Patents by Inventor Nicholas L. Kaufmann
Nicholas L. Kaufmann 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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Publication number: 20240098941Abstract: An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Philip Sloan, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20240068702Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having a tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct is elongate in a longitudinal direction. The airduct system further includes a frame including a hoop disposable inside the airduct to support the tubular wall in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The hoop is less flexible than the pliable material. The airduct system also includes a sensor to be attached to the frame to be in fluid communication with a current of air within the airduct. The sensor is to provide a feedback signal that varies in response to a changing condition of the current of air.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 11856735Abstract: An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Philip Sloan, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20230408135Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include an air duct including a tubular sidewall that is pliable, the tubular sidewall defining an interior of the air duct, the air duct elongate in a longitudinal direction. Example air duct assemblies include a hoop disposable within the interior of the air duct, the hoop providing the sidewall with support in a radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Example air duct assemblies include a cable disposable within the interior of the air duct, the cable to extend along a longitudinal length of the air duct, the cable to engage the hoop to help support a weight of the hoop and the tubular sidewall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Publication number: 20230400147Abstract: Adjustable mounting assemblies are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an arm to extend along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the arm including an elongate slot to enable attachment of a fan to the arm at selectively different positions along the longitudinal axis, a first joint plate coupled to the first end of the arm, and a second joint plate coupled to the second end of the arm, the first and second joint plates structured to enable attachment to an external support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Kevin Gebke, Casey Nemmers
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Patent number: 11796214Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having an elongate tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct system further includes a frame disposable inside the tubular wall of the airduct, the frame including a hoop to support the tubular wall in a radial direction, the hoop to define an opening to provide passage of a flow of air along a length of the airduct. The airduct system also includes an HVAC component disposable within the tubular wall of the airduct, the HVAC component to be attached to and supported by the frame inside the airduct, the HVAC component to adjust a characteristic of the air.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 11788763Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Patent number: 11543149Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Publication number: 20220146141Abstract: Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes a hoop to be supported adjacent an end of an air duct, and a first fabric sheet to hang downward from the hoop. The first fabric sheet to define a first wall of an air chamber adjacent the hoop on a side of the hoop opposite the air duct. The first fabric sheet to completely surround the air chamber along a circumferential path corresponding to the hoop. The hoop to be transverse to the air duct and positioned so that air delivered by the air duct is to pass through the hoop and into the air chamber. The drop-down diffuser also includes a second fabric sheet to be coupled to the first fabric sheet. The second fabric sheet to define a second wall of the air chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 11231202Abstract: Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes an upper panel including an upper fabric sheet to be held in radial tension by an upper hoop. The upper panel defines a supply air inlet. The example drop-down diffuser further includes a lower panel to be underneath and spaced apart from the upper panel. The example drop-down diffuser also includes a circumferential fabric sheet to encircle the upper panel and the lower panel. The circumferential fabric sheet is to extend downward from the upper panel to the lower panel to define an air chamber bordered by the upper panel, the lower panel and the circumferential fabric sheet. The air chamber is connected in fluid communication with the supply air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20210356162Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having an elongate tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct system further includes a frame disposable inside the tubular wall of the airduct, the frame including a hoop to support the tubular wall in a radial direction, the hoop to define an opening to provide passage of a flow of air along a length of the airduct. The airduct system also includes an HVAC component disposable within the tubular wall of the airduct, the HVAC component to be attached to and supported by the frame inside the airduct, the HVAC component to adjust a characteristic of the air.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20210293442Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Publication number: 20210190367Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2020Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Patent number: 10876758Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Patent number: 10709040Abstract: Cooling systems for devices arranged in rows are disclosed. An example cooling system for a datacenter in a building includes a supply air duct to extend lengthwise along a first aisle within the building. The first aisle is defined between a first row of computers and a second row of computers. The first row of computers provides passage of a first current of air from the first aisle to a second aisle on an opposite side of the first row of computers. The supply air duct is to be positioned with an upper section that is higher than a top surface associated with the first and second rows of computers. The cooling system includes a first wing to extend from the supply air duct toward the first row of computers, and a second wing to extend from the supply air duct toward the second row of computers.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Micaela White, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Publication number: 20200107474Abstract: An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Philip Sloan, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 10480813Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes an air duct including a pliable sidewall. The example air duct system further includes a shaft including a first end and a second end. The shaft extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the air duct with the first end coupled to a first point of the air duct and the second end coupled to a second point of the air duct. The first point is downstream of the second point. The pliable sidewall is to be held in tension in the longitudinal direction between the first and second points in response to compression in the shaft between the first and second ends.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Right-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20190285310Abstract: Example air duct assemblies include a pliable air duct supported such that the duct is maintained in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is deflated. In some examples, a series of hangers suspend the duct from one or more cables, tracks or other type of overhead support. The hangers are spaced apart and distributed over the length of the duct, and each one contributes in pulling the duct taut in the duct's longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Jeff Logic, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
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Publication number: 20190128557Abstract: Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes a first fabric sheet. The first fabric sheet is to extend away from a ceiling at a location adjacent a supply inlet. The supply inlet is to provide a flow of air toward the first fabric sheet. The example drop-down diffuser also includes a blanking sheet to restrict air flow through the first fabric sheet. The blanking sheet is to be disposed on an interior surface of the first fabric sheet. The blanking sheet has a lower permeability than the first fabric sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicolas B. Paschke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Thomas C. Smith
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Patent number: 10251312Abstract: Cooling systems for devices arranged in rows are disclosed. An example cooling system includes an inflatable air duct to be positioned above a cold aisle defined between two rows of electronic equipment. The inflatable air duct is to be air permeable to deliver conditioned air into the cold aisle. The electronic equipment has fans to force cool air within the cold aisle through the electronic equipment to adjacent hot aisles on opposite sides of the two rows of the electronic equipment. The inflatable air duct to be spaced apart from the rows of computers such that the cold aisle is in unobstructed fluid communication with the adjacent hot aisles over top of the rows of electronic equipment. The conditioned air delivered from the inflatable air duct to substantially prevent a mixing of warm air in the hot aisles with the cool air in the cold aisle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Philip Sloan, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim