Michael A Hopper

US Patent:

6805314, Oct 19, 2004

Filed:

Apr 7, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/408583

Inventors:

Michael B. Hopper - Worcester MA 01604

International Classification:

B65H 7548

US Classification:

2423751, 242376, 242377, 2423991, 242484, 242380, 2483301

Abstract:

A support assembly and method is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the cord. Elevation of the object may be adjusted within a predetermined range of motion. The assembly exerts an upward force on the object that varies depending upon the elevation. This variable force is calibrated to provide the object with a uniformly weightless or virtually weightless âfeelâ nominally throughout the range of movement. The assembly is provided with low friction and low inertia, so that an object may be rapidly and easily moved between various elevations with little effort and little drag. The amount of force exerted on the object by the assembly may be adjusted.

US Patent:

7025616, Apr 11, 2006

Filed:

Aug 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/918014

Inventors:

Michael B. Hopper - Worcester MA, US

International Classification:

H01R 13/213

US Classification:

439318, 439546, 439321

Abstract:

A quick release connector is provided. In one embodiment the connector includes an electrical connector including a first component having a first plurality of teeth and a second component having a second plurality of teeth. The first and second pluralities of teeth are configured to selectively engage and disengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting the connector. The engagement of the teeth is operative to substantially prevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions of the connector. Embodiments of this invention may advantageously support axial loads while maintaining a reliable electrical contact. Various alternative embodiments include a gimbal assembly in which electric lines extend through the gimbal, straddling one of the gimbal axles. Such gimbal assemblies may also support axial loads.

US Patent:

7080985, Jul 25, 2006

Filed:

Dec 12, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/301154

Inventors:

Michael B. Hopper - Worcester MA, US

International Classification:

H01R 39/00

US Classification:

439 8, 439 21, 439 31, 439467, 439459, 74 56 D, 174 86

Abstract:

A quick release connector is provided. In one embodiment the connector includes an electrical connector including a first component having a first plurality of teeth and a second component having a second plurality of teeth. The first and second pluralities of teeth are configured to selectively engage and disengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting the connector. The engagement of the teeth is operative to substantially prevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions of the connector. Embodiments of this invention may advantageously support axial loads while maintaining a reliable electrical contact. Various alternative embodiments include a gimbal assembly in which electric lines extend through the gimbal, straddling one of the gimbal axles. Such gimbal assemblies may also support axial loads.

US Patent:

7150424, Dec 19, 2006

Filed:

Aug 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/918729

Inventors:

Michael B. Hopper - Worcester MA, US

International Classification:

B65H 75/48

US Classification:

2423751, 242376, 242377, 2423991, 242484, 242380, 2483301

Abstract:

A support assembly is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the power cord. Embodiments of the assembly include a quick release electrical connector deployed between and configured to selectively electrically connect and disconnect the tool from a power supply and/or a gimbal assembly configured to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes, the cord extending through the gimbal assembly.

US Patent:

7478775, Jan 20, 2009

Filed:

Dec 18, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/640603

Inventors:

Michael B. Hopper - Worcester MA, US

International Classification:

B65H 75/48

US Classification:

2423751, 242376, 242377, 2423991, 242484, 242380, 2483301

Abstract:

A gimbal assembly strain relief may be used to provide management of the power cord of a power tool. The power cord extends through the gimbal assembly to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes while providing strain relief.

US Patent:

D640820, Jun 28, 2011

Filed:

Apr 8, 2010

Appl. No.:

29/359330

Inventors:

Michael Blair Hopper - Worcester MA, US

International Classification:

2605

US Classification:

D26 74

US Patent:

8237377, Aug 7, 2012

Filed:

Dec 3, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/630102

Inventors:

Michael Blair Hopper - Worcester MA, US

International Classification:

H05B 37/02

US Classification:

315294, 315291, 315307, 315309, 315312, 362800, 362373, 362294

Abstract:

A light system and method includes a housing having an array of LEDs spaced to transmit light within a field of illumination. An EM sensor disposed within the housing is configured to detect EM radiation within the field of illumination. A processor is configured to generate an output in response to levels of EM radiation, such as visible light, infrared light, and/or radio frequency (RF) radiation detected by the EM sensor relative to a predetermined setpoint.

US Patent:

20100149731, Jun 17, 2010

Filed:

Dec 3, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/630074

Inventors:

Michael Blair Hopper - Worcester MA, US

International Classification:

H02B 1/015

US Classification:

361627

Abstract:

An AC/DC electrical distribution panel includes a housing, a line voltage alternating current (AC) port configured for connection to an electrical distribution grid at line voltage, and a low voltage direct current (DC) port configured for connection to a DC load. A circuit board assembly is electrically coupled to the AC port and the DC port, and includes an AC connector array coupled to the AC port, and a DC connector array coupled to the DC port. One or more modular AC/DC power supplies are removably coupled to the AC and DC connector arrays. A processor is operatively engaged with the circuit board assembly, and configured to selectively switch the power supplies on and off. The circuit board assembly includes a current meter configured to monitor the current load being drawn from the DC port, wherein the processor is configured to selectively activate and deactivate various power supplies in response to the monitored current load.