Patents by Inventor Peter N. Skillman

Peter N. Skillman 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: 6910306
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
  • Publication number: 20030070377
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
  • Patent number: 6546684
    Abstract: A knock-down partition panel frame includes a pair of spaced apart generally upright posts, each having at least one receptacle defining a tapered surface. The partition panel frame further includes at least one generally horizontal member extending between and interconnecting the posts. The horizontal member includes fastenerless connectors at opposite ends thereof, each having at least one connecting element engaging with the tapered surface to thereby securely interconnect the posts and the horizontal member to define a rigid partition frame having an interior space. A cover panel is secured to the partition frame, and closes off at least a portion of the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand, Douglas L. Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 6442909
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Publication number: 20020029529
    Abstract: A partition includes at least two vertical posts with upper and lower beams having opposite ends thereof interconnecting the vertical posts to define when in an assembled condition, a rigid panel frame having a substantially open interior. The panel frame defines a vertical dimension. At least one cover panel is configured to enclose at least a portion of the open interior of the panel frame, and is removably mounted on the panel frame to readily access the open interior thereof. The cover panel defines an interior surface and a center portion spaced-apart from the posts. A cover panel brace is connected with the upper beam, and has an outer surface abutting the interior surface of the cover panel to support the cover panel adjacent the center portion to prevent flexing of the cover panel. The cover panel brace is longitudinally extensible to accommodate variations of the vertical dimension between the upper and lower beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Paul J. Granzotto, Richard S. Hand, Kevin J. Longhurst, Theodore Q. Chau, Douglas L. Scheerhorn, John L. McCrackin
  • Patent number: 6301846
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 6276103
    Abstract: A partition includes at least two vertical posts with upper and lower beams having opposite ends thereof interconnecting the vertical posts to define when in an assembled condition, a rigid panel frame having a substantially open interior. The panel frame defines a vertical dimension. At least one cover panel is configured to enclose at least a portion of the open interior of the panel frame, and is removably mounted on the panel frame to readily access the open interior thereof. The cover panel defines an interior surface and a center portion spaced-apart from the posts. A cover panel brace is connected with the upper beam, and has an outer surface abutting the interior surface of the cover panel to support the cover panel adjacent the center portion to prevent flexing of the cover panel. The cover panel brace is longitudinally extensible to accommodate variations of the vertical dimension between the upper and lower beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Paul J. Granzotto, Richard S. Hand, Kevin J. Longhurst, Theodore Q. Chau, Douglas L. Scheerhorn, John L. McCrackin
  • Publication number: 20010013209
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 6098358
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition including a panel frame having a central portion. At least one cover panel covers at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removable of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts each having an upper end, a lower end and opposite faces with at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the same adjacent the connection ports. Movable lock members having a flexible extension are positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports, and are movably mounted thereon for shifting between an unlocked position and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Paul J. Granzotto, Richard S. Hand, Kevin J. Longhurst, Theodore Q. Chau, Douglas L. Scheerhorn, John L. McCrackin
  • Patent number: 6079173
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael Robert Shields, Brian Joseph Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 5999401
    Abstract: A computer system includes a housing having a slot of a defined footprint area. A pair of inserts are provided. One of the inserts is a shroudless CD drive insert selectively insertable in the slot for operably driving a CD ROM disc. The other of the inserts is a standard floppy drive insert selectively insertable in the slot for operably driving a floppy disc. Each insert has substantially the same footprint area as the slot and as each other. The footprint area is sized to receive the standard floppy drive insert. The CD ROM drive insert is shroudless and is insertable in the slot for driving a larger size storage media than the floppy insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Edward P. Sheehan, Jr., Peter N. Skillman
  • Patent number: 5951015
    Abstract: An interactive game apparatus in which players throw projectiles, such as soft balls, against a display panel on which a target image is projected and contact sensitive elements aligned with target areas in the projected image are activated by a hit from the thrown projectile to initiate a change in the projected image uniquely associated with the target area hit and the player who threw the projectile. An embodiment in the context of a tic-tac-toe game is described. A number of embodiments for identifying specific projectiles with a player responsible for throwing the projectile are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Douglas H. Smith, James E. Stoneham, William P. Fricke, Anthony L. Creed, Peter N. Skillman, Johnson K. Chow
  • Patent number: 5899035
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof. The upper and lower beams interconnect the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock wedges positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Mark T. Slager, Brian Joseph Kane, Marcus K. Pressnell, Michael Robert Shields, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 5754397
    Abstract: A computer system includes a housing having a docking connector. A combined height adjustment and cover member is mounted on the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the connector is covered, to a second position wherein the connector is uncovered and the member is in abutment with an external surface of the housing and positioned to be engagable with a docking tray for elevating the housing above the tray surface. This provides a variable height adjustment capability between the docking connector of the computer and the mating connector on the docking tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Dell Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Howell, Peter N. Skillman, Bryan K. Hunter
  • Patent number: D514571
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Handspring, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D515093
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D518820
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D518821
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D466877
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Handspring, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman
  • Patent number: D467235
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Handspring, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, Michael A. Yurochko