Patents by Inventor Stephen T. Wisecup

Stephen T. Wisecup 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).

  • Publication number: 20240052700
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Prugner, Robert Witt, Jorg Schierz
  • Patent number: 11834903
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Prügner, Robert Witt, Jörg Schierz
  • Publication number: 20230243213
    Abstract: A static mitigation end cap, for an architectural covering is provided the covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber, The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber arid configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The end cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 11655674
    Abstract: A static mitigation end cap, for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber. The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber and configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The end cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Publication number: 20230018256
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Patent number: 11486198
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Publication number: 20220127904
    Abstract: An architectural covering with an operable vane having a fabric backing is provided. The vane may include a vane fabric and a backing material connected to the vane fabric by a layer of adhesive. The backing material may increase a machine-direction stiffness of the vane while slightly affecting a cross-direction stiffness of the vane. As such, the vane may have increased stiffness in its machine direction while simultaneously remaining flexible in its cross direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: David Lynch, Erick A. Phillips, Paul G. Swiszcz, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 11261658
    Abstract: A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. Foley, Paul Josephson, Mark Schwandt, Donald J. Clark, Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz, Stephen T. Wisecup, Benjamin J. Madden, Fred Bould, Kwan Hon Anson Cheung, Byron Lee
  • Patent number: 11242711
    Abstract: An architectural covering with an operable vane having a fabric backing is provided. The vane may include a vane fabric and a backing material connected to the vane fabric by a layer of adhesive. The backing material may increase a machine-direction stiffness of the vane while slightly affecting a cross-direction stiffness of the vane. As such, the vane may have increased stiffness in its machine direction while simultaneously remaining flexible in its cross direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: David Lynch, Erick A. Phillips, Paul G. Swiszcz, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Publication number: 20220018188
    Abstract: A static mitigation end cap, for an architectural covering is provided The covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber, The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber arid configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The and cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 11136819
    Abstract: A static mitigation end cap for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include a housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber. The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber and configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The end cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 11097494
    Abstract: A system and method for laser sealing an edge portion of a covering of an architecture-structure covering is disclosed. In one embodiment, after cutting a covering of an architectural-structure covering to an appropriate size, lasering the cut edge portions or surfaces of the covering to seal the cut edge portions or surfaces of the covering to prevent fraying. The beam of the laser may be positioned to contact the cut edge portions or surfaces of the covering in a plane of the fabric. Subsequently, the beam of the laser scans or moves across the surface of the cut edge portion of the covering. In use, the beam of the laser is arranged and configured to apply heat to the surface of the fabric material at discrete points or spots to vaporize any loose fibers located along the cut edge portion of the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: David Lynch, Stephen T. Wisecup, Patrick Foley, Wayne Rayman
  • Patent number: 11021908
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening has a dual cord operating system. The covering may include a head rail, blind panels depending from the head rail, and an operating system. The operating system may include a housing connected to the head rail, a first drive assembly rotatably mounted within the housing and operable to move the blind panels between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and a second drive assembly rotatably mounted within the housing and operable to move the blind panels between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: David B. McNeill, Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup, David Lynch, Christopher R. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20210148167
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Patent number: 10941615
    Abstract: A motor-drive system for retractable covering having a headrail with a horizontally disposed roller supporting a top edge of a flexible fabric material includes an electric motor mounted within a housing and interconnected to the roller to selectively rotate the roller in opposite directions while minimizing noise created from vibrations within the system. This system includes motor mounts within the housing which separate and absorb vibrations of the motor within the housing and a drive disk of a moderately soft material, which is firm enough to transfer torque from the motor to the roller while being soft enough to absorb vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the motor to the roller. An interconnect mounting the drive disk to the drive shaft of the motor is also made of a third relatively soft material, which is harder than the drive disk to more ably transmit torque but soft enough so as not to unduly transmit noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Faller, Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 10941614
    Abstract: An operating system for an architectural covering is provided. The operating system allows at least three modes of operation of an architectural covering. A transmission may be included between an input assembly and an output drive member, and the transmission may be selectively engaged to place the operating system into one of the at least three modes of operation. The operating system may include a first drive section including an input, a second drive section including an output, and a control mechanism arranged to selectively lock an element of the first and second drive sections to control movement of the output of the operating system upon actuation of the input. A shift lock is also disclosed herein. In use, the shift lock operates to restrict shifting operation of the operating system from one operating mode to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup, Terry L. Akins
  • Patent number: 10851587
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer
  • Publication number: 20200362627
    Abstract: A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. FOLEY, Paul JOSEPHSON, Mark SCHWANDT, Donald J. CLARK, Wendell B. COLSON, Paul G. SWISZCZ, Stephen T. WISECUP, Benjamin J. MADDEN, Fred BOULD, Kwan Hon Anson CHEUNG, Byron LEE
  • Patent number: D950976
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Mcneill, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jessica Decker, Kate Greene, Fred Bould, Kwan Hon Anson Cheung, Teddy Luong
  • Patent number: D1011085
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup, Arnold Decarlo, Fred Bould, Kwan Hon Anson Cheung