Patents by Inventor Joseph M. Nichols, Jr.

Joseph M. Nichols, Jr. 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: 8710763
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is operable to be converted from being configured as an electronic switch to being configured as a dimmer switch after installation. The load control device comprises a dimmer bezel having a control actuator and an intensity adjustment actuator and a detachable switch bezel adapted to be attached to the dimmer bezel. The detachable switch bezel has an opening through which the control actuator may be actuated, and is adapted to cover the intensity adjustment actuator when the detachable switch bezel is attached to the dimmer bezel. The load control device is operable to change from a switch mode of operation to a dimmer mode of operation after the detachable switch bezel is removed from the dimmer bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Hakkarainen, Joseph M. Nichols, Jr., Michael W. Pessina
  • Publication number: 20110140548
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is operable to be converted from being configured as an electronic switch to being configured as a dimmer switch after installation. The load control device comprises a dimmer bezel having a control actuator and an intensity adjustment actuator and a detachable switch bezel adapted to be attached to the dimmer bezel. The detachable switch bezel has an opening through which the control actuator may be actuated, and is adapted to cover the intensity adjustment actuator when the detachable switch bezel is attached to the dimmer bezel. The load control device is operable to change from a switch mode of operation to a dimmer mode of operation after the detachable switch bezel is removed from the dimmer bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Susan Hakkarainen, Joseph M. Nichols, JR., Michael W. Pessina
  • Patent number: 7240716
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for a multiple-tube roller shade includes a support assembly for rotatably supporting and connecting adjacently located tube-end portions and a clutch mechanism providing relative rotation therebetween. The support assembly includes a tube-end fitting and a torque-transferring drive transfer member contacting the tube. The clutch mechanism includes first and second clutch members respectively engaged and separated in closed and opened positions. A pull bar is translatable within one of the shafts and is moved by a draw pin received in aligned openings of the second clutch member, the shaft and the pull bar. The shaft openings are elongated for movement of the second clutch member between the closed and opened positions. An adjustment member threadedly engages the tube-end fitting for vertical adjustment of the fitting with respect to a support panel. The tube-end fitting is secured to a bracket having elongated openings for horizontal adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nichols, Jr., Mark A. Walker
  • Patent number: 7051782
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for a multiple-tube roller shade includes a support assembly for rotatably supporting and connecting adjacently located tube-end portions and a clutch mechanism providing relative rotation therebetween. The support assembly includes a tube-end fitting and a torque-transferring drive transfer member contacting the tube. The clutch mechanism includes first and second clutch members respectively engaged and separated in closed and opened positions. A pull bar is translatable within one of the shafts and is moved by a draw pin received in aligned openings of the second clutch member, the shaft and the pull bar. The shaft openings are elongated for movement of the second clutch member between the closed and opened positions. An adjustment member threadedly engages the tube-end fitting for vertical adjustment of the fitting with respect to a support panel. The tube-end fitting is secured to a bracket having elongated openings for horizontal adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nichols, Jr., Mark A. Walker
  • Patent number: 5613733
    Abstract: An auxiliary release device for a seat assembly is disclosed providing a release device which is operated by an activator located in a readily accessible position for the operator. The release device includes a hydraulic power supply for activating the mechanical release lever to enable fore and aft adjustment of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: USSC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Miller, Sr., Joseph M. Nichols, Jr.