Patents by Inventor Robert L. Beck

Robert L. Beck 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: 7163263
    Abstract: Office components are described that include an electrical conduit electrically coupled to a fuel cell, and an electrically powered device coupled to the electrical conduit and configured to receive electricity generated by the fuel cell. The electrically powered device includes at least one of an automatic adjustment mechanism, a control system, a sound masking system, and an office accessory. Chairs, methods of using chairs, and systems of chairs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
  • Publication number: 20040256524
    Abstract: A computer workstation includes a worksurface moveable a first distance between first and second worksurface positions and a monitor support coupled to the worksurface. At least one of the worksurface and the monitor support is automatically moveable in response to a movement of the other of the worksurface and the monitor support. The monitor support is moveable a second distance between first and second monitor positions as the worksurface is moved the first distance between the first and second worksurface positions, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. A method of adjusting the position of a monitor support on a computer workstation is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Joel R. Dral, John C. Groelsma
  • Publication number: 20030066936
    Abstract: A cable management system is provided for routing cables through an office area. The cable management system is particularly useful for open office areas to improve collaboration between office workers. The cable management system includes a top post for routing cables from a ceiling down to a connecting hub. Horizontal beams are attached to the connecting hubs, and the cables pass through the horizontal beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Thomas W. Granzow, James H. Nienhuis, Glen V. Walter, Mehmet T. Ergelen, Benjamin J. Beck
  • Publication number: 20020011193
    Abstract: A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area. The system includes a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user. At least some of the poles are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities. The framework is capable of being arranged in a plurality of substantially non-linear patterns and includes an at least partially open area between adjacent poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert A. Oren, Henry A. Thenikl, Jeffrey Clark, Richard DeHaan
  • Publication number: 20010029713
    Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. In one embodiment, each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. In another embodiment, inner wall members are attached to the opposing sides of the frame members, and outer wall members are thereafter attached to the inner wall member. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each outer wall member. The wall panels are connected to each other with a connector member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Paul G. Dame, Ernesto C. De Leon, Paul M. Emaus, Timothy A. Hoogland, David B. Martin, Duane G. McLung, Thomas J. Newhouse, Richard C. Weise
  • Patent number: 6301847
    Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Paul Dame, Duane McClung, Thomas J. Newhouse, Ronald W. Norton, Jim Prisby, Gerald Schondelmayer, Sonia Nash, Richard Weise
  • Patent number: 6226849
    Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Richard Weise
  • Patent number: 6223485
    Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. In one embodiment, each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. In another embodiment, inner wall members are attached to the opposing sides of the frame members, and outer wall members are thereafter attached to the inner wall member. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each outer wall member. The wall panels are connected to each other with a connector member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Paul G. Dame, Ernesto C. De Leon, Paul M. Emaus, Timothy A. Hoogland, David B. Martin, Duane G. McLung, Thomas J. Newhouse, Richard C. Weise
  • Patent number: 6070840
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling a support leg on a floor. The apparatus includes an ankle member extending from a bottom of the leg, a foot member, a heel member, and an adjustment device. The foot member includes a rear portion and a front portion which has a surface for engaging the floor. The ankle member is pivotally attached to the rear portion. The heel member extends downwardly from one of the rear portion of the foot member and the ankle member. The adjustment device interconnects the ankle member and foot member and is adapted to allow the foot member to be rotated through and fixed at various angles relative to said foot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Errol S. Pearsons, Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 5626404
    Abstract: A work space management system including freestanding walls and a freestanding cabinet integrated into the wall system and separate from the wall system. The cabinet comprises side wall and back wall channels having vertically spaced openings therein and a connector means to mount the cabinet to a vertical frame member of the freestanding walls or to another cabinet through the indented channel openings. The cabinet further comprises rear frame members having vertically spaced openings for hanging shelving or other articles. The cabinet is also adaptable for having horizontal work accessory support rails. The sides of the cabinet are mounted onto a rigid framework. Wire management capability is provided in the cabinet to interface with wire management in the freestanding walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
  • Patent number: 5487692
    Abstract: An expandable wheel assemble for toy vehicles includes an axle, a first hub fixed to the axle, a second hub supported by the axle, and at least one web that spans between and is joined to the hubs, and has a central portion movable outwardly from the axle due to centrifugal force when the wheel assembly is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Tonka Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Mowrer, Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 5214889
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server locatable within a wall panel unit. The power distribution server has four receptacle module ports oriented in an H-shaped configuration in which a first receptacle port on a first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a first end of the wall panel unit, a second receptacle port on the first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a second end of the wall panel unit, a third receptacle port on a second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the first end of the wall panel unit, and fourth receptacle port on the second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit. There is also disclosed an electrified wall panel system with wall panel connector interchangeably usable with the interconnection of two, three, and four wall panel units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Nienhuis, Jeffrey L. Clark, Michael L. De Pree, Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 5112240
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server locatable within a wall panel unit. The power distribution server has four receptacle module ports oriented in an H-shaped configuration in which a first receptacle port on a first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a first end of the wall panel unit, a second receptacle port on the first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a second end of the wall panel unit, a third receptacle port on a second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the first end of the wall panel unit, and fourth receptacle port on the second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit. First and second harnesses are each electrically connected at first ends thereof to the power distributon server, extend to opposite ends of the wall panel unit, and include connector ports on the second ends thereof for providing electrical interconnection of adjacent wall panel units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Nienhuis, Jeffrey L. Clark, Michael L. De Pree, Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 5106173
    Abstract: A work space management system including free-standing walls and a freestanding cabinet integrated into the wall system and separate from the wall system. The cabinet comprises side wall and back wall channels having vertically spaced openings therein and a connector means to mount the cabinet to a vertical frame member of the freestanding walls or to another cabinet through the indented channel openings. The cabinet further comprises rear frame members having vertically spaced openings for hanging shelving or other articles. The cabinet is also adaptable for having horizontal work accessory support rails. The sides of the cabinet are mounted onto a rigid framework. Wire management capability is provided in the cabinet to interface with wire management in the freestanding walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
  • Patent number: 5078461
    Abstract: A cabinet comprising a plurality of walls including a side wall, the walls being joined together to provide a cabinet framework having an open front and an open interior. A door is mounted to the cabinet framework and is movable between a closed position in which the door at least partially covers the open front of the framework and a pocketed position in which the door is received within the open interior of the framework and adjacent to the side wall. The foor is mounted to upper and lower guide frames which are mounted to the cabinet framework adjacent to the side wall. Upper and lower ends of a carrier are slidably mounted to the upper and lower guide frames and the door is pivotally mounted to the carrier. A pair of upper wheels is mounted to the upper end of the carrier and in rolling contact with the upper guide frame. A pair of lower wheels is mounted to the lower end of the carrier and in rolling contact with the lower guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Michael L. DePree, Andrew J. Kurrasch
  • Patent number: 5013252
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server locatable within a wall panel unit. The power distribution server has four receptacle module ports oriented in an H-shaped configuration in which a first receptacle port on a first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a first end of the wall panel unit, a second receptacle port on the first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a second end of the wall panel unit, a third receptacle port on a second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the first end of the wall panel unit, and fourth receptacle port on the second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit. First and second harnesses are each electrically connected at first ends thereof to the power distribution server, extend to opposite ends of the wall panel unit, and include connector ports on the second ends thereof for providing electrical interconnection of adjacent wall panel units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Nienhuis, Jeffrey L. Clark, Michael L. De Pree, Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 4471685
    Abstract: Fluid introduced into an actuator moves the piston, against the force of a return spring, to extend the actuator. After the actuator has extended a sufficient amount to perform its intended function, the piston contacts and moves a sleeve type closure for an outlet port. The additional extension of the actuator moves the sleeve to open the outlet port. This allows fluid from the source to flow through the actuator and out through the outlet port to an expansible chamber in a second actuator. In a preferred system, the second actuator is also a single acting linear motor and it includes a return spring. At the conclusion of the function of both actuators, a bypass valve in a return line is opened to allow fluid to flow out from the expansible chambers of both actuators back to a reservoir. The fluid from the second actuator flows back to the outlet port of the first actuator and from such port through a passageway which connects such port with the inlet-outlet port of the first actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Beck
  • Patent number: 4138643
    Abstract: A support houses a plurality of probes for guided movement relative to a printed circuit board unit under test fixedly mounted adjacent the support. Each probe is operatively associated with independent, pneumatically operated, piston and cylinder drive means for moving individual probes selected according to a predetermined program from a first retracted position to a second extended position. In the extended position only a continuous conductive path through the piston and cylinder is formed between the unit under test and an electrical interface for transmitting electronic signals therebetween. Several varieties of probes are provided for low and high frequency applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Peter H. Goebel