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).

  • Patent number: 8356785
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8074949
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, Jr., David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
  • Publication number: 20100252373
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, JR., Howard M. Williams, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100230552
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, JR., Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, JR., David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
  • Publication number: 20100200717
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, JR., Howard M. Williams, JR.
  • Patent number: 7748666
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, Jr., David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
  • Patent number: 7677515
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7546994
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Altonji, Steve Bowman, David VanDuzer, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080093522
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Steve Bowman, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams, David VanDuzer, Robert Altonji
  • Publication number: 20080067317
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Altonji, Steve Bowman, David VanDuzer, Bradley A. Derry, Howard M. Williams
  • Patent number: 7222831
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7182301
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7063296
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard M. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040251388
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard M. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040007651
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Williams, Erica L. Pum
  • Patent number: 6619606
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Jr., Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020066843
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Odd N. Oddsen, Howard M. Williams
  • Patent number: 5533637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5456377
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Howard M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5277016
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Ice Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Williams, Kostas P. Ioannidis, James W. Kisling, III, Bryan E. Lynch