Patents by Inventor Roland C. Hawkins

Roland C. Hawkins 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: 8328097
    Abstract: A method of marking and a method of tracking an object having a surface are disclosed. The method of marking includes generating a mark on the surface of the object, generating an attribute on the object, and appending the mark to indicate the generated attribute. The method of tracking the marked object includes acquiring a mark positioned in a sequential data region on the surface of the object, and acquiring an image of the attribute. The method of tracking also includes analyzing a code positioned in an auxiliary data region, wherein the auxiliary code corresponds to the attribute, and analyzing the attribute for a presence of a condition. Furthermore, the method of tracking includes storing the mark, the auxiliary code, and the image of the feature if the predetermined condition is present. A mark for identifying an object having a surface and an attribute is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Roland C. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20120180753
    Abstract: A thermal shield-diverter includes a first layer and a second layer. Each of the first and second layers is formed from a material resistant to thermal energy, and each is characterized by a surface having a width and a height. The shield-diverter also includes a third layer formed from a material substantially non-conductive of thermal energy. The third layer is characterized by a third width and a third height, and is disposed between the first layer and the second layer to define at least one passage extending along at least one of the first height and the second height. The at least one passage is configured to divert thermal energy along the respective first and second heights and expel the thermal energy from the shield-diverter when the shield-diverter is exposed to a heat source. An engine assembly employing such a shield-diverter is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Carl E. Fonville, Roland C. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20120048929
    Abstract: A method of marking and a method of tracking an object having a surface are disclosed. The method of marking includes generating a mark on the surface of the object, generating an attribute on the object, and appending the mark to indicate the generated attribute. The method of tracking the marked object includes acquiring a mark positioned in a sequential data region on the surface of the object, and acquiring an image of the attribute. The method of tracking also includes analyzing a code positioned in an auxiliary data region, wherein the auxiliary code corresponds to the attribute, and analyzing the attribute for a presence of a condition. Furthermore, the method of tracking includes storing the mark, the auxiliary code, and the image of the feature if the predetermined condition is present. A mark for identifying an object having a surface and an attribute is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Roland C. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7150638
    Abstract: A detachable device for covering an end of an electrical connector, comprising a non-conductive cover, sealingly attachable, and completely covering the mating end of the connector. An external end of the cover is generally planar with electrically conductive pads corresponding to the conductive terminals of the connector, and electrically connecting the pads to the terminals. The electrically conductive pads are arranged in a pattern, oriented to provide a single line-of-sight for machine recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl E. Fonville, Roland C. Hawkins