Patents by Inventor Lawrence Andrews
Lawrence Andrews 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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Publication number: 20080085152Abstract: A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: THE HOFFMAN GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LTD.Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Publication number: 20080083090Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: THE HOFFMAN GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LTD.Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Publication number: 20080083089Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: The Hoffman Group International, Ltd.Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 7346471Abstract: Data slices of historical time series are leveraged to facilitate in more accurately predicting like data slices of future time series. Different predictive models are employed to detect outliers in different data slices to enhance the accuracy of the predictions. The data slices can be temporal and/or non-temporal attributes of a data set represented by the historical time series. In this manner, for example, a historical time series for a network location can be sliced temporally into one hour time periods as a function of a day, a week, a month, a year, etc. Outliers detected in these data slices can then be mitigated utilizing the predictive time series model by replacing the outlier with the expected value. The mitigated historical time series can then be employed in a predictive model to predict future web traffic for the network location (and advertising revenue values) with a substantial increase in accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David M. Chickering, Ashis Kumar Roy, Lawrence Andrew Koch, David E. Heckerman
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Patent number: 7329021Abstract: An illuminated keyed remote control device providing illumination in the visible spectrum and the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter. Light projects from one or more translucent portions of the remote control device, at least a portion of which illuminates the key. The illuminated remote control device comprises at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmission of light from a cavity to the outer surface of the housing. At least one control feature is provided to operate transmitter electronics and/or the light source housed in the cavity. The light source produces light within the cavity, the light being then guided from the cavity to the surface by a translucent portion of the housing. The illumination provides the user with an increased ability to see or be seen in the dark and provides illumination that is visually appealing.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: The Hoffman Group International, Ltd.Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 7315230Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide solenoid plungers, solenoid actuators, and solenoid-actuated mechanisms, that provide for an adjustable stroke, adjustable rated force, and adjustable plunger extension that overcome the problems and issues associated with non-adjustable solenoid actuators. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable solenoid plunger is provided that comprises a stem and an armature including an axial armature bore. The stem engages the armature bore and is adapted for advancement of the armature along at least a portion of the stem.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: The Hoffman Group, LLCInventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 7210200Abstract: A multi-axis automobile door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The multi-axis automobile door hinge provides a combination of swing-out and vertical-lift motion suitable for retrofitting a conventional swing-out automobile door for swing-out and vertical-lift operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Hoffman Group, LLCInventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 7171193Abstract: Embodiments of interruption-sound devices for producing an interruption sound signal in a telecommunications transmission signal comprising a signal generator circuit and a processor circuit, in accordance with the present invention. The interruption sound signals are input into the appropriate location of the telecommunications device such that the interruptee perceives characteristic sounds such as those encountered when a mobile phone is about to drop a call. As a result, the interruptee will place blame for call disconnection on the mobile-phone technology and not on the interruptor. The interruption-sound device is suitable for incorporated into an external interruption module, a landline phone, and a mobile phone.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: The Hoffman Group LLCInventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 7162775Abstract: A trunk lid hinge in accordance with embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to operate a trunk of an automobile in a conventional manner as well as in an unconventional manner about two pivot axes. The trunk lid hinge comprises a hinge mount, a hinge bracket, and a locking element. The hinge mount is an elongated member having a mount first end and a mount second end opposite the mount first end. The hinge bracket is pivotally coupled to the mount second end and is adapted to be positioned at and between a first pivot position and a second pivot position about a pivot axis in addition to the stock pivot axis. Embodiment of the present invention permit the automobile enthusiast to retrofit the conventional trunk lid to operate as in an unconventional manner and allow the automobile manufacturers to incorporating trunk lids in automobiles with unconventional opening characteristics without requiring major redesign of the current trunk lids.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: The Hoffman Group, LLCInventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 7021810Abstract: An illuminated remote control device providing illumination in the visible spectrum and the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter. Light projects from one or more translucent portions of the remote control device. The illuminated remote control device comprises a housing defining an outer surface and a cavity therein. The housing comprises at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmission of light from the cavity to the outer surface of the housing. At least one control feature is provided to operate transmitter electronics and/or the light source housed in the cavity. The light source produces light within the cavity, the light being then guided from the cavity to the surface by a translucent portion of the housing. The illumination provides the user with an increased ability to see or be seen in the dark and provides illumination that is visually appealing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 7007346Abstract: A multi-axis automobile door mount providing a combination of swing-out and vertical-lift motion suitable for retrofitting a conventional swing-out automobile door for vertical-lift operation. The door is opened from a closed position in the conventional swing-out movement about a swing-out hinge. At a predetermined swing-out angle of the door to the automobile body, the door is moved in an upward vertical direction about the vertical-lift hinge. The door is closed by lowering the door to the horizontal orientation and closed in the conventional swing-in manner. A vertical-lift door system is provided to substantially incorporate the movement of a vertical-lift door with an integrated system of one or more hinges and lift assist devices. The lift assist devices provide for, singularly or in combination, among other things, controlled and deliberate movement of the door, power-assisted door operation, and/or easier integration and assembly onto the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 6951363Abstract: The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. The cover is hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a track upon which a trolley is guided by a linear actuator. An end of an arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley and the cover. The linear actuator comprises a motor driven drive rod coupled to the trolley that extends to advance the trolley along the track from a lower position to a higher position which raises the arm to push the cover open. Retracting the drive rod reverses the direction of travel of the trolley from a higher position to a lower position lowering the arm and closing the cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: The Hoffman Group, LLCInventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 6867382Abstract: A modular contact switch adapted to be readily assembled from a plurality of contact modules is provided. Both active contact modules and passive contact modules comprise coupling features, including but not limited to, engagement tabs and mating surfaces, to enable a removable coupling of multiple active contact modules to form active contact assemblies and passive contact modules of a passive contact assembly. The active contact modules provide a spring-biased contact that responds to the position of passive contacts of the passive contact modules. As the active and passive contact modules come into abutment and urging engagement, an electrical connection is made between the corresponding contacts. The spring-bias of the active contacts ensures that the electrical contact is made regardless of variations in tolerances and position.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 6843406Abstract: A method of joining metal and metal, or metal and ceramic parts, wherein a first metal part is selected and then processed to form a bond coat that will effectively bond to a sealing material which in turn bonds to a second metal or ceramic part without degrading under the operating conditions of electrochemical devices. Preferred first metal parts include alumina forming alloys from the group consisting of ferritic stainless steels (such as Fecralloys), austinetic stainless steels, and superalloys, and chromia forming alloys formed of ferritic stainless steels. In the case of chromia forming ferritic stainless steels, this bond coat consists of a thin layer of alumina formed on the surface, with a diffusion layer between the first metal part and this thin layer. The bond coat provides a good bonding surface for a sealing layer of glass, braze or combinations thereof, while at the same time the diffusion layer provides a durable bond between the thin alumina layer and the first metal part.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Zhenguo Yang, Christopher Andrew Coyle, Suresh Baskaran, Lawrence Andrew Chick
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Patent number: 6830281Abstract: The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. The cover is hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a track upon which a trolley is guided by a linear actuator. An end of an arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley and the cover. The linear actuator comprises a motor driven drive rod coupled to the trolley that extends to advance the trolley along the track from a lower position to a higher position which raises the arm to push the cover open. Retracting the drive rod reverses the direction of travel of the trolley from a higher position to a lower position lowering the arm and closing the cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: 6817592Abstract: The electromagnetic valve actuator of the preferred embodiments include a valve head that moves between an open position, a middle position, and a closed position; a plunger coupled to the valve head; and a housing defining a cavity that surrounds the plunger and contains a fluid. The cavity cooperates with the plunger and the fluid to provide increasing resistance as the valve head moves from the middle position to the closed position. Because of the increased resistance, the valve head softly seats against a valve seat, which minimizes noise, vibration, and harshness within the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Brett Collins, Ibrahim Haskara, Vladimir V. Kokotovic
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Patent number: D503687Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
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Patent number: D536824Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Kurt Alfred Karussi, Lawrence Andrew Schumacher, Johannson Jimmy Tee, Jr., Toan Trinh
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Patent number: D549871Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Kurt Alfred Karussi, Lawrence Andrew Schumacher, Johannson Jimmy Tee, Jr., Toan Trinh
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Patent number: D551364Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman