Patents by Inventor Brian R. Wellnitz

Brian R. Wellnitz 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).

  • Publication number: 20230129115
    Abstract: A sensor-enabled range hood can be used with a cooking appliance. Information from multiple sensors can be used to determine whether abnormal or hazardous conditions are present, such as when unattended cooking is detected. A local indication or a remote notification can be generated in response to one or more conditions. A control signal to control a cooking appliance or range hood can be issued in response to one or more conditions. A remediation signal to address an actual fire present can be issued, such as to trigger fire remediation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Richard J. Palmersheim
  • Patent number: 11519611
    Abstract: A mounting bracket mountable to the underside of the cabinet prior to the range hood and configured to engage and support the range hood as the range hood is secured to the cabinet. The mounting bracket having a support feature engagable to the range hood to hold the range hood proximate the cabinet while fasteners are sunk to secure the range hood to the cabinet. The mounting brackets are pre-positioned on the cabinet such that range hood is aligned with the cabinet when the range hood is supported by the support feature. The smaller mounting brackets can be more easily mounted in the proper position on the cabinet then the larger range 10 hood speeding the installation process and reducing errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Benoit Gauthier, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Jonathan Houde, Remi Cossette, Yannick Morin, Mark Kurth, Peter Muller, Timothy Payne, David Wylen, Phil Anthony, Aaron Eiger, Scott Rote
  • Publication number: 20220282872
    Abstract: A mounting bracket mountable to the underside of the cabinet prior to the range hood and configured to engage and support the range hood as the range hood is secured to the cabinet. The mounting bracket having a support feature engagable to the range hood to hold the range hood proximate the cabinet while fasteners are sunk to secure the range hood to the cabinet. The mounting brackets are pre-positioned on the cabinet such that range hood is aligned with the cabinet when the range hood is supported by the support feature. The smaller mounting brackets can be more easily mounted in the proper position on the cabinet then the larger range 10 hood speeding the installation process and reducing errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Benoit Gauthier, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Jonathan Houde, Remi Cossette, Yannick Morin, Mark Kurth, Peter Muller, Timothy Payne, David Wylen, Phil Anthony, Aaron Eiger, Scott Rote
  • Publication number: 20210215347
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation system comprising a housing that includes a plurality of panels. At least one socket can be defined through at least one of the panels and the socket can be coupled to an electricity source. In some embodiments, the ventilation system can include at least one illumination system that can include a socket interface, an extension member, and at least one illumination device. The socket interface can be configured to engage the socket and the extension member can be capable of moving in a plurality of directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Williams, Jesse Allen Hollingsworth, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: 10801735
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a downdraft assembly capable of ventilating a cooktop including housing with a frame, a fluid box, and a movement assembly with a belt-lift. In some embodiments, the movement assembly can include a vertically moveable chimney. Some embodiments include a chimney with a horizontal member coupled to a first vertical region and a second vertical region and including a fluid inlet. In some embodiments, a first control panel can be coupled to the housing to activate at least one function of the downdraft assembly while remaining substantially stationary as the chimney moves. Some embodiments include a second control panel coupled chimney. Some embodiments include a visor and at least one illumination source configured and arranged to at least partially illuminate the cooktop. In some embodiments, the visor can articulate to control illumination or the flow of a cooking effluent into a fluid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Jay F. Perkins, Sean Montag
  • Publication number: 20200158348
    Abstract: A mounting bracket mountable to the underside of the cabinet prior to the range hood and configured to engage and support the range hood as the range hood is secured to the cabinet. The mounting bracket having a support feature engagable to the range hood to hold the range hood proximate the cabinet while fasteners are sunk to secure the range hood to the cabinet. The mounting brackets are pre-positioned on the cabinet such that range hood is aligned with the cabinet when the range hood is supported by the support feature. The smaller mounting brackets can be more easily mounted in the proper position on the cabinet then the larger range 10 hood speeding the installation process and reducing errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Benoit Gauthier, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Jonathan Houde, Remi Cossette, Yannick Morin, Mark Kurth, Peter Muller, Timothy Payne, David Wylen, Phil Anthony, Aaron Eiger, Scott Rote
  • Patent number: 10539329
    Abstract: A mounting bracket mountable to the underside of the cabinet prior to the range hood and configured to engage and support the range hood as the range hood is secured to the cabinet. The mounting bracket having a support feature engagable to the range hood to hold the range hood proximate the cabinet while fasteners are sunk to secure the range hood to the cabinet. The mounting brackets are pre-positioned on the cabinet such that range hood is aligned with the cabinet when the range hood is supported by the support feature. The smaller mounting brackets can be more easily mounted in the proper position on the cabinet then the larger range hood speeding the installation process and reducing errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Benoit Gauthier, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Jonathan Houde, Rémi Cossette, Yannick Morin, Mark Kurth, Peter Muller, Timothy Payne, David Wylen, Phil Anthony, Aaron Eiger, Scott Rote
  • Publication number: 20190249880
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation system comprising a housing that includes a plurality of panels. At least one socket can be defined through at least one of the panels and the socket can be coupled to an electricity source. In some embodiments, the ventilation system can include at least one illumination system that can include a socket interface, an extension member, and at least one illumination device. The socket interface can be configured to engage the socket and the extension member can be capable of moving in a plurality of directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Williams, Jesse Allen Hollingsworth, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: 10378777
    Abstract: A modular range hood having a backbone module attachable to a cabinet or other support structure, wherein a shell and at least one ventilation module can be coupled to the backbone module to provide desired aesthetic characteristics and/or functionality. The backbone module can have a mounting feature for receiving a fastener or configured to otherwise secure the backbone module to an underside mounting position of the cabinet or other support structure. The backbone module can provide a standardized base to which different shells and ventilation modules can be coupled to provide a modular range hood having the desired aesthetic characteristics and/or functionality. Similarly, the standardized backbone module can simplify installation by standardizing the mounting of the modular range hood to the cabinet or other support structure irrespective the shell and ventilation module attached to the range hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: 9638432
    Abstract: A ventilation unit for installation in a ventilation system. The ventilation unit can include a motor coupled to a fan element and a power source. The ventilation unit can also include a calibration module having one of a voltage and current regulator for adjusting the performance of the ventilation unit based on at least one characteristic of the ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Steven A. Johnson, Brian R. Wellnitz, Mirko Zakula
  • Publication number: 20170051939
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system capable of reducing negative pressure. The system includes a make-up air system that can be configured and arranged to be installed within a structure, such as a building. The system can also include a pressure switch that is configured and arranged to sense a pressure within an exhaust duct coupled to an exhaust device. The pressure switch can also be configured to communicate an activation signal and a deactivation signal to the make-up air system. In some embodiments, communication of the activation and deactivation signals can be at least partially dependent on the pressure within the exhaust duct. Moreover, the pressure switch can be configured and arranged to be retroactively coupled to at least one of the exhaust duct and the exhaust device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Thomas Heidel, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: 9506668
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system capable of reducing negative pressure. The system includes a make-up air system that can be configured and arranged to be installed within a structure, such as a building. The system can also include a pressure switch that is configured and arranged to sense a pressure within an exhaust duct coupled to an exhaust device. The pressure switch can also be configured to communicate an activation signal and a deactivation signal to the make-up air system. In some embodiments, communication of the activation and deactivation signals can be at least partially dependent on the pressure within the exhaust duct. Moreover, the pressure switch can be configured and arranged to be retroactively coupled to at least one of the exhaust duct and the exhaust device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Tom P. Haidel, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Publication number: 20160341432
    Abstract: A modular range hood having a backbone module attachable to a cabinet or other support structure, wherein a shell and at least one ventilation module can be coupled to the backbone module to provide desired aesthetic characteristics and/or functionality. The backbone module can have a mounting feature for receiving a fastener or configured to otherwise secure the backbone module to an underside mounting position of the cabinet or other support structure. The backbone module can provide a standardized base to which different shells and ventilation modules can be coupled to provide a modular range hood having the desired aesthetic characteristics and/or functionality. Similarly, the standardized backbone module can simplify installation by standardizing the mounting of the modular range hood to the cabinet or other support structure irrespective the shell and ventilation module attached to the range hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Publication number: 20160341433
    Abstract: A mounting bracket mountable to the underside of the cabinet prior to the range hood and configured to engage and support the range hood as the range hood is secured to the cabinet. The mounting bracket having a support feature engagable to the range hood to hold the range hood proximate the cabinet while fasteners are sunk to secure the range hood to the cabinet. The mounting brackets are pre-positioned on the cabinet such that range hood is aligned with the cabinet when the range hood is supported by the support feature. The smaller mounting brackets can be more easily mounted in the proper position on the cabinet then the larger range hood speeding the installation process and reducing errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Benoit Gauthier, Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Jonathan Houde, Rémi Cossette, Yannick Morin, Mark Kurth, Peter Muller, Tim Payne, David Wylen, Phil Anthony, Aaron Eiger
  • Patent number: 9297540
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a downdraft assembly capable of ventilating a cooktop including housing with a frame, a fluid box, and a movement assembly with a belt-lift. In some embodiments, the movement assembly can include a vertically moveable chimney. Some embodiments include a chimney with an upper and lower horizontal member and dual fluid inlets. In some embodiments, a first control panel can be coupled to the housing to activate at least one function of the downdraft assembly while remaining substantially stationary as the chimney moves. Some embodiments include a second control panel coupled chimney. Some embodiments include a visor and at least one illumination source configured and arranged to at least partially illuminate the cooktop. In some embodiments, the visor can articulate to control illumination or the flow of a cooking effluent into at least one of the dual inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Jay F. Perkins, Sean Montag
  • Publication number: 20140116414
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a range hood system including a housing, a ventilation system including an inlet and a fan, an illumination source, and a user interface coupled with a control system. In some embodiments, a fan speed can be varied, and in some further embodiments, the range hood system can include a filter change indicator and fan delay-off feature. In some other embodiments, the illumination intensity can be varied to provide variable illumination intensity to the range top surface. Some embodiments can include a clock, a timer coupled to an audible alarm, and a fan delay-off time coupled to a user interface. In some other embodiments, a heat sensor can be coupled to a component of a range hood system, and a heat sentry mode can display a status on a user interface, and can operate a fan if the temperature exceeds a preset limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: D709606
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Gregory T. Ruggles, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: D743520
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Gregory T. Ruggles, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: D745131
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Gregory T. Ruggles, Brian R. Wellnitz
  • Patent number: D826392
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Benjamin Thorpe Puffer, Benoit Gauthier, Daniel Bathalon