Patents by Inventor Gerald N. Vander Till

Gerald N. Vander Till 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: 20230327384
    Abstract: An electrical power or data system includes an electrical power or data supply cord and an intermediate power or data cord, a first electrical power or data outlet receptacle disposed between the supply cord and the intermediate cord, and a second electrical power or data outlet receptacle at a distal end of the intermediate cord. The first electrical power or data outlet is positionable below a work surface, while the second electrical power or data outlet is mountable to the work surface. At least one of the electrical cords may include a self-retracting cord section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Patent number: 11677199
    Abstract: An electrical power or data system includes an electrical power or data supply cord and an intermediate power or data cord, a first electrical power or data outlet receptacle disposed between the supply cord and the intermediate cord, and a second electrical power or data outlet receptacle at a distal end of the intermediate cord. The first electrical power or data outlet is positionable below a work surface, while the second electrical power or data outlet is mountable to the work surface. At least one of the electrical cords may include a self-retracting cord section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Publication number: 20220239045
    Abstract: A modular electrical system with electrical and/or data outlets provides an unobtrusive power and/or data source that can be routed along a floor, a table or other work surface in a work area. The modular system includes a plurality of electrical wiring modules, a plurality of junction modules each having multiple outputs, and a plurality of electrical power or data units connected to the junction modules and to surfaces in the work area. Optionally, a modular floor runner system is assembled together from rigid floor runner modules interposed with junction modules, with one or more flexible branch extensions selectively coupled to any desired junction module. The floor runner modules and junction modules include housings that protect electrical wiring held internally, while being minimally intrusive for use in walking areas. Optionally, a table mounted modular electrical system is connectable to a floor runner system, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Timothy J. Warwick, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Patent number: 11303079
    Abstract: A modular electrical system with electrical and/or data outlets provides an unobtrusive power and/or data source that can be routed along a floor, a table or other work surface in a work area. The modular system includes a plurality of electrical wiring modules, a plurality of junction modules each having multiple outputs, and a plurality of electrical power or data units connected to the junction modules and to surfaces in the work area. Optionally, a modular floor runner system is assembled together from rigid floor runner modules interposed with junction modules, with one or more flexible branch extensions selectively coupled to any desired junction module. The floor runner modules and junction modules include housings that protect electrical wiring held internally, while being minimally intrusive for use in walking areas. Optionally, a table mounted modular electrical system is connectable to a floor runner system, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Timothy J. Warwick, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Patent number: 10988940
    Abstract: A wireless electrical power transmission system includes a panel having a recessed area for receiving a wireless power transmitter, such as an electric field resonant transmitter. The panel has a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, with a thickness defined between the first and second outer surfaces. The recessed area is formed in the first outer surface, and the recessed area has a depth that is less than the thickness of the panel. Electrical wiring is coupled to the wireless power transmitter and passes through an opening formed in the panel, which opening is accessible from the recessed area, and the electrical wiring is in communication with an electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Peter J. Maher, Timothy J. Warwick, Gerald N. Vander Till, Nickolas J. Morrow
  • Publication number: 20200388971
    Abstract: An electrical power or data system includes an electrical power or data supply cord and an intermediate power or data cord, a first electrical power or data outlet receptacle disposed between the supply cord and the intermediate cord, and a second electrical power or data outlet receptacle at a distal end of the intermediate cord. The first electrical power or data outlet is positionable below a work surface, while the second electrical power or data outlet is mountable to the work surface. At least one of the electrical cords may include a self-retracting cord section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Publication number: 20200381882
    Abstract: A modular electrical system with electrical and/or data outlets provides an unobtrusive power and/or data source that can be routed along a floor, a table or other work surface in a work area. The modular system includes a plurality of electrical wiring modules, a plurality of junction modules each having multiple outputs, and a plurality of electrical power or data units connected to the junction modules and to surfaces in the work area. Optionally, a modular floor runner system is assembled together from rigid floor runner modules interposed with junction modules, with one or more flexible branch extensions selectively coupled to any desired junction module. The floor runner modules and junction modules include housings that protect electrical wiring held internally, while being minimally intrusive for use in walking areas. Optionally, a table mounted modular electrical system is connectable to a floor runner system, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Timothy J. Warwick, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Publication number: 20170350136
    Abstract: A wireless electrical power transmission system includes a panel having a recessed area for receiving a wireless power transmitter, such as an electric field resonant transmitter. The panel has a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, with a thickness defined between the first and second outer surfaces. The recessed area is formed in the first outer surface, and the recessed area has a depth that is less than the thickness of the panel. Electrical wiring is coupled to the wireless power transmitter and passes through an opening formed in the panel, which opening is accessible from the recessed area, and the electrical wiring is in communication with an electrical power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Peter J. Maher, Timothy J. Warwick, Gerald N. Vander Till, Nickolas J. Morrow
  • Patent number: 9429995
    Abstract: A docking station for mechanically supporting and electrically communicating with an electronic device, such as a portable phone, computer, media player, or the like includes a housing with upper and lower housing surfaces, a device mount pivotably coupled to the housing, and an electrical and mechanical connector on the device mount. The upper housing surface defines an opening through which the connector extends. The opening in the upper housing is sized and shaped to correspond to an upper portion of the device mount, which has arcuate surfaces that remain in close proximity or contact with surfaces defining the opening in the upper housing, to limit or preclude the intrusion of contaminants into the housing regardless of the position of the device mount relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Roger D. Burdi, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Patent number: 9312673
    Abstract: A low voltage power receptacle assembly is adapted for providing access to low voltage power in compact spaces. The low voltage power receptacle assembly includes a circuit subassembly that is operable to transform a line voltage input, such as about 110V to 220V AC, to a lower voltage output, such as about 2V to 12V DC. Electrical input conductors receive and convey the line voltage from a power source to the circuit subassembly, while electrical output conductors convey the lower voltage output from the circuit subassembly to a low voltage power receptacle that may be spaced some distance from the circuit subassembly. The low voltage power receptacle is mountable in different housings, faceplates, and the like, to accommodate different mounting styles and locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Daniel P. Byrne, Randell E. Pate, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Publication number: 20150331452
    Abstract: A docking station for mechanically supporting and electrically communicating with an electronic device, such as a portable phone, computer, media player, or the like includes a housing with upper and lower housing surfaces, a device mount pivotably coupled to the housing, and an electrical and mechanical connector on the device mount. The upper housing surface defines an opening through which the connector extends. The opening in the upper housing is sized and shaped to correspond to an upper portion of the device mount, which has arcuate surfaces that remain in close proximity or contact with surfaces defining the opening in the upper housing, to limit or preclude the intrusion of contaminants into the housing regardless of the position of the device mount relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Roger D. Burdi, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Patent number: 9059530
    Abstract: An access-restricted electrical receptacle is configured to permit proper access to energized electrical contacts within the receptacle by a corresponding and properly-aligned plug, and to substantially limit or prevent improper access by foreign objects. The receptacle includes a receptacle body that defines a shutter cavity and a ramped slide surface, a face portion coupled to the receptacle body and defining a plurality of outlet openings to the shutter cavity, and a shutter that is movable in the shutter cavity between an unblocking position and at least one blocking position. The face portion defines a ramped return surface spaced from the ramped slide surface, and the shutter includes contact surfaces that engage the slide surface and the return surface during operation. Optionally, the ramped surfaces may be formed in either or both of a side wall or a base wall of the receptacle body and the face portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Robert L. Knapp, Randell E. Pate, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Publication number: 20140355231
    Abstract: A low voltage power receptacle assembly is adapted for providing access to low voltage power in compact spaces. The low voltage power receptacle assembly includes a circuit subassembly that is operable to transform a line voltage input, such as about 110V to 220V AC, to a lower voltage output, such as about 2V to 12V DC. Electrical input conductors receive and convey the line voltage from a power source to the circuit subassembly, while electrical output conductors convey the lower voltage output from the circuit subassembly to a low voltage power receptacle that may be spaced some distance from the circuit subassembly. The low voltage power receptacle is mountable in different housings, faceplates, and the like, to accommodate different mounting styles and locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Daniel P. Byrne, Randell E. Pate, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Publication number: 20130238153
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing electrical power consumption by individual electrical circuits in a building. The system includes a power control device in electrical communication with a multi-circuit power infeed and a multi-circuit power output, each of which includes at least two electrical conductors on separate circuits. The power control device includes respective electrical switches associated with the conductors of the power infeed and power output, an electronic communications module, and a computer processor in communication with the switches and the communications module. The processor is operable to open and close the electrical switches independently, in response to an occupancy signal and/or a trigger or scheduled event stored by the power control device. When a period of non-use is detected or anticipated, the power control device de-energizes one or more circuits, to limit unnecessary energy consumption within the system. A receptacle-level power control is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Warwick, Gerald N. Vander Till, Matthew J. Simms, Roger D. Burdi
  • Patent number: 4762072
    Abstract: An electrified desk and space dividing panel assembly which includes an electrical raceway at the bottoms of the panels, an electrical service trough at back edge of the desk, and an electrical upfeed arrangement which interconnects the electrical power and communication circuits in the raceway with terminal blocks and receptacles in the service trough. The electrical upfeed arrangement, in addition to the electrical cables, includes a housing having telescopically engaged sections which enables the housing to lock to both the service trough and a baseboard cover on the raceway, while simultaneously adjusting the housing to the height of the service trough above floor level. A cover for the service trough includes two or more independent lid assemblies, each of which is mountable in one of four different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce K. Boundy, Gerald N. Vander Till
  • Patent number: D934178
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Gerald N. Vander Till, Aaron G. Lautenbach