Morgan Hill, CA, United States of America

James K Howard

This inventor holds 53 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Magnetoresistive Sensors (CPC class 4286). Top assignee: International Business Machines Corporation. Active years: 1977-2000.


% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.4

ph-index = 22

Forward Citations = 1,306(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 1,262(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Fishkill, NY (US) (1977 - 1984)
  • Morgan Hill, CA (US) (1984 - 2000)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1977-2000

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Areas of Expertise:
Magnetoresistive Sensor
Magnetic Recording Medium
Thin Film
High Coercivity
Granular Layer
Boron Carbide
Inductive Write Head
Cobalt Alloy
Antiferromagnetic Film
Multilayer
Low Noise
Vertical Magnetic Recording
53 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: James K. Howard: Innovator in Magnetic Technologies

Introduction

James K. Howard, based in Morgan Hill, CA, has made significant contributions to the field of magnetic technologies, holding an impressive 53 patents. His continuous innovation within the industry showcases his dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.

Latest Patents

Among his recent patents, Howard has developed a *magnetoresistive sensor utilizing a granular magnetoresistive layer*. This invention involves a heterogeneous thin film structure that includes a discontinuous layer of ferromagnetic material deposited on an insulating substrate, overcoated with a layer of nonmagnetic electrically conductive material. This configuration exhibits giant magnetoresistance in saturation fields of approximately 350 Oersteds. His methods allow for the separate deposition of ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic materials without the need for phase separation through annealing.

Another patent, titled *Method of making magnetic disk with boron carbide overcoat layer*, emphasizes a thinner boron carbide overcoat that maintains the same durability as thicker traditional overcoat layers. By selecting specific adhesion layers and optimizing the manufacturing process, the durability of the overcoat is significantly enhanced, thus improving the overall performance of the magnetic disk.

Career Highlights

James K. Howard has spent his career at the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he has become a prominent figure in research and development. His work has led to advancements that are vital for the magnetic disk technology used in various applications, illustrating his impactful presence in the tech industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Howard has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Richard H. Ahlert and Michael Andrew Parker. These partnerships have contributed to the refinement of technologies and ideation of breakthrough inventions, further solidifying the importance of teamwork in innovation.

Conclusion

James K. Howard’s dedication to innovation and his prolific output of patents underscore his pivotal role in the development of advanced magnetic technologies. His work with IBM and collaborations with other industry experts demonstrate the significant impact that one inventor can have on technology and its application in modern society.

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