Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Howard

Thomas 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).

  • Patent number: 6935729
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying replenishment fluid to an ink tank, wherein the ink tank includes a supply line to supply ink to a nozzle and a return line to receive unused ink. The method comprises the steps of periodically using a control system to recalibrate the ink pressure along the supply line to obtain an optimal print quality; and after the ink pressure has been recalibrated, using the control system to automatically adjust a supply rate of the replenishment fluid to the ink tank, wherein the supply rate of the replenishment fluid is adjusted based on the recalibrated ink pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Angelo J. De Marco, Thomas W. Howard, Dennis D. Leak, Clair F. Robe
  • Patent number: 4374618
    Abstract: A microfilm camera employs a reciprocating lens to optically arrest motion of documents traveling in a high-speed stream for photographic exposure onto stationary, incrementally advanced photographic film. The reciprocation of the lens is controlled by a closed loop servo system. To enhance performance of the servo system, the lens is supported by a four-bar linkage comprising relatively stiff light-weight arms interconnected by crossed leaf spring hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1983
    Assignee: IBM Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Howard