Patents by Inventor Chris Rice
Chris Rice 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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Patent number: 9289657Abstract: A football with a free moving weight. Implementations may include an outer cover, a bladder within the outer cover, and a free weight within the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Chris Rice
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Patent number: 8801239Abstract: The present invention relates to luminaires and, in particular, to luminaires comprising light emitting diodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a luminaire comprising at least one light emitting diode, a reflector offset from the centerline of the luminaire and a collimator adapted to direct light from the least one light emitting diode along an axis offset from the vertical axis of the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLCInventors: Yaser Abdelsamed, Stacy Hoch, Chris Rice
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Publication number: 20100149804Abstract: The present invention relates to luminaires and, in particular, to luminaires comprising light emitting diodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a luminaire comprising at least one light emitting diode, a reflector offset from the centerline of the luminaire and a collimator adapted to direct light from the least one light emitting diode along an axis offset from the vertical axis of the light emitting diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ABL IP Holding LLCInventors: Yaser Abdelsamed, Stacy Hoch, Chris Rice
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Publication number: 20100110684Abstract: LED assemblies and luminaires comprising the same are described herein. In some embodiments, the LED assemblies and luminaires are suitable for use in a wide variety of applications including outdoor lighting applications such as roadway and sidewalk lighting, parking lot lighting and residential area lighting.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: ABL IP HOLDING LLCInventors: Yaser Abdelsamed, Jeffrey D. McClow, Januk Aggarwal, Luke J. Siefker, Jonathan Meyer, Robert W. Scites, Kellis Coffman, Chris Rice, Yelena N. Kaplan, Michael M. Minarczyk
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Patent number: 7451801Abstract: A removable clip for suspending a vane in a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening from a carrier in a control system comprises a neck for connection to the carrier and spaced downwardly projecting fixed and movable legs having a system for releasable interconnection. The movable leg is connected to the necks of the clip through a living hinge so as to be pivotal about the hinge between open and closed position. In the open position, a vane having a hole adjacent to the top edge thereof can be inserted into the clip connection thereto. The neck of the clip has an opening therethrough for suspension from a hook or ledge on the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Park, Chris A. Rice
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Publication number: 20080208716Abstract: Product information may be structured using a product hierarchy so that products may be uniquely identified. A first level of the product hierarchy may be associated with product make and model information. A second level of the product hierarchy may be associated with product year information. A third level of the product hierarchy may be associated with product generation information. The product hierarchy may also include additional levels to accommodate other product detail information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Brian Alan Grove, Chris Rice, Suzanne Shultz
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Publication number: 20070137800Abstract: A removable clip for suspending a vane in a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening from a carrier in a control system comprises a neck for connection to the carrier and spaced downwardly projecting fixed and movable legs having a system for releasable interconnection. The movable leg is connected to the necks of the clip through a living hinge so as to be pivotal about the hinge between open and closed position. In the open position, a vane having a hole adjacent to the top edge thereof can be inserted into the clip connection thereto. The neck of the clip has an opening therethrough for suspension from a hook or ledge on the carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2006Publication date: June 21, 2007Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Park, Chris A. Rice
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Patent number: 7114544Abstract: A tensioner for the control element of a covering for an architectural opening includes a base member attachable to a support surface adjacent to the architectural opening with the base member supporting an upstanding plunger about which a surrounding housing is adapted to slide. A coil spring biases the housing downwardly relative to the plunger and a rotatable pulley is mounted in an open top of the housing around which an endless operating element for a covering for an architectural opening extends. Operation of the covering by pulling on the endless element raises the housing relative to the plunger permitting free rotation of the pulley. Upon completion of operation the housing lowers under the bias of the coil spring so that the pulley is seated in engagement with the plunger and restrained from rotation.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Chris A. Rice, Robert L. Eggleston
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Publication number: 20060048907Abstract: A tensioner for the control element of a covering for an architectural opening includes a base member attachable to a support surface adjacent to the architectural opening with the base member supporting an upstanding plunger about which a surrounding housing is adapted to slide. A coil spring biases the housing downwardly relative to the plunger and a rotatable pulley is mounted in an open top of the housing around which an endless operating element for a covering for an architectural opening extends. Operation of the covering by pulling on the endless element raises the housing relative to the plunger permitting free rotation of the pulley. Upon completion of operation the housing lowers under the bias of the coil spring so that the pulley is seated in engagement with the plunger and restrained from rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2004Publication date: March 9, 2006Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Chris Rice, Robert Eggleston
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Patent number: 6226826Abstract: Bumpers and assemblies for swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. Such assemblies may include contoured frames to which flexible fins are attached to facilitate deflection of cleaners when obstacles are encountered. Side wings connecting the frame to the body of a cleaner may additionally be employed as part of the assemblies, as may a weight moveable about two axes. In use, the side wings both promote cleaner deflection and reduce body wear that otherwise would occur. The non-stationary weight permits continuous rebalancing of the cleaner depending on its location and orientation within a pool. An optional lower bumper facilitates operation of the cleaner by reducing the likelihood of its becoming trapped against objects such as steps located within swimming pools.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.Inventors: Chris A. Rice, Mark J. Bauckman, Michael J. Gregg
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Patent number: 5882512Abstract: Systems and apparatus for cleaning swimming pools or other vessels are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include an automatic swimming pool cleaner adapted not only to filter debris from water mechanically, but to dispense water sanitizing chemicals as well. Fluid drawn into the cleaner in operation contacts or otherwise passes through media containing the chemicals, purifying the fluid at least partially within the cleaner itself.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Baracuda International CorporationInventors: Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr., Roger H. Gagnon, Chris A. Rice
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Patent number: 5775741Abstract: The swivel assembly of the present invention employs a thrust bearing configuration that provides smooth operation under non-axial and axial load conditions. The assembly comprises two opposing bearing surfaces, one on the end of a hose pipe and the other on a bearing race. A cylindrical housing interlocks with the bearing race and includes a flange to keep the bearing surface of the hose pipe in contact with the bearings. Thus, the hose pipe may rotate freely relative to the bearing race and housing. Because only the end of the hose pipe is in contact with the housing or bearings, non-axial bending loads centered in the bearing are resolved through relatively short moment arms thereby reducing friction creating by the non-axial loading condition. A sealing and lubricating thrust washer may be introduced between the flange in the housing and the hose pipe to seal the swivel assembly and to reduce further the friction between the hose pipe and the housing flange and bearing race.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Baracuda International CorporationInventors: Chris A. Rice, Graham M. Barton
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Patent number: 5720068Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up. Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Baracuda International CorporationInventors: William T. Clark, James D. Scott, II, Graham M. Barton, Chris A. Rice, Shawn M. McLaughlin
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Patent number: 5617606Abstract: Discs for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate one or more flutes, or raised areas (arched protrusions), extending generally radially from adjacent their central portions to their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, may include upturned areas (lips) between flutes, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Baracuda International Corp.Inventors: James D. Scott, II, William W. Stone, William T. Clark, Chris A. Rice
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Patent number: 5546982Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up.Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Baracuda International Corp.Inventors: William T. Clark, James D. Scott, II, Graham M. Barton, Chris A. Rice, Shawn M. McLaughlin
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Patent number: 5465443Abstract: Discs and a footpad for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins protruding radially from their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, define a plurality of tongues for increased flexibility, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces. Also disclosed are discs having series of slits spaced along portions of their peripheries. Each such disc may be part of an assembly including a "bib," or cap, that too may be slitted if desired. The slits of each component, when present, permit its effective surface area to increase as the associated cleaner climbs the side of a swimming pool, enhancing the maneuverability of the cleaner. By contrast, unslitted portions of the cap seal, or cover, the slits present in the disc to provide adequate suction for the disc against the pool surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Zarina Holdings C.V.Inventors: Chris A. Rice, Alain J. Gazzola, Desroy D. Smith, John T. Evans, Andrew W. Dawson
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Patent number: 5421054Abstract: Discs and a footpad for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins protruding radially from their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, define a plurality of tongues for increased flexibility, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Zarina Holding C.V.Inventors: Andrew W. Dawson, John T. Evans, Alain J. Gazzola, Robert W. Marklew, Chris A. Rice, Desroy D. Smith
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Patent number: 5418995Abstract: Discs for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs includes slots (or other suitable apertures) positioned near their rimmed peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, incorporate rounded edges or beads, and both the discs and associated footpads may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1994Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Zarina Holdings C.V.Inventors: Chris A. Rice, Desroy D. Smith, Robin O. Ellis, Alain J. Gazzola
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Patent number: D622993Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Park, Chris A. Rice