Patents by Inventor Robert Katz

Robert Katz 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: 8358801
    Abstract: The invention is a novel circuit wherein maximum shove is achieved yet the transducer's height profile is minimized. The profile is minimized by using mated beveled surfaces on an annular magnet and the top plate which prevents the top plate from reaching saturation and reduces the reluctance f the magnetic flux path. A novel anti-fringe geometry to reduce flux leakage and net saturation in the center post improves the magnetic reluctance of the circuit. An external housing assembly is provided with integral suspension elements for radial stiffness and axial compliance and for aligning the circuit within the housing to prevent cocking and resulting distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen Saint Vincent, Robert Katz
  • Publication number: 20120177232
    Abstract: A luminaire used to support audio equipment and more specifically act as a transmission means to transfer mechanical acoustic energy to a soundboard using inertial type audio transducers. Any part of the luminaire may alternatively be employed to act as a soundboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Katz
  • Publication number: 20120039491
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to inertial type transducers and a system for reducing the complexity and difficulty of installing the transducers internal to a structure. The transducer is equipped with a wireless receiver for receiving both sound content signals and control signals, and an amplifier, along with a power supply. Because the amplifier is activated by the wireless receiver, there are no wires necessary to connect the transducer to the source of the sound content or control signals thereby vastly simplifying installation. Heat dissipation and height minimization are also addressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Katz
  • Publication number: 20110294390
    Abstract: A modular system for forming without tools a variety of 3-dimensional structures comprises panels (10), and connectors (13, 14), and locking bridging members (30) for assembling the panels (10) together in a desired configuration. The panels can be disconnected so that the erected structure can be disassembled with ease for future reuse. The system can be used to erect children's playhouses made of polymer materials, as well as in a large variety of other applications to create 3-dimensional objects requiring rapid positive construction without tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BRIK A BLOK TOYS INC.
    Inventors: Vincent Michalk, Robert Katz, Marc Bacon, Sylvain Duchene
  • Publication number: 20110200211
    Abstract: An acoustical transmission interface comprising a plate comprising a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness wherein the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness; an inertial type audio transducer; and means to affix the audio transducer and the first portion of the plate; where the audio transducer extends through an opening in a substrate, and the plate comprising a tab and a stop that position the plate within the opening of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Stephen Saint-Vincent
  • Patent number: 7753551
    Abstract: A linear fixture for suspension from an overhead structure has a light weight and has electrical connectors capable of making easy plug electrical connections for power and network connection communications. The linear fixture is an elongated housing having a bottom wall, an elongated housing top wall and an elongated slot extending longitudinally along the elongated housing top wall. The housing is manufactured from an extrusion of aluminum thereby reducing the weight of the housing. The housing includes two or more housing supports having bottom and top surface portions respectively, conforming in shape to the housing bottom top walls. The bottom of top portions of the supports are adapted to engage or slide fit into the bottom and top walls so as to mate with the walls and provide support to the elongated housing bottom and top walls. The housing supports act to provide additional structural support for the top and bottom walls of the linear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Pascal Toupin, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Publication number: 20100130094
    Abstract: A modular system for forming without tools a variety of 3-dimensional structures comprises panels (10), and connectors (13, 14), and locking bridging members (30) for assembling the panels (10) together in a desired configuration. The panels can be disconnected so that the erected structure can be disassembled with ease for future reuse. The system can be used to erect children's playhouses made of polymer materials, as well as in a large variety of other applications to create 3-dimensional objects requiring rapid positive construction without tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Vincent Michalk, Robert Katz, Marc Bacon, Sylvain Duchene
  • Patent number: 7695157
    Abstract: A housing support assembly for supporting a linear light fixture, said light fixture having an elongate linear housing for accommodating one or more than one lamp, the support assembly comprising a first planar support member and a second support member, said first planar support member being arranged to be releasably coupled with the second support member, said first planar support member conforming to a predetermined cross-sectional dimension of the linear housing for releasable coupling therewith, said support assembly being adapted to mount one or more than one lamp socket thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne, Jean Gagne, Andrew Miles
  • Patent number: 7648253
    Abstract: A light fixture device has a light housing to receive a light source therein, a support assembly for supporting the light fixture relative to an anchor location, the support assembly including a post portion for mounting at the anchor location and a body portion, the body portion having a pair of opposed end regions, the post portion including a pair of cavities, each to receive a corresponding end region, the body portion being movable relative to the post portion about a first axis, the body portion and light housing having respective first and second support formations, the light housing being movable relative to the body portion about a second axis, to cause corresponding relative movement between the first and second support formations, the end regions and cavities having complementary third and fourth support formations, wherein relative movement between the body portion and post portion causes a corresponding relative movement between the complementary third and fourth formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne, Daniel Costello
  • Publication number: 20090175484
    Abstract: The invention converts non audio systems into distributed audio sources for active noise control solutions. The system transforms non acoustic structures into soundboards using inertial type acoustic transducers. Acoustic parameters unique for each application due to the variation in properties of the sound board are compensated by equalizers. The invention also uses damping means to limit the reflection of bending waves from the edges. The inertial type acoustic transducer is driven by an amplifier. The acoustic signal to the amplifier is modified by a signal conditioner to compensate for the non optimal response of the acoustic system. An external controller communicates with the amplifier to control its operating parameters. A series of distributed audio sources in a variety of positions may each be addressable as a node on a network wherein noise detected at that source is analyzed and the system generates sound at that source to mask the noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Saint Vincent, Robert Katz
  • Publication number: 20090034243
    Abstract: A linear fixture for suspension from an overhead structure has a light weight and has electrical connectors capable of making easy plug electrical connections for power and network connection communications. The linear fixture is an elongated housing having a bottom wall, an elongated housing top wall and an elongated slot extending longitudinally along the elongated housing top wall. The housing is manufactured from an extrusion of aluminum thereby reducing the weight of the housing. The housing includes two or more housing supports having bottom and top surface portions respectively, conforming in shape to the housing bottom top walls. The bottom of top portions of the supports are adapted to engage or slide fit into the bottom and top walls so as to mate with the walls and provide support to the elongated housing bottom and top walls. The housing supports act to provide additional structural support for the top and bottom walls of the linear housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Pascal Toupin, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Patent number: 7438432
    Abstract: A linear fixture for suspension from an overhead structure has a light weight and has electrical connectors capable of making easy plug electrical connections for power and network connection communications. The linear fixture is an elongated housing having a bottom wall, an elongated housing top wall and an elongated slot extending longitudinally along the elongated housing top wall. The housing is manufactured from an extrusion of aluminum thereby reducing the weight of the housing. The housing includes two or more housing supports having bottom and top surface portions respectively, conforming in shape to the housing bottom top walls. The bottom of top portions of the supports are adapted to engage or slide fit into the bottom and top walls so as to mate with the walls and provide support to the elongated housing bottom and top walls. The housing supports act to provide additional structural support for the top and bottom walls of the linear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Canlyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Pascal Toupin, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Publication number: 20080253138
    Abstract: A light fixture device has a light housing to receive a light source therein, a support assembly for supporting the light fixture relative to an anchor location, the support assembly including a post portion for mounting at the anchor location and a body portion, the body portion having a pair of opposed end regions, the post portion including a pair of cavities, each to receive a corresponding end region, the body portion being movable relative to the post portion about a first axis, the body portion and light housing having respective first and second support formations, the light housing being movable relative to the body portion about a second axis, to cause corresponding relative movement between the first and second support formations, the end regions and cavities having complementary third and fourth support formations, wherein relative movement between the body portion and post portion causes a corresponding relative movement between the complementary third and fourth formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne, Daniel Costello
  • Publication number: 20080205687
    Abstract: The invention is a novel circuit wherein maximum shove is achieved yet the transducer's height profile is minimized. The profile is minimized by using mated beveled surfaces on an annular magnet and the top plate which prevents the top plate from reaching saturation and reduces the reluctance f the magnetic flux path. A novel anti-fringe geometry to reduce flux leakage and net saturation in the center post improves the magnetic reluctance of the circuit. An external housing assembly is provided with integral suspension elements for radial stiffness and axial compliance and for aligning the circuit within the housing to prevent cocking and resulting distortion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Saint Vincent, Robert Katz
  • Patent number: 7390110
    Abstract: A light fixture device has a light housing to receive a light source therein, a support assembly for supporting the light fixture relative to an anchor location, the support assembly including a post portion for mounting at the anchor location and a body portion, the body portion having a pair of opposed end regions, the post portion including a pair of cavities, each to receive a corresponding end region, the body portion being movable relative to the post portion about a first axis, the body portion and light housing having respective first and second support formations, the light housing being movable relative to the body portion about a second axis, to cause corresponding relative movement between the first and second support formations, the end regions and cavities having complementary third and fourth support formations, wherein relative movement between the body portion and post portion causes a corresponding relative movement between the complementary third and fourth formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Canlyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne, Daniel Costello
  • Patent number: 7386144
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intertial-type voice actuator that includes a magnetic flux conductive material core with a continuous channel. The channel has antifringing groove. The actuator employs a radially polarized cylindrical magnet spaced in the channel to form a magnetic gap and a conductive coil positioned at least partially in the gap. A multi-component suspension system provides high quality sound using an antifriction bearing, a viscous magnetic fluid, and a spider suspension. The inertial-type actuator is completed by an integrated mounting apparatus. In one embodiment, a receiver and an output disk are interlocked by helical wedges and the actuator is mounted on a soundboard. In another embodiment, a special receiving cavity is attached to a wall stud for intrawall installation. The cavity is equipped with longitudinal electrical contacts so that the actuator can move and still be connected. After the actuator is inserted, the wall covering is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Revolution Acoustics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Saint Vincent, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Patent number: 7320144
    Abstract: A protective mask and method, comprising a face mask having a body shaped so as to generally cover a face of the user person. The body defines an opening opposite the eyes of the user person when the face mask is worn. A removable lens has a lens portion of see-through material covering the opening so as to protect the eyes of the user person while allowing visibility of the user person therethrough, and connector portions at opposed ends of the lens portion. Clamping devices are positioned in the face mask at opposed ends of the opening. The clamping devices each have a clip with a catch pivotally mounted to the face mask so as to be displaceable to a locking position, in which the catch engages with the respective connector portion to releasably secure the removable lens to the face mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Procaps LP
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Publication number: 20070165399
    Abstract: A housing support assembly for supporting a linear light fixture, said light fixture having an elongate linear housing for accommodating one or more than one lamp, the support assembly comprising a first planar support member and a second support member, said first planar support member being arranged to be releasably coupled with the second support member, said first planar support member conforming to a predetermined cross-sectional dimension of the linear housing for releasable coupling therewith, said support assembly being adapted to mount one or more than one lamp socket thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne, Jean Gagne, Andrew Miles
  • Publication number: 20070014115
    Abstract: A light fixture device has a light housing to receive a light source therein, a support assembly for supporting the light fixture relative to an anchor location, the support assembly including a post portion for mounting at the anchor location and a body portion, the body portion having a pair of opposed end regions, the post portion including a pair of cavities, each to receive a corresponding end region, the body portion being movable relative to the post portion about a first axis, the body portion and light housing having respective first and second support formations, the light housing being movable relative to the body portion about a second axis, to cause corresponding relative movement between the first and second support formations, the end regions and cavities having complementary third and fourth support formations, wherein relative movement between the body portion and post portion causes a corresponding relative movement between the complementary third and fourth formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne, Daniel Costello
  • Patent number: D543514
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Revolution Acoustics Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Katz