Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Kurrasch

Andrew J. Kurrasch 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: 7827920
    Abstract: A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area. The system includes a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user. At least some of the poles are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities. The framework is capable of being arranged in a plurality of substantially non-linear patterns and includes an at least partially open area between adjacent poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert A. Oren, Henry A. Thenikl, Jeffrey Clark, Richard DeHaan, III
  • Publication number: 20100253128
    Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, James D. Slagh, Matthew Parkinson, Matthew P. Reed, Jeffrey A. Weber, Timothy P. Coffield
  • Publication number: 20100207434
    Abstract: Office components are described that include a base, a seat supported by the base, a microprocessor, and a load sensor electrically coupled with the microprocessor and mechanically coupled with the seat and, based on movement thereof, operative to detect occupancy of the seat and provide a signal to the microprocessor indicative thereof. The load sensor may be a strain gauge, a piezo device or combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
  • Patent number: 7740321
    Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, James D. Slagh, Matthew Parkinson, Matthew P. Reed, Jeffrey A. Weber, Timothy P. Coffield
  • Publication number: 20100141002
    Abstract: A biasing mechanism between two portions of a chair, such as the seat and back components, where the biasing mechanism can position the back component in an infinite number of recline positions between a first, or fully upright, position and a second, or fully reclined, position, where the biasing mechanism consists of a leaf spring and a cylinder in a parallel configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: ANDREW J. KURRASCH, Andrew Squires, John F. Aldrich
  • Publication number: 20080315734
    Abstract: An office organization system comprises a plurality of units, each unit including a first, vertically-oriented frame which forms a closed loop, and a second, vertically-oriented frame which is spaced from and congruent with the first frame. Secured to each of the first and second frames is at least one utility member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Bibi Seck, James E. Moon, JR., Paul S. Gartland, Joseph Iacovoni
  • Patent number: 7393053
    Abstract: Office components are described that include an electrical conduit electrically coupled to a fuel cell, and an electrically powered device coupled to the electrical conduit and configured to receive electricity generated by the fuel cell. The electrically powered device includes at least one of an automatic adjustment mechanism, a control system, a sound masking system, and an office accessory. Chairs, methods of using chairs, and systems of chairs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
  • Patent number: 7163263
    Abstract: Office components are described that include an electrical conduit electrically coupled to a fuel cell, and an electrically powered device coupled to the electrical conduit and configured to receive electricity generated by the fuel cell. The electrically powered device includes at least one of an automatic adjustment mechanism, a control system, a sound masking system, and an office accessory. Chairs, methods of using chairs, and systems of chairs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
  • Patent number: 6769747
    Abstract: A table includes a support structure comprising a first wire support and a second wire support. Each of the first and second wire supports comprises opposite ends that are joined to define a first and second foot. A portion of each of the first and second wire supports form a first and second support platform respectively. A work surface is supported on the first and second support platforms. In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the support structure further comprises a first and second cap member disposed on an upper surface of the work surface and connected to the first and second support platforms such that the work surface is clamped therebetween. In another aspect, an accessory includes a mounting portion that is disposed between a first surface of a work surface and one of the support platform and the cap member. The cap member is connected to the support platform with the mounting portion clamped between one of the support platform and the cap member and the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ping Pang Chan, Rama Chorpash, Thomas William Granzow, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Jeffrey Fredrick Miller
  • Patent number: 6550879
    Abstract: A cabinet having a wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall attached to the inner wall. A strengthening piece or material is positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall to provide strength and rigidity to the wall. Preferably, the strengthening piece or material has a honeycomb structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Herman Milles, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Michele Bekins, Stephen R. Teays
  • Publication number: 20030066936
    Abstract: A cable management system is provided for routing cables through an office area. The cable management system is particularly useful for open office areas to improve collaboration between office workers. The cable management system includes a top post for routing cables from a ceiling down to a connecting hub. Horizontal beams are attached to the connecting hubs, and the cables pass through the horizontal beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Thomas W. Granzow, James H. Nienhuis, Glen V. Walter, Mehmet T. Ergelen, Benjamin J. Beck
  • Publication number: 20020040668
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a table includes a support structure comprising a first wire support and a second wire support. Each of the first and second wire supports comprises opposite ends that are joined to define a first and second foot. A portion of each of the first and second wire supports form a first and second support platform respectively. A work surface is supported on the first and second support platforms. In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the support structure further comprises a first and second cap member disposed on an upper surface of the work surface and connected to the first and second support platforms such that the work surface is clamped therebetween. In another aspect, an accessory includes a mounting portion that is disposed between a first surface of a work surface and one of the support platform and the cap member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Ping Pang Chan, Rama Chorpash, Thomas William Granzow, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Jeffrey Frederick Miller
  • Publication number: 20020011193
    Abstract: A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area. The system includes a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user. At least some of the poles are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities. The framework is capable of being arranged in a plurality of substantially non-linear patterns and includes an at least partially open area between adjacent poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert A. Oren, Henry A. Thenikl, Jeffrey Clark, Richard DeHaan
  • Patent number: 6070840
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling a support leg on a floor. The apparatus includes an ankle member extending from a bottom of the leg, a foot member, a heel member, and an adjustment device. The foot member includes a rear portion and a front portion which has a surface for engaging the floor. The ankle member is pivotally attached to the rear portion. The heel member extends downwardly from one of the rear portion of the foot member and the ankle member. The adjustment device interconnects the ankle member and foot member and is adapted to allow the foot member to be rotated through and fixed at various angles relative to said foot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Errol S. Pearsons, Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 5809714
    Abstract: A cabinet having a wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall attached to the inner wall. A strengthening piece or material is positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall to provide strength and rigidity to the wall. Preferably, the strengthening piece or material has a honeycomb structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Herman Miller
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Michele Bekins, Stephen R. Teays
  • Patent number: 5626404
    Abstract: A work space management system including freestanding walls and a freestanding cabinet integrated into the wall system and separate from the wall system. The cabinet comprises side wall and back wall channels having vertically spaced openings therein and a connector means to mount the cabinet to a vertical frame member of the freestanding walls or to another cabinet through the indented channel openings. The cabinet further comprises rear frame members having vertically spaced openings for hanging shelving or other articles. The cabinet is also adaptable for having horizontal work accessory support rails. The sides of the cabinet are mounted onto a rigid framework. Wire management capability is provided in the cabinet to interface with wire management in the freestanding walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
  • Patent number: 5216906
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism for a pair of doors oppositely hung on the frame of a cabinet. The door lock mechanism comprises a pair of studs, one to be attached respectively to each door, a lock body to be attached to the frame, and a latch assembly carried on the lock body and provided by a pair of latch members and a spring urging the latch members to their latching positions. Each of the studs has a camming head at its free end which cooperates with a portion of the lock body to guide the stud into a cavity provided in the lock body as the respective door is closed. Each stud is also provided with a recess adapted to receive a detent end portion of one of the latch members to releasably retain the respective door in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Kurrasch
  • Patent number: 5106173
    Abstract: A work space management system including free-standing walls and a freestanding cabinet integrated into the wall system and separate from the wall system. The cabinet comprises side wall and back wall channels having vertically spaced openings therein and a connector means to mount the cabinet to a vertical frame member of the freestanding walls or to another cabinet through the indented channel openings. The cabinet further comprises rear frame members having vertically spaced openings for hanging shelving or other articles. The cabinet is also adaptable for having horizontal work accessory support rails. The sides of the cabinet are mounted onto a rigid framework. Wire management capability is provided in the cabinet to interface with wire management in the freestanding walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
  • Patent number: 5078461
    Abstract: A cabinet comprising a plurality of walls including a side wall, the walls being joined together to provide a cabinet framework having an open front and an open interior. A door is mounted to the cabinet framework and is movable between a closed position in which the door at least partially covers the open front of the framework and a pocketed position in which the door is received within the open interior of the framework and adjacent to the side wall. The foor is mounted to upper and lower guide frames which are mounted to the cabinet framework adjacent to the side wall. Upper and lower ends of a carrier are slidably mounted to the upper and lower guide frames and the door is pivotally mounted to the carrier. A pair of upper wheels is mounted to the upper end of the carrier and in rolling contact with the upper guide frame. A pair of lower wheels is mounted to the lower end of the carrier and in rolling contact with the lower guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Michael L. DePree, Andrew J. Kurrasch
  • Patent number: 5009043
    Abstract: An acoustic panel having highly desirable sound absorption characteristics. The panel is preferably formed of an open frame, there being at least one septum centrally located within the frame opening and in contact with the frame members. On each side of the septum are expanded fiberglass batts. Both sides of the frame are faced with perforated hardboard sheets which, in turn, are covered by an open-cell foam layer and a layer of scrim material comprising metal foil and a tear-resistant backing. The panels can be covered with a decorative fascia such as fabric or synthetic sheet materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Kurrasch