Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Hawkins

Thomas J. 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: 11911876
    Abstract: A system and method for producing an abrasive article includes a production tool configured to provide shaped abrasive particles to a resin coated backing. A first end and a second end of the production tool are spliced together to form a spliced area. The production tool includes a dispensing surface that includes a plurality of cavities formed between the first end and the second end and configured to receive and hold the shaped abrasive particles. The resin coated backing is configured to receive the shaped abrasive particles from the dispensing surface of the production tool and configured to receive further shaped abrasive particles to fill gaps in the shaped abrasive particles caused by an absence of the plurality of cavities in the spliced area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nelson, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Ann M. Hawkins, Amelia W. Koenig
  • Patent number: 5960550
    Abstract: Device and method for accurately recreating verification markings with removable ink on progressive ophthalmic lenses and molds are provided. The device includes (a) a stage which defines a coordinate system and which is adapted for receiving a lens or mold; (b) a magnifying device for locating the reference marks on the lens or mold surface; (c) a computer for storing coordinates from the platform wherein the coordinates represent the locations of two reference marks on the lens or mold surface; and (d) a pen device adapted to be positioned over the surface of the lens or mold wherein the pen device is controlled by the computer for applying the verification markings on the lens or mold surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Sola International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Weir, Thomas J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5662351
    Abstract: A deployment door (24) for an inflatable air bag (18) has a door panel (80), a hinge (84), and first and second stress risers (128,192). The first stress riser (128) ruptures under stress induced in the door panel (80) upon movement of the air bag (18) forcefully against the door panel (80). The hinge (84) supports the door panel (80) for pivotal movement about an axis (190) when the first stress riser (128) has been ruptured. The hinge (84) includes a pivotal hinge leaf (150) having opposite side edges (180,182). One of the side edges (180) extends alongside the axis (190). The other side edge (182) is skewed relative to the axis (190). The second stress riser (192) ruptures under stress induced in the pivotal hinge leaf (150) when the door panel (80) pivots about the axis (190).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lacks Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Phillion, Thomas J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5584502
    Abstract: A deployment door assembly (30) covers an inflatable air bag (12) in a vehicle. The deployment door assembly (30) is a part which has a panel portion (32) and a base portion (36). The panel portion (32) has a peripheral edge surface (74), and includes a deployment door (34) which is spaced fully from the peripheral edge surface (74). The base portion (36) directs the inflating air bag (12) to move outward toward the deployment door (34). The base portion (36) includes corrugated walls (180-186) which surround the deployment door (34) and project inward from the panel portion (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Phillion, Thomas J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 4113408
    Abstract: A wind operated generator is disclosed herein having a stationary frame or base rotatably supporting at least four sets of pivotal blades intended to be driven by impinging wind currents. Each set of blades operate in unison for opening and closing air passageways between adjacent ones of the blades as the sets of blades rotate about a common vertical axis. A wind direction sensor is provided which moves into the direction of the wind and electro-mechanical or electrical interface networks operably couple the wind direction sensor to the respective sets of blades whereby the blades are responsive to wind direction so as to be properly feathered to propel the sets of blades. By employment of the interface network, those blades that are in position to actuate or rotate the windmill will receive the full force of the wind while other blades which are not in a position to accomplish the proper operation will be turned to permit passage of the wind thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Frank R. Wurtz
    Inventors: Frank R. Wurtz, Thomas J. Hawkins