Patents by Inventor Nathan L. Schlueter

Nathan L. Schlueter 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: 11174678
    Abstract: Embodiments include a telescoping ladder with a plurality of columns and rungs. The ladder can have a plurality of locking assemblies for locking adjacent columns to a rung thereby restricting relative sliding motion between adjacent columns. The locking assembly can have a locking button positionable against the rung front surface and rotatable with respect thereto between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking assembly can have a locking pin positioned within the rung and slidable between an extended position and a retracted position along a locking pin axis generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. The locking assembly can have a connector pin extending in a direction parallel to the rotational axis, for connecting the locking button to the locking pin such that rotation of the locking button about the rotational axis slides the locking pin about the locking pin axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter
  • Patent number: 10995547
    Abstract: A telescoping ladder is provided, that includes a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion between a fully-extended position and a collapsed position. The columns are connected to rungs by way of connector assemblies. Each connector assembly has a locking pin moveable between an extended position or a retracted position for extending into or retracting out of openings of adjacent columns to selectively lock or release the columns respectively. The telescoping ladder includes a plurality of actuators that permit collapsing the ladder in a sequential manner, the sequence involving collapsing the columns on a lower portion of the ladder prior to collapsing columns immediately thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter
  • Patent number: 10753149
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Patent number: 10731413
    Abstract: A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position. Each rung is connected to a column by a connector assembly having first and second release buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter, Allen A. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20200113730
    Abstract: A retainer with a closure mechanism not removable from the retainer is bonded to each of the air inlet openings of an inflatable convective thermal blanket. The bottom surface of the retainer is bonded to the blanket so that its orifice is in alignment with the opening into the blanket. The closure may be a flexible layer or sheet that is adhesively attached to the top surface of the retainer. An end portion of the flexible layer away from the orifice of the retainer may be press or die cut into the retainer so that the flexible layer is non-removably attached to the retainer when the user peels the releasably secured portion of the flexible layer away from the retainer to expose the air inlet opening. The closure can also be an extension of the retainer that is hingedly connected to the retainer so as to be able to be moved pivotally to cover the retainer. The closure has a configuration that allows it to be releasably secured to the retainer when it covers the orifice opening of the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: SMITHS MEDICAL ASD, INC.
    Inventors: Gretchen Benkendorf, Christopher Allen Lacy, Ben Peterson, Nathan L. Schlueter
  • Publication number: 20190136623
    Abstract: Embodiments include a telescoping ladder with a plurality of columns and rungs. The ladder can have a plurality of locking assemblies for locking adjacent columns to a rung thereby restricting relative sliding motion between adjacent columns. The locking assembly can have a locking button positionable against the rung front surface and rotatable with respect thereto between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking assembly can have a locking pin positioned within the rung and slidable between an extended position and a retracted position along a locking pin axis generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. The locking assembly can have a connector pin extending in a direction parallel to the rotational axis, for connecting the locking button to the locking pin such that rotation of the locking button about the rotational axis slides the locking pin about the locking pin axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter
  • Publication number: 20190093428
    Abstract: A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position. Each rung is connected to a column by a connector assembly having first and second release buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter, Allen A. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 10233692
    Abstract: A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position. Each rung is connected to a column by a connector assembly having first and second release buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter, Allen A. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20190055783
    Abstract: A telescoping ladder is provided, that includes a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion between a fully-extended position and a collapsed position. The columns are connected to rungs by way of connector assemblies. Each connector assembly has a locking pin moveable between an extended position or a retracted position for extending into or retracting out of openings of adjacent columns to selectively lock or release the columns respectively. The telescoping ladder includes a plurality of actuators that permit collapsing the ladder in a sequential manner, the sequence involving collapsing the columns on a lower portion of the ladder prior to collapsing columns immediately thereabove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter
  • Patent number: 10053912
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Publication number: 20180010388
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Publication number: 20170145745
    Abstract: A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position. Each rung is connected to a column by a connector assembly having first and second release buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter, Allen A. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9580959
    Abstract: A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a shifting mechanism and a ladder angle selector coupled thereto to allow manual selection of the angle between the first and second ladder portions, and a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter, Allen A. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20160153231
    Abstract: A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a shifting mechanism and a ladder angle selector coupled thereto to allow manual selection of the angle between the first and second ladder portions, and a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter, Allen A. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20120267197
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CORE DISTRIBUTION, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8225906
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Publication number: 20100044155
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: CORE DISTRIBUTION, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Patent number: D624200
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Patent number: D718455
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nonin Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Maser, Nathan L. Schlueter, Christian Richard Trifilio
  • Patent number: D767784
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Nathan L. Schlueter, Allen A. Caldwell