Patents by Inventor Joseph R. Branc
Joseph R. Branc 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: 7893953Abstract: A system for lighting at least one individual positioned about a piece of furniture during a video recording process includes a piece of furniture having a work surface and at least one non-work surface. A lighting source is arranged along either the work surface or the non-work surface of the piece of furniture to project non-visible light away from the piece of furniture toward an individual positioned proximate to the piece of furniture to light the individual or recording during a video recording process.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Robert G. Krestakos, Matthew A. Mead, Joel Stanfield, Carl V. Forslund, III, Joseph R. Branc
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Publication number: 20070291466Abstract: A system for lighting at least one individual positioned about a piece of furniture during a video recording process includes a piece of furniture having a work surface and at least one non-work surface. A lighting source is arranged along either the work surface or the non-work surface of the piece of furniture to project non-visible light away from the piece of furniture toward an individual positioned proximate to the piece of furniture to light the individual or recording during a video recording process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Robert G. Krestakos, Matthew A. Mead, Joel Stanfield, Carl V. Forslund, Joseph R. Branc
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Patent number: 7301470Abstract: A file tracking system including a processor, which maintains and interfaces with a database, a plurality of file folder retainers, and a plurality of file folders. The file tracking system actively maintains and updates the database, which includes file information, file location, and unique file address for the plurality of files, by providing interactive communication between the processor, the folder retainers, and the file folders. Each file folder may include an indicator light, such as an LED, which a user may cause to blink when trying to locate the file folder at a location accessed from the database.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Joel D. Stanfield, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, William L. Miller
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Patent number: 7079044Abstract: A file tracking system including a processor, which maintains and interfaces with a database, a plurality of file folder retainers, and a plurality of file folders. The file tracking system actively maintains and updates the database, which includes file information, file location, and unique file address for the plurality of files, by providing interactive communication between the processor, the folder retainers, and the file folders. Each file folder may include an indicator light, such as an LED, which a user may cause to blink when trying to locate the file folder at a location accessed from the database.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Joel D. Stanfield, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, William L. Miller
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Publication number: 20040244307Abstract: A workspace display for open plan spaces includes a partition with a plurality of freestanding partition walls configured to divide a building space into at least one workspace. The workspace has an opening permitting user ingress and egress, and the partition has a height lower than a ceiling height to form a gap between a top edge of the partition and a ceiling. The workspace display includes a dry erasable whiteboard secured to the partition, and a video device is mounted to the partition in a generally overhead position in optical communication with the whiteboard, such that an occupant of the workspace can electronically manipulate images on the whiteboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Mark A. Baloga, William L. Miller, Mitchell Niewiadomski, Joel D. Stanfield
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Patent number: 6760999Abstract: A workspace display for open plan spaces includes a partition with a plurality of freestanding partition walls configured to divide a building space into at least one workspace. The workspace has an opening permitting user ingress and egress, and the partition has a height lower than a ceiling height to form a gap between a top edge of the partition and a ceiling. The workspace display includes a dry erasable whiteboard secured to the partition, and a video device is mounted to the partition in a generally overhead position in optical communication with the whiteboard, such that an occupant of the workspace can electronically manipulate images on the whiteboard.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Branc, Mark A. Baloga, William L. Miller, Michell Niewiadomski, Joel D. Stanfield
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Patent number: 6550195Abstract: The floor system for a work environment providing for access to utilities to be associated with articles such as articles of furniture is disclosed. The floor system includes a plurality of floor tiles. At least one of the floor tiles provides an access pattern. A floor is formed by selective arrangement of the plurality of floor tiles with at least one access point for utilities provided by the access pattern of at least one of the plurality of floor tiles. At least one article of furniture is selectively positioned on the floor. At least one access point can be selectively located within the floor. The position of at least one article of furniture on the floor and location of the access point of the floor are at least partially coincident and access to utilities can be provided through the floor to the article of furniture regardless of the position of the article of furniture on the floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Robert V. Cooper, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch
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Publication number: 20020190871Abstract: A file tracking system including a processor, which maintains and interfaces with a database, a plurality of file folder retainers, and a plurality of file folders. The file tracking system actively maintains and updates the database, which includes file information, file location, and unique file address for the plurality of files, by providing interactive communication between the processor, the folder retainers, and the file folders. Each file folder may include an indicator light, such as an LED, which a user may cause to blink when trying to locate the file folder at a location accessed from the database.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Joel D. Stanfield, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, William L. Miller
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Publication number: 20020124479Abstract: A workspace display for open plan spaces includes a partition with a plurality of freestanding partition walls configured to divide a building space into at least one workspace. The workspace has an opening permitting user ingress and egress, and the partition has a height lower than a ceiling height to form a gap between a top edge of the partition and a ceiling. The workspace display includes a dry erasable whiteboard secured to the partition, and a video device is mounted to the partition in a generally overhead position in optical communication with the whiteboard, such that an occupant of the workspace can electronically manipulate images on the whiteboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Mark A. Baloga, William L. Miller, Mitchell Niewiadomski, Joel D. Stanfield
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Patent number: 6427389Abstract: A workspace display comprises a sidewall partition defining a workspace with a portal opening and a door partition to selectively close the portal. A first display screen is disposed on the interior side of the door partition for individual viewing from inside the workspace. A second display screen is disposed exterior of the sidewall partition and positioned a spaced apart distance in general alignment therewith, without substantial interference with user ingress and egress through the portal opening. A video device is positioned overhead in optical communication with the first display screen when the door partition is in its fully closed position to support individual activities. The video device is in optical communication through the portal opening with the second display screen when the door partition is in its fully open position to support group activities. An image on the second display screen can be viewed on either the interior or exterior screen surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Branc, Mark A. Baloga, William L. Miller, Mitchell Niewiadomski, Joel D. Stanfield
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Patent number: 6424248Abstract: A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect connectors are provided at the opposite ends of each of the signal conductors, and mate with like quick-disconnect connectors in adjacent furniture units to create a communications network through the workstations. Each furniture unit has a signaler physically associated therewith, which is connected with an associated signal conductor at a coupler. A network controller is operable connected to the network to evaluate the network and/or the associated furniture units. The furniture units may be equipped with one or more utility ports, which are connected with the coupler, and service utility appliances, such as personal computers, telephones, facsimile machines, switches, power outlets, data receptacles, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: John Shackelford Toms, Steven M. Brown, William L. Miller, George V. Weller, Scott H. Russell, Joseph R. Branc, David C. Sweeton, Matthew M. Mikolajczak
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Patent number: 6354227Abstract: A portable table including a vertically adjustable upright support, a worksurface connected to the upright support and a one-way locking apparatus engagable with the upright support for locking the upright support in a vertically adjustable position. While the one-way locking apparatus is engaged, the upright support is only upwardly vertically adjustable. The one-way locking apparatus disengages from the upright support when the upright support is fully extended and reengages with the upright support when the upright support is lowered to a lowest vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, James P. Keane, George V. Weller, Mitchell Niewiadowski, Joseph R. Branc
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Publication number: 20010034987Abstract: A utilities terminal for use in a raised floor system is disclosed. The utilities terminal includes a floor tile having an access cavity, a support pan and an upper surface. The support pan is positioned within the access cavity, and has at least one access opening. The utilities terminal further includes a utilities grommet configured to be received within the support pan, and covering at least a portion of the support pan. The utilities terminal further includes a plurality of cover blocks selectively configured and adapted to be received within the support pan, cover the remaining open area of the support pan, and positioned substantially flush to the upper surface of the floor tile.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Robert V. Cooper, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, Art Tsubaki, Howard Montgomery
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Patent number: 6209266Abstract: A workspace display comprises a sidewall partition defining a workspace with a portal opening and a door partition to selectively close the portal. A first display screen is disposed on the interior side of the door partition for individual viewing from inside the workspace. A second display screen is disposed exterior of the sidewall partition and positioned a spaced apart distance in general alignment therewith, without substantial interference with user ingress and egress through the portal opening. A video device is positioned overhead in optical communication with the first display screen when the door partition is in its fully closed position to support individual activities. The video device is in optical communication through the portal opening with the second display screen when the door partition is in its fully open position to support group activities. An image on the second display screen can be viewed on either the interior or exterior screen surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Mark A. Baloga, William L. Miller, Mitchell Niewiadomski, Joel D. Stanfield
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Patent number: 6211796Abstract: A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect connectors are provided at the opposite ends of each of the signal conductors, and mate with like quick-disconnect connectors in adjacent furniture units to create a communications network through the workstations. Each furniture unit has a signaler physically associated therewith, which is connected with an associated signal conductor at a coupler. A network controller is operably connected to the network to evaluate the network and/or the associated furniture units. The furniture units may be equipped with one or more utility ports, which are connected with the coupler, and service utility appliances, such as personal computers, telephones, facsimile machines, switches, power outlets, data receptacles, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: John Shackelford Toms, Steven M. Brown, William L. Miller, George V. Weller, Scott H. Russell, Joseph R. Branc, David C. Sweeton, Matthew M. Mikolajczak
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Patent number: 6202374Abstract: The floor system for a work environment providing for access to utilities to be associated with articles such as articles of furniture is disclosed. The floor system includes a plurality of floor tiles. At least one of the floor tiles provides an access pattern. A floor is formed by selective arrangement of the plurality of floor tiles with at least one access point for utilities provided by the access pattern of at least one of the plurality of floor tiles. At least one article of furniture is selectively positioned on the floor. At least one access point can be selectively located within the floor. The position of at least one article of furniture on the floor and location of the access point of the floor are at least partially coincident and access to utilities can be provided through the floor to the article of furniture regardless of the position of the article of furniture on the floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Robert V. Cooper, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch
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Patent number: 6133845Abstract: A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect connectors are provided at the opposite ends of each of the signal conductors, and mate with like quick-disconnect connectors in adjacent furniture units to create a communications network through the workstations. Each furniture unit has a signaler physically associated therewith, which is connected with an associated signal conductor at a coupler. A network controller is operably connected to the network to evaluate the network and/or the associated furniture units. The furniture units may be equipped with one or more utility ports, which are connected with the coupler, and service utility appliances, such as personal computers, telephones, facsimile machines, switches, power outlets, data receptacles, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: John Shackelford Toms, Steven M. Brown, William L. Miller, George V. Weller, Scott H. Russell, Joseph R. Branc, David C. Sweeton, Matthew M. Mikolajczak
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Patent number: 6122865Abstract: A workspace display comprises a sidewall partition defining a workspace with a portal opening and a door partition to selectively close the portal. A first display screen is disposed on the interior side of the door partition for individual viewing from inside the workspace. A second display screen is disposed exterior of the sidewall partition and positioned a spaced apart distance in general alignment therewith, without substantial interference with user ingress and egress through the portal opening. A video device is positioned overhead in optical communication with the first display screen when the door partition is in its fully closed position to support individual activities. The video device is in optical communication through the portal opening with the second display screen when the door partition is in its fully open position to support group activities. An image on the second display screen can be viewed on either the interior or exterior screen surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Mark A. Baloga, William L. Miller, Mitchell Niewiadomski, Joel D. Stanfield
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Patent number: 6081356Abstract: An optical access system is shown for use in an office setting including a workstation providing for communication between a network and a computing device, the workstation having a worksurface and at least one network access point coupled to an optical network port. The computing device has a device access point coupled to an optical device port for direct optical communication with the optical network port. The optical access system includes an access station containing the optical network port so that the optical network port is selectively adjustable in a vertical direction by manually repositioning with respect to the computing device and the worksurface. Direct optical communication between the optical network port and the optical device port can be maintained notwithstanding the presence of objects that may obstruct direct optical communication. The optical access system may include a portable computer having a base and a covering lid to which the optical device port is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Carl V. Forslund, III, William L. Miller, Joel D. Stanfield
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Patent number: 6002855Abstract: A furniture specification system, designed for relatively large scale office furniture projects, having three basic components: 1) means for generating a furniture specification which contains data specifying a plurality of the available furniture products; 2) means for generating a visual display of the furniture products specified by the furniture specification on a display device; and 3) means for generating a cost specification based upon the furniture specification. Since both the visual display of the furniture products and the cost specification are generated from the same furniture specification, the possibility of discrepancies between the visual display and the cost specification is eliminated. The means for generating the furniture specification allows the user to add or delete individual products and to add product clusters to the furniture specification.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Steelcase IncorporatedInventors: Francis D. Ladner, Joseph R. Branc