Patents by Inventor Robert M. Howell

Robert M. Howell 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: 6542119
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for using an antenna array in conjunction with a GPS receiver to receive GPS satellite transmissions. A switching circuit, under the control of a GPS controller, can vary the sampling rate of multiple antennas in the antenna array to ensure that multiple satellite information is acquired. The device of the present invention can be implemented in handheld cell phones, personal data assistants, telemetric devices or any device using a GPS receiver that may be used in various orientations so as to receive GPS satellite transmissions from multiple directions. More highly directional antennas can be employed having higher gain since the antenna array can receive satellite data from multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Varitek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Howell, Timothy J. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20020115436
    Abstract: Disclosed is a telematics system that is self-contained and includes a number of anti-defeat counter-measure features that prevent the disablement of the system. In addition, the present system utilizes event sensors, such as motion sensors, to detect the existence of an event after the remote unit has been armed. Location data is then sent to a base station that calculates if the unit has been moved beyond a predetermined perimeter which causes the generation of a alarm condition. The telematics system is also capable of adjusting the transmission frequency period of location data and prioritizing the data that is sent. Further, the system reduces the amount of location data that is sent from the remote unit by eliminating redundant data. Transmission rates of the data are maximized by adjusting the baud rate according to the signal strength of a communication link between the remote unit and a base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Robert M. Howell, Timothy J. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20020044085
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for using an antenna array in conjunction with a GPS receiver to receive GPS satellite transmissions. A switching circuit, under the control of a GPS controller, can vary the sampling rate of multiple antennas in the antenna array to ensure that multiple satellite information is acquired. The device of the present invention can be implemented in handheld cell phones, personal data assistants, telemetric devices or any device using a GPS receiver that may be used in various orientations so as to receive GPS satellite transmissions from multiple directions. More highly directional antennas can be employed having higher gain since the antenna array can receive satellite data from multiple orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Robert M. Howell, Timothy J. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5149143
    Abstract: The connector assembly includes a clamp having a segmented latch ring radially disposed therein and mating hubs on tubular members to be connected. A downwardly facing shoulder of the clamp engages the upwardly facing shoulder of an end hub on one of the tubular members. The segmented latch ring includes a plurality of latch segments having a T-slot for receiving actuator screws which, when rotated, cause the latch ring segments to move radially inward to engage a downwardly facing shoulder on an end hub of the other tubular member. Upon actuation, the hubs are compressed together for connecting the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: National-Oilwell
    Inventor: Robert M. Howell
  • Patent number: 4311282
    Abstract: Hammer mill cyclone outlet is disclosed for a grinder/mixer agricultural machine, including a hammer mill, a transfer auger and a fan for removal of airborne dust generated by the mill. The fan communicates with the mill via a duct, the mouth of the duct opening into the mill is partially covered by a resilient flap and engages with the flights of the transfer auger to move and thus prevent a build up of stationary obstructions at the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Howell