Patents by Inventor Michael A. Tontz

Michael A. Tontz 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).

  • Patent number: 10655830
    Abstract: An adapter that provides a remote control capability for a light switch is mounted on a support structure (e.g. a wall), and includes a base plate which is also mounted on the support structure to surround the ON/OFF mechanism of the light switch. A cover which can be selectively attached to the base plate establishes an enclosed space between the base plate and the cover. A connector is mounted on the adapter in the enclosed space to interact mechanically with the ON/OFF mechanism of the light switch. The connector also interacts electronically with an activator that is positioned at a remote location. In operation, the connector at the adapter is responsive to an input signal from the remotely located activator that will operate the ON/OFF mechanism. Alternatively, the ON/OFF mechanism can be disconnected from the activator and operated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Michael A. Tontz
  • Publication number: 20200080714
    Abstract: An adapter that provides a remote control capability for a light switch is mounted on a support structure (e.g. a wall), and includes a base plate which is also mounted on the support structure to surround the ON/OFF mechanism of the light switch. A cover which can be selectively attached to the base plate establishes an enclosed space between the base plate and the cover. A connector is mounted on the adapter in the enclosed space to interact mechanically with the ON/OFF mechanism of the light switch. The connector also interacts electronically with an activator that is positioned at a remote location. In operation, the connector at the adapter is responsive to an input signal from the remotely located activator that will operate the ON/OFF mechanism. Alternatively, the ON/OFF mechanism can be disconnected from the activator and operated manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: Michael A. Tontz
  • Patent number: 9896848
    Abstract: A temporary guardrail for an unprotected staircase is assembled and installed using prefabricated sections. One section is a safety section that includes an adjustable length upper railing, with a pair of balusters respectively hinged to each end of the upper railing. Another section is a support section having an adjustable length lower railing that is engaged between the balusters of the safety section and which, when assembled with the safety section, is oriented parallel to the upper railing. The safety and support sections are then stiffened to account for an incline angle ? that is defined by the staircase. Also included are structures which can be engaged with the temporary guardrail to stabilize it on the staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Michael A. Tontz
  • Publication number: 20180044921
    Abstract: A temporary guardrail for an unprotected staircase is assembled and installed using prefabricated sections. One section is a safety section that includes an adjustable length upper railing, with a pair of balusters respectively hinged to each end of the upper railing. Another section is a support section having an adjustable length lower railing that is engaged between the balusters of the safety section and which, when assembled with the safety section, is oriented parallel to the upper railing. The safety and support sections are then stiffened to account for an incline angle ? that is defined by the staircase. Also included are structures which can be engaged with the temporary guardrail to stabilize it on the staircase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventor: Michael A. Tontz