Patents by Inventor Royal A. Kent

Royal A. Kent 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: 6386723
    Abstract: A tasklight includes a first elongated cover portion defining a first elongated side edge. A second elongated cover portion is connected to the first cover portion, and defines therewith a housing having a lower side. The second elongated cover portion defines a second elongated side edge, and the second side edge is spaced-apart from the first side edge to define an open space between the first and second side edges that extends along a rear side of said housing. An elongated light source is positioned proximate the lower side of the housing. A reflective surface on the lower side of the housing has a shape configured to distribute light produced by the light source forwardly onto the worksurface. The reflective surface forms a passageway with the open space of the housing, and permits heat produced by the light source to escape through the open space of the housing by convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Eberlein, Douglas D. Buyce, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Michael W. Welsh, Jonathan J. King, Michael C. Andrusiak, Royal A. Kent
  • Patent number: 5549488
    Abstract: A re-wired electrical assembly with multiple keying arrangement has channel-shaped raceways which receive plug receptacles. Electrical contacts are disposed in each of the plug receptacles and are selectively oriented in one of a plurality of predetermined positions. Jumper cable assemblies including two plugs electrically coupled by an intermediate cable are used to join a pair of channels having plug receptacles therein. Terminals are disposed in each of the plugs and are selectively oriented so as to mate with corresponding contacts in the plug receptacles. The keying arrangement prevents improper connection between the plugs and plug receptacles. Specifically, the keying arrangement includes guide members molded on the interior surface of bores surrounding each contact in the plug receptacles. Slotted sleeves enclose the terminals, and a slot mates with at least one of the guide members in the plug receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Pent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis G. Berndt, Daniel R. Van Dyk, David A. Van Dyk, Steven C. Deer, Royal A. Kent
  • Patent number: 5220871
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in open office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth
  • Patent number: 5103741
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in both open and closed office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, deceased, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth
  • Patent number: 5094174
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in open office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth
  • Patent number: 5092253
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in open office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth
  • Patent number: D444262
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Eberlein, Douglas D. Buyce, Michael W. Welsh, Jonathan J. King, Michael C. Andrusiak, Royal A. Kent
  • Patent number: D461022
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Eberlein, Douglas D. Buyce, Michael W. Welsh, Jonathan J. King, Michael C. Andrusiak, Royal A. Kent