Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Caputo
Thomas A. Caputo 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: 8286538Abstract: A sizing center for and a method of sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on a sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. Each window covering includes a color marking. At least two measuring scales are disposed on the sizing center, each measuring scale being associated with a sizing mechanism and having a different color, and each color associated with a sizing center being associated with a color marking of a window covering.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: David C. Roberts, Thomas A. Caputo, Richard Coulcher, David A. Schwartz
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Patent number: 8261644Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
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Patent number: 8256333Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a lateral support surface and a saw for cutting the window covering positioned at an end of the lateral support surface. An engagement member locates the center of the window covering that is retractably mounted on the lateral support surface. A clamp assembly comprises a clamping jaw that is movable to a first position where the clamping jaw presses the window covering against the lateral support surface. The clamp assembly is movable relative to the first saw and the second saw. A controller for moves the clamp assembly to automatically position a first end of the window covering relative to the first saw and a second end of the window covering relative to the second saw. Methods of cutting a window covering are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: Jason Begin, Clifford Birch, Ryan Bishop, Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Timothy D. Cluett, Patrick E. Foley, Mark A. Fox, Kristi Jane Georgi, Brian Bellamy Johnson, Grant Rorie Phillips, William Norris Scott, Martin Richard Van Buren, Neil John Varlamoff, Larry Todd Windham
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Patent number: 8161857Abstract: A sizing center for and a method of sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on a sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. Each window covering includes a color marking. At least two measuring scales are disposed on the sizing center, each measuring scale being associated with a sizing mechanism and having a different color, and each color associated with a sizing center being associated with a color marking of a window covering.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: David Roberts, Thomas A. Caputo, Richard D. Coulcher, Jr., David A. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20120012542Abstract: A display for a shelving unit of the type having a bay defined in part by lower and upper horizontal supports that comprises a first rail mounted on the lower horizontal support and a second rail mounted on the upper horizontal support. A body is disposed between the first and second rails. The body is in free moving contact with the first rail and the second rail such that the body is freely movable along the length of the rails. The body supports a user interface device. The display of the invention may be used where the user interface controls the functions of a co-located machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.Inventors: Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, Martin Richard VAN BUREN
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Patent number: 8065861Abstract: The hardware for mounting the blinds is located in the head rail such that it does not interfere with the cutting operation but remains with the blind after the blind is cut-to-size. The hardware overlaps with a blind component and the hardware may include a mounting bracket that includes a notch for receiving the blind component. The ends of the blinds are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blinds are secured in the package such that the blind elements are properly aligned. The aligned blinds and the package are inserted into a cutting machine as a unit and the cutting machine cuts the blinds and the package simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Caputo
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Patent number: 7987754Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
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Publication number: 20110061505Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a lateral support surface and a saw for cutting the window covering positioned at an end of the lateral support surface. An engagement member locates the center of the window covering that is retractably mounted on the lateral support surface. A clamp assembly comprises a clamping jaw that is movable to a first position where the clamping jaw presses the window covering against the lateral support surface. The clamp assembly is movable relative to the first saw and the second saw. A controller for moves the clamp assembly to automatically position a first end of the window covering relative to the first saw and a second end of the window covering relative to the second saw. Methods of cutting a window covering are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.Inventors: Jason BEGIN, Clifford BIRCH, Ryan BISHOP, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Timothy D. CLUETT, Patrick E. FOLEY, Mark A. FOX, Kristi Jane GEORGI, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, William Norris SCOTT, Martin Richard VAN BUREN, Neil John VARLAMOFF, Larry Todd WINDHAM
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Publication number: 20110056345Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a vertical window covering are disclosed. One method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a known first position relative to the package. An engagement element is provided on the package that is located at a known second position on the package. The engagement element is moved a distance from a saw to obtain a final dimension of the window covering where the distance is calculated using the first position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.Inventors: Jason BEGIN, Clifford BIRCH, Ryan BISHOP, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Timothy D. CLUETT, Patrick E. FOLEY, Mark A. FOX, Kristi Jane GEORGI, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, William Norris SCOTT, Martin Richard VAN BUREN, Neil John VARLAMOFF, Larry Todd WINDHAM
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Publication number: 20110056348Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.Inventors: Clifford BIRCH, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Lawrence Powell Doyle, Mark A. FOX, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Martin Richard VAN BUREN
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Publication number: 20110056353Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.Inventors: Jason BEGIN, Clifford BIRCH, Ryan BISHOP, Paul Christopher BROWN, Thomas A. CAPUTO, Neil L. CASSTEVENS, Timothy D. CLUETT, Patrick E. FOLEY, Mark A. FOX, Kristi Jane GEORGI, Brian Bellamy JOHNSON, Grant Rorie PHILLIPS, William Norris SCOTT, Martin Richard VAN BUREN, Neil John VARLAMOFF, Larry Todd WINDHAM
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Patent number: 7886418Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vehicle in which a blind cutting machine is installed. A supply of blinds in different sizes, styles, fabrics and finishes is also maintained in the vehicle. The vehicle travels to the customer premise. Once the blind is selected by the customer, the installer measures the architectural feature to be covered to determine the final dimensions of the blind. The installer then cuts the selected blind to the desired size using the cutting machine. After the blind is cut to the proper size, it is mounted on the architectural feature. The selection, measurement, sizing and installation of the blind are accomplished during a single visit to the customer premise.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: Clifford Birch, Sherry Soden, Thomas Caputo
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Publication number: 20100208059Abstract: A method and apparatus of ordering a window covering comprises providing a measuring block that is mounted adjacent an architectural feature to be measured. A digital photograph is taken of the architectural feature with the measuring block. A display resolution of the photograph is determined. A scale of the photograph is determined using the measuring block. A dimension of the architectural feature is calculated based on the scale of the photograph. The window covering is cut to the calculated dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
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Publication number: 20100206144Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
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Publication number: 20100107833Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox, Clifford Birch
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Publication number: 20100107839Abstract: A sizing center for and a method of sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on a sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. Each window covering includes a color marking. At least two measuring scales are disposed on the sizing center, each measuring scale being associated with a sizing mechanism and having a different color, and each color associated with a sizing center being associated with a color marking of a window covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: David Roberts, Thomas A. Caputo, Richard D. Coulcher, JR., David A. Schwartz
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Patent number: 7681480Abstract: A sizing center for sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on the sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. The sizing center includes a squaring block for orienting a window covering on the sizing center. The squaring block includes a first side and a second side. A cutout for receiving a plurality of slats of a window covering is located in a top surface of the squaring block, the cutout extends from the first side of the squaring block to the second side of the squaring block.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: David C. Roberts, Thomas A. Caputo, Richard Coulcher, David A. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20090301039Abstract: The hardware for mounting the blinds is located in the head rail such that it does not interfere with the cutting operation but remains with the blind after the blind is cut-to-size. The hardware overlaps with a blind component and the hardware may include a mounting bracket that includes a notch for receiving the blind component. The ends of the blinds are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blinds are secured in the package such that the blind elements are properly aligned. The aligned blinds and the package are inserted into a cutting machine as a unit and the cutting machine cuts the blinds and the package simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.Inventor: Thomas Caputo
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Publication number: 20090031876Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: NEWELL WINDOW FURNISHINGS, INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox
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Publication number: 20080066283Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vehicle in which a blind cutting machine is installed. A supply of blinds in different sizes, styles, fabrics and finishes is also maintained in the vehicle. The vehicle travels to the customer premise. Once the blind is selected by the customer, the installer measures the architectural feature to be covered to determine the final dimensions of the blind. The installer then cuts the selected blind to the desired size using the cutting machine. After the blind is cut to the proper size, it is mounted on the architectural feature. The selection, measurement, sizing and installation of the blind are accomplished during a single visit to the customer premise.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Clifford Birch, Sherry Soden, Thomas Caputo