Patents by Inventor Nicholas M. Nanos

Nicholas M. Nanos 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: 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: 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.
  • 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
  • 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: 10670333
    Abstract: A self-contained water cooler module for use with a water dispenser includes a chassis. The chassis includes a back panel, a pair of spaced side panels extending forwardly from the back panel, a bottom panel extending forwardly from the back panel and attached to bottom edges of the pair of spaced side panels, and the back panel, side panels and bottom panel are constructed of a single, unitary sheet. A strut interconnects front edges of the pair of spaced side panels. A support bracket interconnects the back panel and the horizontal frame member. A refrigeration unit includes an evaporator, a condenser, a fan and motor assembly, and a compressor. The refrigeration unit is attached to the chassis. A water storage tank is configured to receive cooled water from the refrigeration unit. The chassis is configured to be attached to and detached from the water dispenser via a tool-free connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Damon D. Shaw, Nikolay V. Popov, Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, Kirk V. Streitmatter, Alexander R. Greenhill, Scott W. Matulik, Trevor D. Craig, John Conway, Matthew Chapman
  • Publication number: 20180306492
    Abstract: A self-contained water cooler module for use with a water dispenser includes a chassis. The chassis includes a back panel, a pair of spaced side panels extending forwardly from the back panel, a bottom panel extending forwardly from the back panel and attached to bottom edges of the pair of spaced side panels, and the back panel, side panels and bottom panel are constructed of a single, unitary sheet. A strut interconnects front edges of the pair of spaced side panels. A support bracket interconnects the back panel and the horizontal frame member. A refrigeration unit includes an evaporator, a condenser, a fan and motor assembly, and a compressor. The refrigeration unit is attached to the chassis. A water storage tank is configured to receive cooled water from the refrigeration unit. The chassis is configured to be attached to and detached from the water dispenser via a tool-free connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Damon D. Shaw, Nikolay V. Popov, Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, Kirk V. Streitmatter, Alexander R. Greenhill, Scott W. Matulik, Trevor D. Craig, John Conway, Matthew Chapman
  • Patent number: 8147158
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a travel multiplier mechanism that includes a cam member that pivots about a pivot axis in response to motion of a push button member. The cam member engages a sliding piston member in order to provide a travel multiplying effect such that a distance of travel of the sliding piston member exceeds a distance traveled by the push button member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Neville E. Andrews, Andrew Bielecki, Gennady Plavnik
  • Publication number: 20110221605
    Abstract: A mat activated indicator is disclosed. The indicator includes a mat to be placed either inside or outside a door. The mat can be activated by an increase in weight such as by a pet stepping on the mat. The mat includes a lower and upper plate which are held apart by a spacer such as a memory foam spacer. An increase in weight upon the mat causes the plates to make contact and close a switch circuit. A transmitter sends a wireless signal upon activation of the switch. The signal is received by a receiving unit. The receiving unit provides an audible, visual, or vibrating signal to provide notice to a pet owner that a pet is stepping on the mat and may want to enter or exit through the door. In various optional variations, the receiving unit produces a signal of musical tones, and may have a choice of musical tones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Susan H. Niemann, Nicholas M. Nanos, Effie Nanos
  • Publication number: 20110135378
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a travel multiplier mechanism that includes a cam member that pivots about a pivot axis in response to motion of a push button member. The cam member engages a sliding piston member in order to provide a travel multiplying effect such that a distance of travel of the sliding piston member exceeds a distance traveled by the push button member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: SANFORD, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Neville Andrews, Andrew Bielecki, Gennady Plavnik
  • Patent number: 7891897
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a travel multiplier mechanism that includes a cam member that pivots about a pivot axis in response to motion of a push button member. The cam member engages a sliding piston member in order to provide a travel multiplying effect such that a distance of travel of the sliding piston member exceeds a distance traveled by the push button member. The cam member may be configured to rotate about an axis that is located in a plane perpendicular to a primary axis of a barrel of the writing instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Andrew Bielecki, Neville Andrews, Gennady Plavnik
  • Publication number: 20020067015
    Abstract: A skateboard comprising an elongated board, a pair of trucks and a pair of wheels. Each truck includes a wheel support pivotably associated with the elongated board and a spring connected to the wheel support for resisting pivoting of the wheel support relative to the elongated board. Each wheel is rotatably mounted to the wheel support in any suitable manner such as by an axle or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel support comprises a pair of fork members engaged with the axle. The truck permits rotation of the wheel support relative to the elongated board in response to a shift in the weight of the rider of the board to simulate, for example, a snowboarding effect. The wheel supports desirably are raked in opposite directions to facilitate a fishtail effect or to otherwise facilitate a carving effect. Each truck includes a base rigidly secured to the elongated board rotatably associating the wheel support with the elongated board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Tyler Tierney, Kurt Tierney, Thomas A. Wozny, Luc Heiligenstein, Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 6079645
    Abstract: The present invention provides new paper shredding devices mountable on various horizontal and vertical surfaces. The paper shredder has a housing defining a paper inlet and a shredding knife in the housing positioned downstream of the paper inlet. A shredding knife controller is connected to the shredding knife. A shredded paper receptacle is positioned downstream of the shredding knife. A bottom of the housing serves as a tabletop mount for standing the shredder on a tabletop. One or more holes may be provided in the back side of the housing to permit the shredder to be mounted on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Henreckson, Carolyn Mueller, Jean Rabisse, Toheed I. Bhatti, Greg Carrillo, Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 5988542
    Abstract: The present invention provides document shredding devices mountable on various waste receptacles for shredding paper. The document shredding devices have a housing defining a paper shredding passageway. A paper shredding mechanism is contained within the housing and extends into the paper shredding passageway. A mounting support adjustably extends from a waste receptacle mounting side of the housing while remaining housing sides are free of waste receptacle mounting supports. The mounting support has a position retracted into the housing which defines a substantially linear mounting channel and another position extended outward from the housing which defines a nonlinear mounting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Henreckson, Nicholas M. Nanos, Gregory Holderfield
  • Patent number: 5561356
    Abstract: A shredder motor circuit with power factor correction is provided. A permanent split capacitor motor under full load will run at peak efficiency with a high power factor. However, at no-load or at partial load the power factor will drop significantly, resulting in wasted energy and a possible overheating of the motor. This condition is inventively corrected by the present invention by lowering the voltage to the motor when the motor is partially loaded. The purpose of this shredder motor circuit with power factor correction is to vary the voltage to the motor instantaneously as the load changes due to increased amounts of paper placed in the shredder and thereby supplying the right amount of power required to result in higher efficiency and a cooler operating motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Genersl Binding Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 5404088
    Abstract: A circuit for boosting the power output of a motor in which a sensor stage, preferably a voltage divider, is coupled to comparator stage, preferably a reverse biased to a diode, which in turn is coupled to a power boost stage, preferably a relay and switched capacitance associated therewith, such that upon sensing of excess loading of the motor, the capacitance is switched across the output of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 5369246
    Abstract: A laminator temperature control includes a control circuit having a sensing amplifier that drives a triac to control power to PTC heating elements. A temperature sensor at an input of the sensing amplifier causes power to be inhibited to the heating elements when a predetermined adjustable temperature is reached by heating plates positioned between two pairs of rollers. When the heating plate temperature is below the predetermined temperature, proportioned control of the power supply duty cycle is provided. Indicators display the power supply status and temperature ready status of the laminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 5256859
    Abstract: A control circuit for a binding apparatus using a binder covers having resistance heating strips in a heat activated adhesive includes a power control to output a constant power to the heating strip. A duty cycle of the power signal supplied to the heating strip is controlled dependent upon the resistance of the strip. Fault detection circuitry indicates an open circuit in the resistance strip and interrupts the power supply. A stress test is performed by a high voltage generator which emits a high voltage pulse at the start of the binding cycle to stress the connections in the binder cover and thereby cause failure of any weak connections before the binding cycle is underway. A timer circuit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Alfredo J. Vercillo
  • Patent number: 5252904
    Abstract: A control circuit for connection to a split capacitor motor automatically switches to reverse operation when the motor is caused to stop or slow unacceptably by a heavy load. During operation, a voltage is maintained across a relay winding which is sufficient to hold the relay contacts in the normally open position. A slowing or stopping of the motor causes a reduction the voltage across the relay winding, which permits the relay contacts to switch to a configuration that reverses the phase of the current through the main and auxiliary windings of the motor, thereby reversing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 5090859
    Abstract: There is provided herein a binding apparatus for use with a cartridge having at least one curled-finger ring-type edge binder, which apparatus is adapted to bind prepunched sheets together and form a booklet. The binding apparatus defines a binding position and includes cartridge support means for supporting a cartridge having at least one binder therein at the binding position, paper guide means for guiding sheets of paper with prepunched apertures to the binding position, insertion tool means for axial insertion into the binder to bind same to receive sheets therein, and clamp means are provided for selectively receiving paper for binding and for positioning the binder means at the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Roger M. Scharer
  • Patent number: 4855573
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for use in binding, which apparatus includes a base and a cover member hingedly connected to each other. The cover member includes a binding-receiving compartment positioned above a portion of the base. A pair of spaced electrical contacts are positioned in the base below the binder-receiving compartment for receiving and connecting to the binder-receiving contact. The base includes an electric circuit compartment for housing an electric circuit adapted to apply a current to said conductors upon contact with the book for a predetermined length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Alfredo J. Vercillo, Nicholas M. Nanos