Patents by Inventor Gerd Althofer

Gerd Althofer 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: 20050284341
    Abstract: A trading table handling dense arrays of cabling and connected data and voice communications hardware includes a main multi-function beam comprising the main structural connection between leg assemblies and support for the table top, the beam also providing support for vertical post assemblies to mount hardware and other equipment and a variety of support devices to support and organize wires and cabling for data and voice communications and power below the table top in a manner that readily facilitates access for installation, maintenance and repair. A pan assembly supplements the beam in providing support for the table top and also supports a tray arrangement positioned below the beam for supporting cabling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Aaron Klassy, Gerd Althofer, Daniel Gray
  • Patent number: 6283043
    Abstract: A knock-down trader desk including a frame having at least two upright frame members and at least two horizontal beams. The beams releasably interconnect the upright frame members to form a freestanding knock-down rigid frame. A plurality of vertically oriented panels are attached to the rigid frame to define a storage area within the rigid frame. The trader desk includes at least three worksurfaces including a pair of outer worksurfaces defining two opposed user accessible elongate edges. The trader desk also includes at least one central worksurface positioned above the storage area and between the outer worksurfaces. The worksurfaces are engagable with the frame at a plurality of heights whereby the worksurfaces are selectively positionable at a plurality of heights. At least one access opening is provided for passing cables from the storage area to an upper surface of the central worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Stern, Gerd Althofer, Peter D. Howard
  • Patent number: 5143422
    Abstract: An active arm support is provided for a chair which takes the weight of the arms and forearms off the shoulders, back and neck of the user while typing so as to support the arms of a typist in the same manner that a chair supports the body. The active arm support provides full arm and forearm support and is vertically adjustable and laterally adjustable and pivots horizontally and vertically while fully supporting the entire forearm. A hinge with a variable spring provides an assisted vertical lift while fully supporting the entire forearm. The presently disclosed active arm support releases the upper trapezius muscles from efforts to support the arms and forearms to provide relaxation in the neck and shoulders of the user, while actually performing typing and other tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventors: Gerd Althofer, Richard M. Kowal
  • Patent number: D506888
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Mayline Company
    Inventor: Gerd Althofer