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).
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Patent number: 7163263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
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Publication number: 20040256524Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Joel R. Dral, John C. Groelsma
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Publication number: 20030066936Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20020011193Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Ayse Birsel, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert A. Oren, Henry A. Thenikl, Jeffrey Clark, Richard DeHaan
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Publication number: 20010029713Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 6301847Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 6226849Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Richard Weise
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Patent number: 6223485Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 6070840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James O. Kelley, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Errol S. Pearsons, Robert L. Beck
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Patent number: 5626404Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
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Patent number: 5487692Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: Tonka CorporationInventors: Kevin B. Mowrer, Robert L. Beck
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Patent number: 5214889Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 1992Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James H. Nienhuis, Jeffrey L. Clark, Michael L. De Pree, Robert L. Beck
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Patent number: 5112240Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 1991Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James H. Nienhuis, Jeffrey L. Clark, Michael L. De Pree, Robert L. Beck
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Patent number: 5106173Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 1991Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James O. Kelley, Robert L. Beck, Jerry A. DeFouw, Andrew J. Kurrasch, George A. Williams, Geoffrey A. Hollington
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Patent number: 5078461Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 1990Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Michael L. DePree, Andrew J. Kurrasch
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Patent number: 5013252Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 1990Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: James H. Nienhuis, Jeffrey L. Clark, Michael L. De Pree, Robert L. Beck
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Patent number: 4471685Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 1982Date of Patent: September 18, 1984Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Robert L. Beck
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Patent number: 4138643Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 1977Date of Patent: February 6, 1979Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Peter H. Goebel