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: 5942984Abstract: 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: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Steelcase 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: 5907285Abstract: 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: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Steelcase 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: 5847971Abstract: 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: January 5, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Steelcase IncorporatedInventors: Francis D. Ladner, Joseph R. Branc
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Patent number: 5751221Abstract: 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 locating the file folder at a location accessed from the database.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Joel D. Stanfield, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, William L. Miller
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Patent number: 5739765Abstract: 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 locating the file folder at a location accessed from the database.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Joel D. Stanfield, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, William L. Miller
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Patent number: 5684469Abstract: 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: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: John Schackelford 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: 5530435Abstract: 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: December 9, 1993Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: John S. 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: 5385039Abstract: A lock for furniture includes a plunger assembly for actuating a lock mechanism. The plunger assembly includes a reader for receiving a control signal from a key. The plunger assembly includes a curved surface for contacting a lock rod such that the plunger assembly requires a constant force to move the lock rod through its range of motion to a locked position. A catch assembly secures the plunger, and hence the lock rod, in a locked position. A solenoid shifts the catch assembly to release the plunger assembly. The lock assembly may also include a lever connected at one end to the catch assembly and having a counterweight on an opposite end.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1993Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Joseph R. Branc, Robert B. Lubinskas
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Patent number: 4831476Abstract: A disc drive isolation system including a disc drive isolation module is disclosed. The isolation module is disposed in the enclosure and has an outer body and an inner body supported within the outer body with the disc drive mounted within the inner body. The mounting of the inner body within the outer body sequesters the disc drive against vibration and shock applied to the outer body. This arrangement enables almost any disc drive to be operated in an industrial environment independent of the shock and vibration characteristics of the environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1987Date of Patent: May 16, 1989Assignee: Allen-Bradley CompanyInventors: Joseph R. Branc, Thomas J. Merchant, William L. Miller, Philip J. Pisczak
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Patent number: 4685303Abstract: A disc drive isolation system including an environment control enclosure and a disc drive isolation module is disclosed. A thermo-electric heat pump is mounted to the enclosure for cooling the interior of the enclosure and a fan circulates air within the enclosure. A humidity sensor controls the heat pump and the fan in response to the sensed humidity of the interior air. First and second temperature sensors control the heat pump andthe disc drive, respectively. The isolation module is disposed in the enclosure and has an outer body and an inner body supported within the outer body with the disc drive mounted within the inner body. The mounting of the inner body within the outer body sequesters the disc drive against vibration and shock applied to the outer body. This arrangement enables almost any disc drive to be operated in an industrial environment independent of the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, shock and vibration characteristics of the environment.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1985Date of Patent: August 11, 1987Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Thomas J. Merchant, William L. Miller, Philip J. Pisczak
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Patent number: 4275307Abstract: An input circuit for a digital control system includes a rectifier circuit, a current limiting circuit and a set of zener diodes which can be selectively employed to receive a wide variety of signals from industrial sensing devices. The signal is generated to an output drive circuit by an optocoupler which provides electrical isolation. The output drive circuit generates a logic level signal which is compatible with the digital electronic control system. The input circuit is particularly well suited for fabrication as an integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1979Date of Patent: June 23, 1981Assignee: Allen-Bradley CompanyInventors: Odo J. Struger, Joseph R. Branc