Patents Assigned to NuTone Inc.
  • Patent number: 5820247
    Abstract: A modular cover for a combination light source and ventilator system is disclosed. The modular cover includes a grill, a light-transmissive lens and an optionally detachable trimplate for mounting beneath the light source and ventilator system installed in a ceiling. The trimplate is releasably engagable with the grill for covering a greater portion of the ceiling in the event a sizing error is made during installation of the light source and ventilator system. Preferably, the lens is releasably engagable with the grill for changing of the light source and cleaning of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: NuTone Inc.
    Inventor: Norman F. Schuler
  • Patent number: 5690093
    Abstract: A range hood having a sleek, modern appearance has a keypad and control circuit which enable adjustment of fan speed and light intensity. The range hood includes a keypad having a linear array of keys which may be individually or collectively used to energize the fan at one of a variety of speeds. A control circuit responds to depression of one or a group of two of the keys and in response selects one of a plurality of possible fan speeds. The array of keys is also used in conjunction with a separate night light key to program the intensity of the light for use as a night light. An automatic shutoff key is used to gradually reduce the fan speed until, ultimately, the fan is deenergized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Nutone, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony L. Schrank, Robert Voosen, Chris Hentschel
  • Patent number: 5624170
    Abstract: A door and hinge apparatus allowing quick connection and disconnection with respect to a frame, such as a cabinet frame. The door includes at least two generally elliptical slots. The generally elliptical slots have an enlarged opening and a narrower slot portion located above the enlarged opening. Mounting posts having enlarged heads protrude from one hinge leaf. The door attaches by placing the enlarged openings over the enlarged heads and sliding the door to engage the narrow slot portions with the enlarged heads. An aperture in the second hinge leaf aligns with an aperture associated with the door, and a locking plug is inserted through both apertures to prevent the door from sliding off the mounting posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: NuTone Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Hasty
  • Patent number: 5254147
    Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner for compacting dirt within a receptacle is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a receptacle having a top side and bottom wall with an air inlet opening in the side wall. A frustoconical air flow structure is disposed within the receptacle to separate air entering the inlet from the top wall. A filter spanning from the side wall to the air flow producing structure is disposed within the receptacle between the air inlet and an outlet disposed within the receptacle between the air inlet and an outlet disposed in the side wall near the bottom wall of the receptacle. The outlet may be connected to a suction source to produce negative pressure within the receptacle so air entering the air inlet downwardly spirals about the air flow producing structure and a particulate within the air flow is removed by the filter. The downwardly spiralling air flow compacts the removed particulate atop the filter to create a further filter effect on the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: NuTone, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene W. Finke
  • Patent number: 5080697
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus is provided having a canister, a motor mounted to the exterior of the canister, a cyclonic cone centrally disposed within said canister, an inlet port in the canister wall opposing the cyclonic cone, an outlet port above the cyclonic cone and a primary filter within the canister between the lower end of the cyclonic cone and the canister bottom wall. When the motor pulls air from the canister through the outlet port, dirt laden air entering the inlet port passes the cyclonic cone and downwardly spirals around the cyclonic cone and passes through the primary filter. The filtered air is then pulled upwardly through the interior of the cyclonic cone and exits through the outlet port. A secondary filter can be interposed between the outlet port and the primary filter for additional air filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Nutone, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene W. Finke
  • Patent number: 4930054
    Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture for installation in an insulated ceiling uses a reflector assembly configuration to passively facilitate the movement of thermally induced air currents to distribute and communicate steady uniform air heated by the fixture lamp to a temperature responsive circuit interrupter. The reflector assembly includes a pair of concentric downwardly facing cones connected at their upper ends and sealed about the lamp socket. The cones are spaced, forming a cone shaped air gap therebetween. The space within the inner cone surrounding the lamp connects through holes at the upper end of the inner reflector with the gap between the cones. The lower rim of the outer cone is suspended above the lower rim of the inner cone to form an annular air passage connecting the lower end of the gap with the chamber between the housing and the outer reflector in which the circuit interrupter is positioned on the inside housing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: NuTone, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner W. Krebs
  • Patent number: D287888
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: NuTone Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis B. Castor, John W. Harper
  • Patent number: D372775
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: NuTone Inc.
    Inventor: Norman F. Schuler
  • Patent number: D392380
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nutone Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony L. Schrank, Walter L. Bohl, Jr.