Patents by Inventor Blue Houser

Blue Houser 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: 10704313
    Abstract: A door closer with an electric motor-assisted closing feature, that may generate its own power to assist in closing, and controls the speed of opening and closing of the door during generation is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are realized by a motorized door closer that electrically creates a latch boost force for a closing door. The door closer includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will be moved toward closed when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the latch boost region or when it otherwise detects that a motor assist is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Accessories And Door Controls Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Dustin E. Lawhon, Peter E. Zasowski
  • Publication number: 20180148970
    Abstract: A door closer with an electric motor-assisted closing feature, that may generate its own power to assist in closing, and controls the speed of opening and closing of the door during generation is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are realized by a motorized door closer that electrically creates a latch boost force for a closing door. The door closer includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will be moved toward closed when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the latch boost region or when it otherwise detects that a motor assist is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Dustin E. Lawhon, Peter E. Zasowski
  • Patent number: 9869117
    Abstract: A door closer with an electric motor-assisted closing feature, that may generate its own power to assist in closing, and controls the speed of opening and closing of the door during generation is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are realized by a motorized door closer that electrically creates a latch boost force for a closing door. The door closer includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will be moved toward closed when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the latch boost region or when it otherwise detects that a motor assist is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Dustin E. Lawhon, Peter E. Zasowski
  • Patent number: 9683378
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for use in installing door hardware on a support surface. The bracket comprises a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front surface, a substantially planar rear surface for engaging the support surface, and a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front and rear surfaces. A spirit bubble level is disposed on the rigid member such that the rigid member can be oriented relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the rigid member provides a mounting surface for the door hardware when the rigid member is secured to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Tommy G. McNally, II
  • Publication number: 20160024831
    Abstract: A door closer with an electric motor-assisted closing feature, that may generate its own power to assist in closing, and controls the speed of opening and closing of the door during generation is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are realized by a motorized door closer that electrically creates a latch boost force for a closing door. The door closer includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will moved toward closed when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the latch boost region or when it otherwise detects that a motor assist is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: Yale Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Dustin E. Lawhon, Peter E. Zasowski
  • Publication number: 20150354230
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for use in installing door hardware on a support surface. The bracket comprises a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front surface, a substantially planar rear surface for engaging the support surface, and a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front and rear surfaces. A spirit bubble level is disposed on the rigid member such that the rigid member can be oriented relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the rigid member provides a mounting surface for the door hardware when the rigid member is secured to the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Tommy G. McNally, II
  • Patent number: 9163446
    Abstract: A door control apparatus and methods for controlling a door motion device for a hinged door and, optionally, illuminating a designated area on the floor. During the time the designated area is illuminated, a person can expect that the door will not close. The door control apparatus may include control circuitry, and a sensor, and optionally a light emitter and/or a sound emitter. The sensor detects a person proximate to the door and signals the control circuitry upon a detection event. The light emitter is also connected to the control circuitry. Upon a detection event, the control circuitry signals the light emitter to produce light and signals the door motion device to hold the door open. The light emitter directs light to form an image on the floor in the designated area. The light emitter may be, for example, a laser generator or a light emitting diode lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Tommy McNally, Michael Allen Webb, Max Stephen Smith, Asa Christiander
  • Patent number: 9115526
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for use in installing door hardware on a support surface. The bracket comprises a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front surface, a substantially planar rear surface for engaging the support surface, and a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front and rear surfaces. A spirit bubble level is disposed on the rigid member such that the rigid member can be oriented relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the rigid member provides a mounting surface for the door hardware when the rigid member is secured to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Tommy G. McNally, II
  • Patent number: 8499495
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a door operator comprises a drive member and a driven member. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member both include a protrusion. The driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion. Rotation of the drive member from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation causes rotation of the driven member for powered opening of the door. The driven member protrusion moves in the free space without engaging the protrusion surfaces when the door is opened manually and allowed to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Sidney J. Lampley, Robert Tadlock, Tom Harris, John Presley, Jeff Schoener, Lana Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20130091768
    Abstract: A door control apparatus and methods for controlling a door motion device for a hinged door and, optionally, illuminating a designated area on the floor. During the time the designated area is illuminated, a person can expect that the door will not close. The door control apparatus may include control circuitry, and a sensor, and optionally a light emitter and/or a sound emitter. The sensor detects a person proximate to the door and signals the control circuitry upon a detection event. The light emitter is also connected to the control circuitry. Upon a detection event, the control circuitry signals the light emitter to produce light and signals the door motion device to hold the door open. The light emitter directs light to form an image on the floor in the designated area. The light emitter may be, for example, a laser generator or a light emitting diode lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Tommy McNally, Michael Webb, Max Smith, Asa Christiander
  • Patent number: 8407937
    Abstract: A door operator for selectively opening and closing a side hinge door. The door operator may include a motor with a drive shaft, an operator arm assembly, a door position sensor, and a controller. The operator arm assembly may include an output shaft operatively coupled to the drive shaft, an operator arm, and a clutch assembly mounted to the output shaft. The door position sensor, which may be electro-magnetic, signals the controller when the door is not closed. If the door has been manually pushed open, the controller signals the motor to rotate the drive shaft in the closing direction. In automatic mode, the output shaft and the operator arm are operatively engaged, but manual force to open the door overcomes static friction between the operator arm and friction discs in the clutch assembly, operatively disengaging the operator arm and output shaft until the manual force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: Blue Houser
  • Publication number: 20130075558
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for use in installing door hardware on a support surface. The bracket comprises a rigid member having a longitudinal axis, a front surface, a substantially planar rear surface for engaging the support surface, and a peripheral edge extending between and joining the front and rear surfaces. A spirit bubble level is disposed on the rigid member such that the rigid member can be oriented relative to a horizontal line or a vertical line, the level having the bubble centered only when the level is horizontal or vertical. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the rigid member provides a mounting surface for the door hardware when the rigid member is secured to the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Tommy G. McNally, II
  • Patent number: 8390219
    Abstract: A door operator with an electrical back check feature is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are realized by a motorized door operator that electrically creates a back check force for an opening door. The door operator simulates the back check normally created by hydraulic means in convention door closers, but without the use of pistons, springs or hydraulic fluid. The door operator includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will open when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the back check region. In some embodiments, the closing force is exerted by injecting a voltage into the electric motor of the door operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: Blue Houser
  • Publication number: 20120159852
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a door operator comprises a drive member and a driven member. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member both include a protrusion. The driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion. Rotation of the drive member from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation causes rotation of the driven member for powered opening of the door. The driven member protrusion moves in the free space without engaging the protrusion surfaces when the door is opened manually and allowed to close.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Sidney J. Lampley, Robert Tadlock, Tom Harris, John Presley, Jeff Schoener, Lana Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 8156671
    Abstract: A photoluminescent member is provided for an exit device. The photoluminescent member comprises a housing member for mounting to the exterior surface of the exit device. The housing member includes a photoluminescent portion for being energized by exposure to an ambient light source and operable to automatically emit visible light photoluminescently for a substantial period of time in low ambient light or dark conditions and without being energized by an electrical current so that the photoluminescent portion provides illumination to identify the exit device in the low ambient light or dark conditions for providing a visual cue directing a person to a location of the exit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: John Presley, Mike Ott, Blue Houser, Tony Kirby, Tom Harris
  • Patent number: 8109038
    Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Sidney J. Lampley, Robert Tadlock, Tom Harris, John Presley, Jeff Schoener, Lana Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20120029701
    Abstract: A door operator with an electrical back check feature is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are realized by a motorized door operator that electrically creates a back check force for an opening door. The door operator simulates the back check normally created by hydraulic means in convention door closers, but without the use of pistons, springs or hydraulic fluid. The door operator includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will open when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the back check region. In some embodiments, the closing force is exerted by injecting a voltage into the electric motor of the door operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventor: Blue Houser
  • Publication number: 20110227746
    Abstract: A door control apparatus and methods for controlling a door motion device for a hinged door and, optionally, illuminating a designated area on the floor. During the time the designated area is illuminated, a person can expect that the door will not close. The door control apparatus may include control circuitry, and a sensor, and optionally a light emitter and/or a sound emitter. The sensor detects a person proximate to the door and signals the control circuitry upon a detection event. The light emitter is also connected to the control circuitry. Upon a detection event, the control circuitry signals the light emitter to produce light and signals the door motion device to hold the door open. The light emitter directs light to form an image on the floor in the designated area. The light emitter may be, for example, a laser generator or a light emitting diode lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Tommy McNally, Michael Allen Webb, Max Stephen Smith, Asa Christiander
  • Publication number: 20110094160
    Abstract: A door operator for selectively opening and closing a side hinge door. The door operator may include a motor with a drive shaft, an operator arm assembly, a door position sensor, and a controller. The operator arm assembly may include an output shaft operatively coupled to the drive shaft, an operator arm, and a clutch assembly mounted to the output shaft. The door position sensor, which may be electro-magnetic, signals the controller when the door is not closed. If the door has been manually pushed open, the controller signals the motor to rotate the drive shaft in the closing direction. In automatic mode, the output shaft and the operator arm are operatively engaged, but manual force to open the door overcomes static friction between the operator arm and friction discs in the clutch assembly, operatively disengaging the operator arm and output shaft until the manual force is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventor: Blue Houser
  • Publication number: 20110047876
    Abstract: A hand cleaner station and automatic door operator for opening a door. The hand cleaner station includes a dispenser for dispensing a cleaning material and a first input device. The first input device causes the dispenser to dispense the cleaning material and to initiate a signal from the dispenser. The signal causes a door operator controller to direct a door operator motor to open the door. A second input device may be provided that also causes the dispenser to initiate a signal. The second input device does not cause the dispenser to dispense the cleaning material, but again the signal causes the door operator controller to direct the door operator motor to open the door. A method of operating an automatic door operator includes selecting between use of the first and second input devices for operating the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: YALE SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Blue Houser, Jeffrey T. Schoener