Patents by Inventor Michael W. Kondratuk

Michael W. Kondratuk 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: 10370885
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to a hydraulic door closer, and more specifically is directed to a hydraulic storm or screen door closer that has a fluid overflow chamber providing fluid volume and pressure control for both expanded and contracted fluid at different temperatures. The disclosed hydraulic door closer comprises a fluid overflow chamber adapted to hold sufficient fluid to maintain required operating fluid or oil levels at different temperatures, and to ensure proper closer performance under both extreme high and low temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Larson Manufacturing Company of South Dakota
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20150137536
    Abstract: Latching and lock mechanisms for doors are developed that are particularly designed to improve assembly of the door latching and lock mechanisms along with a door and include methods of and features for connecting inside and outside escutcheon plates together and to a lock body by way of a quick-connect connection and release mechanism. Also, features and methods permit better alignment and assembly of lock bodies, and escutcheon plates to one another and to a door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Larson Manufacturing Company of South Dakota, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Kondratuk, Keith Milton Kibbel, Bryan Paul Zacher, Allen E. Lee, Kelly Dean Broin Nordgaard
  • Patent number: 8864186
    Abstract: A mortise lock for mounting in a door. The lock includes a bolt movable along a first axis between an extended position and a retracted position. Included are means for biasing the bolt to its extended position. The lock further includes a driven member which is mounted for rotation about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. As the driven member is made to rotate about the second axis, it engages the bolt and urges it, overcoming the bias, to its second position. A drive member is mounted for rotation about a third axis, generally parallel to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Larson Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Patent number: 8256251
    Abstract: A stop arrangement for precluding disengagement of a mortise deadbolt lock element by a cam which is employed to extend and retract the element. The arrangement employs first and second stop arms angularly spaced from a cam, which are rotatable, along with the cam, and which engage the lock element to preclude over-rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Larson Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Patent number: 7871112
    Abstract: A reversible, double deadbolt latch bolt assembly for securing and locking a door is provided according to the invention. It comprises a lock body to which is slidably mounted a live bolt for movement between an extended position and a retracted position, the live bolt being operated by an actuator, such as a handle cam rotated by means of a door knob or lever-operated spindle. Also slidably mounted to the lock body are at least two cam-operated deadbolts on opposite sides of the live bolt for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. These cams may optionally be linked to each other within the lock body, so that operation of one of the cams by, e.g., a key cylinder or thumb turn causes simultaneous operation of the other cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hardware Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Kondratuk, John K. Berkseth
  • Patent number: 7703815
    Abstract: A quick cam latch mechanism having an operatively coupled bolt and cam assembly disposed in a latch housing. A handle is coupled to the cam assembly for moving the bolt between an extended or engaged position and a retracted or disengaged position. The cam assembly includes a primary cam operatively coupled to a secondary cam or linkage that is in turn operatively coupled to the bolt. Rotation of the primary cam translates into increased pivoting of the linkage and thereby increased retraction of the bolt. As a result, less rotation of primary cam is needed to retract the bolt. In an example embodiment of the invention, at least two linkages are utilized to quickly retract the bolt regardless of the direction of rotation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hardware Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Berkseth, Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Patent number: 7607704
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved spindle arrangement for a latch bolt mechanism for a hinged door, and in particular, to a latch bolt mechanism actuated by spring-loaded push-pull spindles. The latch bolt mechanism includes a bolt with an inclined surface, a housing, at least one push-pull spindle with an inclined surface, and a spring mounted on the spindle for biasing the spindle in an extended position. The bolt is slidably mounted within the housing for movement between an extended position (extended outward from the housing) and a retracted position (positioned within the housing). The spindle slidably extends through an opening in the housing and bolt, transversely aligned with respect to the line of travel of the bolt. As the spindle is pushed towards or pulled away from the housing, the inclined surface of the spindle engages the inclined surface of the bolt to actuate movement of the bolt between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hardware Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20090211317
    Abstract: A stop arrangement for precluding disengagement of a mortise deadbolt lock element by a cam which is employed to extend and retract the element. The arrangement employs first and second stop arms angularly spaced from a cam, which are rotatable, along with the cam, and which engage the lock element to preclude over-rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20090113957
    Abstract: A mortise lock for mounting in a door. The lock includes a bolt movable along a first axis between a first, extended position and a second, retracted position. The bolt has an end which, when the bolt is in its first, extended position and when the door is moved to a closed position, engages a strike which urges the bolt toward its second, retracted position. Also included are means for biasing the bolt to its first, extended position. The lock further includes a driven member which is mounted for rotation about a second axis. The second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis. As the driven member is made to rotate about the second axis, it engages the bolt and urges it, overcoming the bias, to its second position. A drive member is mounted for rotation about a third axis, generally parallel to the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20090100883
    Abstract: A stop arrangement for precluding disengagement of a mortise deadbolt lock element by a cam which is employed to extend and retract the element. The arrangement employs first and second stop arms angularly spaced from a cam, which are rotatable, along with the cam, and which engage the lock element to preclude over-rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Patent number: 7134699
    Abstract: The present invention is a rotary locking latch assembly including a rotary handle carrying a rotary latch bolt. The rotary handle is biased in a neutral, locked orientation that positions the bolt in engagement with a latch strike secured to a door jam, retaining the door in its closed position. Upon rotation of the handle, the bolt is misaligned with the latch strike, permitting the door to be opened. The latch assembly includes a spring biased lock plate with a locking feature. The lock plate is moveable between a unlocked position that allows the latch handle to freely rotate and a locked position that engages the spindle or handle to which the handle is secured, preventing rotation of the handle. Optional features on the lock plate or tab connected to the lock plate may lock the bolt to create a deadbolt, or include an automatic unlocking feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hardware Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Patent number: 6926315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch bolt mechanism for a hinged door, and in particular, to a latch bolt mechanism actuated by push pull spindles. The latch bolt mechanism includes a bolt with an inclined surface, a housing, at least one push pull spindle with an inclined surface. The bolt is slideably mounted within the housing for movement between an extended position (extended outward from the housing) and a retracted position (positioned within the housing). The spindle slideably extends through an opening in the housing and bolt, transversely aligned with respect to the line of travel of the bolt. As the spindle is pushed towards or pulled away from the housing, the inclined surface of the spindle engages the inclined surface of the bolt to actuate movement of the bolt between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Hardware Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20040145190
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch bolt mechanism for a hinged door, and in particular, to a latch bolt mechanism actuated by push pull spindles. The latch bolt mechanism includes a bolt with an inclined surface, a housing, at least one push pull spindle with an inclined surface. The bolt is slideably mounted within the housing for movement between an extended position (extended outward from the housing) and a retracted position (positioned within the housing). The spindle slideably extends through an opening in the housing and bolt, transversely aligned with respect to the line of travel of the bolt. As the spindle is pushed towards or pulled away from the housing, the inclined surface of the spindle engages the inclined surface of the bolt to actuate movement of the bolt between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20040107748
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a simple deadbolt assembly for hinged doors. The deadbolt assembly includes a deadbolt slideably mounted between two side plates for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A cam is rotatably mounted between the side plates and actuates movement of the deadbolt upon rotation of the cam. The cam is mounted through an elongated opening in the deadbolt and includes an actuating arm with a guide. The guide is positioned within a corresponding guide channel formed in the deadbolt. Upon rotation of the cam, the guide is rotated through the guide channel and the force of the cam guide is transferred to the deadbolt causing the deadbolt to move between its extended and retracted positions. Opposing leaf springs are mounted to the deadbolt, along the length of the elongated opening to engage the cam and prevent binding between the cam and deadbolt during actuation of the deadbolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Patent number: 6739162
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a simple deadbolt assembly for hinged doors. The deadbolt assembly includes a deadbolt slideably mounted between two side plates for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A cam is rotatably mounted between the side plates and actuates movement of the deadbolt upon rotation of the cam. The cam is mounted through an elongated opening in the deadbolt and includes an actuating arm with a guide. The guide is positioned within a corresponding guide channel formed in the deadbolt. Upon rotation of the cam, the guide is rotated through the guide channel and the force of the cam guide is transferred to the deadbolt causing the deadbolt to move between its extended and retracted positions. Opposing leaf springs are mounted to the deadbolt, along the length of the elongated opening to engage the cam and prevent binding between the cam and deadbolt during actuation of the deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Hardware Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20040084909
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a reversible, single bolt mortise lock assembly for hinged doors. The lock assembly combines live bolt and dead bolt functions utilizing only a single bolt. The invention further features a reversible lock assembly that can be opened by rotation of the door handle either clockwise or counterclockwise, and a dual slide lock system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Publication number: 20040017087
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to a door latch for a storm door that includes a non-metallic live bolt and a set of housing plates with support members integrally formed from the plates. One embodiment of the invention is a latch apparatus with a housing having first and second opposed plates. The plates are spaced apart from each other and secured to each other by support members that are formed from the plates. The apparatus also includes a live bolt that may be made of a polymer material and that is slidably mounted in the housing and actuated between an extended position and a retracted position. The live bolt hub is mounted in the housing and actuates the live bolt between extended and retracted positions. A dead bolt assembly is slidably mounted in the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. Lastly, the apparatus includes a cam that in the housing between a first position and a second position to actuate the dead bolt assembly between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Shawn Ayres, Michael W. Kondratuk, Holly Chen
  • Publication number: 20030159483
    Abstract: A lock apparatus includes a housing having a cylindrical bore formed therein and a cam rotatably mounted in the housing. A cylindrical sleeve having a notch formed therein rotatably mounts in the bore of the housing. A cylinder core inserts into the sleeve and engages the cam. The core including multiple tumblers and the housing has a corresponding number of drivers biased toward the bore and engaging the tumblers through the notch and aligned along the periphery of the bore when a proper key is inserted. When the sleeve is rotated, the drivers are captured in their bores, allowing the core to be easily removed without a tube or special tools and providing for simple rekeying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Michael W. Kondratuk, Kevin Anibas, Gerald R. Bowe, Holly Chen
  • Publication number: 20030033839
    Abstract: A latch includes a mortise lock assembly having a sliding live bolt and dead bolt. A spindle connected to opposed handles actuates the live bolt. The dead bolt includes a cam restrained by mechanical stops and a follower moving in a limited range of motion in a slot formed in the side of the lock housing. An oval key cylinder engages the cam and is mounted on an escutcheon plate. The key cylinder includes a spindle with approximately one-quarter turn of free relative rotation. The key cylinder spindle mounts to a thumb turn button so that the spindle may be actuated through one-quarter turn by either the thumb turn button or the key cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Holly Chen, Michael W. Kondratuk
  • Patent number: 6322113
    Abstract: A latch apparatus for a door having a first face and a second face includes a housing adapted for mounting on the first face of the door. The bolt member pivotally mounts to the housing and extends and retracts in and out from the housing and is urged toward an extended position by a return spring. A first push type handle mounts to the housing and retracts the bolt when pushed toward the door. A spindle extends through the door from a second latch pivotally mounted to the second face of the door. The spring back engages the spindle and provides for retracting the bolt upon rotation of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn B. Ayers, Michael W. Kondratuk