Patents by Inventor Charles Culver Gidden Cooper
Charles Culver Gidden Cooper 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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Publication number: 20230018256Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
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Patent number: 11486198Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
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Patent number: 11299932Abstract: Examples of rail assemblies for architectural coverings disclosed herein stabilize motor assemblies via end caps to reduce transfers of vibrational motor forces to the rails. An example rail for an architectural covering includes a housing, a motor to be disposed in the housing, and an end cap to be coupled to said housing. The example rail includes a track defined in an exterior face of the rail. A first portion of the end cap is to be received in the track. The end cap is capable of at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the housing prior to the first portion being received in the track. In the example rail, the track is to restrict the at least two degrees of freedom of motion of the end cap when the first portion of the end cap is received in the track.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Foley, Clark D. Brace, Paul A. Brayford, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Daniel A. Huber, Douglas J. Lorenz, Paul D. Mischo, Todd M. Nelson, Mark Schwandt, Jeffrey L. Spray
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Patent number: 11299931Abstract: A wand assembly for use with an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The wand assembly may include a first operating element (e.g., an operating cord) for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions and a second operating element (e.g., a tilt wand) for adjusting rotation of the covering between open and closed configurations. The first and second operating elements are coupled to a handle assembly via separate and distinct coupling mechanisms so that manipulation of the second operating element does not affect the first operating element thereby preventing twisting of the first operating element about the second operating element. The wand assembly may include a first, inner rotatable wand and a second, stationary outer wand. The inner wand is rotatable relative to the outer wand so that rotation of the inner wand does not rotate the outer wand, and hence the first operating element coupled to the outer wand.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: David B. Mcneill, Todd Michael Nelson, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Cameron Joseph Bennethum, Jeffrey L. Spray
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Publication number: 20210071474Abstract: A wand assembly for use with an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The wand assembly may include a first operating element (e.g., an operating cord) for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions and a second operating element (e.g., a tilt wand) for adjusting rotation of the covering between open and closed configurations. The first and second operating elements are coupled to a handle assembly via separate and distinct coupling mechanisms so that manipulation of the second operating element does not affect the first operating element thereby preventing twisting of the first operating element about the second operating element. The wand assembly may include a first, inner rotatable wand and a second, stationary outer wand. The inner wand is rotatable relative to the outer wand so that rotation of the inner wand does not rotate the outer wand, and hence the first operating element coupled to the outer wand.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: David B. Mcneill, Todd Michael Nelson, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Cameron Joseph Bennethum, Jeffrey L. Spray
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Patent number: 10851587Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: James M. Anthony, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer
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Publication number: 20200332595Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
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Publication number: 20190106938Abstract: Examples of rail assemblies for architectural coverings disclosed herein stabilize motor assemblies via end caps to reduce transfers of vibrational motor forces to the rails. An example rail for an architectural covering includes a housing, a motor to be disposed in the housing, and an end cap to be coupled to said housing. The example rail includes a track defined in an exterior face of the rail. A first portion of the end cap is to be received in the track. The end cap is capable of at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the housing prior to the first portion being received in the track. In the example rail, the track is to restrict the at least two degrees of freedom of motion of the end cap when the first portion of the end cap is received in the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Patrick Foley, Clark D. Brace, Paul A. Brayford, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Daniel A. Huber, Douglas J. Lorenz, Paul D. Mischo, Todd M. Nelson, Mark Schwandt, Jeffrey L. Spray
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Publication number: 20180261808Abstract: A battery pack for use with a motorized architectural structure covering is illustrated. The battery pack includes a battery tube, and first and second end caps. The battery tube may include a valley portion located between first and second battery cavities for receiving first and second rows of batteries. The second end cap may include one or more projections (e.g., first and second tabs, handle, etc.) to facilitate removal of the battery pack from mounting clips associated with the motorized architectural structure covering. The removable, second end cap may include first and second release buttons extending into the valley portion. The release buttons may have a wider portion adjacent to the second end cap, and a narrower portion extending at least partially into the valley portion. The release buttons preferably include a tapered, for example, triangular, or trapezoidal shape, to extend into the valley portion for facilitating user engagement therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Hunter Douglas, Inc.Inventors: Clark D. Brace, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Todd Michael Nelson, Douglas Lorenz, Ian Bradley Thorne, Bryan Jeremy Schiffner, Peter Zagone, Liliya Gitarts
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Publication number: 20180106105Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
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Patent number: 8650694Abstract: A pipeline pig includes a venturi and a modulating valve located rearward of the inlet side of the venturi. When the valve is in the open position, a predetermined maximum bypass flow is allowed through the venturi. The closed position allows a predetermined minimum bypass flow. The valve may be a poppet-style valve or a frusto-conical shaped stopper. The stopper has sufficient mass and/or aerodynamic drag to overcome the spring force holding the valve in the open position. When the pig stalls, the valve closes and the stopper chokes bypass flow through the venturi. When the pig starts running again, the valve opens as inertia forces the stopper away from the inlet side of the venturi. Also, as friction of the pig increases due to changes in the internal diameter of the pipeline or accumulation of debris ahead of the pig, increased airflow across the valve creates drag sufficient to partially overcome the spring force, thus keeping the pig moving at a desirable rate of travel.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: TDW Delaware, IncInventors: Rick D. Pruett, Robert F. Strong, Eric N. Freeman, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Scott Douglas Nelson, Mark Russell Henault
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Patent number: 8251238Abstract: A closure device includes a door carrying a series of interconnected shear blocks and a keystone shear block designed to transfer stresses created by pressure acting on the door to a surrounding hub. Each interconnected shear block has a limited rotation relative to its adjacent blocks. A holding band operating handle is in communication with a driving link which, in turn, is in communication with the keystone shear block. Actuating the handle causes the keystone shear block to move in an upward vertical direction. The linear movement of the keystone shear block allows the limited rotation of the interconnected shear blocks to occur, thereby causing the circumferential holding band to collapse within itself from an expanded-engaged position to a contracted-removed position relative to said hub. A pressure warning lock provides a safety device and prevents actuation of the holding band operating handle when the pressure chamber is under pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: TDW Delaware Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Smith, Eric N. Freeman, Graham Christopher Stilwell, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Gregory Allen Langley, Scott Douglas Nelson
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Patent number: 8151483Abstract: A method for progressively dewatering a pipe or pipeline includes the use of a loose-fitting spherical- or quasi-spherical shaped pig body which rolls forward through the interior space of the pipe and temporarily captures and redistributes a portion of the volume of liquids available for capture and redistribution as the pig body rolls on past. Preferably, the portion captured is less than the volume available for capture. A part of the captured liquid may be redistributed to an upper quadrant of the pipe. Capture and redistribution are accomplished by way of a first bypass pathway and a second bypass pathway. One of the pathways may be a through-body pathway. The pig body may be a hollow pig body with a plurality of spaced-apart ports, a solid pig body with a plurality of paddle-like structures, or a cube-sphere type pig body with recessed external wall surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Mark Russell Henault, Robert F. Strong, Eric N. Freeman
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Publication number: 20120006420Abstract: A method for progressively dewatering a pipe or pipeline includes the use of a loose-fitting spherical- or quasi-spherical shaped pig body which rolls forward through the interior space of the pipe and temporarily captures and redistributes a portion of the volume of liquids available for capture and redistribution as the pig body rolls on past. Preferably, the portion captured is less than the volume available for capture. A part of the captured liquid may be redistributed to an upper quadrant of the pipe. Capture and redistribution are accomplished by way of a first bypass pathway and a second bypass pathway. One of the pathways may be a through-body pathway. The pig body may be a hollow pig body with a plurality of spaced-apart ports, a solid pig body with a plurality of paddle-like structures, or a cube-sphere type pig body with recessed external wall surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Mark Russell Henault, Robert F. Strong, Eric N. Freeman
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Patent number: 8052801Abstract: A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Eric N. Freeman, Robert F. Strong, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Scott Douglas Nelson, Mark Russell Henault
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Publication number: 20100170535Abstract: A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Eric N. Freeman, Robert F. Strong, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Scott Douglas Nelson, Mark Russell Henault
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Publication number: 20100072204Abstract: A closure device includes a door carrying a series of interconnected shear blocks and a keystone shear block designed to transfer stresses created by pressure acting on the door to a surrounding hub. Each interconnected shear block has a limited rotation relative to its adjacent blocks. A holding band operating handle is in communication with a driving link which, in turn, is in communication with the keystone shear block. Actuating the handle causes the keystone shear block to move in an upward vertical direction. The linear movement of the keystone shear block allows the limited rotation of the interconnected shear blocks to occur, thereby causing the circumferential holding band to collapse within itself from an expanded-engaged position to a contracted-removed position relative to said hub. A pressure warning lock provides a safety device and prevents actuation of the holding band operating handle when the pressure chamber is under pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Dennis R. Smith, Eric N. Freeman, Graham Christopher Stilwell, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Gregory Allen Langley, Scott Douglas Nelson
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Publication number: 20100000037Abstract: A pipeline pig includes a venturi and a modulating valve located rearward of the inlet side of the venturi. When the valve is in the open position, a predetermined maximum bypass flow is allowed through the venturi. The closed position allows a predetermined minimum bypass flow. The valve may be a poppet-style valve or a frusto-conical shaped stopper. The stopper has sufficient mass and/or aerodynamic drag to overcome the spring force holding the valve in the open position. When the pig stalls, the valve closes and the stopper chokes bypass flow through the venturi. When the pig starts running again, the valve opens as inertia forces the stopper away from the inlet side of the venturi. Also, as friction of the pig increases due to changes in the internal diameter of the pipeline or accumulation of debris ahead of the pig, increased airflow across the valve creates drag sufficient to partially overcome the spring force, thus keeping the pig moving at a desirable rate of travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Rick D. Pruett, Robert F. Strong, Eric N. Freeman, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Scott Douglas Nelson, Mark Russell Henault