Patents by Inventor Robert J. Voss

Robert J. Voss 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: 8996746
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for use in connection with a Building Automation System (BAS) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an intelligent power node comprising a JAVA-enabled device and serial communication cable that provide a seamless open protocol and aggregation point to broadcast internet protocol communications. In another embodiment, the present invention enables energy monitoring and control of individual ports and outlets. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of configuring and operating fieldbus devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Joseph J. Kassl
  • Publication number: 20140316541
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for use in connection with a Building Automation System (BAS) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an intelligent power node comprising a JAVA-enabled device and serial communication cable that provide a seamless open protocol and aggregation point to broadcast internet protocol communications. In another embodiment, the present invention enables energy monitoring and control of individual ports and outlets. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of configuring and operating fieldbus devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Joseph J. Kassl
  • Patent number: 8782297
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for use in connection with a Building Automation System (BAS) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an intelligent power node comprising a JAVA-enabled device and serial communication cable that provide a seamless open protocol and aggregation point to broadcast internet protocol communications. In another embodiment, the present invention enables energy monitoring and control of individual ports and outlets. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of configuring and operating fieldbus devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Joseph J. Kassl
  • Publication number: 20120254475
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for use in connection with a Building Automation System (BAS) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an intelligent power node comprising a JAVA-enabled device and serial communication cable that provide a seamless open protocol and aggregation point to broadcast internet protocol communications. In another embodiment, the present invention enables energy monitoring and control of individual ports and outlets. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of configuring and operating fieldbus devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Joseph J. Kassl
  • Patent number: 6769471
    Abstract: A system for adding weight to and/or balancing the bottom rail of a window covering includes one or more body members positioned within the bottom rail, and each body member having a plurality of sockets for receiving weights. In the most preferred form of the invention, the sockets are horse-shoe shaped and are adapted to receive elongate rods having a circular cross-section. The plurality of sockets in the most preferred embodiment include sockets located adjacent the front of the bottom rail when the body member is in place and other sockets arranged toward the rear. Weighting and balancing is achieved by placing one or more rods in selected ones of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Kelly L. Murphy, Otto Kuhar
  • Publication number: 20030094247
    Abstract: A system for adding weight to and/or balancing the bottom rail of a window covering includes one or more body members positioned within the bottom rail, and each body member having a plurality of sockets for receiving weights. In the most preferred form of the invention, the sockets are horse-shoe shaped and are adapted to receive elongate rods having a circular cross-section. The plurality of sockets in the most preferred embodiment include sockets located adjacent the front of the bottom rail when the body member is in place and other sockets arranged toward the rear. Weighting and balancing is achieved by placing one or more rods in selected ones of the sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Kelly L. Murphy, Otto Kuhar
  • Patent number: 6491084
    Abstract: A system for adding weight to and/or balancing the bottom rail of a window covering includes one or more body members positioned within the bottom rail, and each body member having a plurality of sockets for receiving weights. In the most preferred form of the invention, the sockets are horse-shoe shaped are adapted to receive elongate rods having a circular cross-section. The plurality of sockets in the most preferred embodiment include sockets located adjacent the front of the bottom rail when the body member is in place and other sockets arranged toward the rear. Weighting and balancing is achieved by placing one or more rods in selected ones of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Kelly L. Murphy, Otto Kuhar
  • Patent number: 6412537
    Abstract: A system for adding weight to and/or balancing the bottom rail of a window covering includes one or more body members positioned within the bottom rail, and each body member having a plurality of sockets for receiving weights. In the most preferred form of the invention, the sockets are horse-shoe shaped are adapted to receive elongate rods having a circular cross-section. The plurality of sockets in the most preferred embodiment include sockets located adjacent the front of the bottom rail when the body member is in place and other sockets arranged toward the rear. Weighting and balancing is achieved by placing one or more rods in selected ones of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Kelly L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020011314
    Abstract: A system for adding weight to and/or balancing the bottom rail of a window covering includes one or more body members positioned within the bottom rail, and each body member having a plurality of sockets for receiving weights. In the most preferred form of the invention, the sockets are horse-shoe shaped are adapted to receive elongate rods having a circular cross-section. The plurality of sockets in the most preferred embodiment include sockets located adjacent the front of the bottom rail when the body member is in place and other sockets arranged toward the rear. Weighting and balancing is achieved by placing one or more rods in selected ones of the sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Kelly L. Murphy, Otto Kuhar
  • Publication number: 20010049896
    Abstract: A hang tag is disclosed. The hang tag has first and second surfaces, which are preferably planar. A slot is defined between the first and second surfaces. Desirably, the slot extends at least about 0.25 inches in one direction and at least about 1 inch in another direction. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for automatically applying a hang tag to an elongated object (e.g., an electrical cord such as a cord set), with a machine that is suitable for applying a securement strap to an object. The method includes providing a hang tag having a slot therein. The hang tag is aligned with the machine so that when the securement strap is ejected from the machine, it passes through the slot, forms a loop around the elongated object, and is tensioned around the object. As such, the securement strap serves to attach the hang tag to the elongated object in a stationary manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher Doerr, Amiel Hepp, Robert J. Voss
  • Patent number: 6095222
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the length of lift cords used for raising and lowering a bottom rail of a window covering with respect to a head rail includes a receiving element for each lift cord located in the bottom rail and moveable along the length of the bottom rail. A locking element for each receiving element is arranged for being selectively inserted into the receiving element along the bottom rail. The lift cord is attached to one of the receiving element or the locking element. In its most preferred form, the window covering is a fabric window covering, such as a cellular window covering, the receiving element includes a channel which contains at least one cell of the fabric, and the locking element includes a wedge-shaped plate to be inserted into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Newell Operating Co.
    Inventor: Robert J. Voss
  • Patent number: 5582226
    Abstract: A venetian blind assembly is provided in which each of the slats are provided with at least two pairs of holes, with the pairs of holes being spaced from each other along the lengths of the slats and with the holes of each pair being located across the width of the slat from each other and adjacent to opposite edges of the slats. Each of the holes is connected to adjacent edges of the slat by a slit, whereby the rung cords of the ladder assembly supporting the slats may be inserted through the slits into the holes to retain the slats in a predetermined position. The lifting cords for the blinds are located beyond the edges of the slats, such that when the vertical cords of the ladder assemblies are vertically adjusted with respect to each other, the slats may be moved to a closed position wherein the lower edge of one slat engages the top surface of the other to more completely prevent the infiltration of light or sound or the movement of air therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Louis G. Valle, Zeki Tuzmen
  • Patent number: 5518056
    Abstract: A safety tassel (10) for use with at least two vertically projecting pull cords (20,22) for a window covering is disclosed. The tassel (10) has at least two elements (12,14), each receiving and retaining a pull cord (20,22) and having an outwardly projecting gripping finger (30,36) for releasably interconnecting the other element (14,12) such that the elements (12,14) are detached from each other when outward forces transverse to the pull cords (20,22) are applied by the pull cords (20,22) to the elements (12,14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Voss
  • Patent number: 4917167
    Abstract: A skylight window covering has a frame affixed to the room vertical or ceiling walls with a central opening lying opposite the skylight. A length of pleated fabric has one end secured to the frame and an opposite end held by a movable rail with ends sliding along the frame. A helically grooved rod has its ends journaled at one end to a 90.degree. gear box and is threaded within a nut on the end of the movable rail such that rod rotation adjustably positions the rail and pleated fabric. Resilient supports prevent the rod from drooping and are temporarily moved aside as the rail moves therepast and immediately spring back to supporting position. Adjustment driving of the rod can be accomplished manually or by a handheld electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Home Fashions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Louis G. Valle
  • Patent number: 4901419
    Abstract: A pleated fabric window covering for an angular top or ceiling wall has the pleated fabric upper part cut at the required angle and the pleat lines are cut from the angular edge inwardly a fixed distance forming tabs. The tabs are overlapped and stapled to the upper rail flat surface. Manipulation of control cords positions the pleated fabric at any desired location below the upper rail lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Home Fashions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Voss
  • Patent number: 4676292
    Abstract: A venetian blind tilter mechanism housing has a first surface which bears against the front wall of the headrail, and a longitudinally extending slot on the surface facing the headrail back wall forming a spring plate which fits under a downwardly turned headrail back wall edge securing the housing within the headrail. The tilter mechanism has a spur gear received onto a control axle for common rotation. The spur gear has a smooth peripheral portion extending for a substantial angular extent that lacks gear teeth with conventional gear teeth over the remainder. An elongated shaft with a worm gear extends upwardly into the housing through an opening in the headrail bottom wall for meshing engagement with the spur gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Beatrice Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis G. Valle, Donald W. Luoto, Robert J. Voss
  • Patent number: 4651795
    Abstract: A cord lock having a first movable pin at one side of the cord, the other side of the cord being supported by a fixed pin, the movable pin pinching or clamping the cord against the fixed pin. The movable pin has toothed end portions and splines in the central portion. The toothed end portions mesh with racks within a housing to maintain a constant attitude for the moving pin and the splines engage the cords. A rectangular guide slides into the open end of the headrail with a first molded plastic part fitting over the open end of the headrail and end of the guide. The cord lock housing fits onto the molded plastic part and is free to rotate within the part providing self adjustment of the cord during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Beatrice Foods
    Inventors: Louis G. Valle, Robert J. Voss
  • Patent number: D364984
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Voss
  • Patent number: D368851
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Joseph E. Cole, Robert J. Voss, Louis G. Valle