Patents by Inventor Cary Pinkalla

Cary Pinkalla 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).

  • Publication number: 20230408135
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include an air duct including a tubular sidewall that is pliable, the tubular sidewall defining an interior of the air duct, the air duct elongate in a longitudinal direction. Example air duct assemblies include a hoop disposable within the interior of the air duct, the hoop providing the sidewall with support in a radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Example air duct assemblies include a cable disposable within the interior of the air duct, the cable to extend along a longitudinal length of the air duct, the cable to engage the hoop to help support a weight of the hoop and the tubular sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 11788763
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 11543149
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20210293442
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20210190367
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10876758
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10480813
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes an air duct including a pliable sidewall. The example air duct system further includes a shaft including a first end and a second end. The shaft extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the air duct with the first end coupled to a first point of the air duct and the second end coupled to a second point of the air duct. The first point is downstream of the second point. The pliable sidewall is to be held in tension in the longitudinal direction between the first and second points in response to compression in the shaft between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Right-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Publication number: 20190285310
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10208981
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10066850
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20180180319
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes an air duct including a pliable sidewall. The example air duct system further includes a shaft including a first end and a second end. The shaft extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the air duct with the first end coupled to a first point of the air duct and the second end coupled to a second point of the air duct. The first point is downstream of the second point. The pliable sidewall is to be held in tension in the longitudinal direction between the first and second points in response to compression in the shaft between the first and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 9927140
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 9927139
    Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Publication number: 20170205109
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20170159966
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Publication number: 20170159965
    Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 9644858
    Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9612033
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 9605865
    Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 9605864
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus