Patents by Inventor Brian C. Eickhoff
Brian C. Eickhoff 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: 10982479Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to an adjustment indicator mechanism for a door closer including a tubular portion and an adjustment screw mounted to the tubular portion. A housing is configured for mounting to the door closer, and includes a channel and indicia adjacent the channel, each of the indicia corresponding to a respective size of the door closer. An adjustment transmission includes a first component configured for coupling with the adjustment screw. An indicator transmission is engaged with the adjustment transmission and mounted in the housing. An indicator is movably mounted to the housing such that a portion of the indicator is visible via the channel. The indicator is engaged with the indicator transmission such that movement of the indicator transmission causes the indicator to selectively align with the indicia to thereby indicate the current size of the door closer.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Brian C. Eickhoff, David V. Toloday, Nagesh Varadaraju, Aditya Heblikar, James W. Overbey
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Publication number: 20210095504Abstract: A door closer system having a door closer that includes at least one sensor configured to sense an operating characteristic or condition relating to the door closer including a position or speed of displacement of at least a portion of the door closer or an associated entryway device. The sensor(s) can also provide information relating to the performance or condition of one or more components of the door closer, such as the operation of a backcheck mechanism, as well as tracking the number of door cycles. Information obtained by the sensor(s) of the door closer system can be communicated to a lockset device of an entryway control system. The lockset device can be configured to communicate information received from the door closer system to an access control system, which can in turn provide the communicated information to a management system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventor: Brian C. Eickhoff
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Publication number: 20210071458Abstract: An exemplary armature assembly is configured for use with a door control mounted to one of a door or a doorframe. The door control includes a rotatable pinion, and the armature assembly includes an armature, a shoe, and an elastic component. The armature has a first end and an opposite second end, and the first end includes an opening sized and shaped to receive the pinion at a first interface. The shoe is configured for mounting to the other of the door or the doorframe, and the second end of the armature is pivotally connected to the shoe at a second interface. In certain forms, the elastic component coupled with the armature and configured to absorb mechanical shocks at one of the first interface or the second interface. In certain forms, the elastic component is configured to absorb mechanical shocks along the length of the armature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Brian C. Eickhoff, Brady Plummer, Bradley May, Nagesh Varadaraju, Suresha Chandrasekharareddy, Vijayakumar Mani, Aditya Heblikar, Dharam Deo Prasad
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Publication number: 20210065487Abstract: A user interface display system associated with an electronic key that provides feedback to a user engaging the electronic lock, including a user interface display to depict to the user feedback patterns with each feedback pattern displayed to the user providing the feedback to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. Each displayed feedback pattern provides a corresponding color that is associated with the feedback provided to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. A controller transitions the electrochromic filter to each color to correspond with the feedback pattern that is displayed by the user interface display so that the transitioned color and the displayed feedback pattern is in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Rockwood T. Roberts, III, Brian C. Eickhoff, Robert Prostko, Chris R. Snider
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Patent number: 10937261Abstract: A method includes transmitting, by a handler device associated with package handler, a message to an access control system requesting access to a secure container secured by an electronic lock mechanism; determining, by the access control system, whether the package handler is authorized to access the secure container based on the received message; transmitting, by the access control system, an unlock command to the secure container in response to a determination that the package handler is authorized to access the secure container; and unlocking the electronic lock mechanism of the secure container in response to successful authentication of the unlock command.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Joseph W. Baumgarte, Robert Prostko, Brian C. Eickhoff, Rockwood T. Roberts, III, Robert Martens, Scott Baxter, Roger Barrett
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Patent number: 10937260Abstract: A user interface display system associated with an electronic key that provides feedback to a user engaging the electronic lock, including a user interface display to depict to the user feedback patterns with each feedback pattern displayed to the user providing the feedback to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. Each displayed feedback pattern provides a corresponding color that is associated with the feedback provided to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. A controller transitions the electrochromic filter to each color to correspond with the feedback pattern that is displayed by the user interface display so that the transitioned color and the displayed feedback pattern is in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Rockwood T. Roberts, III, Brian C. Eickhoff, Robert Prostko, Chris R. Snider
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Patent number: 10844644Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a door closer having a pinion adapted to be operably coupled to a door and rotate in a first direction in response to opening the door and to rotate in a second direction in response to closing the door, and a power boost module operably coupled to the pinion. The power boost module includes a motor adapted to generate electrical energy via rotational movement of the pinion and supply a boost force to the pinion to assist closing the door, a gearing operably coupled to the pinion and the motor and structured to back drive the motor to generate the electrical energy in response to rotation of the pinion, and an energy storage device adapted to store the electrical energy generated by the motor and supply stored electrical energy to the motor for the boost force.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Daniel Langenberg, Brian C. Eickhoff, Aaron P. McKibben
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Publication number: 20200347657Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to an adjustment indicator mechanism for a door closer including a tubular portion and an adjustment screw mounted to the tubular portion. A housing is configured for mounting to the door closer, and includes a channel and indicia adjacent the channel, each of the indicia corresponding to a respective size of the door closer. An adjustment transmission includes a first component configured for coupling with the adjustment screw. An indicator transmission is engaged with the adjustment transmission and mounted in the housing. An indicator is movably mounted to the housing such that a portion of the indicator is visible via the channel. The indicator is engaged with the indicator transmission such that movement of the indicator transmission causes the indicator to selectively align with the indicia to thereby indicate the current size of the door closer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Brian C. Eickhoff, David V. Toloday, Nagesh Varadaraju, Aditya Heblikar, James W. Overbey
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Patent number: 10794085Abstract: An exemplary Internet of Things (IoT) module for a lockset includes a housing assembly configured for mounting with the lockset, a controller, a wireless transceiver, and a sensor array, and may further include an LED array. The controller is in communication with an external device via the wireless transceiver, and is configured to transmit to the external device information received from the sensor array. The controller is further configured to control operation of the LED array based on information received from at least one of the sensor array or the external device.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Ryan C. Kincaid, Brian C. Eickhoff
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Publication number: 20200299995Abstract: Hardware for a door, latch assemblies, exit device assemblies, and jalousies are disclosed herein. Hardware for a door includes at least one component formed from a material configured to dampen sound produced in use of the hardware. An exit device assembly includes at least one component formed from a material configured to dampen sound produced in use of the exit device assembly. A jalousie includes at least one component formed from a material configured to dampen sound produced in use of the jalousie.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Brian C. Eickhoff, Steven Verderaime, Aaron P. McKibben, Karen Bishop
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Publication number: 20200291678Abstract: An exemplary latchbolt assembly includes a latchbolt, a locking sleeve, and a roller engaged between the latchbolt and the locking sleeve. The latchbolt is configured to drive the roller from a first position to a second position as the latchbolt moves from a projected position to a depressed position. The locking sleeve includes a blocking surface and a recessed portion. When the blocking surface is aligned with the roller, the locking sleeve retains the roller in the first position, thereby retaining the latchbolt in the projected position. When the recessed portion is aligned with the roller, the locking sleeve permits movement of the roller from the first position to the second position, thereby enabling depression of the latchbolt.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Brian C. Eickhoff, Brady Plummer, Benjamin L. Miller
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Publication number: 20200263448Abstract: An exemplary Internet of Things (IoT) module for a lockset includes a housing assembly configured for mounting with the lockset, a controller, a wireless transceiver, and a sensor array, and may further include an LED array. The controller is in communication with an external device via the wireless transceiver, and is configured to transmit to the external device information received from the sensor array. The controller is further configured to control operation of the LED array based on information received from at least one of the sensor array or the external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2019Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Ryan C. Kincaid, Brian C. Eickhoff
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Publication number: 20200256089Abstract: An exemplary system includes a mechanical key and an access control device. The access control device includes a housing defining a keyway that has a fixed position within the housing. The access control device further includes a root depth sensor assembly, an insertion depth sensor assembly, a control assembly in communication with the sensor assemblies, and an electronic lock device. The control assembly is configured to determine the bitting code of the mechanical key based upon information received from the sensor assemblies, to compare the bitting code of the mechanical key to a lock/unlock bitting code; and to transmit a lock/unlock command in response to the bitting code matching the lock/unlock bitting code. The electronic lock device is configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to receiving the lock/unlock command and without requiring rotation of the mechanical key.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2019Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Dan Pfunder, Brian C. Eickhoff
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Publication number: 20200153288Abstract: An exemplary system includes a wireless power transmitter in power communication with a power supply, and a wirelessly-powered electronic device powered by the wireless power transmitter. The wirelessly-powered electronic device includes a wireless power receiver and an electronic device in power communication with the wireless power receiver, and may further include an energy storage device. During operation, the transmitter transmits electromagnetic radiation to the receiver, which in turn converts the electromagnetic radiation to electricity that is utilized by the electronic device. In certain embodiments, the transmitter is provided as an infrared laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Joseph W. Baumgarte, Brian C. Eickhoff, Scott Baxter, Joshua Long, Andrew Setter, Justin D. Seacat, Nicholas Upton, Madeline Ryals, Drew Locketz, Paul Avgerinos
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Patent number: 10648208Abstract: A door closer system having a door closer that includes at least one sensor configured to sense an operating characteristic or condition relating to the door closer including a position or speed of displacement of at least a portion of the door closer or an associated entryway device. The sensor(s) can also provide information relating to the performance or condition of one or more components of the door closer, such as the operation of a backcheck mechanism, as well as tracking the number of door cycles. Information obtained by the sensor(s) of the door closer system can be communicated to a lockset device of an entryway control system. The lockset device can be configured to communicate information received from the door closer system to an access control system, which can in turn provide the communicated information to a management system.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventor: Brian C. Eickhoff
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Publication number: 20190376331Abstract: An example exit device includes a mounting assembly configured for mounting to a door, a pushbar movably mounted to the mounting assembly, a latchbolt mounted to the mounting assembly for movement between an extended position and a retracted position, and a rocker lever engaged between the pushbar and the latchbolt such that the pushbar is operable to move the latchbolt between the extended position and the retracted position. The exit device further includes impact dampener mounted to the exit device and configured to dampen impact between a first component of the exit device and a second component of the exit device during movement of the first component relative to the second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Aaron P. McKibben, Gregory Musselman, Brian C. Eickhoff, Paul R. Arlinghaus, Vijayakumar Mani, Benjamin L. Miller, Saagar Mohammed
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Publication number: 20190371102Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes determining, by a server, a location of a door in an architectural drawing and a room function of a room secured by the door based on an analysis of the architectural drawing, determining, by the server, proper access control hardware to be installed on the door based on the room function, a category of access control hardware, and a predictive machine learning model associated with the category of access control hardware, and generating, by the server, a specification based on the determined proper access control hardware.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Robert S. Prostko, Robert C. Martens, Nick Heitzman, Kristin Day, Martin Madsen, Jason Kornaker, Daniel Langenberg, Brian C. Eickhoff, Scott Baxter, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Benjamin Hopkins, Steve J. Kottlowski, Jacob Scheib
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Patent number: 10487570Abstract: An exemplary door has a hollow interior, and includes a first panel and a second panel that are secured to one another such that a gap is formed therebetween. Each panel has an interior side that faces the hollow interior and an exterior side that is exposed to view. The door further includes a protective coating system that is disposed on the interior side of at least one of the panels. The coating is formed of a two-part elastomeric composition, such as a two-part elastomeric polyurethane composition or a two-part elastomeric polyurea composition. The coating improves the thermal, acoustic, and/or ballistic performance characteristics of the door.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Brian C. Eickhoff, Karen Bishop, David J. Wells, Matthew A. Phillips
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Publication number: 20190319557Abstract: A door closer system is provided that includes a motor, a spring, a reduction gear set, and a rack and a pinion mechanism. The spring and pinion may be coupled to the rack, and the pinion may be selectively coupled to the gear set. The motor may be selectively mechanically coupled to the gear set. The pinion may rotate in a first direction via the rack as the spring is compressed in a second direction opposite the first direction as the spring is expanded. The motor is operable to rotate and act upon the pinion through the gear set, thereby rotating the pinion in the second direction and assist the spring in closing the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: William P. Dye, Ian K. Heckman, Yong Kwan Lacy, Brendon M. Allen, Brian C. Eickhoff, Ron M. Kielkowshi, Dale M. Collins, David V. Toloday
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Patent number: 10385601Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Aaron P. McKibben, Brian C. Eickhoff