Patents by Inventor Robert W. Fluhrer

Robert W. Fluhrer 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: 10172450
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Hazzard, Robert W. Fluhrer, Peter Segar, John W. Theis, Mustafa A. Ergun, Scott Trish
  • Patent number: 10039372
    Abstract: A height adjustable desk can include a work surface; and at least one leg assembly connected to the work surface. The at least one leg assembly can include: a first member; and a second member moveable relative to the first member along a longitudinal axis; and a counterbalance mechanism connected to the desk and configured to counteract a force exerted on the work surface. The counterbalance mechanism can include: a wheel; a gas spring having a cylinder and a moveable piston; a wheel moveably connected to the gas spring; and the tension member is connected to the leg assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Scott Trish, Jeffrey Mensing
  • Patent number: 9665135
    Abstract: In one example, a cabinet is described for storing at least one electronic device. The cabinet includes a frame, a power supply system for charging the at least one device, and a shelving assembly. The shelving assembly can include a stationary member engaged to the frame, and a pivoting member engaged to the stationary member. The pivoting member can be adapted to hold the at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Thiem Wong, David J. Prince, Saeb Asamarai, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer
  • Patent number: 9581285
    Abstract: Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Thiem Wong, Saeb Asamarai, John Cain
  • Patent number: 9395033
    Abstract: A mounting system for a projector includes a stationary body and a gimbal assembly to connect to a projector. The mounting system further includes a first support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly, a second support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly, and a third support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly. A length of the first, second, and third supports are adjustable independent of the length of the other of the first, second, and third supports to adjust a tilt angle and a roll angle of a projector connected to the gimbal with respect to the stationary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: George Runger, Robert W. Fluhrer
  • Patent number: 9263869
    Abstract: A cart with one or more of a power supply system that includes an outlet box and a plurality of flexible receptacles, a bi-layer shelf, a positionable cable routing tray, and a removable cable management module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Prince, Robert W. Fluhrer, Scott Trish, William D. Tischer, Saeb Asamarai, Ryan Dahl
  • Patent number: 9232855
    Abstract: A height adjustable desk can include a work surface; and at least one leg assembly connected to the work surface. The at least one leg assembly can include: a first member; and a second member moveable relative to the first member along a longitudinal axis; and a counterbalance mechanism connected to the desk and configured to counteract a force exerted on the work surface. The counterbalance mechanism can include: a wheel; a gas spring having a cylinder and a moveable piston; a wheel moveably connected to the gas spring; and the tension member is connected to the leg assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Scott Trish, Jeffrey Mensing
  • Patent number: 9222616
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a counterbalancing lift mechanism for raising and lowering an electronic display. The lift mechanism includes a moving bracket in sliding engagement with a support bracket. As the moving bracket moves relative to the support bracket, a spring assembly deflects to provide a force to offset the weight of the load. A transition assembly manages the deflection of the spring assembly relative to movement of the moving bracket such that the necessary range of deflection is shorter than the moving bracket's desired range of travel. The lift mechanism also includes a cam assembly to convert the variable force from the spring assembly to a substantially constant force. In some cases the spring assembly, transition assembly, and cam assembly are all mounted to the moving bracket and move with the display. Methods for positioning an electronic display are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Saeb Asamarai
  • Publication number: 20150253818
    Abstract: In one example, a cabinet is described for storing at least one electronic device. The cabinet includes a frame, a power supply system for charging the at least one device, and a shelving assembly. The shelving assembly can include a stationary member engaged to the frame, and a pivoting member engaged to the stationary member. The pivoting member can be adapted to hold the at least one device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Thiem Wong, David J. Prince, Saeb Asamarai, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer
  • Publication number: 20150198280
    Abstract: Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Thiem Wong, Saeb Asamarai, John Cain
  • Patent number: 9080721
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Hazzard, Robert W. Fluhrer, Peter Segar, John W. Theis, Mustafa A. Ergun, Scott Trish
  • Patent number: 9080713
    Abstract: A mounting system includes a mounting rail, a mounting rail receiving mechanism configured to selectively receive the mounting rail and to attach to a vertical surface, and a mounting tab configured to attach to a rear of a flat panel electronic device and positionable along the mounting rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lucas, Patrick Leonard Plehn, Robert W. Fluhrer, George Runger
  • Publication number: 20150188343
    Abstract: Systems and methods for charging and/or networking mobile computing devices. A cart for storing, charging, and/or networking mobile computing devices. A portable interface between a mobile computing device and a cart. A docking station module having a plurality of docking stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Theis, Joe Funk, Robert W. Fluhrer, Peter Segar
  • Patent number: 9027940
    Abstract: A cart comprising a base, and a work station supported by the base. The work station including a compartment, a work surface disposed above the compartment, and an opening mechanism. The work surface moveable between an open position to provide access to the compartment and a closed position to deny access to the compartment. The work station including a first opening mechanism adapted to concurrently translate and rotate the work surface. Methods of using such carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Tony Peng
  • Patent number: 8967560
    Abstract: Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Thiem Wong, Saeb Asamarai, John Cain
  • Publication number: 20150047538
    Abstract: A height adjustable desk can include a work surface; and at least one leg assembly connected to the work surface. The at least one leg assembly can include: a first member; and a second member moveable relative to the first member along a longitudinal axis; and a counterbalance mechanism connected to the desk and configured to counteract a force exerted on the work surface. The counterbalance mechanism can include: a wheel; a gas spring having a cylinder and a moveable piston; a wheel moveably connected to the gas spring; and the tension member is connected to the leg assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Scott Trish, Jeffrey Mensing
  • Publication number: 20140332653
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Joel Hazzard, Robert W. Fluhrer, Peter Segar, John W. Theis, Mustafa A. Ergun, Scott Trish
  • Publication number: 20140299738
    Abstract: A mounting system for a projector includes a stationary body and a gimbal assembly to connect to a projector. The mounting system further includes a first support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly, a second support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly, and a third support having a first end connected to the stationary body and a second end connected to the gimbal assembly. A length of the first, second, and third supports are adjustable independent of the length of the other of the first, second, and third supports to adjust a tilt angle and a roll angle of a projector connected to the gimbal with respect to the stationary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ergotron Inc.
    Inventors: George Runger, Robert W. Fluhrer
  • Patent number: 8839723
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Hazzard, Robert W. Fluhrer, Peter Segar, John Theis, Mustafa A. Ergun, Scott Trish
  • Publication number: 20140263900
    Abstract: A mounting system includes a mounting rail, a mounting rail receiving mechanism configured to selectively receive the mounting rail and to attach to a vertical surface, and a mounting tab configured to attach to a rear of a flat panel electronic device and positionable along the mounting rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lucas, Patrick Leonard Plehn, Robert W. Fluhrer, George Runger