Patents by Inventor Robert Joan Horacek

Robert Joan Horacek 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: 8851948
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The activation system also includes a reinflation algorithm configured to automatically reactivate the inflation system after a period of time to maintain the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd
    Inventors: James Thomas Grutta, Nathan Kuder, Peter Thomas Gompert, Derick Noffsinger, Robert Joan Horacek, Joseph Benjamin Walker, David Kuhlmann Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20130145528
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The activation system also includes a reinflation algorithm configured to automatically reactivate the inflation system after a period of time to maintain the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: James Thomas Grutta, Nathan Kuder, Peter Thomas Gompert, Derick Noffsinger, Robert Joan Horacek, Joseph Benjamin Walker, David Kuhlmann Blackwell