Jeff Allen Howard

Title: The Innovations of Jeff Allen Howard

Introduction

Jeff Allen Howard, an accomplished inventor based in West Lafayette, Indiana, has made significant contributions to the field of engineering with his inventive insights and innovative technologies. With a total of five patents to his name, Howard has pioneered advancements in cylinder head assembly designs that enhance performance in various applications.

Latest Patents

Among his most recent patents is a revolutionary design for a passive igniter cooling system integrated within a cylinder head assembly. This innovative cylinder head incorporates an upper deck, fire deck, gas exchange conduits, and a coolant cavity that encircles the gas exchange conduits. Notably, the design features an igniter socket with an igniter post and a circumferential sleeve step around the igniter bore, creating a cooling moat between the igniter post and sleeve step. Furthermore, the coolant cavity is engineered to include a valve bridge through-channel and a valve bridge part-way channel, allowing for passive coolant flow in and out of the cooling moat, thereby improving the efficiency of the cylinder head assembly.

Another significant patent by Howard details a cylinder head casting that encompasses a coolant cavity, designed to provide optimal coolant flow. The casting features a contoured lower surface that forms an igniter-support prominence along with cast-in coolant channels that direct coolant through a surrounding moat around the igniter post. This invention also emphasizes the importance of an alternating arrangement of contact locations for the igniter sleeve, which enhances thermal management and operational efficiency.

Career Highlights

Jeff Allen Howard currently works at Caterpillar Inc., a leading company in the manufacturing of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. His inventive work at Caterpillar showcases his ability to merge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, resulting in tangible advancements in engine technology.

Collaborations

In his professional journey, Howard collaborates with other skilled engineers, including Viorel Petrariu and Jonathan Richard Chittenden. Together, they work on innovative projects that aim to improve mechanical performance and efficiency, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in engineering advancements.

Conclusion

Through his dedication to innovation and engineering excellence, Jeff Allen Howard has established himself as a notable figure in the field of invention. His recent patents showcase remarkable advancements in cylinder head assembly technology, reflecting his commitment to improving mechanical systems. With a solid foundation at Caterpillar Inc. and a collaborative spirit, Howard continues to push the boundaries of engineering innovation.