Patents by Inventor Steven J. Miner

Steven J. Miner 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: 11573017
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for ventilating an interior space, such as a large industrial structure with at least one bay opening. A ventilation system includes an array of M by N fans stacked into a two dimensional (2D) array. A rigid frame supports the array. A seal assembly provides a nominally fluid-tight seal between an outer perimeter of the array and the bay opening. A locking assembly mechanically couples the frame to the bay opening. In some cases, a bay door can be partially retracted and attached to a top of the frame. In other cases, the bay door may be fluidically permeable (e.g., a chain, a screen, etc.) and the array is secured behind a fully closed door. Cooling air is directed out the bay opening at a suitable time, such as overnight. A soft-start motor capability can be used to initiate operation of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Airscape, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil B. Smith, Richard Jacobi, Steven J. Miner
  • Publication number: 20210048204
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for ventilating an interior space, such as a large industrial structure with at least one bay opening. A ventilation system includes an array of M by N fans stacked into a two dimensional (2D) array. A rigid frame supports the array. A seal assembly provides a nominally fluid-tight seal between an outer perimeter of the array and the bay opening. A locking assembly mechanically couples the frame to the bay opening. In some cases, a bay door can be partially retracted and attached to a top of the frame. In other cases, the bay door may be fluidically permeable (e.g., a chain, a screen, etc.) and the array is secured behind a fully closed door. Cooling air is directed out the bay opening at a suitable time, such as overnight. A soft-start motor capability can be used to initiate operation of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Neil B. Smith, Richard Jacobi, Steven J. Miner
  • Patent number: 9168626
    Abstract: A tool sharpening assembly suitable for sharpening cutting tools. In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus has a rotatable abrasive surface, and a tool support structure which contactingly supports a body portion of a tool while a cutting surface of the tool is presented against the abrasive surface during a sharpening operation. A cooling mechanism operates to reduce a temperature of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Professional Tool Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Dovel, Christopher T. DeLorenzo, Steven J. Miner
  • Publication number: 20140024300
    Abstract: A tool sharpening assembly suitable for sharpening cutting tools. In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus has a rotatable abrasive surface, and a tool support structure which contactingly supports a body portion of a tool while a cutting surface of the tool is presented against the abrasive surface during a sharpening operation. A cooling mechanism operates to reduce a temperature of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Professional Tool Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Dovel, Christopher T. DeLorenzo, Steven J. Miner
  • Patent number: 8512103
    Abstract: A tool sharpening assembly (100) suitable for sharpening cutting tools (140,350,366,546,562). In some embodiments, a wedge-shaped port is formed between a rotational first abrasive surface (160,262) and a stationary second abrasive surface (162,264) to sharpen a distal cutting edge (146) of a cutting tool (140,230,546). In other embodiments, a cooling mechanism (136,326,330,334,338) actively draws heat generated during a sharpening operation from a tool (140) and through a tool support structure (170,234,328,332) contactingly supporting the tool, in further embodiments, a rotatable abrasive slotted disc (364) comprises at least one inspection aperture (372) formed from an interior sidewall (390) with upper and lower leading and trailing edges (396,398,400,402) of non-uniform separation distance. In other embodiments, a cylindrical drum abrasive member (572) is provided with an associated stationary support plate (574).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Professional Tool Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Dovel, Christopher T. DeLorenzo, Steven J. Miner
  • Publication number: 20090314138
    Abstract: Apparatus for engaging a mechanical component, such as a fastener. A handle portion (102, 174) is hingedly affixed to a ratchet mechanism (108, 180). A tool holder support structure (110, 140, 150, 160, 174) is aligned with and rigidly affixed to the ratchet mechanism opposite the handle portion. A tool holder (112, 142, 152, 162, 176) is supported by the tool holder support structure and comprises opposing first and second ends (114, 116) each configured to support at least one respective tool (118, 132, 178, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232). The tool holder preferably rotates with respect to the tool holder support structure about a pivot (129, 146, 210). Preferably, the handle portion and ratchet mechanism are removable to permit a separate driver (196) to impart torque to a selected extended tool. The handle portion is further preferably moveable from an open position to a folded, closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: PROFESSIONAL TOOL MANUFACTURING, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Zachariasen, Steven J. Miner
  • Publication number: 20080214095
    Abstract: A tool sharpening assembly (100) suitable for sharpening cutting tools (140,350,366,546,562). In some embodiments, a wedge-shaped port is formed between a rotational first abrasive surface (160,262) and a stationary second abrasive surface (162,264) to sharpen a distal cutting edge (146) of a cutting tool (140,230,546). In other embodiments, a cooling mechanism (136,326,330,334,338) actively draws heat generated during a sharpening operation from a tool (140) and through a tool support structure (170,234,328,332) contactingly supporting the tool, in further embodiments, a rotatable abrasive slotted disc (364) comprises at least one inspection aperture (372) formed from an interior sidewall (390) with upper and lower leading and trailing edges (396,398,400,402) of non-uniform separation distance. In other embodiments, a cylindrical drum abrasive member (572) is provided with an associated stationary support plate (574).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Professional Tool Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Dovel, Christopher T. DeLorenzo, Steven J. Miner