Patents by Inventor Robert L. Hoekstra

Robert L. Hoekstra 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: 6739653
    Abstract: An attachable and detachable wheelchair tray with an adjustable work surface is disclosed. The adjustable work surface has two parts connected with a hinge. Part one is a horizontal stationary supporting base and part two is a movable top portion which can be tilted in an angular range of from 90 degrees to 180 degrees in relationship to the horizontal base. There is also an extendible auxiliary supporting rack attached to the movable top portion that allows the user to enlarge or reduce the work surface, thus permitting access to more items, references publications at a time. All adjustments of the work surface are easily controlled with levers, buttons or foot pedals, called “Ergo Aids” which are located on or in close proximity to the wheelchair tray, in a place that is most convenient for the seated user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventors: Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens, Jose Gonzalez, Rashendra A. Shah, Prasanth Kumar Thupili, Jon Moen
  • Patent number: 6450570
    Abstract: An attachable and detachable wheelchair tray with an adjustable work surface is disclosed. The adjustable work surface has two parts connected with a hinge. Part one is a horizontal stationary supporting base and part two is a movable top portion which can be tilted in an angular range of from 90 degrees to 180 degrees in relationship to the horizontal base. There is also an extendible auxiliary supporting rack attached to the movable top portion that allows the user to enlarge or reduce the work surface, thus permitting access to more items, references, publications at a time. All adjustments of the work surface are easily controlled with levers, buttons or foot pedals, called “Ergo Aids” which are located on or in close proximity to the wheelchair tray, in a place that is most convenient for the seated user. Fluid piston cylinders using compressed air, carbon dioxide or nitrogen provide the power required to move and adjust the tray with minimal force being applied to each control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventors: Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens, Jose Gonzalez, Rashendra A. Shah, Prasanth Kumar Thupili, Jon Moen
  • Patent number: 6394006
    Abstract: A handicapped accessible work table having a horizontal transparent table top, with removable plant trays, cushioned arm rest edges, and vertical legs with caster wheels. The tabletop is supported by parallel identical one piece aluminum franes. Each frame is formed from bending an aluminum bar at several points. Each side frame has vertical legs that have upper portions that bend to form supports for the table top and an upwardly bent mid-section that passes through a slot in the table top. A cross-brace bar connects the top of the opposite upwardly bent mid-sections of each frame to give the table structural support above the tabletop. Thus, wheelchairs have no obstacles when positioned about and under the edges of the table. An ultraviolet light source can be connected to the cross-brace bar so that plantings in the trays can have an adequate light source for growth when the table is used for gardening. The tabletop can include a solid working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventors: Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens, Steven F. Truntich, Jonas R. Hedman, Reinaldo Moraga, Sangram Vasant Shelke
  • Publication number: 20010029873
    Abstract: A handicapped accessible work table having a horizontal transparent table top, with removable plant trays, cushioned arm rest edges, and vertical legs with caster wheels. The tabletop is supported by parallel identical one piece aluminum frames. Each frame is formed from bending an aluminum bar at several points. Each side frame has vertical legs that have upper portions that bend to form supports for the table top and an upwardly bent mid-section that passes through a slot in the table top. A cross-brace bar connects the top of the opposite upwardly bent mid-sections of each frame to give the table structural support above the tabletop. Thus, wheelchairs have no obstacles when positioned about and under the edges of the table. An ultraviolet light source can be connected to the cross-brace bar so that plantings in the trays can have an adequate light source for growth when the table is used for gardening. The tabletop can include a solid working surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens, Steven F. Truntich, Jonas R. Hedman, Reinaldo Moraga, Sangram Vasant Shelke