Patents by Inventor Alan Hughes

Alan Hughes 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: 7883188
    Abstract: A computer-controlled, semi-automatic, refill system for inkjet cartridges includes a touch screen and audio system for providing on-screen graphic and auditory instructions. The system also includes a plurality of exhausting units, a plurality of refilling units, a weighing unit and a plurality of test printers. The system is adapted to refill a plurality of black, color and color photo inkjet cartridge models from a plurality of manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventors: David Scanlan, Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100325786
    Abstract: In one aspect of the subject invention, a spacer is provided for supporting a closet flange above a sub-flooring, the closet flange having a pipe section and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the pipe section. The spacer includes a disc-shaped body having spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the pipe section of the closet flange but not the annular flange of the closet flange. The outer edge is generally smooth and arcuate. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a spacer is provided usable with a closet flange to provide elevation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SET-RITE PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 7805777
    Abstract: In one aspect of the subject invention, a spacer is provided for supporting a closet flange above a sub-flooring, the closet flange having a pipe section and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the pipe section. The spacer includes a disc-shaped body having spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the pipe section of the closet flange but not the annular flange of the closet flange. The outer edge is generally smooth and arcuate. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a spacer is provided usable with a closet flange to provide elevation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Set-Rite Products, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 7779098
    Abstract: A method includes issuing a retrieval instruction, such as a database query, to retrieve from a database system a datum associated with a network circuit. Upon receiving the datum from the database system, it is determined, based on the datum received, whether the network circuit is stranded or whether the network circuit is incurring a charge but is not generating sufficient revenue. When the network circuit is stranded, a disconnect instruction to disconnect the network circuit is issued. When the network circuit is incurring a charge but the amount of revenue generated by the network circuit is below a predetermined threshold, a termination instruction to terminate a service associated with the network circuit is issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Paritosh Bajpay, Robert Best, Hossein Eslambolchi, Richard Glozzy, Alan Hughes, John McCanuel
  • Publication number: 20100037376
    Abstract: A system is provided herein which includes a closet flange insert and at least one spacer to be positioned between the closet flange insert and an installed closet flange. The closet flange insert includes a toilet connecting flange which extends radially outwardly from a through pipe. The through pipe is sized to be inserted into a pipe section of a closet flange. Each spacer includes spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the through pipe of the closet flange insert but not the toilet connecting flange of the closet flange insert. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a system is provided which allows the closet flange insert to be mounted atop an installed closet flange, with one or more spacers therebetween, and with the closet flange insert being flush with surrounding finished flooring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SET-RITE PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 7605659
    Abstract: A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) circuit includes a gain adjust circuit and a gain select circuit that are both coupled to an output of an amplifier. The gain select circuit completes feedback to the amplifier while the gain adjust circuit is arranged to boost or cut the gain of the gain selection circuit. The gain adjust circuit can be arranged as a trim adjustment to the overall gain of the PGA circuit, where a different trim adjustment can be mapped to each gain setting such as from a look-up table. In other example implementations, the PGA circuit can periodically switch between multiple gain settings using a modulation scheme such that the overall gain is blended between the various gain settings according to a duty cycle, pulse-width, or delta-sigma modulation, with a time averaging effect on the overall gain of the PGA circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20090251215
    Abstract: An output stage of an amplifier circuit includes one or more output transistors that are selectively driven by a boosted drive circuit, where the boosted drive circuit is arranged such that the output range of the amplifier circuit is increased while maintaining reduced quiescent current. The drive signal to each output transistor is selectively increased only when demanded by the output load conditions. The threshold for boosting the drive signal can be adjusted for optimized performance. In one example, a class AB output stage includes a separate drive boost circuit for each output transistor. For this example, each drive boost circuit has a separate threshold for boosting each of the drive signals to the output transistors. The boosting can also be adjusted to optimize the differential input stage and current mirror maximum current requirement while maintaining minimum required bias currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 7553439
    Abstract: A mold transfer assembly is described that upon placement or construction along a region of an injection molding press, readily receives and retains mold(s) used in the press, and when not in use can be stored below the floor. The mold transfer assembly includes a mold receiving member that is positionable between an extended or raised state, at which the member is at a position, orientation, and height suitable for receiving a mold or set of molds from the press, and a retracted position at which the member is positioned under the floor. This configuration and positioning ability enables greater amounts of floor space to be used when the mold transfer assembly is not in use. Also described is a molding platen having a selectively positionable mold support ledge that enables molds of different sizes to be used in a single press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan Hughes, Chad Wojniak
  • Patent number: 7545209
    Abstract: A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) circuit includes a gain adjust circuit and a gain select circuit that are both coupled to an output of an amplifier. The gain select circuit completes feedback to the amplifier while the gain adjust circuit is arranged to boost or cut the gain of the gain selection circuit. The gain adjust circuit can be arranged as a trim adjustment to the overall gain of the PGA circuit, where a different trim adjustment can be mapped to each gain setting such as from a look-up table. In other example implementations, the PGA circuit can periodically switch between multiple gain settings using a modulation scheme such that the overall gain is blended between the various gain settings according to a duty cycle, pulse-width, or delta-sigma modulation, with a time averaging effect on the overall gain of the PGA circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 7545210
    Abstract: A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) circuit includes a gain adjust circuit and a gain select circuit that are both coupled to an output of an amplifier. The gain select circuit completes feedback to the amplifier while the gain adjust circuit is arranged to boost or cut the gain of the gain selection circuit. The gain adjust circuit can be arranged as a trim adjustment to the overall gain of the PGA circuit, where a different trim adjustment can be mapped to each gain setting such as from a look-up table. In other example implementations, the PGA circuit can periodically switch between multiple gain settings using a modulation scheme such that the overall gain is blended between the various gain settings according to a duty cycle, pulse-width, or delta-sigma modulation, with a time averaging effect on the overall gain of the PGA circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20080252378
    Abstract: A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) circuit includes a gain adjust circuit and a gain select circuit that are both coupled to an output of an amplifier. The gain select circuit completes feedback to the amplifier while the gain adjust circuit is arranged to boost or cut the gain of the gain selection circuit. The gain adjust circuit can be arranged as a trim adjustment to the overall gain of the PGA circuit, where a different trim adjustment can be mapped to each gain setting such as from a look-up table. In other example implementations, the PGA circuit can periodically switch between multiple gain settings using a modulation scheme such that the overall gain is blended between the various gain settings according to a duty cycle, pulse-width, or delta-sigma modulation, with a time averaging effect on the overall gain of the PGA circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 7352242
    Abstract: A programmable gain amplifier includes a first gain setting circuit and a second gain setting circuit that are both coupled to an output of an amplifier. A trim adjustment circuit is and arranged to complete feedback to the amplifier by digitally panning between the first gain setting and the second gain setting based on a trim setting. The trim setting can be provided by a look-up table that is indexed with gain settings. The first and the second gain setting circuits can each include an array of series coupled resistors, where a tap point from each array is selectively coupled to the trim adjustment circuit for adjusting the overall gain. The first and second gain setting circuits can be matched to one another, with the addition of a gain offset circuit that is configured to skew the nominal gain values between the first and second gain setting circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20080061872
    Abstract: A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) circuit includes a gain adjust circuit and a gain select circuit that are both coupled to an output of an amplifier. The gain select circuit completes feedback to the amplifier while the gain adjust circuit is arranged to boost or cut the gain of the gain selection circuit. The gain adjust circuit can be arranged as a trim adjustment to the overall gain of the PGA circuit, where a different trim adjustment can be mapped to each gain setting such as from a look-up table. In other example implementations, the PGA circuit can periodically switch between multiple gain settings using a modulation scheme such that the overall gain is blended between the various gain settings according to a duty cycle, pulse-width, or delta-sigma modulation, with a time averaging effect on the overall gain of the PGA circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20080061873
    Abstract: A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) circuit includes a gain adjust circuit and a gain select circuit that are both coupled to an output of an amplifier. The gain select circuit completes feedback to the amplifier while the gain adjust circuit is arranged to boost or cut the gain of the gain selection circuit. The gain adjust circuit can be arranged as a trim adjustment to the overall gain of the PGA circuit, where a different trim adjustment can be mapped to each gain setting such as from a look-up table. In other example implementations, the PGA circuit can periodically switch between multiple gain settings using a modulation scheme such that the overall gain is blended between the various gain settings according to a duty cycle, pulse-width, or delta-sigma modulation, with a time averaging effect on the overall gain of the PGA circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20080028591
    Abstract: A shaft is held in place within the bore of a housing by means of a band of resilient material that is located between the shaft and the housing and has a series of projections extending radially inwards. The shaft surface has a first part that lies closer to the longitudinal axis of the bore than a second part, when the shaft and housing are assembled. The shaft is initially inserted into the resilient band, which is held within the bore, such that the first part of the shaft surface is oriented towards one of the projections of the resilient band. In this orientation of the shaft, the projection is not compressed. By orienting the second part of the shaft surface the projection, the projection is brought under compression and the shaft is held firmly within the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: RENCOL TOLERANCE RINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20070285481
    Abstract: A computer-controlled, semi-automatic, refill system for inkjet cartridges includes a touch screen and audio system for providing on-screen graphic and auditory instructions. The system also includes a plurality of exhausting units, a plurality of refilling units, a weighing unit and a plurality of test printers. The system is adapted to refill a plurality of black, color and color photo inkjet cartridge models from a plurality of manufacturers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: David Scanlan, Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20060213003
    Abstract: In one aspect of the subject invention, a spacer is provided for supporting a closet flange above a sub-flooring, the closet flange having a pipe section and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the pipe section. The spacer includes a disc-shaped body having spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the pipe section of the closet flange but not the annular flange of the closet flange. The outer edge is generally smooth and arcuate. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a spacer is provided usable with a closet flange to provide elevation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventor: Alan Hughes
  • Publication number: 20060111838
    Abstract: A system for displaying vehicle location information in a vehicle includes a current location detection device configured to provide location data for a first location of the vehicle representing the vehicle's current location, a vehicle speed sensor configured to provide vehicle speed data and a database of road network information configured to include at least one of street names and addresses along the streets thereon. The location data may include a direction of travel for the vehicle. A microprocessor coupled to the current location detector, the vehicle speed sensor and the database, the microprocessor is configured to determine a second location of the vehicle at a predetermined time in the future based on the location data and vehicle speed data and to determine a position identifier corresponding to the second location of the vehicle. A display is coupled to the microprocessor and is configured to display the position identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 6893600
    Abstract: A die preparation and exchange method wherein dies to be inserted into an injection molding machine are electrically and fluidly heated prior to insertion so as to prepare the dies to make parts more quickly. The die exchange sequence wherein a first set of dies are removed from the machine and are replaced by a second set of dies has been changed from a generally serial sequence to a sequence wherein most steps are performed in parallel or simultaneously, greatly reducing the downtime associated with mold change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Alan Hughes, Sotoru Ogura, Eric Pryor, Ted Allison, Roger Williams
  • Patent number: D574931
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Set-Rite Products, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Hughes