Patents by Inventor Joseph Steinmetz

Joseph Steinmetz 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).

  • Publication number: 20240180369
    Abstract: A product dispenser holder comprises a dispenser holder body configured to receive a product dispenser that stores a supply of a product to be dispensed, an actuation sensor that senses actuations of the product dispenser, and an actuation button, such that when an actuation force is applied to a pump of the product dispenser, a substantially downward force is applied to the actuation button causing the actuation button to rotate substantially downwardly and actuate the actuation sensor to generate a dispenser actuation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Steinmetz, Jeffrey Rospierski, Sarah E. Johnson, Viktor Slobodyan, David L. Snodgrass
  • Patent number: 11918158
    Abstract: A product dispenser holder comprises a dispenser holder body configured to receive a product dispenser that stores a supply of a product to be dispensed, an actuation sensor that senses actuations of the product dispenser, and an actuation button, such that when an actuation force is applied to a pump of the product dispenser, a substantially downward force is applied to the actuation button causing the actuation button to rotate substantially downwardly and actuate the actuation sensor to generate a dispenser actuation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Steinmetz, Jeffrey Rospierski, Sarah E. Johnson, Viktor Slobodyan
  • Patent number: 11884145
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. The system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The system further includes a follower that supports the slats. The system further includes a spring-biased pulley system that is configured to cooperate with the follower and biases the slats toward the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: BOS AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20230210318
    Abstract: A product dispenser holder comprises a dispenser holder body configured to receive a product dispenser that stores a supply of a product to be dispensed, an actuation sensor that senses actuations of the product dispenser, and an actuation button, such that when an actuation force is applied to a pump of the product dispenser, a substantially downward force is applied to the actuation button causing the actuation button to rotate substantially downwardly and actuate the actuation sensor to generate a dispenser actuation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Steinmetz, Jeffrey Rospierski, Sarah E. Johnson, Viktor Slobodyan
  • Patent number: 11602248
    Abstract: A product dispenser holder comprises a dispenser holder body configured to receive a product dispenser that stores a supply of a product to be dispensed, an actuation sensor that senses actuations of the product dispenser, and an actuation button, such that when an actuation force is applied to a pump of the product dispenser, a substantially downward force is applied to the actuation button causing the actuation button to rotate substantially downwardly and actuate the actuation sensor to generate a dispenser actuation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Steinmetz, Jeffrey Rospierski, Sarah E. Johnson, Viktor Slobodyan
  • Publication number: 20220258580
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. The system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The system further includes a follower that supports the slats. The system further includes a spring-biased pulley system that is configured to cooperate with the follower and biases the slats toward the tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20220225845
    Abstract: A product dispenser holder comprises a dispenser holder body configured to receive a product dispenser that stores a supply of a product to be dispensed, an actuation sensor that senses actuations of the product dispenser, and an actuation button, such that when an actuation force is applied to a pump of the product dispenser, a substantially downward force is applied to the actuation button causing the actuation button to rotate substantially downwardly and actuate the actuation sensor to generate a dispenser actuation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Steinmetz, Jeffrey Rospierski, Sarah E. Johnson, Viktor Slobodyan
  • Patent number: 11318826
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track on either side of an opening. The retractable cover system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The slats include laterally extending profiles that are complementary to one another and are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The complementary profiles are configured to decouple from one another in the stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 11142050
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor that drives a first gear. The first gear is coupled to a second gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The motor is disconnected to the slats with the first and second gears in the decoupled position for manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Patent number: 11091013
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Michael David Uhazie, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Publication number: 20200353803
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track on either side of an opening. The retractable cover system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The slats include laterally extending profiles that are complementary to one another and are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The complementary profiles are configured to decouple from one another in the stowed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20200189370
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Michael David Uhazie, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Patent number: 10525804
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Michael David Uhazie, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Publication number: 20190389287
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor that drives a first gear. The first gear is coupled to a second gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. One of the first and second gears is axially movable relative to the other of the first and second gears between coupled and decoupled positions. The motor is coupled to the slats with the first and second gears in the coupled position for automated operation. The motor is disconnected to the slats with the first and second gears in the decoupled position for manual operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Publication number: 20190193536
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: William P. Pompili, Michael David Uhazie, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Jürgen Josef Salewski
  • Publication number: 20180126833
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a frame that includes laterally spaced apart guide rails. A flexible cover is slidably supported with respect to the guide rails. The cover has laterally opposing end portions each with an end that is arranged over and overlaps a respective one of the guide rails to provide an outer seal. In one embodiment, a flap is secured to the cover near each of the ends. Each flap is configured to retain its respective end portion to its respective guide rail. The cover is secured in a desired position by clamping a portion of the cover, for example, the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Mickey Alan Hannan, Andrew Charles Stewart, Juergen Josef Salewski, Michael David Uhazie, Huan Tran, Markus Hintennach, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, William Pompili
  • Publication number: 20170341494
    Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a pre-assembled drive system including a main roller about which a flexible cover is wrapped. Bows support the flexible cover in an extended position. The bows include a last bow. A drive motor is operatively coupled to the main roller and is configured to move the flexible cover between the extended position and a retracted position. A pre-assembled guide rail includes a cable system that has a driven gear operatively coupled to a drum. A cable is wrapped about the drum and at least one idler. The last bow is unsecured to the cable of the pre-assembled guide rail. A joint is configured to interconnect the pre-assembled guide rail to the pre-assembled drive system in an assembled condition to provide an assembled retractable cover system. The joint permits the drive gear and the driven gear to engage one another in the assembled condition. The last bow is secured to the cable in the assembled condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mickey Alan Hannan, Jürgen Josef Salewski, Edwin Joseph Steinmetz, Michael David Uhazie, Michael Alan Kage
  • Patent number: 7873855
    Abstract: A method and system and calibration technique for power measurement and management over multiple time frames provides responsive power control while meeting global system power consumption and power dissipation limits. Power output of one or more system power supplies is measured and processed to produce power values over multiple differing time frames. The measurements from the differing time frames are used to determine whether or not system power consumption should be adjusted and then one or more devices is power-managed in response to the determination. The determination may compare a set of maximum and/or minimum thresholds to each of the measurements from the differing time frames. A calibration technique uses a precision reference resistor and voltage reference controlled current source to introduce a voltage drop from the input side of a power supply sense resistor calibration is made at the common mode voltage of the power supply output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dhruv Manmohandas Desai, Nickolas J. Gruendler, Carl A. Morrell, Gary R. Shippy, Michael Leo Scollard, Michael Joseph Steinmetz, Malcolm Scott Ware, Christopher L. Wood
  • Patent number: 7536577
    Abstract: A calibration technique provides for precision calibration of system power measurement. The calibration technique uses a precision reference resistor and voltage reference controlled current source to introduce a voltage drop from the input side of a power supply sense resistor. Calibration measurements are thereby made for voltages substantially equal to the voltage of the power supply output, so that differential measurements are made at substantially the same common-mode voltage by appropriate selection of the relationship of the resistance of the precision reference resistor and the resistance of the sense resistor, where the common-mode voltage of the measurement is substantially equal to the power supply output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dhruv Manmohandas Desai, Nickolas J. Gruendler, Carl A. Morrell, Gary R. Shippy, Michael Leo Scollard, Michael Joseph Steinmetz, Malcolm Scott Ware, Christopher L. Wood
  • Patent number: 7353410
    Abstract: A method and system and calibration technique for power measurement and management over multiple time frames provides responsive power control while meeting global system power consumption and power dissipation limits. Power output of one or more system power supplies is measured and processed to produce power values over multiple differing time frames. The measurements from the differing time frames are used to determine whether or not system power consumption should be adjusted and then one or more devices is power-managed in response to the determination. The determination may compare a set of maximum and/or minimum thresholds to each of the measurements from the differing time frames. A calibration technique uses a precision reference resistor and voltage reference controlled current source to introduce a voltage drop from the input side of a power supply sense resistor calibration is made at the common mode voltage of the power supply output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dhruv Manmohandas Desai, Nickolas J. Gruendler, Carl A. Morrell, Gary R. Shippy, Michael Leo Scollard, Michael Joseph Steinmetz, Malcolm Scott Ware, Christopher L. Wood