Patents by Inventor Kurt Heidmann
Kurt Heidmann 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: 11963621Abstract: A seating arrangement includes a support shell including a seat portion and a chair back portion each configured to support a seated user, the chair seat portion having a front region and a rear region and the chair back portion having an upper region and a lower region, where the rear region of the seat portion is coupled to the lower region of the chair back portion, a control member including a substantially flexible front support and an attachment point, where the front support engages the support shell in the front region of the seat portion and the control member engages the back portion, and a substantially rigid second support attached to the control member at the attachment point, wherein the control member is an integral, one-piece component including multiple flex regions configured to allow the support shell to move between an upright and reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: James Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark Spoelhof
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Patent number: 11324325Abstract: A seating arrangement includes a base, a lower shell including a first portion coupled to the base and comprising a substantially horizontal portion, a curved transition portion and a backrest portion, a pair of laterally spaced front links extending upwardly from a forward portion of the first portion, a rear link extending upwardly from a rearward portion of the first portion of the lower shell and forwardly of the transition region of the lower shell, and an upper shell comprising a seating portion coupled to the pair of front links and to the rear link, a curved transition portion spaced apart from the curved transition portion of the lower shell and defining an open lateral pass through therebetween, and a backrest portion connected to the backrest portion of the lower shell.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: James Nolan Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark William Spoelhof
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Publication number: 20210345781Abstract: A seating arrangement includes a support shell including a seat portion and a chair back portion each configured to support a seated user, the chair seat portion having a front region and a rear region and the chair back portion having an upper region and a lower region, where the rear region of the seat portion is coupled to the lower region of the chair back portion, a control member including a substantially flexible front support and an attachment point, where the front support engages the support shell in the front region of the seat portion and the control member engages the back portion, and a substantially rigid second support attached to the control member at the attachment point, wherein the control member is an integral, one-piece component including multiple flex regions configured to allow the support shell to move between an upright and reclined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: James Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark Spoelhof
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Patent number: 11096497Abstract: A seating arrangement includes an upwardly-extending back arrangement movable between upright and reclined positions, and a seat arrangement that includes a first link member extending horizontally and having forward and rearward portions, a second link member spaced from the first link member, a third link member coupled to the first and second link members and substantially flexible along a majority of a length thereof, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the first and second link members, the fourth link member being substantially rigid along a majority of a length thereof, wherein the link members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage assembly, and wherein the seat arrangement moves in a rearward direction as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: James Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark Spoelhof
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Publication number: 20210166552Abstract: A workspace assembly includes at least a first sound sensor located in a first facility space, at least one communication device located within the first space, and a processor in communication with the at least a first sound sensor and the communication device. The processor is adapted to compare the volume of sound emanating from within the first space to a threshold level and to generate a signal via the communication device when the volume of sound emanating from within the first space exceeds the threshold level. The processor also periodically automatically adjusts the threshold level.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2020Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
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Patent number: 10861314Abstract: A workspace assembly includes at least a first sound sensor located in a first facility space, at least one communication device located within the first space, and a processor in communication with the at least a first sound sensor and the communication device. The processor is adapted to compare the volume of sound emanating from within the first space to a threshold level and to generate a signal via the communication device when the volume of sound emanating from within the first space exceeds the threshold level. The processor also periodically automatically adjusts the threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
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Publication number: 20200288872Abstract: A seating arrangement includes an upwardly-extending back arrangement movable between upright and reclined positions, and a seat arrangement that includes a first link member extending horizontally and having forward and rearward portions, a second link member spaced from the first link member, a third link member coupled to the first and second link members and substantially flexible along a majority of a length thereof, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the first and second link members, the fourth link member being substantially rigid along a majority of a length thereof, wherein the link members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage assembly, and wherein the seat arrangement moves in a rearward direction as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: James Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark Spoelhof
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Patent number: 10713927Abstract: A workspace assembly includes a plurality of sound sensors including at least first and second sound sensors located in first and second spaces within a facility, respectively, at least one communication device located within one of the first space and the second space, and a processor in communication with the sound sensors and the communication device, the processor adapted to compare at least some characteristic of the sounds in at least a subset of the plurality of spaces to identify a particular space from which the sound emanates and to compare at least some characteristic of the sound emanating from the particular space to at least one threshold characteristic value and to provide a signal via the at least one communication device based on the results of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
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Patent number: 10614694Abstract: A method and system for providing information to a user of an article of furniture, the method comprising sensing a first data set about a first user of a first article of furniture, sensing a second data set about a second user of a second article of furniture, sending the first and second data sets to a processor and generating an output based on the first and second data sets and an input from an organizational user and sending the output to the first user.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Joel Zwier, Paul Noll, Kurt Heidmann, Robert Scheper, Jody Hanson
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Patent number: 10575648Abstract: A seating arrangement includes a base, a lower shell having a portion fixedly coupled to the base, and an upper shell supported entirely by the lower shell, the upper shell comprising a seating portion, a backrest portion moveable between an upright position and a reclined position, and a curved transition portion extending between the seating portion and the backrest portion, wherein a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal slots are located in portions of the seating portion and the transition portion thereby defining a central region and laterally spaced side regions, wherein the central region moves up relative to the side regions during recline.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: James Nolan Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark William Spoelhof
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Publication number: 20200005624Abstract: A workspace assembly includes a plurality of sound sensors including at least first and second sound sensors located in first and second spaces within a facility, respectively, at least one communication device located within one of the first space and the second space, and a processor in communication with the sound sensors and the communication device, the processor adapted to compare at least some characteristic of the sounds in at least a subset of the plurality of spaces to identify a particular space from which the sound emanates and to compare at least some characteristic of the sound emanating from the particular space to at least one threshold characteristic value and to provide a signal via the at least one communication device based on the results of the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
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Patent number: 10453326Abstract: An alert system for generating a signal indicating at least one aspect of sound within a workspace environment, the system comprising at least a first sensor positioned one of within and proximate a workspace, the at least a first sensor sensing at least one aspect of sound generated within the workspace and generating a signal indicating the at least one aspect, a communication device located within the workspace, the communication device configured to generate a signal perceivable within the workspace and a processor receiving signals from the at least a first sensor and linked to the communication device, the processor programmed to perform the steps of identifying when the at least one aspect exceeds a threshold value and driving the communication device to indicate that the at least one aspect exceeds the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
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Patent number: 10420417Abstract: A table assembly comprising a telescoping leg assembly having upper and lower ends and forming an internal passageway and further including a plurality of leg members, at least a first leg member is adapted to slide telescopically with respect to at least a second of the leg members along a substantially vertical extension axis between an extended position and a retracted position, a spring that generates a variable spring force, the spring having first and second ends, aligned substantially parallel to the vertical extension axis and located within the internal passageway, a rotatable cam member supported by the leg assembly and operatively linked with the spring, the cam member and spring applying a force tending to drive the leg assembly into the extended position, a worksurface mounted to the upper end of the leg assembly and a lock adapted to prevent leg members from sliding telescopically with respect to one another when engaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: David K. Jones, Kurt Heidmann, Todd Andres
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Publication number: 20190043338Abstract: An alert system for generating a signal indicating at least one aspect of sound within a workspace environment, the system comprising at least a first sensor positioned one of within and proximate a workspace, the at least a first sensor sensing at least one aspect of sound generated within the workspace and generating a signal indicating the at least one aspect, a communication device located within the workspace, the communication device configured to generate a signal perceivable within the workspace and a processor receiving signals from the at least a first sensor and linked to the communication device, the processor programmed to perform the steps of identifying when the at least one aspect exceeds a threshold value and driving the communication device to indicate that the at least one aspect exceeds the threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
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Patent number: 10115293Abstract: An alert system for generating a signal indicating at least one aspect of sound within a workspace environment, the system comprising at least a first sensor positioned one of within and proximate a workspace, the at least a first sensor sensing at least one aspect of sound generated within the workspace and generating a signal indicating the at least one aspect, a communication device located within the workspace, the communication device configured to generate a signal perceivable within the workspace and a processor receiving signals from the at least a first sensor and linked to the communication device, the processor programmed to perform the steps of identifying when the at least one aspect exceeds a threshold value and driving the communication device to indicate that the at least one aspect exceeds the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl J. Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
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Publication number: 20180295996Abstract: A seating arrangement includes an upwardly-extending back arrangement movable between upright and reclined positions, and a seat arrangement that includes a first link member extending horizontally and having forward and rearward portions, a second link member spaced from the first link member, a third link member coupled to the first and second link members and substantially flexible along a majority of a length thereof, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the first and second link members, the fourth link member being substantially rigid along a majority of a length thereof, wherein the link members cooperate to form a four-bar linkage assembly, and wherein the seat arrangement moves in a rearward direction as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: James Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark Spoelhof
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Patent number: 10051955Abstract: A table assembly comprising a leg assembly having upper and lower ends, the leg assembly including a fixed first member having upper and lower ends, a movable second member disposed in sliding engagement with the first member, the engagement including a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, a cam member including a cam section, the cam member operably coupled to one of the first and second members, the cam member having a rotational range of travel from a first angular orientation corresponding to the expanded configuration of the first and second members to a second angular orientation corresponding to the contracted configuration of the first and second members, a spring supported by the leg assembly and operably coupled to the cam member, wherein the cam member and the spring cooperate to apply a force to the second member tending to drive the second member toward the expanded configuration, a velocity governor supported by at least one of the first and second members for, while the secondType: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: David K Jones, Kurt Heidmann, Todd Andres
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Patent number: 10021984Abstract: A seating arrangement includes an upwardly-extending back arrangement movable between an upright and reclined positions, and a seat arrangement that includes a first link member extending horizontally and having forward and rearward portions, a second link member spaced from the first link member, a third link member coupled to the first and second link members and substantially flexible along a majority of a length thereof, and a fourth link member operably coupled to the first and second link members, the fourth link member being substantially rigid along a majority of a length thereof, wherein the link members cooperate to form a linkage arrangement, and wherein the seat arrangement moves in a rearward direction as the back arrangement is moved between the upright position and the reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: James Nolan Ludwig, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark William Spoelhof
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Patent number: D821793Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: James Nolan Ludwig, Bruce Michael Smith, Mark William Spoelhof, Kurt Heidmann, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers
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Patent number: D888479Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: James Ludwig, Mark Spoelhof, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Kurt Heidmann