Patents by Inventor Michael A. Graef

Michael A. Graef 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: 20250361043
    Abstract: A strapping device includes a handle, a body, and an actuator. The handle includes an input device and a switch, the input device spaced from the switch by a biasing element that applies a bias force to the input device. The input device moves from a first state spaced from the switch to a second state contacting the switch responsive to receiving a force greater than the bias force. A circuit of the switch is closed responsive to the input device moving from the first state to the second state. The switch outputs an actuation signal responsive to the circuit being closed. The body includes a tensioner and a base including a strap receiver opposite the tensioner. The actuator moves the tensioner from a first tensioner position to a second tensioner position further from the strap receiver based on a movement force greater than the bias force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2025
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Applicant: SAMUEL, SON & CO. (USA) INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. GRAEF, Nathan C. MELLAS
  • Publication number: 20250353627
    Abstract: Strapping devices and methods are provided. The strapping device can include a member. The strapping device can include a first actuator coupled with the member to move the member between a first position and a second position. The strapping device can include a sensor to detect an electrical characteristic of the first actuator and to transmit a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic. The strapping device can include a data processing system. The data processing system can receive the signal and determine the member is in contact with a welding component based on the electrical characteristic. The data processing system can determine the second position of the member based on the member being in contact with the welding component. The data processing system can transmit a control signal to the first actuator and a second actuator to initiate a welding cycle with the member at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Applicant: SAMUEL, SON & CO. (USA) INC.
    Inventors: Mark Kmiecik, Michael A. Graef, Rebecca Regan, Adam Broda, Traci Chapple, David Vonderhaar
  • Patent number: 12397943
    Abstract: Strapping devices and methods are provided. The strapping device can include a member. The strapping device can include a first actuator coupled with the member to move the member between a first position and a second position. The strapping device can include a sensor to detect an electrical characteristic of the first actuator and to transmit a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic. The strapping device can include a data processing system. The data processing system can receive the signal and determine the member is in contact with a welding component based on the electrical characteristic. The data processing system can determine the second position of the member based on the member being in contact with the welding component. The data processing system can transmit a control signal to the first actuator and a second actuator to initiate a welding cycle with the member at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: Samuel, Son & Co. (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kmiecik, Michael A. Graef, Rebecca Regan, Adam Broda, Traci Chapple, David Vonderhaar
  • Publication number: 20250255434
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2025
    Publication date: August 14, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Patent number: 12318038
    Abstract: Slidable waste management systems for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example waste management system is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example waste management system includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail that are couplable to the cookbox, The example waste management system further includes a waste tray slidably coupled to the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The waste tray is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The waste tray has an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is configured to receive waste from the cookbox when the waste tray is in the closed configuration. The example waste management system further includes a waste bin coupled to and located below the waste tray. The waste bin is configured to receive the waste from the waste tray via the lower opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products LLC
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nathan Ioriatti, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12318039
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12296997
    Abstract: A strapping device includes a handle, a body, and an actuator. The handle includes an input device and a switch, the input device spaced from the switch by a biasing element that applies a bias force to the input device. The input device moves from a first state spaced from the switch to a second state contacting the switch responsive to receiving a force greater than the bias force. A circuit of the switch is closed responsive to the input device moving from the first state to the second state. The switch outputs an actuation signal responsive to the circuit being closed. The body includes a tensioner and a base including a strap receiver opposite the tensioner. The actuator moves the tensioner from a first tensioner position to a second tensioner position further from the strap receiver based on a movement force greater than the bias force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Samuel, Son & Co. (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Graef, Nathan C. Mellas
  • Publication number: 20250058916
    Abstract: A strapping device includes a handle, a body, and an actuator. The handle includes an input device and a switch, the input device spaced from the switch by a biasing element that applies a bias force to the input device. The input device moves from a first state spaced from the switch to a second state contacting the switch responsive to receiving a force greater than the bias force. A circuit of the switch is closed responsive to the input device moving from the first state to the second state. The switch outputs an actuation signal responsive to the circuit being closed. The body includes a tensioner and a base including a strap receiver opposite the tensioner. The actuator moves the tensioner from a first tensioner position to a second tensioner position further from the strap receiver based on a movement force greater than the bias force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: SAMUEL, SON & CO. (USA) INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Graef, Nathan C. Mellas
  • Patent number: 12145755
    Abstract: A strapping device includes a handle, a body, and an actuator. The handle includes an input device and a switch, the input device spaced from the switch by a biasing element that applies a bias force to the input device. The input device moves from a first state spaced from the switch to a second state contacting the switch responsive to receiving a force greater than the bias force. A circuit of the switch is closed responsive to the input device moving from the first state to the second state. The switch outputs an actuation signal responsive to the circuit being closed. The body includes a tensioner and a base including a strap receiver opposite the tensioner. The actuator moves the tensioner from a first tensioner position to a second tensioner position further from the strap receiver based on a movement force greater than the bias force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Samuel, Son & Co. (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Graef, Nathan C. Mellas
  • Publication number: 20240315274
    Abstract: A clean in place assembly for a soft serve ice cream dispenser includes an ice cream dispenser. A clean in place system having a water tank including a heater disposed therein is attached to the ice cream dispenser. A control interface is disposed on the tank. The control interface is connected to operating circuitry of the ice cream dispenser. A nozzle of the ice cream dispenser is formed of a conductive metal material and includes a notch formed therein circumferentially about a portion of the nozzle and includes radiused surfaces that extend to portions of the nozzle that house O-rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Applicant: H.C. Duke & Son, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Meyermann, Kyle B. Elsom, Michael A. Graef, Ji Won Elizabeth Oh, Brian Mathews, Gary Paul Almblade
  • Publication number: 20240306851
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Patent number: 12029224
    Abstract: A clean in place assembly for a soft serve ice cream dispenser includes an ice cream dispenser. A clean in place system having a water tank including a heater disposed therein is attached to the ice cream dispenser. A control interface is disposed on the tank. The control interface is connected to operating circuitry of the ice cream dispenser. A nozzle of the ice cream dispenser is formed of a conductive metal material and includes a notch formed therein circumferentially about a portion of the nozzle and includes radiused surfaces that extend to portions of the nozzle that house O-rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: H.C. Duke & Son, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle B. Elsom, Michael A. Graef, Ji Won Elizabeth Oh, Brian Mathews, Gary Paul Almblade
  • Patent number: 12029349
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack has a hook configured to couple the warming rack to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240174393
    Abstract: Strapping devices and methods are provided. The strapping device can include a member. The strapping device can include a first actuator coupled with the member to move the member between a first position and a second position. The strapping device can include a sensor to detect an electrical characteristic of the first actuator and to transmit a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic. The strapping device can include a data processing system. The data processing system can receive the signal and determine the member is in contact with a welding component based on the electrical characteristic. The data processing system can determine the second position of the member based on the member being in contact with the welding component. The data processing system can transmit a control signal to the first actuator and a second actuator to initiate a welding cycle with the member at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: SAMUEL, SON & CO. (USA) INC.
    Inventors: Mark Kmiecik, Michael A. Graef, Rebecca Regan, Adam Broda, Traci Chapple, David Vonderhaar
  • Publication number: 20220167792
    Abstract: Slidable waste management systems for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example waste management system is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example waste management system includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail that are couplable to the cookbox, The example waste management system further includes a waste tray slidably coupled to the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The waste tray is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The waste tray has an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is configured to receive waste from the cookbox when the waste tray is in the closed configuration. The example waste management system further includes a waste bin coupled to and located below the waste tray. The waste bin is configured to receive the waste from the waste tray via the lower opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nathan Ioriatti, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Publication number: 20220170624
    Abstract: Example handle-integrated lighting assemblies including one or more lighting module(s) located substantially within a handle of a lid of a grill are described. An example lighting assembly configured to be coupled to a lid of a grill includes a handle and a lighting module. The handle includes a crossbar and a stem coupled to and oriented at an angle relative to the crossbar. The lighting module includes a light source located within the handle. The light source is configured to project light through the stem in a direction away from the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR., Chris Crowell, Mark D'Ambrosio, James Keclik, Thomas J. Schnell, JR., Kerry S. Berland, Michael A. Graef, Nathan Mellas
  • Publication number: 20220167791
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack has a hook configured to couple the warming rack to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Patent number: 11333346
    Abstract: Example handle-integrated lighting assemblies including one or more lighting module(s) located substantially within a handle of a lid of a grill are described. An example lighting assembly configured to be coupled to a lid of a grill includes a handle and a lighting module. The handle includes a crossbar and a stem coupled to and oriented at an angle relative to the crossbar. The lighting module includes a light source located within the handle. The light source is configured to project light through the stem in a direction away from the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr., Chris Crowell, Mark D'Ambrosio, James Keclik, Thomas J. Schnell, Jr., Kerry S. Berland, Michael A. Graef, Nathan Mellas
  • Patent number: D1093125
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Haydon Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Muskin-Pierret, Nathan P. Ioriatti, Michael A. Graef
  • Patent number: D1093126
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Haydon Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Muskin-Pierret, Nathan P. Ioriatti, Michael A. Graef