Patents by Inventor Thomas Howell

Thomas 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).

  • Publication number: 20230331338
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns a propulsion and load distribution system for a pedal actuated vehicle. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to an electrically powered frame, trailer, vehicle, trailer, cart, and/or cycle coupled to at least one motorized wheel operably connected thereto. In some embodiments, the propulsion system can be operably associated with a load distribution system comprising a rocker arm and a spring that are configured to be associated with a frame having an axle or to which an axle can be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Swenson, Ted Carton, Robert Howell, Thomas Howell, Laurie Delenin, Caitlin Swenson, Robert H.R. Carne, Anson Lundstrom, Kirk D. McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20230331052
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a load distribution system for vehicles and a method for mounting the load distribution system. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to a system comprising a rocker arm and a spring that are configured to be associated with a frame having an axle or to which an axle can be mounted. In some embodiments, the rocker arm can be rotatably coupled to at least one wheel. In some embodiments, an equalizer is attached to the rocker arm. In some embodiments, at least two wheels are rotatably coupled to the equalizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Swenson, Ted Carton, Robert Howell, Thomas Howell, Laurie Delenin, Caitlin Swenson, Robert H.R. Carne, Anson Lundstrom, Kirk D. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 10722691
    Abstract: A vaginal insertion portion is disclosed, the vaginal insertion portion including a base portion, a proximal holding portion located on a proximal side of the base portion, and a suction portion located on distal side of the proximal holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kawaura, Nao Mandai, Nobuo Takahashi, Thomas J. Fogarty, David Willis, Thomas Howell, Peter Carlotto, Shuji Uemura
  • Patent number: 10420582
    Abstract: A puncture apparatus is disclosed, which can include an insertion portion that is insertable into a living body, the insertion portion including an urethral insertion portion and a vaginal insertion portion, the urethral insertion portion and the vaginal insertion portion each having at least two sensors; a puncture needle that punctures living body tissues near the insertion portion in a state in which the insertion portion is inserted into the living body, the puncture needle having at least one sensor on a distal portion of the puncture needle; and a monitor configured to receive information relating to a positional relationship between a distal portion of the puncture needle and the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kawaura, Nao Mandai, Nobuo Takahashi, Thomas J. Fogarty, David Willis, Thomas Howell, Peter Carlotto, Shuji Uemura
  • Publication number: 20190128176
    Abstract: A variable position device (25) for a turbocharger includes a turbine wheel (24). A fluid diverter (26) for diverting exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel (24) is moveable inclusively between a first and a second end-stop position (80, 104, 82, 106) defining an end-stop span (84, 108). An actuator (46) is in operable association with the fluid diverter (26). The actuator (46) is configure to, in an operation mode, selectively move the fluid diverter (26) inclusively between a first and a second guard band position (88, 110, 90, 112) defining a guard band span (92, 114) that is less than the end-stop span (84, 108). The actuator (46) is configured to, in a first mode, move the fluid diverter (26) to a first reduced guard band position (94, 116) that is inclusively between the first end-stop position (80, 104) and the first guard band position (88, 110), and apply a constant force to the fluid diverter (26) to hold the fluid diverter (26) in the first reduced guard band position (94, 116).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Howell, Jeffrey Carter
  • Patent number: 10077850
    Abstract: A product may include a canister and a diaphragm may separate a control chamber within the canister. A piston may be movable in the canister between a first position and a second position in response to a pressure change in the control chamber. The piston may have a body and a skirt may extend from the body. The skirt may taper inward relative to the body as the skirt extends away from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Howell, Brian Edward Handlon
  • Patent number: 9091184
    Abstract: For controlling motion of a movable part, a device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber in fluid communication with each other via a variable orifice that is responsive to pressure within the first chamber. Movement of the movable part is thereby at least partially controlled by flow of a fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber via the variable orifice. An increase in pressure in the first chamber may cause an increase in orifice area, whereas a decrease in pressure may cause a decrease in the orifice area. Pressure-dependent elements that change geometries and/or the pressure-based opening/closing of one or more bypass channels may be used for this purpose. Where bypass channels are used, a valve may be opened/closed based on an operating parameter of a system in which the movable part is a component. Such a system may comprise an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Howell, John Schwoerer, Bruce Swanbon
  • Patent number: 8182525
    Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling a double-walled filling structure with a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. The filling structures are preferably used in pairs for providing flow into the iliac arteries when treating abdominal aortic aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Endologix, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Herbowy, Matthew R. Hellewell, K. T. Venkateswara Rao, Michael A. Evans, Thomas Howell, Gwendolyn A. Watanabe, Bhupendra Shah, James McKinley
  • Publication number: 20100283310
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved head restraint device for securing a person's head to a headrest such as those found on vehicle passenger seats. The head restraint immobilizes the person's head, neck, and spine in all degrees of freedom, e.g., lateral, longitudinal or frontal, and rotational, relative to the headrest. Yet, when a threshold amount of external force is applied to the person's head, particularly in a frontal or normal direction relative to the passenger seat, the person's head will separate itself from the headrest to prevent injury to the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Howell Blackwood
  • Publication number: 20090198267
    Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling a double-walled filling structure with a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. The filling structures are preferably used in pairs for providing flow into the iliac arteries when treating abdominal aortic aneurysm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Nellix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Evans, Thomas Howell, Gwendolyn A. Watanabe, Bhupendra Shah, James McKinley
  • Patent number: 7530988
    Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling a double-walled filling structure with a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. The filling structures are preferably used in pairs for providing flow into the iliac arteries when treating abdominal aortic aneurysm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Nellix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Evans, Thomas Howell, Gwendolyn A. Watanabe, Bhupendra Shah, James McKinley
  • Publication number: 20080058854
    Abstract: An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Maciej Kieturakis, Kenneth Mollenauer, Jan Echeverry, Thomas Howell, James Jervis, Helmut Kayan, Janine Robinson
  • Publication number: 20070279584
    Abstract: In one embodiment, eyewear having an activity monitoring capability is disclosed. Activity, such as motion, steps or distance, can be measured by an activity detector. The measured activity can then be used in providing activity-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their degree of activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Howell, David Chao, C. Thomas, Peter Tong
  • Publication number: 20070208330
    Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Treat, Fred Co, George Hermann, Thomas Howell, Theodore Kucklick, Michelle Monfort, Kenneth Mollenauer
  • Publication number: 20070186330
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a hat that has an electronic module with a radiation sensor. The module is at the brim of the hat. The module further includes a display. When the hat is normally worn, the sensor faces towards the sky to measure radiation, and the display faces towards the wearer. Also, when the wearer looks up at the brim, the wearer can see the output from the display. In another embodiment the module includes a speaker instead of or in addition to a display as the output device. Yet another embodiment includes a hat that has a crown, and an electronic module with a radiation sensor at the crown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Howell, Peter Tong, C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20070118170
    Abstract: An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various embodiments of one and two piece apparatus that permit laparoscopic observation both during tunneling and during subsequent balloon dissection are disclosed. In a disclosed one piece embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope that is inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure both during tunneling to a desired location and during subsequent balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member. The elongated neck permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Maciej Kieturakis, Kenneth Mollenauer, Jan Echeverry, Thomas Howell, James Jervis, Helmut Kayan, Janine Robinson
  • Publication number: 20070109491
    Abstract: A pair of glasses with a heart-rate monitor according to one embodiment. The heart-rate monitor is configured to measure the heart rate of the user of the glasses. The heart-rate monitor can include a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver. The radiation could be infrared radiation. In one approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the transmitter through a body part of the user to measure the user's heart rate. The sensor could be incorporated in a clip to clip onto the body part of the user, such as the ear lobe of the user. In another approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the transmitter and reflected by a body part of the user to measure the user's heart rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Howell, David Chao, C. Thomas, Robert Day, Peter Tong
  • Publication number: 20070048224
    Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element configured to measure the hydration level of a user is disclosed. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Peter Tong, C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20070046887
    Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Howell, David Chao, C. Thomas, Peter Tong
  • Publication number: 20070030442
    Abstract: One embodiment pertains to a pair of glasses with a camera. For example, the camera can be partially or fully embedded in the glasses. In another embodiment, the camera can be removably attached to the glasses, such as removably attached to a temple of the glasses. The glasses can also include one or more various other electrical components. These other electrical components can work separately or in conjunction with the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Howell, David Chao, C. Thomas, Peter Tong