Patents by Inventor Richard J. Ernst

Richard J. Ernst 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: 20160069066
    Abstract: In one aspect, a cast-in-place anchor apparatus is provided and includes a member configured to be cast into and unmovable relative to a substrate, and an anchor member coupled to and moveable relative to the member. The anchor member is configured to anchor an object relative to the substrate. In one aspect, the anchor member is moveable along two axes. In one aspect, the anchor member is moveable along three axes of a three-dimensional coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Robert U. Connell, Justin C. McMath, Richard J. Ernst
  • Patent number: 9206604
    Abstract: A rod hanger for securing a rod to a substrate includes a mounting portion configured for engaging the substrate, a rod receiving portion configured for receiving the rod and a connecting element configured for vertically displacing the mounting portion and the rod receiving portion. In addition, at least one anti-rotation element configured for engaging the substrate is provided on the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, Donald Buytaert, Michael S. Popovich
  • Patent number: 9130937
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving a message at a first network interface of a first node. The first network interface communicates with a first network while a second network interface communicates with a second network. The method includes determining a set of expected tokens and an expected order of tokens. A plurality of tokens are accessed that were generated for the message, each of the plurality of tokens associated with a policy service of a plurality of policy services. The method includes generating a plurality of decrypted tokens from the plurality of tokens using a first parameter associated with the plurality of policy services and validating the decrypted tokens by comparing the decrypted tokens to the set of expected tokens. In response to validating the decrypted tokens and determining that the decrypted tokens are in the expected order, an approval is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jason E. Ostermann, Teresa M. Bieda, Matthew J. Hicks, Alan T. Huch, Richard J. Ernst, Shelli J. Richard
  • Patent number: 8757570
    Abstract: A substrate-mountable holder system, comprising a base having a hook, a first front surface and a second front surface with a groove therebetween, wherein the groove includes a rearward facing face having a step. The system also includes a second portion for operatively engaging the first portion, the second portion including a tongue component positionable within the groove, wherein the tongue component includes a forward facing face having a step. The base also may include at least one notch extending inward from the rear surface, the notch having a first surface at a first depth relative to a rear surface of the base and a second surface at a second, deeper depth relative to the rear surface, and the cover may have at least one ear for releasably engaging the at least one notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm, Mark E. Gonciarz
  • Publication number: 20140158850
    Abstract: A rod hanger for securing a rod to a substrate includes a mounting portion configured for engaging the substrate, a rod receiving portion configured for receiving the rod and a connecting element configured for vertically displacing the mounting portion and the rod receiving portion. In addition, at least one anti-rotation element configured for engaging the substrate is provided on the mounting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, Donald Buytaert, Michael S. Popovich
  • Patent number: 8672281
    Abstract: A rod hanger for securing a rod to a substrate includes a mounting portion configured for engaging the substrate, a rod receiving portion configured for receiving the rod and a connecting element configured for vertically displacing the mounting portion and the rod receiving portion. In addition, at least one anti-rotation element configured for engaging the substrate is provided on the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, Donald Buytaert, Michael S. Popovich
  • Patent number: 8640189
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving from a validation system a request to apply a first policy service to a message. The validation system determines whether the message may be transmitted to a second network by validating a plurality of tokens associated with the message. The method includes receiving at least one result from a policy service engine of applying the first policy service to the message and determining at least one predefined assertion based on the received at least one result. The message includes generating a first token by encrypting the at least one predefined assertion using a first parameter associated with the first service node and not the second service node. The method includes sending the message and the first token to the validation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, James H. Swedberg, Matthew J. Hicks, Herbert T. Riggs, III, Matt A. Powers, Jason E. Ostermann
  • Publication number: 20140001329
    Abstract: A wall mountable holder system may include a holder-mounting substrate having a plurality of mounting positions and at least one holder removably coupleable to the substrate. The holder may include a base portion, a plurality of protrusions extending rearwardly from the base portion, a first arm and a second arm extending outward from the base, a tab extending inward at a distal end of at least one of the arms, and at least one groove extending downwardly from an upper edge of at least one of the arms. Each tab may include a leading surface angled inward and rearward from proximate the distal end, and a trailing surface angled outward and rearward from the leading surface. An opening may be formed between the arms, proximate the distal ends, and the opening may be narrower than a spacing between the arms at each point between the base portion and the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Brian Hyuk Joon Chung, Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm, Criag Joseph Zurko
  • Patent number: 8573415
    Abstract: In one aspect, a storage system is disclosed. The storage system may include a base having a lower or accessory portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion has at least one lower projection extending outward from a front surface and wherein the upper portion has at least two upper projections extending outward from the front surface and spaced from the lower projection. The system may also include at least one accessory configured to engage the lower portion. The system further may include at least one shelf or cover configured to engage the two upper projections. In a further aspect, another storage system is disclosed, wherein the storage system may include a base having an upper ledge portion, wherein a portion of the upper ledge portion is spaced a predetermined distance from a wall. The base further may include a lower portion and an accessory portion between the upper ledge portion and the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm
  • Patent number: 8448910
    Abstract: A substrate-mountable holder system, comprising: a first portion comprising a base having first and second front surfaces, a rear surface, a top and a bottom, a hook extending from proximate the bottom, a lobe extending rearwardly from a rear surface proximate the top, a pad extending rearwardly from the rear surface, an opening for receiving an anchor extending through the base, the opening between the lobe and the pad; and a second portion for operatively engaging the first portion; wherein the first and second portions each include at least one, and preferably a plurality of, interfacing protrusions and indentations for engaging the second portion with the first portion. Each of the protrusions and indentations on the first and second portions may be proximate the bottom of their respective portions. The system further may include a self-drilling drywall anchor having a bore, and a fastener for operatively engaging the first portion and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm, Mark E. Gonciarz
  • Patent number: 8408856
    Abstract: A fastener mountable to a rigid substrate such as a fiber cement panel and also mountable to the panel and an underlying support, such as a metal or wooden stud. The fastener may include a drilling portion having a reaming portion for reaming out the material within the panel, a fastening portion for engaging the panel and, if encountered, the underlying support, and a tapered portion between the drilling and fastening portions. The drilling portion may have a length generally equal to, or slightly longer than, a length of the panel so that reaming out of the panel may be completed before engagement of the fastener threads with the interior of the panel begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, Mark E. Gonciarz, Donald J. Broomfield
  • Publication number: 20120318944
    Abstract: A pivoting retainer that may be used by itself or in a plurality of applications may include a tab and a housing, the tab including a shaft configured to be received in a channel within the housing. A coupling device may be at an end of the shaft such as an expanding mushroom-type connection or a locking nut with a compression spring. The retainer may include a plurality of male detents and a second plurality of female detents to index the tab in a plurality of angular configurations about the housing. In one embodiment, the tab may include a plurality of flexing fins to provide a springing action to hold the male detents within respective female detents. Exemplary uses for pivoting retainer may include at the end of one or more arms of a cord-wrapping apparatus and at the end of one or more shelves or hooks for holding objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. ERNST, John P. GRIMM
  • Patent number: 8333356
    Abstract: A substrate-mountable holder system comprising: a first portion, a cover, an anchor and at least one fastener, the first portion having a hook extending therefrom and at least one opening for receiving the fastener(s), a cover configured to engage the first portion and hide the fastener(s). The first portion may include a lobe proximate the top of the rear surface and a pad spaced from the lobe, the opening between the lobe and pad, for controlling deformation of the first portion. The first and second portions also may have a plurality of releasably engaging detents to lock the second portion in place, and the bottom of the second portion may angle rearward so as to bear against the substrate when the second portion is installed. Moreover, the first portion may include a barb on the lobe and/or one or more tangs extending from a recess in the rear surface of the first portion to embed in the substrate and inhibit rotation of the holder system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm, Mark E. Gonciarz
  • Patent number: 8317148
    Abstract: A substrate-mountable holder system comprising: a first portion, a cover, an anchor and at least one fastener, the first portion having a hook extending therefrom and at least one opening for receiving the fastener(s), a cover configured to engage the first portion and hide the fastener(s). The first portion may include a lobe proximate the top of the rear surface to bias the bottom of the first portion toward the substrate to aid in more stable mounting of the first portion and further may include a tang projecting rearwardly from proximate the bottom for engagement with the substrate or a second fastener spaced proximate the first fastener to inhibit rotation of the system when installed. In addition, the first portion and the cover may have various features to fasten the cover securely to the first portion and provide the appearance of a unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm, Mark E. Gonciarz
  • Patent number: 8272619
    Abstract: An object-mounting aid such as a wire guide, comprising a first leg at a proximal end and a second leg at a distal end, with a hinge therebetween, wherein the second leg is longer than the first leg. The hinge may allow the second leg to pivot relative to the first leg so as to increase or decrease a gap between the second leg and the mounting surface, which may make it easier to position a wire on the second leg and may allow the second leg to serve as a ramp surface for the wire. The first leg includes a channel configured to receive and couple to a portion of a mounting device, e.g., by frictional engagement, which may be assisted through the use of detents on the guide. In addition, the guide may include a notch on the rear face of the first leg, the notch shaped so as to mirror or otherwise interface with at least a portion of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm
  • Patent number: 8272610
    Abstract: In one aspect, a holder assembly includes a substrate-mountable holder having a metal base having a centerline, the base having a plurality of openings to receive a plurality of fasteners, a generally symmetrical wireform having a pair of legs with a portion therebetween, the portion welded to the base, each leg having a first segment extending parallel to the base and a second segment extending outwardly of the base. First segment of each leg may be generally parallel to the centerline, or first segment may be angled with respect to the centerline. Second segment of legs may extend generally linearly outwardly of the base or may have radii of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm
  • Patent number: 8197169
    Abstract: An anchor system for a hollow wall or ceiling includes an anchor portion having a flange and a penetrating portion extending from a rear surface of the flange. The penetrating portion has a fixed sleeve extending from the rear surface of the flange and a pivoting locking leg connected to the fixed sleeve by a hinge. The fixed sleeve has a sleeve opening extending longitudinally therethrough and the pivoting locking leg has a stub extending from a rear surface thereof to retain the penetrating portion rigid as the anchor is inserted into the wall or ceiling. A pin portion has a body and includes a flexible shaft extending from the body. The pin portion has an actuating element extending transversely from the shaft. The pin portion further includes an opening in the body, spaced from the flexible shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20120126078
    Abstract: A substrate-mountable holder system, comprising a base having a hook, a first front surface and a second front surface with a groove therebetween, wherein the groove includes a rearward facing face having a step. The system also includes a second portion for operatively engaging the first portion, the second portion including a tongue component positionable within the groove, wherein the tongue component includes a forward facing face having a step. The base also may include at least one notch extending inward from the rear surface, the notch having a first surface at a first depth relative to a rear surface of the base and a second surface at a second, deeper depth relative to the rear surface, and the cover may have at least one ear for releasably engaging the at least one notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. GONCIARZ, Richard J. ERNST, John P. GRIMM
  • Publication number: 20120104203
    Abstract: A holder having a baseplate with a tang extending rearwardly therefrom, a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners and a plurality of legs extending from the baseplate, the tang having a Rockwell B hardness of between about 80 and about 110 proximate the baseplate. The tang may be being heat treated or work hardened to harden the tang and facilitate its detachment for non-friable substrate applications. Work hardening may be accomplished, for example, by heating and quenching the tang to increase both its hardness and its brittleness to a level that allows the tang to be broken off with an impact force but not when inserted into a friable substrate so that the holder retains greater functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm
  • Patent number: D672637
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hyuk Joon Chung, Richard J. Ernst, John P. Grimm, Craig J. Zurko