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).
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Patent number: 7827920Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert A. Oren, Henry A. Thenikl, Jeffrey Clark, Richard DeHaan, III
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Publication number: 20100253128Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20100207434Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
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Patent number: 7740321Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20100141002Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: ANDREW J. KURRASCH, Andrew Squires, John F. Aldrich
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Publication number: 20080315734Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Bibi Seck, James E. Moon, JR., Paul S. Gartland, Joseph Iacovoni
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Patent number: 7393053Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
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Patent number: 7163263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
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Patent number: 6769747Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Eric Ping Pang Chan, Rama Chorpash, Thomas William Granzow, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Jeffrey Fredrick Miller
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Patent number: 6550879Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 1993Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Herman Milles, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Michele Bekins, Stephen R. Teays
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Publication number: 20030066936Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20020040668Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: Eric Ping Pang Chan, Rama Chorpash, Thomas William Granzow, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Jeffrey Frederick Miller
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Publication number: 20020011193Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert A. Oren, Henry A. Thenikl, Jeffrey Clark, Richard DeHaan
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Patent number: 6070840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James O. Kelley, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Errol S. Pearsons, Robert L. Beck
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Patent number: 5809714Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Herman MillerInventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Michele Bekins, Stephen R. Teays
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Patent number: 5626404Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
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Patent number: 5216906Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 1989Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventor: Andrew J. Kurrasch
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Patent number: 5106173Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 1991Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
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Patent number: 5078461Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 1990Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Michael L. DePree, Andrew J. Kurrasch
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Patent number: 5009043Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 1990Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventor: Andrew J. Kurrasch