Patents by Inventor Howard M. Williams
Howard M. Williams 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).
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Patent number: 8356785Abstract: An extension arm apparatus is provided for mounting devices such as flat panel monitors above a workspace. The apparatus includes upper and lower channels connected to a pair of endcaps. One endcap may connect to the workspace and the other endcap may connect to an extension arm or to the device to be mounted. At least one of the channels includes a reinforcement structure providing additional support to the apparatus. The reinforcement structure is tapered. A forearm extension may also include a reinforcement structure. The endcaps may have interior spacers that provide clearance for the sidewalls of the channels, which may be fabricated without parting lines.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 8074949Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, Jr., David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
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Publication number: 20100252373Abstract: A positionable support device employs a motion restriction device retrofitted to an existing spring cylinder to adjust the amount of force exerted. In one embodiment, split ring is pressed against an actuating shaft of the spring cylinder with adjustable force. The force on the split ring causes frictional resistance to the motion of the shaft thereby reducing the force applied. This is useful in spring-loaded positioners which allow the object to be placed, and remain in a selected position. The spring cylinder may be gas-charged or spring-loaded support. Various types of friction adjustment units may be employed to result in a positionable support device which holds an object in a desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: INNOVATIVE OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, JR., Howard M. Williams, JR.
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Publication number: 20100230552Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: INNOVATIVE OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, JR., Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, JR., David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
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Publication number: 20100200717Abstract: An extension arm apparatus is provided for mounting devices such as flat panel monitors above a workspace. The apparatus includes upper and lower channels connected to a pair of endcaps. One endcap may connect to the workspace and the other endcap may connect to an extension arm or to the device to be mounted. At least one of the channels includes a reinforcement structure providing additional support to the apparatus. The reinforcement structure is tapered. A forearm extension may also include a reinforcement structure. The endcaps may have interior spacers that provide clearance for the sidewalls of the channels, which may be fabricated without parting lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: INNOVATIVE OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, JR., Howard M. Williams, JR.
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Patent number: 7748666Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, Jr., David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
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Patent number: 7677515Abstract: An extension arm apparatus is provided for mounting devices such as flat panel monitors above a workspace. The apparatus includes upper and lower channels connected to a pair of endcaps. One endcap may connect to the workspace and the other endcap may connect to an extension arm or the to device to be mounted. At least one of the channels includes a reinforcement structure providing additional support to the apparatus. The reinforcement structure is tapered. A forearm extension may also include a reinforcement structure. The endcaps may have interior spacers that provide clearance for the sidewalls of the channels, which may be fabricated without parting lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 7546994Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Removable and/or pivotable covers are provided for managing cables of the user device attached to the extension arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert Altonji, Steve Bowman, David VanDuzer, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080093522Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
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Publication number: 20080067317Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Removable and/or pivotable covers are provided for managing cables of the user device attached to the extension arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert Altonji, Steve Bowman, David VanDuzer, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams
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Patent number: 7222831Abstract: A display arm having an elongated outer housing, an elongated inner housing telescopically engaged within the outer housing, a biasing member coupled with the outer housing and operative to counter-balance the inner housing within the outer housing, and a locking mechanism for locking the position of the inner housing relative to the outer housing. The locking mechanism may include a first locking vane and a second locking vane, each locking vane having a sloped surface abutting an edge of the inner housing and a second surface abutting an interior surface of the outer housing, wherein the sloped surfaces initiate spreading of the locking vanes when the locking vanes are pulled into an extended position by the locking mechanism such that the second surfaces engage the interior surface of the outer housing with sufficient force to prevent movement of the inner housing relative to the outer housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 7182301Abstract: A mounting bracket and insert for use in mounting mountable devices to a mounting pole including a first section and a second section, each of said first and second sections having a concave surface, each concave surface having at least a one longitudinally extended groove, the first and second sections being joinable to one another, with such joining forming a cylindrical area between the first and second sections, said cylindrical area formed by said concave surfaces, and at least a pair of inserts, each insert having a convex surface sized to fit within the concave surface of one of the two sections, the convex surface of each insert having at least one protrusion aligned along the longitudinal axis of the insert and shaped to fit into at least one groove of the concave surfaces of the sections is described.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 7063296Abstract: A rail mount is provided for positioning an electronic device such as a flat panel display that is mounted to a support arm. The rail mount includes a wall mount and lower and upper mounts received by the wall mount. The wall mount is adapted for attaching to a surface and includes a pair of elongated rails having an axis therebetween. The lower and upper mounts are received within the rails, and each includes a central opening aligned along the axis. An endcap of the support arm is received within the lower and upper mounts and is rotatable about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventor: Howard M. Williams
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Publication number: 20040251388Abstract: A rail mount is provided for positioning an electronic device such as a flat panel display that is mounted to a support arm. The rail mount includes a wall mount and lower and upper mounts received by the wall mount. The wall mount is adapted for attaching to a surface and includes a pair of elongated rails having an axis therebetween. The lower and upper mounts are received within the rails, and each includes a central opening aligned along the axis. An endcap of the support arm is received within the lower and upper mounts and is rotatable about the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventor: Howard M. Williams
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Publication number: 20040007651Abstract: An adjustable support for an electronic device include first and second spaced apart platforms. A connecting member extends between the first and second platforms for movably positioning the second platform relative to the first platform. A first and second attachment assembly are respectively coupled to the first and second platforms for engaging an electronic device when supported on the first platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Howard M. Williams, Erica L. Pum
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Patent number: 6619606Abstract: A tilter assembly for an electronic device such as a liquid crystal display includes a swivel bolt having an opening at one end thereof, a swivel lug having one end pivotably attached to the swivel bolt within the opening, and an adapter having an opening within which the other end of the swivel lug is secured. The tilter assembly is attachable to an adjustable extension arm which is mounted to a supporting surface for positional manipulation of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020066843Abstract: A tilter assembly for an electronic device such as a liquid crystal display includes a swivel bolt having an opening at one end thereof, a swivel lug having one end pivotably attached to the swivel bolt within the opening, and an adapter having an opening within which the other end of the swivel lug is secured. The tilter assembly is attachable to an adjustable extension arm which is mounted to a supporting surface for positional manipulation of the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Howard M. Williams
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Patent number: 5533637Abstract: An electrical enclosure having a base, a cover, and hinge pivotally connecting the base and cover. The cover has a pair of ears, each provided with a key hole for receiving hinge pins mounted on the base. The pivot pins are provided with keys that align with notch portions of the key holes when the cover is disposed at an obtuse angle, preferably about 180.degree. with respect to the base. After assembly, the base is connected to a support which limits the range of pivotal movement of the cover to an angle less than 180.degree. so that the keys and notch portions can no longer be aligned. The base and cover have top, bottom and two side walls of substantially the same depth and the cover bottom wall has two cord receiving recesses extending inwardly about one-half the depth of the bottom wall to minimize the radius of bending of the cords inside the enclosure and minimize the size of the recesses.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 5456377Abstract: An electrical enclosure having a base, a cover, and hinge pivotally connecting the base and cover. The cover has a pair of ears, each provided with a key hole for receiving hinge pins mounted on the base. The pivot pins are provided with keys that align with notch portions of the key holes when the cover is disposed at an obtuse angle, preferably about 180.degree. with respect to the base. After assembly, the base is connected to a support which limits the range of pivotal movement of the cover to an angle less than 180.degree. so that the keys and notch portions can no longer be aligned. The base and cover have top, bottom and two side walls of substantially the same depth and the cover bottom wall has two cord receiving recesses extending inwardly about one-half the depth of the bottom wall to minimize the radius of bending of the cords inside the enclosure and minimize the size of the recesses.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1995Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Howard M. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 5277016Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bagging ice cubes produced by a plurality of cubers with only one bagger when the cubers are stacked side-by-side with the ice produced by each cuber falling into one of two hoppers. The ice is moved from each hopper alternately to the bagger. There each batch of ice cubes is dropped into a bag, the bag sealed, and moved to a storage bin positioned below the bagger. The bags have a short side and a long side with the long side having holes to allow the bags to be supported by horizontal parallel rods extending through the holes. A platen is moved against the short side of a plurality of bags hanging from a first set of parallel rods extending through the holes in the long side of the bags. The air pressure between the platen and the short side of the bag is reduced to cause ambient atmospheric pressure to hold the short side of the outside bag against the platen.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: Ice Systems, Inc.Inventors: Howard M. Williams, Kostas P. Ioannidis, James W. Kisling, III, Bryan E. Lynch