Patents by Inventor Clifford Birch

Clifford Birch 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: 11872716
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas A Caputo, Neil L Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Publication number: 20210039273
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Patent number: 10786921
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Patent number: 10639729
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Jason Begin, Clifford Birch, Ryan Bishop, Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Timothy D. Cluett, Patrick E. Foley, Mark A. Fox, Kristi Jane Georgi, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Grant Rorie Phillips, William Norris Scott, Martin Richard Van Buren, Neil John Varlamoff, Larry Todd Windham
  • Publication number: 20160354847
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Jason BEGIN, Clifford BIRCH, Ryan BISHOP, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Timothy D. CLUETT, Patrick E. FOLEY, Mark A. FOX, Kristi Jane GEORGI, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, William Norris SCOTT, Martin Richard VAN BUREN, Neil John VARLAMOFF, Larry Todd WINDHAM
  • Patent number: 9440368
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of ordering a window covering comprises providing a measuring block that is mounted adjacent an architectural feature to be measured. A digital photograph is taken of the architectural feature with the measuring block. A display resolution of the photograph is determined. A scale of the photograph is determined using the measuring block. A dimension of the architectural feature is calculated based on the scale of the photograph. The window covering is cut to the calculated dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Birch, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox
  • Patent number: 9427813
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Begin, Clifford Birch, Ryan Bishop, Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Timothy D. Cluett, Patrick E. Foley, Mark A. Fox, Kristi Jane Georgi, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Grant Rorie Phillips, William Norris Scott, Martin Richard Van Buren, Neil John Varlamoff, Larry Todd Windham
  • Publication number: 20150197026
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Patent number: 9016177
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Patent number: 8839701
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a vertical window covering are disclosed. One method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a known first position relative to the package. An engagement element is provided on the package that is located at a known second position on the package. The engagement element is moved a distance from a saw to obtain a final dimension of the window covering where the distance is calculated using the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Begin, Clifford Birch, Ryan Bishop, Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Timothy D. Cluett, Patrick E. Foley, Mark A. Fox, Kristi Jane Georgi, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Grant Rorie Phillips, William Norris Scott, Martin Richard Van Buren, Neil John Varlamoff, Larry Todd Windham
  • Patent number: 8631732
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Birch, Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Lawrence Powell Doyle, Mark A. Fox, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Martin Richard Van Buren
  • Publication number: 20130021467
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of ordering a window covering comprises providing a measuring block that is mounted adjacent an architectural feature to be measured. A digital photograph is taken of the architectural feature with the measuring block. A display resolution of the photograph is determined. A scale of the photograph is determined using the measuring block. A dimension of the architectural feature is calculated based on the scale of the photograph. The window covering is cut to the calculated dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Patent number: 8322260
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Birch, Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Lawrence Powell Doyle, Mark A. Fox, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Martin Richard Van Buren
  • Patent number: 8261644
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Patent number: 8256333
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a lateral support surface and a saw for cutting the window covering positioned at an end of the lateral support surface. An engagement member locates the center of the window covering that is retractably mounted on the lateral support surface. A clamp assembly comprises a clamping jaw that is movable to a first position where the clamping jaw presses the window covering against the lateral support surface. The clamp assembly is movable relative to the first saw and the second saw. A controller for moves the clamp assembly to automatically position a first end of the window covering relative to the first saw and a second end of the window covering relative to the second saw. Methods of cutting a window covering are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Begin, Clifford Birch, Ryan Bishop, Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Timothy D. Cluett, Patrick E. Foley, Mark A. Fox, Kristi Jane Georgi, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Grant Rorie Phillips, William Norris Scott, Martin Richard Van Buren, Neil John Varlamoff, Larry Todd Windham
  • Patent number: 7987754
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
  • Publication number: 20110061505
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a lateral support surface and a saw for cutting the window covering positioned at an end of the lateral support surface. An engagement member locates the center of the window covering that is retractably mounted on the lateral support surface. A clamp assembly comprises a clamping jaw that is movable to a first position where the clamping jaw presses the window covering against the lateral support surface. The clamp assembly is movable relative to the first saw and the second saw. A controller for moves the clamp assembly to automatically position a first end of the window covering relative to the first saw and a second end of the window covering relative to the second saw. Methods of cutting a window covering are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason BEGIN, Clifford BIRCH, Ryan BISHOP, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Timothy D. CLUETT, Patrick E. FOLEY, Mark A. FOX, Kristi Jane GEORGI, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, William Norris SCOTT, Martin Richard VAN BUREN, Neil John VARLAMOFF, Larry Todd WINDHAM
  • Publication number: 20110056348
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Clifford BIRCH, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Lawrence Powell Doyle, Mark A. FOX, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Martin Richard VAN BUREN
  • Publication number: 20110056345
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a vertical window covering are disclosed. One method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a known first position relative to the package. An engagement element is provided on the package that is located at a known second position on the package. The engagement element is moved a distance from a saw to obtain a final dimension of the window covering where the distance is calculated using the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason BEGIN, Clifford BIRCH, Ryan BISHOP, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Timothy D. CLUETT, Patrick E. FOLEY, Mark A. FOX, Kristi Jane GEORGI, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, William Norris SCOTT, Martin Richard VAN BUREN, Neil John VARLAMOFF, Larry Todd WINDHAM
  • Publication number: 20110056353
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason BEGIN, Clifford BIRCH, Ryan BISHOP, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Timothy D. CLUETT, Patrick E. FOLEY, Mark A. FOX, Kristi Jane GEORGI, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, William Norris SCOTT, Martin Richard VAN BUREN, Neil John VARLAMOFF, Larry Todd WINDHAM