Patents by Inventor Thomas Hawkins

Thomas 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).

  • Publication number: 20240126832
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving a kernel used to convolve with an input tensor. For a first dimension of the kernel, a square block of values for each single dimensional vector of the kernel that includes all rotations of that single dimensional vector is generated. For each additional dimension of the kernel, group blocks of an immediately preceding dimension into sets of blocks, each set of blocks including blocks of the immediately preceding dimension that are aligned along a vector that is parallel to the axis of the dimension; and generate, for the additional dimension, one or more blocks of values, each block including all rotations of blocks within each of the sets of blocks of the immediately preceding dimension. The block of values corresponding to the last dimension in the additional dimensions of the kernel is output as the expanded kernel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan Alexander Ross, Thomas Hawkins, Gregory Michael Thorson, Matt Boyd
  • Patent number: 11945408
    Abstract: A roof rail for a vehicle is provided that is made of only one piece and is solid across its length. The roof rail may be made using a co-injection molding process, a two-shot injection molding process or an extrusion molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Ryan Lacks, Nick Hrnyak
  • Patent number: 11872959
    Abstract: A roof rail includes a gasket that is formed of a liquid gasket material that is applied in a liquid state and cured to define a gasket. The liquid gasket material may be applied robotically. The liquid gasket material may be applied either before or after the roof rail is attached to a corresponding vehicle structure. The gasket may be recessed, flush, or proud relative to a lower surface of the roof rail. The liquid gasket material may be applied during the molding process of the roof rail. The roof rail may be formed of a plateable resin material, and the liquid gasket material may be non-platable and bonded bond to the plateable resin material. The roof rail having the gasket may be plated, with the plating material bonding to the areas of the roof rail that are not covered by the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Wojtczak, Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Ryan Lacks, Nick Hrnyak
  • Patent number: 11840046
    Abstract: A part includes a surface that having a rich textured appearance formed by an anisotropic repeating pattern including first regions having a first microtexture, and second regions having a second microtexture different from the first microtexture. A metalized layer covers the regions and presents different finishes depending on the microtexture thereunder. In an example embodiment, the first microtexture is highly reflective and the second microtexture is rough to cause a non-specular reflection of incident light. The part may include three-dimensional structures arranged to correspond with the repeating pattern. The three-dimensional structures may be spaced-apart by a base plane that may be flat or which may include some texture or structure. The three-dimensional structures may each include one or more planar portions and/or one or more curved surfaces. Each face or surface of the three-dimensional structures and/or each region of the base plane may have one or more different microtextures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, David Walters, Alan Fanta
  • Patent number: 11809514
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving a kernel used to convolve with an input tensor. For a first dimension of the kernel, a square block of values for each single dimensional vector of the kernel that includes all rotations of that single dimensional vector is generated. For each additional dimension of the kernel, group blocks of an immediately preceding dimension into sets of blocks, each set of blocks including blocks of the immediately preceding dimension that are aligned along a vector that is parallel to the axis of the dimension; and generate, for the additional dimension, one or more blocks of values, each block including all rotations of blocks within each of the sets of blocks of the immediately preceding dimension. The block of values corresponding to the last dimension in the additional dimensions of the kernel is output as the expanded kernel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Groq, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Alexander Ross, Thomas Hawkins, Gregory Michael Thorson, Matt Boyd
  • Patent number: 11795563
    Abstract: A decorative component includes a plateable resin body portion that is light-transmissive. A thin intermediate layer of material is electrolessly deposited over the body portion. The intermediate layer is laser ablated to selectively remove the intermediate layer and expose the light transmissive portion. The part is then subjected to electroplating. The ablated areas do not receive the metal layers of the electroplating, thereby defining a pattern defined by the ablation. The laser ablation may define an outline, leaving the thin intermediate layer within the outline that is electrically isolated from areas outside of the outline. The electroplating process will not apply layers to the isolated areas, and the intermediate layer therein will dissolve, exposing the light transmissive body portion. An opposite side of the part is also exposed and transmissive, such that light will pass through the body portion and illuminate the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael LaVallee, David Walters, Thomas Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11685316
    Abstract: A roof rail and an apparatus for attaching the roof rail to the roof of a vehicle are provided. The roof rail is elongated and includes a bottom portion for engaging the outer surface of the roof. The roof rail also includes inboard and outboard side portions extending between the bottom portion and a top portion. An access hole is provided in the roof rail on an inboard side portion or at a location that is lower than an uppermost point of the roof rail for providing access to a fastener such as a roof stud or bolt attaching the roof rail to the roof. The access hole is blocked from view from a laterally outer side of the roof rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Brian Wojtczak
  • Publication number: 20220325834
    Abstract: An ice chest (10) with beverage lines (18) in a cold plate (12) is provided in which the inlets and outlets of the cold plate beverage lines are coupled to fittings (16) that accommodate coupling to a wide range of beverage tubing sizes. Also provided are the cold plate (12) and fittings (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Lancer Corporation
    Inventor: John Thomas Hawkins, JR.
  • Patent number: 11455370
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving an input tensor for convolution with a kernel, dividing the input tensor into one or more tiles with each tile having a size equal to the kernel, flattening the values in the one or more tiles into vectors to generate the flattened input stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: GROQ, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Alexander Ross, Thomas Hawkins, Gregory Michael Thorson, Matt Boyd
  • Publication number: 20220234510
    Abstract: A roof rail and an apparatus for attaching the roof rail to the roof of a vehicle are provided. The roof rail is elongated and includes a bottom portion for engaging the outer surface of the roof. The roof rail also includes inboard and outboard side portions extending between the bottom portion and a top portion. An access hole is provided in the roof rail on an inboard side portion or at a location that is lower than an uppermost point of the roof rail for providing access to a fastener such as a roof stud or bolt attaching the roof rail to the roof. The access hole is blocked from view from a laterally outer side of the roof rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Brian Wojtczak
  • Publication number: 20220161293
    Abstract: A system and method of creating a decorative component having multiple surface finishes includes providing a substrate with a metal surface layer and treating the metal surface layer to remove oxidation, and applying a coating or paint layer over at least a portion of the treated metal surface layer. The paint layer is removed via laser ablation to define a metal-paint interface. The metal-paint interface created by laser ablation applied to paint over treated metal is free from adhesion failure. The workpiece created includes multiple surfaces having complex shapes and features, and may be applied to a variety of surfaces. Multiple surface finishes are therefore created on a single part without the need for assembly of separate parts, with a robust interface between contrasting surface appearances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew Graham, Thomas Hawkins, Tam TRAN, Garry Van Houten
  • Publication number: 20220129522
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving a kernel used to convolve with an input tensor. For a first dimension of the kernel, a square block of values for each single dimensional vector of the kernel that includes all rotations of that single dimensional vector is generated. For each additional dimension of the kernel, group blocks of an immediately preceding dimension into sets of blocks, each set of blocks including blocks of the immediately preceding dimension that are aligned along a vector that is parallel to the axis of the dimension; and generate, for the additional dimension, one or more blocks of values, each block including all rotations of blocks within each of the sets of blocks of the immediately preceding dimension. The block of values corresponding to the last dimension in the additional dimensions of the kernel is output as the expanded kernel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan Alexander Ross, Thomas Hawkins, Gregory Michael Thorson, Matt Boyd
  • Publication number: 20220113455
    Abstract: A decorative component includes a body having opposing first and second surfaces. A microtexture is defined on both the first surface and the second surface. The microtexture may be in the form of positive or negative protrusions that extend from the surface of the body or into the surface of the body. The combination of protrusions on the first and second surfaces of the body creates a graphical representation with improved depth and detail. The pattern of the microtexture on the first side and the second side may be the same or different, and may include different sized protrusions and spacing to achieve the desired graphical effect. The body may be attached to a reflective panel, and may further include a light source for illuminating the decorative component. Additional features may be printed on the body in addition to the graphical representation defined by the microtexture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas HAWKINS
  • Patent number: 11301546
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving one or more sizes for each of the dimensions of a kernel that is convolved with an input tensor to generate an output activation, generating a control pattern used to compute output values for the convolution of the input tensor, with the control pattern being a square matrix with each dimension being a size equal to the product of the width and the height of the kernel. The control pattern is generated by generating a value for each position of the control pattern that is based on a location of the position in the control pattern and the one or more sizes of each of the dimensions of the kernel, the value indicating a location from which to access values from a flattened input tensor for the convolution with the kernel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Groq, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Alexander Ross, Thomas Hawkins, Gregory Michael Thorson, Matt Boyd
  • Patent number: 11299103
    Abstract: A roof rail and an apparatus for attaching the roof rail to the roof of a vehicle are provided. The roof rail is elongated and includes a bottom portion for engaging the outer surface of the roof. The roof rail also includes inboard and outboard side portions extending between the bottom portion and a top portion. An access hole is provided in the roof rail on an inboard side portion or at a location that is lower than an uppermost point of the roof rail for providing access to a fastener such as a roof stud or bolt attaching the roof rail to the roof. The access hole is blocked from view from a laterally outer side of the roof rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Brian Wojtczak
  • Publication number: 20220048438
    Abstract: A roof rail for a vehicle is provided that is made of only one piece and is solid across its length. The roof rail may be made using a co-injection molding process, a two-shot injection molding process or an extrusion molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Ryan Lacks, Nick Hrnyak
  • Patent number: 11213869
    Abstract: A solid waste treatment system includes: a solid-liquid separator module configured to receive mixed solid and liquid waste and separating solid material from the mixed solid and liquid waste; an accumulator and macerator module configured to receive and macerate the solid material from the solid-liquid separator module; a drying module configured to receive and dry the macerated solid material from the accumulator and macerator module; and a combustion module configured to receive and combust the dried macerated solid material from the drying module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Piascik, Charles David Stokes, Ethan Klem, Brian Rhys Stoner, Christopher Gregory, Nicholas G. Baldasaro, Katelyn Lea Sellgren, David E. Rogers, Brian Grant, Brian Thomas Hawkins, Enzo Cellini
  • Patent number: 11148585
    Abstract: A decorative component with a light emitting finish includes a transmissive portion including a resin material configured to carry light through the transmissive portion. A plateable portion is attached to the transmissive portion and includes a resin material configured to receive a metal material via electroplating. The plateable portion overlays a portion of the transmissive portion. A metal finish portion is applied to the plateable portion, and the metal finish portion overlays the plateable portion. A plurality of openings are defined by gaps in the finish portion and the plateable portion. Light carried by the transmissive portion exits the component through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, David Walters
  • Patent number: 11142130
    Abstract: A cargo support system and cargo support rails therefor are provided. The cargo support rails include a tubular wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends. The tubular wall includes a plurality of carbon fibers and a fibrous mat bonded to one another by a cured resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Lacks, Paul Nikandrou, Brian Wojtczak, Thomas Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20210222312
    Abstract: A decorative component includes a plateable resin body portion that is light-transmissive. A thin intermediate layer of material is electrolessly deposited over the body portion. The intermediate layer is laser ablated to selectively remove the intermediate layer and expose the light transmissive portion. The part is then subjected to electroplating. The ablated areas do not receive the metal layers of the electroplating, thereby defining a pattern defined by the ablation. The laser ablation may define an outline, leaving the thin intermediate layer within the outline that is electrically isolated from areas outside of the outline. The electroplating process will not apply layers to the isolated areas, and the intermediate layer therein will dissolve, exposing the light transmissive body portion. An opposite side of the part is also exposed and transmissive, such that light will pass through the body portion and illuminate the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Michael LaVallee, David WALTERS, Thomas Hawkins