L. Boney, Francois M. Auzerais, Richard Marcinew, Paul R. Howard
  • Publication number: 20090281004
    Abstract: A well treatment microemulsion for use in a subterranean formation is disclosed, the microemulsion comprises a solvent blend comprising a solvent and a co-solvent; a surfactant blend comprising a surfactant, wherein the surfactant blend is able to give formation intermediate wettability properties; an alcohol; and a carrier fluid; wherein the alcohol, the solvent and surfactant blends are combined with the carrier fluid to produce the well treatment microemulsion. By intermediate wettability it is meant that the water has an advancing contact angle on the surface between 62 and 133 degrees. The associate method of treating a subterranean formation of a well with the microemulsion and the associate method of modifying the wettability of the formation with the microemulsion are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Leiming Li, Paul R. Howard, Sumitra Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 7535136
    Abstract: A motor includes a protector electrically connected to the windings and positioned on the coil. A rigid bracket is sized and shaped to receive the protector. A fastening system extends over the coil, bracket and the protector and compresses the bracket against the coil. The bracket inhibits transmission of the compressive force of the fastening system to the protector and thereby shields the protector from damaging force. In another configuration, a sleeve receives the protector, and the fastening system extends only over the sleeve rather than over the protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Eric W. Rush, David M. Lyle, Dennis R. Howard
  • Publication number: 20090107671
    Abstract: A subterranean formation stimulation method utilizes a treatment fluid comprising residual drilling fluid injected into the formation, and producing the stimulated formation. In one embodiment, a tight gas formation is fractured and the fracture has a higher conductivity than the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: George Waters, Paul R. Howard, Don Williamson, John W. Still
  • Publication number: 20090023614
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for treating subterranean formations, in particular, oilfield stimulation compositions and methods using water-in-water polymer emulsions to uniformly dissolve a rheologically active polymer, such as a thickener or friction reducer, in the treatment fluid. The emulsions have a low viscosity and are easily pumped for mixing into a treatment fluid, where upon dilution with an aqueous medium, the polymer is easily hydrated without forming fish-eyes. The partitioning agent in the water-in-water emulsion does not generally affect the rheology of the treatment fluid. The invention also relates to further processing of the emulsion by wet grinding, high shear mixing and/or heating to enhance the hydration rate in the preparation of the well treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Philip F. Sullivan, Gary John Tustin, Yenny Christanti, Gregory Kubala, Bruno Drochon, Yiyan Chen, Marie Noelle Dessinges, Paul R. Howard
  • Patent number: 7469694
    Abstract: A portable saw has a depth or blade lowering control and an adjustable stop for selecting the maximum depth of the blade to which the blade can be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Howard, Richard M. Tremain
  • Publication number: 20080287323
    Abstract: The invention discloses treatment and reuse of oilfield produced water. A method of inhibiting enzymes/bacteria in an aqueous medium for viscosification comprises contacting the aqueous medium with a denaturant and/or a bactericide and thereafter mixing a gelling agent in the aqueous medium. The viscosified fluid can be used as a well treating fluid for fracturing and other applications. A well treatment fluid comprises a metal denaturant and/or a bactericide and a gelling agent in an amount effective to viscosify the fluid. Also disclosed is oilfield produced water denatured with from 1 to 2000 ppm by weight of a zirconium compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Paul R. Howard, Michael D. Parris, Bernhard Lungwitz, Curtis L. Boney, Kevin W. England, Richard D. Hutchins, Jack Li
  • Publication number: 20080234147
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore utilizes a treating fluid formed from an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer. The treating fluid further contains a crosslinking agent and an optional delayed release alkaline additive. The delayed release alkaline additive may be at least one of urea, a urea derivative, a solid alkaline earth metal carbonate, a solid alkaline earth metal oxide and combinations of these. The treating fluid further includes an acidic pH adjusting agent used in an amount to provide the treating fluid with a pH of less than about 5. The treating fluid is then introduced into the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Paul R. Howard, Carlos Abad, Michael D. Parris, Lijun Lin, Andrey Mirakyan, Richard D. Hutchins, Baudel William Quintero
  • Patent number: 7377419
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a heat exchanger includes brush electroplating plated layers for a brazing alloy onto a stainless steel tube in thin layers, over a nickel strike having a 1.3 ?m thickness. The resultant Au-18 In composition may be applied as a first layer of indium, 1.47 ?m thick, and a second layer of gold, 2.54 ?m thick. The order of plating helps control brazing erosion. Excessive amounts of brazing material are avoided by controlling the electroplating process. The reticulated copper foam rings are interference fit to the stainless steel tube, and in contact with the plated layers. The copper foam rings, the plated layers for brazing alloy, and the stainless steel tube are heated and cooled in a vacuum furnace at controlled rates, forming a bond of the copper foam rings to the stainless steel tube that improves heat transfer between the tube and the copper foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Stanley R. Howard, Paul S. Korinko