Patents by Inventor Carlos A. Hoefken

Carlos A. Hoefken 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: 10260606
    Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a plurality of linkage assemblies, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Motus Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20190101194
    Abstract: The improved motorized gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from an integral rotor and stator assembly contained in a cam/rotor assembly, to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. When energized, the stator assembly interacts with the rotor assembly inducing the cam/rotor assembly to rotate about its central axis, thereby driving the output gear element via the plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies. The motorized gearbox mechanism may be powered electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or by steam, or any conventional power source that can be adapted to use an integral stator/rotor assembly configured in the cam assembly body to generate rotative power in the cam/rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Patent number: 10240666
    Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated simplified gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a gear block, a torque lever arm, cam followers and/or a socket, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Motus Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20190085954
    Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary holes, projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear or torque block assembly further includes pivot assemblies, which connect or link the torque block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly comprises a set of corresponding cam elements arranged in a tandem configuration and having a unique circuitous pathway or groove formed therein so that the movement of the torque block may be controlled in three dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Patent number: 10195663
    Abstract: A system for storage and retrieval of items includes a shelving rack configured to store the items. The shelving rack has a plurality of vertical levels. The system includes at least one robotic carriage operable to move horizontally. The robotic carriage includes an extendable arm that extends horizontally and vertically to lift the items from an input slot and to carry and place the items on the shelving rack. The robotic carriage is also operable to lift the items from the shelving rack and to carry and place the items on a workstation. The workstation is positioned in close proximity to the shelving rack. By locating the workstation in close proximity to the shelving rack, the items may be transferred from the shelving rack to the workstation without requiring conveyors and ram drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Trevor I. Blumenau, Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20180363745
    Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated simplified gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a gear block, a torque lever arm, cam followers and/or a socket, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Patent number: 10151375
    Abstract: The improved motorized gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from an integral rotor and stator assembly contained in a cam/rotor assembly, to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. When energized, the stator assembly interacts with the rotor assembly inducing the cam/rotor assembly to rotate about its central axis, thereby driving the output gear element via the plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies. The motorized gearbox mechanism may be powered electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or by steam, or any conventional power source that can be adapted to use an integral stator/rotor assembly configured in the cam assembly body to generate rotative power in the cam/rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Motus Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20180274639
    Abstract: The improved motorized gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from an integral rotor and stator assembly contained in a cam/rotor assembly, to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. When energized, the stator assembly interacts with the rotor assembly inducing the cam/rotor assembly to rotate about its central axis, thereby driving the output gear element via the plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies. The motorized gearbox mechanism may be powered electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or by steam, or any conventional power source that can be adapted to use an integral stator/rotor assembly configured in the cam assembly body to generate rotative power in the cam/rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20160131232
    Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a plurality of linkage assemblies, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Patent number: 9261176
    Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a plurality of linkage assemblies, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20140260721
    Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a plurality of linkage assemblies, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20140060770
    Abstract: A system for storage and retrieval of items includes a shelving rack configured to store the items. The shelving rack has a plurality of vertical levels. The system includes at least one robotic carriage operable to move horizontally. The robotic carriage includes an extendable arm that extends horizontally and vertically to lift the items from an input slot and to carry and place the items on the shelving rack. The robotic carriage is also operable to lift the items from the shelving rack and to carry and place the items on a workstation. The workstation is positioned in close proximity to the shelving rack. By locating the workstation in close proximity to the shelving rack, the items may be transferred from the shelving rack to the workstation without requiring conveyors and ram drives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Trevor I. BLUMENAU, Carlos A. HOEFKEN
  • Patent number: 8443496
    Abstract: A modular casket that is easy to assemble and can be assembled with few or no tools is disclosed. The casket comprises a number of injection molded plastic pieces that can be snap-fit together. The casket is relatively compact and lightweight and is conducive to shipping and storage, yet has sufficient strength for its intended purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jose A. De La Fuente, Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20100218350
    Abstract: A modular casket that is easy to assemble and can be assembled with few or no tools is disclosed. The casket comprises a number of injection molded plastic pieces that can be snap-fit together. The casket is relatively compact and lightweight and is conducive to shipping and storage, yet has sufficient strength for its intended purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jose A. De La Fuente, Carlos A. Hoefken
  • Patent number: 7730595
    Abstract: A modular casket that is easy to assemble and can be assembled with few or no tools is disclosed. The casket comprises a number of injection molded plastic pieces that can be snap-fit together. The casket is relatively compact and lightweight and is conducive to shipping and storage, yet has sufficient strength for its intended purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Jose A. De La Fuente, Carlos A. Hoefken, Mike Don Harper
  • Publication number: 20070130737
    Abstract: A modular casket that is easy to assemble and can be assembled with few or no tools is disclosed. The casket comprises a number of injection molded plastic pieces that can be snap-fit together. The casket is relatively compact and lightweight and is conducive to shipping and storage, yet has sufficient strength for its intended purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Jose De La Fuente, Carlos Hoefken, Mike Harper
  • Patent number: D538635
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Jose A. De La Fuente, Carlos A. Hoefken, Mike Don Harper