Patents by Inventor Joseph M. Nichols

Joseph M. Nichols 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20040129849
    Abstract: A roller shade mounting bracket assembly includes a first bracket securable to a fixed support member. A landing board having a printed circuit board is secured to the first bracket. The landing board preferably includes a connector mounted to the circuit board for attachment of a wiring harness of a roller shade motor unit. Projecting standoffs may be included to space the landing board from a base plate of the first bracket. A second bracket includes a first portion adapted for attachment to the first bracket, the first portion preferably including an access opening accommodating the landing board. The second bracket further includes a second portion having openings for attachment of a shade roller. The second bracket may include hooked members engaging support members secured to the first bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Mark A. Walker, Jason Scott Gottschall, Joseph M. Nichols, Frank Guntz
  • 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.