Patents Assigned to ODL Incorporated
  • Patent number: 11761261
    Abstract: An access door may include a core, stiles on opposites sides of the core, an elongated panel extending transversely between the stiles, wherein a major face of the door between the stiles defines one or more recessed pockets along a top edge of the elongated panel between and the stiles and the elongated panel, and a notch formed into the top edge of the elongated panel and extending along at least one of the recessed pockets, the notch extending downwardly into the top edge of the elongated panel so as to form a lip in the top edge of the elongated panel with the notch positioned between the lip and the one or more recessed pockets, the lip and the notch of the elongated panel together forming an accessory rail, wherein the accessory rail is configured to receive and support a complementarily configured hanger base of an accessory hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Hutton, Ayako Takase, Scott Michael Brandonisio, Daniel George Parker, Brian Murray Sommer, Richard Anthony Campbell, Joseph Thomas Brophy, Casey Scott McKellar, Benjamin Patrick Hummel
  • Patent number: 11713618
    Abstract: A follower arrangement, operatively coupled to a plurality of slats of a blind assembly via a flexible cord, for raising and lowering the plurality of slats via the flexible cord, may include a housing defining a first opening therethrough, a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic counterweight to act against a weight of the plurality of slats of the blind assembly to reduce forces required to be applied to the follower arrangement to raise or lower the slats, and at least one magnet received within the first opening defined through the housing and magnetically attached to the counterweight to magnetically secure the housing to the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ben Hummel, Stacy Grant Frye, Sharlene Kluchinsky Clark, Rachel DeGraaf, Keith Philip Leyendecker, Caroline Spytman, Mark R. Elgersma
  • Patent number: 11655669
    Abstract: An illumination system is provided for an access door may include an elongated illumination housing configured to be coupled to at least one of an upstanding jamb and a corresponding jamb casing extending along the one side of the access door, an elongated light transmissive cover coupled to the illumination housing, an elongated light pipe received within the illumination housing, an illumination source housing operatively coupled to one end of the light pipe, an illumination source disposed within the illumination source housing and configured to produce and transmit visible light into the light pipe so as to be visible through the light transmissive cover, a source of electrical power, and a control unit configured to selectively apply electrical power from the source of electrical power to the illumination source to produce the visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Hutton, Ayako Takase, Scott Michael Brandonisio, Daniel George Parker, Brian Murray Sommer, Richard Anthony Campbell, Joseph Thomas Brophy, Casey Scott McKellar, Benjamin Patrick Hummel
  • Patent number: 10876353
    Abstract: A blind assembly includes a headrail, a guide member carried by the headrail and defining a channel therethrough, a tilt basket received within the channel, first and second cords operatively engaging a number of blind slats and extending from the number of slats upwardly through the tilt basket with the first cord coupled to the guide member adjacent to one terminal end of the channel and the second cord coupled to the guide member adjacent to an opposite terminal end of the channel, and an actuator to cause relative movement between the tilt basket and the elongated guide member along the channel to adjust a tilt angle of the number of slats between a full forward tilt with the tilt basket abutting one terminal end of the channel and a full rearward tilt with the tilt basket abutting the opposite terminal end of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin Patrick Hummel, Frederick John Hering, III
  • Patent number: 10641036
    Abstract: A panel unit includes an interconnected first and second pair of juxtaposed panels, a spacer joining together opposing inner faces of the pairs of panels about a periphery of the interconnected pair to define common air space therebetween, first and second blind assemblies positioned in the air space between the first and second pair of panels respectively, a first drive shaft coupled to a first set of louvers of the first blind assembly and a second drive shaft coupled to a second set of louvers of the second blind assembly, an actuator connected to the first drive shaft, and an interface structure rotationally fixing together opposing ends the first and second drive shafts, wherein the first drive shaft is responsive to actuation of the actuator to axially rotate and thereby cause simultaneous rotation of the first and second sets of louvers between the open and closed positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: JiaXin Fan, Roger Ovenden, James Sealey, Ke Wen
  • Patent number: 10047558
    Abstract: A retractable, flexible-panel door is mountable to a door frame attached to a building and includes a first side rail, a second side rail, a top rail mountable to and between the first and second side rails, and a bottom rail mountable to and between the first and second side rails. A flexible panel extends between the top and bottom rails, and at least one biasing member draws the flexible panel toward one of the first and second side rails. The top and bottom rails are each axially expandable and reducible in length to accommodate mounting of the retractable, flexible panel door to door frames of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin Patrick Hummel, Sorin Ciobanu, Raymond Edward Hartnett
  • Patent number: 9870758
    Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a door light includes a door defining a first opening therethrough, a frame unit engaging the door about the first opening, wherein the frame unit defines a second opening therethrough sized such that an overlay section of the frame unit, defined between the periphery of the first opening and a periphery of the second opening, partially overlays the first opening, and a display monitor received within the first opening and having a front surface engaging the overlay section about the second opening and defining a display screen surrounded by the frame unit with a periphery of the display screen terminating at or spaced-apart from the periphery of the second opening, the monitor further including an integral memory having instructions stored therein executable by an integral processor to control the display screen to display thereon an image or video of a door light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Alan Finch, James Michael Danielski, David Kevin Faulkner, Fred William Janssen
  • Publication number: 20180010385
    Abstract: A panel unit includes an interconnected first and second pair of juxtaposed panels, a spacer joining together opposing inner faces of the pairs of panels about a periphery of the interconnected pair to define common air space therebetween, first and second blind assemblies positioned in the air space between the first and second pair of panels respectively, a first drive shaft coupled to a first set of louvers of the first blind assembly and a second drive shaft coupled to a second set of louvers of the second blind assembly, an actuator connected to the first drive shaft, and an interface structure rotationally fixing together opposing ends the first and second drive shafts, wherein the first drive shaft is responsive to actuation of the actuator to axially rotate and thereby cause simultaneous rotation of the first and second sets of louvers between the open and closed positions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: ODL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: JiaXin FAN, Roger OVENDEN, James SEALEY, Ke WEN
  • Patent number: 9624722
    Abstract: A retractable, flexible-panel door is mountable to a door frame attached to a building and includes a first side rail, a second side rail, a top rail mountable to and between the first and second side rails, a bottom rail mountable to and between the first and second side rails, a handle coupled to and between the top and bottom rails, a flexible panel extending between the handle and one of the first and second side rails, and at least one biasing member carried by at least one of the first side rail, the second side rail, the top rail and the bottom rail to apply a force to draw the handle toward the one of the first and second side rails, wherein the top and bottom rails are each expandable in length to accommodate mounting of the retractable, flexible panel door to door frames of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin Patrick Hummel, Sorin Ciobanu, Raymond Edward Hartnett
  • Patent number: 8944531
    Abstract: A container assembly may include a container having a side wall defining and circumscribing a container interior, a first frame extending from and about the side wall and defining an outer terminal portion sized and configured to abut a door about an opening formed therein, a second frame defining an outer terminal portion sized and configured to abut the door about the opening and an inner terminal portion sized and configured to extend over at least a portion of the opening about a periphery of the opening, and at least a first fixation member to secure the first frame to the second frame with the container extending into the opening and with a portion of the door adjacent to the opening positioned between the outer terminal portions of the first and second frames to clamp the container assembly to the door about the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Troy Alan Wyman, Steven Cochrane, Benjamin Patrick Hummel
  • Publication number: 20140020851
    Abstract: An insulated glass assembly providing a simple and effective construction for installing a modular assembly inside the insulated glass assembly. The insulated glass assembly may include a spacer frame configured to support the modular assembly, such as a modular blind or shade assembly. The modular assembly may include a head rail module and a control operator module that may be captured by the spacer frame. For example, the spacer frame may capture the head rail module near the upper portion or the lower portion of the insulated glass blind assembly, and may capture the control operator module on a side adjacent to the head rail module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ODL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Allen Christopher Ouzts, Benjamin Patrick Hummel, Michael Shane Eveland, Marc Richard Spetoskey
  • Publication number: 20100132301
    Abstract: A door/doorglass assembly including a door, a doorglass and a cap. The door defines a doorglass opening and a slot aligned with the opening. The slot extends through the top edge of the door. The doorglass can be slid into the door through the slot and into alignment with the doorglass opening. The cap is secured in the top edge of the door to enclose the doorglass within the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ODL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard L. Horner, Benjamin P. Hummel, Dale A. Gort
  • Patent number: 7543623
    Abstract: An insulated glass window assembly including a cordless integral shade with level correction, a sliding follower, and an air permeable spacer assembly. Cords are eliminated by confining the window covering movement to one dimension. Level correction is achieved by pivotally connecting the shade bar to the supporting operator or shade support, so that the bar can be re-leveled by raising or lowering the bar against the IG spacer. The follower slides in a track on one side of the IG. The spacer includes an air passageway between the desiccant chamber and the space between IG space, and the hole is covered by an air-permeable patch to prevent unwanted leakage of desiccant into the viewable area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: James D. Allardyce, Michael S. Eveland, Andrew R. Krochmal, Joshua R. Cornish
  • Publication number: 20090044467
    Abstract: A window assembly including a permanent frame portion, a removable frame portion, and a glazing panel sandwiched between. The frame portions are easily installed and include integral releasable connectors accessible using a thin tool inserted into a groove between the two frame portions. The removable frame portion can be removed from the permanent frame portion using a thin tool. With the removable frame portion removed, the insulated glass panel may be easily replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: ODL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andrew R. Krochmal, Benjamin P. Hummel
  • Patent number: 7475715
    Abstract: A follower for a window accessory within an insulated glass assembly. The follower includes a body having first and second sides adapted to face first and second spaced glazing panels. The follower further includes at least one magnet within each of the two sides, so that the follower will couple with a magnetic operator placed on either of the glazing panels. The follower yet further includes wheels having a diameter larger than the width of the body to rotatably support the follower against either of the glazing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: James B. Gardner, Joshua R. Cornish, Benjamin P. Hummel
  • Publication number: 20080283200
    Abstract: An insulated glass (IG) internal blind assembly including a clutch for providing directional friction when raising and lowering the blind. The clutch is directionally activated, the gravitational pull of the blinds or lowering the blinds activates the clutch causing it to lock and add friction to the system. The clutch may be placed essentially anywhere along the cord path where the path changes direction. Various clutch and cord configurations may be used to achieve a desired amount of directional friction. The directional friction prevents the window covering from falling under its own weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: ODL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Hummel, Allen C. Ouzts, Joshua R. Cornish
  • Patent number: 7448174
    Abstract: A window assembly including a permanent frame portion, a removable frame portion, and a glazing panel sandwiched between. The frame portions are easily installed and include integral releasable connectors accessible using a thin tool inserted into a groove between the two frame portions. The removable frame portion can be removed from the permanent frame portion using a thin tool. With the removable frame portion removed, the insulated glass panel may be easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew R. Krochmal, Benjamin P. Hummel
  • Publication number: 20080239713
    Abstract: A self-contained, solar-powered light fixture for illuminating the exterior of a building door. The fixture includes a light source, a rechargeable battery, and a solar collector. The collector charges the battery when ambient light is relatively high (i.e. during the day), and the battery powers the light when ambient light is relatively low (i.e. during the night). The solar collector is removable from the fixture, enabling the solar collector be mounted in a location separate from the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee W. Davis, Richard L. Horner
  • Patent number: D585365
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Dale A. Gort, Gang Zhong, Lee W. Davis
  • Patent number: D635689
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Joel Graham Van Faasen, Benjamin P. Hummel