Patents by Inventor Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.

Donald A. Hoffend, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20140332739
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
  • Patent number: 8789814
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130001488
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
  • Patent number: 8286946
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120037863
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
  • Patent number: 8047507
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110001101
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly includes a frame, at least one head block connected to the frame, a drum rotatably connected to the frame about an axis of rotation and having at least one winding section, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum. In various examples, the lift assembly includes at least one loft block internal or external relative to the frame. The loft block is configured to guide a cable from the at least one head block to a load. The lift assembly can further include a load brake positioned along the axis of drum rotation to reduce risks associated with a drive or motor failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
  • Patent number: 7854423
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to one or more portions of the frame. A plurality of head blocks can be connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up can maintain a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7810792
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly configured for attachment between two substantially parallel support beams includes a chassis, at least one lift component attached to the chassis, a telescoping or other adjustable stiffener, and at least one attachment assembly. The chassis has a plurality of grooves formed in one surface thereof. The telescoping or other adjustable stiffener is disposed in at least one of the grooves and engages facing surfaces of adjacent parallel support beams. The attachment assembly is disposed in another of the grooves formed in the chassis for engaging at least one of the adjacent support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090146120
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly configured for attachment between two substantially parallel support beams includes a chassis, at least one lift component attached to the chassis, a telescoping or other adjustable stiffener, and at least one attachment assembly. The chassis has a plurality of grooves formed in one surface thereof. The telescoping or other adjustable stiffener is disposed in at least one of the grooves and engages facing surfaces of adjacent parallel support beams. The attachment assembly is disposed in another of the grooves formed in the chassis for engaging at least one of the adjacent support beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090045381
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to one or more portions of the frame. A plurality of head blocks can be connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up can maintain a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, JR.
  • Patent number: 7484715
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly configured for attachment between two substantially parallel support beams includes a chassis, at least one lift component attached to the chassis, a telescoping stiffener, and at least one attachment assembly. The chassis has a plurality of grooves formed in one surface thereof. The telescoping stiffener is disposed in at least one of the grooves and engages facing surfaces of adjacent parallel support beams. The attachment assembly is disposed in another of the grooves formed in the chassis for engaging at least one of the adjacent support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7293762
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block. A loft block is disposed within the frame for defining a vertical cable path from within a footprint of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7258325
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6997442
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6988716
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6889958
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6691986
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6634622
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5161104
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for moving passengers in and out of an amusement ride of the type having a passenger cabin capable of movement in multiple degrees of freedom within an enclosure. The cabin includes ingress doors on one side of the cabin and egress doors on the other side to admit and discharge passengers from seats within the cabin. Another set of ingress and egress doors are provided on opposite sides of the enclosure in respective alignment with the ingress and egress doors of the cabin when the cabin is at rest in a loading position. A plurality of ingress and egress platforms, located outside the operating envelope of the cabin when the cabin is in motion, are adapted to be moved to a deployed position when the cabin is in the loading position to connect the ingress and egress doors of the enclosure with the ingress and egress doors of the cabin. In this way, movement of passengers in and out of the cabin, which is spaced from the enclosure, is provided in a rapid and orderly fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Fox, Maurice G. Leasure, Gregory S. Kadorian, Douglas R. LeBlanc, David L. Harbaugh, James E. Poole, Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.