Patents by Inventor Timothy L. Howard

Timothy L. 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: 7147314
    Abstract: A multi-chamber inkjet print head includes a plurality of individual print head ink chambers that share a common ink filter and are in fluid communication with an ink flow regulator. An associated method of assembling a print head base having at least two separate fluid conduit paths filtered by a single piece of filter includes the steps of: (a) positioning a single piece filter between at least two separate ink receptacles associated with a print head and at least two respective ink conduits; and (b) sealing at least two separate ink paths between the at least two separate ink receptacles associated with the print head and the at least two ink conduits, such that the single piece of filter is in concurrent fluid communication with the at least two separate ink paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Daniel Anderson, Jr., James Andrew Kerr, Steven Robert Komplin, Ann Marie Trebolo, Timothy L. Howard, John R. Fowler, David E. Greer, Matthew J. Russell
  • Patent number: 6837577
    Abstract: A regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head includes: (a) a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet in fluid communication with the ink source, an ink outlet in fluid communication with the print head, and at least one flexible wall; and (b) a lever including a flexible arm extending along a portion of the flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal biased to close the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and to open the ink inlet to allow fluid communication between the ink inlet and the pressurized chamber when the lever is pivoted to a second position; where a lower pressure differential across the flexible wall causes the flexible wall to actuate the flexible arm, pivoting the lever to the first position (inlet closed), where a higher pressure differential across the flexible wall causes the flexible wall to actuate the flexible arm to pivot the lever to the second position (inlet open), and where a pressure change from
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Anderson, James P. Drummond, John R. Fowler, Trevor D. Gray, David E. Greer, Timothy L. Howard, Steve R. Komplin, Matthew J. Russell, Julie A. Whitney, Jon B. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20040257413
    Abstract: A regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head includes: (a) a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet in fluid communication with the ink source, an ink outlet in fluid communication with the print head, and at least one flexible wall; and (b) a lever including a flexible arm extending along a portion of the flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal biased to close the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and to open the ink inlet to allow fluid communication between the ink inlet and the pressurized chamber when the lever is pivoted to a second position; where a lower pressure differential across the flexible wall causes the flexible wall to actuate the flexible arm, pivoting the lever to the first position (inlet closed), where a higher pressure differential across the flexible wall causes the flexible wall to actuate the flexible arm to pivot the lever to the second position (inlet open), and where a pressure change from
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: James D. Anderson, James P. Drummond, John R. Fowler, Trevor D. Gray, David E. Greer, Timothy L. Howard, Steven R. Komplin, Matthew J. Russell, Julie A. Whitney, Jon B. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20040257401
    Abstract: A multi-chamber inkjet print head includes a plurality of individual print head ink chambers that share a common ink filter and are in fluid communication with an ink flow regulator. An associated method of assembling a print head base having at least two separate fluid conduit paths filtered by a single piece of filter includes the steps of: (a) positioning a single piece filter between at least two separate ink receptacles associated with a print head and at least two respective ink conduits; and (b) sealing at least two separate ink paths between the at least two separate ink receptacles associated with the print head and the at least two ink conduits, such that the single piece of filter is in concurrent fluid communication with the at least two separate ink paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: James Daniel Anderson, James Andrew Kerr, Steven Robert Komplin, Ann Marie Trebolo, Timothy L. Howard, John R. Fowler, David E. Greer, Matthew J. Russell
  • Patent number: 6817707
    Abstract: An ink jet printhead assembly for a pressure controlled ink jet printhead. The assembly includes an ink reservoir made of a first material having a first melting point and having an open top cavity defined by sidewalls, a bottom wall and a peripheral edge. A pressure control structure made of a polymeric material having a second melting point lower than the first melting point is included. The pressure control structure has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a side surface, and an aperture therein. A sealing structure for forming a liquid tight seal is provided between the sidewalls of the ink reservoir and the side surface of the pressure control structure. A pressure regulating film is attached over the aperture to the first surface of the pressure control structure. A cover is attached to the ink reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Fowler, Timothy L. Howard, Matthew J. Russell, Jon B. Whitney
  • Patent number: 6796644
    Abstract: A regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head includes: (a) a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet in fluid communication with and ink source, an ink outlet in fluid communication with a print head, and at least one flexible wall; and (b) a lever including a flexible arm extending along a portion of the flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal biased to close the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and to open the ink inlet to allow fluid communication between the ink inlet and the pressurized chamber when the lever is pivoted to a second position; where a lower pressure differential across the flexible wall causes the flexible wall to actuate the flexible arm, pivoting the lever to the first position (inlet closed), where a higher pressure differential across the flexible wall causes the flexible wall to actuate the flexible arm to pivot the lever to the second position (inlet open), and where a pressure change from th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Anderson, Jr., Gerald F. Davis, John R. Fowler, David E. Greer, Trevor D. Gray, Timothy L. Howard, Steven R. Komplin, Matthew J. Russell, David T. Shadwick
  • Patent number: 6776478
    Abstract: A method of reducing the size of an ink flow regulator in fluid communication between an ink source and a print head nozzle. The method including the steps of: (a) positioning an ink flow regulator and an ink outlet of the ink flow regulator in a first section of the flow regulator; and (b) orienting a pivotable lever, having a first leg coupled to an inlet closure of the regulator and a second leg operatively coupled to an actuating wall of the regulator such that a fulcrum of the pivotable lever separates the first section from a second section of the ink flow regulator, wherein the first section and the second section are in fluid communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Anderson, Jr., James P. Drummond, John R. Fowler, Trevor D. Gray, Timothy L. Howard, Matthew J. Russell
  • Patent number: 5884970
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial relationship between the bottom and the back of a chair which may be subjected to severe mechanical stress, as in the case of a vehicle crash, the seat and the back being operatively connected respectively to two oppositely threaded portions of a rotatable shaft which is adapted to be rotated in one direction or the other to produce the desired change in spatial relationship, the arrangement providing the combination of exceptional strength in the event of a crash and reduced cost. The operative connection between the chair parts and the shaft includes two non-rotatable parts engaged respectively with the oppositely threaded shaft portions so as to move in and out with respect to the shaft as the latter is rotated, and a housing which permits those parts to thus move while preventing their rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: CounterBalance Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Howard
  • Patent number: 5430543
    Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope detector lens system for mounting on a ring laser gyroscope body having a resonant cavity. The ring laser gyroscope body has CW and CCW counterpropagating light beams propagating in a plane normal to the rate input axis of the ring laser gyroscope. The ring laser gyroscope detector lens system comprises a means for extracting a component of each of the CW and a CCW light beams from the cavity and for providing extracted CW and CCW beams. A means for combining the extracted CW and CCW beams to form an interference light source receives the extracted light. A planar array of detector element receives light from an objective lens means responsive to the interference light source. The objective lens means is typically a cylindrical lens that forms an interference light source pattern on the planar array of detector elements. A bias and amplification means is provided for conditioning each of the detectors in the array to be independently responsive to incident light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Howard
  • Patent number: 5359414
    Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope radiation-resistant detector lens system for mounting on a ring laser gyroscope body having a resonant cavity. The ring laser gyroscope body has CW and CCW counterpropagating light beams propagating in a plane normal to the rate input axis of the ring laser gyroscope. The ring laser gyroscope detector lens system comprises a means for extracting a component of each of the CW and a CCW light beams from the cavity and for combining the extracted CW and CCW beams to form a substantially circular interference light source. A planar array of detector element receives light from an objective lens means responsive to the interference light source. The objective lens means is a cylindrical lens that forms an elliptically-shaped interference light source pattern on a first and second adjacent pair of detectors in an array of four detector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Howard, Charles W. Kohlenberger
  • Patent number: 4596383
    Abstract: A mechanical locking device for restraining the piston rod of a gas spring n an extended position comprises a lock tube mounted on the piston rod coaxially with the cylinder and adapted to ride telescopingly over the cylinder during normal inward and outward movement of the piston rod. Apparatus is provided on the piston rod whereby the piston rod can be overextended, beyond its normal fully extended position, to permit the lock tube to move out of coaxial alignment with the cylinder; the end of the lock tube thereby abuts the end face of the cylinder and prevents inward movement of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Gas Spring Company, Division of Fichtel & Sachs Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Howard
  • Patent number: 4580749
    Abstract: A resilient support column for height-adjustable chairs or the like includes a piston-and-cylinder type pneumatic spring that is installable in and removable from the column by means of a retaining sleeve structure carried by the spring. The retaining sleeve is connected to the column through a threaded connection that permits quick one-step insertion of the combined sleeve-spring unit into the column, while thereafter affording the advantage of threaded adjustment within the column or threaded removal therefrom. A simple mechanical fastener holds the retaining sleeve in place on the pneumatic spring during shipment and/or assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Gas Spring Company Div. of Fichtel & Sachs Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Howard
  • Patent number: 4548389
    Abstract: A seal between a piston rod and a housing in which the piston reciprocates for preventing the escape of compressed fluid from the housing. A fixed sealing member engages the piston rod adjacent the housing wall, and a floating sealing member engages the piston rod at a location spaced from the fixed sealing member. A liquid is in the space between the sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawther O. Smith, Timothy L. Howard, Franz A. Kautz
  • Patent number: 4236845
    Abstract: A socket assembly for a ball and socket coupling comprises a socket body having a ball-receiving socket which includes a cylindrical portion. A pair of slots extend through the socket body and open into the cylindrical portion at locations diametrically opposite each other and outwardlyfrom the seated position of the ball. Each slot has a flat surface which generally faces the seated position of the ball and converges inwardly toward the axis of the cylindrical portion of the socket, thus to lie obliquely to the axis of the cylindrical portion. A generally C-shaped spring clip wraps around the socket body. The clip has opposed end portions which extend through the slots and part way into the socket far enough to engage the neck of the ball component. The end portions of the clip are oriented generally obliquely to the axis of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: Gas Spring Corporation
    Inventors: Lawther O. Smith, Timothy L. Howard, Kalman Broitman
  • Patent number: RE37928
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial relationship between the bottom and the bade of a chair which may be subjected to seven mechanical stress, as in the case of a vehicle crash, the seat and the back being operatively connected respectively to two oppositely threaded portions of a rotatable shaft which is adapted to be routed in one direction or the other to produce the desired change in spatial relationship, the arrangement providing the combination of exceptional strength in the event of a crash and reduced cost. The operative connection between the chair parts and the shaft includes two non-rotatable parts engaged respectively with the oppositely threaded shaft portions so as to move in and out with respect to the shaft as the latter is rotated, and a housing which permits those parts to thus move while preventing their motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy L. Howard
  • Patent number: RE31635
    Abstract: A socket assembly for a ball and socket coupling comprises a socket body having a ball-receiving socket which includes a cylindrical portion. A pair of slots extend through the socket body and open into the cylindrical portion at locations diametrically opposite each other and outwardlyfrom the seated position of the ball. Each slot has a flat surface which generally faces the seated position of the ball and converges inwardly toward the axis of the cylindrical portion of the socket, thus to lie obliquely to the axis of the cylindrical portion. A generally C-shaped spring clip wraps around the socket body. The clip has opposed end portions which extend through the slots and part way into the socket far enough to engage the neck of the ball component. The end portions of the clip are oriented generally obliquely to the axis of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Gas Spring Corporation
    Inventors: Lawther O. Smith, Timothy L. Howard, Kalman Broitman