Patents by Inventor Paul A. Brayford

Paul A. Brayford 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: 20240052700
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Prugner, Robert Witt, Jorg Schierz
  • Patent number: 11834903
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Prügner, Robert Witt, Jörg Schierz
  • Publication number: 20230018256
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Patent number: 11486198
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Publication number: 20220203004
    Abstract: Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: OUTSET MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Dean HU, Justin Thomas PUZIN, Steven Owen MILLER, Tyler John MILLER, Logan RIVAS, Michael KIM, Michael Edward HOGARD, Jeffrey ETTER, Todd NELSON, James TUMBER, Stephanie KLUNK, Paul BRAYFORD, Cole NAYMARK
  • Patent number: 11299932
    Abstract: Examples of rail assemblies for architectural coverings disclosed herein stabilize motor assemblies via end caps to reduce transfers of vibrational motor forces to the rails. An example rail for an architectural covering includes a housing, a motor to be disposed in the housing, and an end cap to be coupled to said housing. The example rail includes a track defined in an exterior face of the rail. A first portion of the end cap is to be received in the track. The end cap is capable of at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the housing prior to the first portion being received in the track. In the example rail, the track is to restrict the at least two degrees of freedom of motion of the end cap when the first portion of the end cap is received in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Foley, Clark D. Brace, Paul A. Brayford, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Daniel A. Huber, Douglas J. Lorenz, Paul D. Mischo, Todd M. Nelson, Mark Schwandt, Jeffrey L. Spray
  • Patent number: 11072976
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus can be used to reduce noise in motor assemblies, such as those used in architectural coverings. An example apparatus includes a first driver configured to be coupled to and rotated by an output shaft of a motor, a second driver, and a plurality of vibration-absorbers disposed between the first driver and the second driver. The second driver is configured to be coupled to a rotating member to transfer rotational motion from the first driver to the rotating member via the vibration-absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Daniel M. Fogarty, Paul A. Brayford, Robert Fisher, II, Daniel A. Huber, Jan Pruegner, Clark Brace, Kevin Dann, Max Oelschlager, Todd Nelson, Nickolas C. Buccola, Jr., Michael Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20210198941
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus can be used to reduce noise in motor assemblies, such as those used in architectural coverings. An example apparatus includes a first driver configured to be coupled to and rotated by an output shaft of a motor, a second driver, and a plurality of vibration-absorbers disposed between the first driver and the second driver. The second driver is configured to be coupled to a rotating member to transfer rotational motion from the first driver to the rotating member via the vibration-absorbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Daniel M. Fogarty, Paul A. Brayford, Robert Fisher, Daniel A. Huber, Jan Pruegner, Clark Brace, Kevin Dann, Max Oelschlager, Todd Nelson, Nickolas C. Buccola, Michael Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20210148167
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Patent number: 10851587
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer
  • Publication number: 20200332595
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Publication number: 20190106938
    Abstract: Examples of rail assemblies for architectural coverings disclosed herein stabilize motor assemblies via end caps to reduce transfers of vibrational motor forces to the rails. An example rail for an architectural covering includes a housing, a motor to be disposed in the housing, and an end cap to be coupled to said housing. The example rail includes a track defined in an exterior face of the rail. A first portion of the end cap is to be received in the track. The end cap is capable of at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the housing prior to the first portion being received in the track. In the example rail, the track is to restrict the at least two degrees of freedom of motion of the end cap when the first portion of the end cap is received in the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick Foley, Clark D. Brace, Paul A. Brayford, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Daniel A. Huber, Douglas J. Lorenz, Paul D. Mischo, Todd M. Nelson, Mark Schwandt, Jeffrey L. Spray
  • Publication number: 20180223595
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce noise in motor assemblies, such as those used in architectural coverings, are described herein. An example apparatus includes a first driver configured to be coupled to and rotated by an output shaft of a motor, a second driver, and a plurality of vibration-absorbers disposed between the first driver and the second driver. The second driver is configured to be coupled to a rotating member to transfer rotational motion from the first driver to the rotating member via the vibration-absorbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Daniel M. Fogarty, Paul A. Brayford, Robert Fisher, II, Daniel A. Huber, Jan Pruegner, Clark Brace, Kevin Dann, Max Oelschlager, Todd Nelson, Nickolas C. Buccola, JR., Michael Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20180106105
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Patent number: 9150119
    Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medication within a healthcare facility. An example system for connecting sections of a track having an electrically conductive bus bar may include a first end cap including an alignment ridge, where the first end cap is received at the end of a first track section having a first bus bar, and a second end cap having an alignment channel, where the second end cap is received at the end of a second track section having a second bus bar. The alignment ridge may be configured to be received within the alignment channel when the first track section and the second track section are out of alignment, and in response to the first track section being brought into alignment with the second track section, the alignment ridge and alignment channel cooperate to draw the first and second bus bar into contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Aesynt Incorporated
    Inventors: Cody C. Henderson, Paul A. Brayford, Stefan Michael Elsener, Michael P. Zarich, James Kolozs
  • Publication number: 20140262690
    Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medication within a healthcare facility. An example system for connecting sections of a track having an electrically conductive bus bar may include a first end cap including an alignment ridge, where the first end cap is received at the end of a first track section having a first bus bar, and a second end cap having an alignment channel, where the second end cap is received at the end of a second track section having a second bus bar. The alignment ridge may be configured to be received within the alignment channel when the first track section and the second track section are out of alignment, and in response to the first track section being brought into alignment with the second track section, the alignment ridge and alignment channel cooperate to draw the first and second bus bar into contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Cody C. Henderson, Paul A. Brayford, Stefan Michael Elsener, Michael P. Zarich, James Kolozs
  • Publication number: 20140261058
    Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medication within a healthcare facility. Examples of the invention may include a car for a track-based transport system. The car may include a payload platform configured to support a payload on a payload surface; a first tilt bracket rotatably coupled to the payload platform and rotatable relative to the payload platform about a first axis orthogonal to a plane defined by the payload surface; a first bogie pivotably coupled to the tilt bracket, where the bogie is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to a direction of travel of the car; and a first electric motor coupled to the first bogie and configured to receive electric power through a bus bar disposed along a track on which the car rides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Cody C. Henderson, Paul A. Brayford, Stefan Michael Elsener, Michael P. Zarich, James Kolozs