Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Gehring

Thomas R. Gehring 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: 11150055
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an accessory mounting device are disclosed. The device can be adapted to engage an elongated rail. The device can include a body having top, bottom, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces can include a rail engagement portion adjacent the bottom surface of the body and an accessory engagement portion adjacent the top surface. The device can also include a locking mechanism including a lever connected to the body at a pivot, and a tab extending from the lever in a direction away from the bottom surface. In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism can include first and second levers each connected to the body at a pivot. The lever can rotate about a pivot axis in a direction toward the top surface of the body when the locking mechanism is manipulated from a locked position to an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Avon Protection Ceradyne LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gehring, Vasilios Brachos, Kayla A. McGrath, Evan L. Breedlove
  • Publication number: 20200113265
    Abstract: An accessory mounting system (30) and a helmet (10) that includes such systems are disclosed. The accessory mounting system (30) includes a plate (32) adapted to be permanently connected to a substantially continuous portion of a ballistic layer (12) of a helmet, where the ballistic layer has an outer surface (14). The plate (32) includes an inner surface (34) and an outer surface (36), where the inner surface of the plate is adapted to be disposed in contact with an outer surface of the ballistic layer. The accessory mounting system also includes an accessory rail (50) adapted to be removably connected to the plate, where the accessory rail includes an inner surface (52) and an outer surface (54). The inner surface of the accessory rail is adapted to be disposed in contact with the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gehring, Eric M. Chinnock, Evan L. Breedlove, James E. Nash, Kayla A. McGrath, Brett A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20180292178
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an accessory mounting device are disclosed. The device can be adapted to engage an elongated rail. The device can include a body having top, bottom, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces can include a rail engagement portion adjacent the bottom surface of the body and an accessory engagement portion adjacent the top surface. The device can also include a locking mechanism including a lever connected to the body at a pivot, and a tab extending from the lever in a direction away from the bottom surface. In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism can include first and second levers each connected to the body at a pivot. The lever can rotate about a pivot axis in a direction toward the top surface of the body when the locking mechanism is manipulated from a locked position to an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gehring, Vasilios Brachos, Kayla A. McGrath, Evan L. Breedlove
  • Publication number: 20100245995
    Abstract: A projection screen for use in a projection system that includes an image source, such as a projector, is substantially flexible. In one embodiment, the projection screen includes a film to provide stiffness to the projection screen. In some embodiments, the film may be substantially self-supporting, thereby allowing for easier manipulating of the projection screen, such as when the projection screen is coupled to an application surface. In other embodiments, the projection screen includes a repositionable adhesive. The repositionable adhesive aids the coupling of the projection screen to a desired position on the application surface. For example, a user may couple the projection screen to the application surface in a first position, and, while the projection screen is still coupled to the application surface, adjust the position of the projection screen to a second position, such as by sliding the projection screen between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Graetz, Mark L. Schuleman, Thomas R. Gehring, Andrew J. Piepel
  • Patent number: 6870670
    Abstract: A flexible screen with a mechanism for releasably attaching the screen to a transparent door or window is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Andrew J. Piepel, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina
  • Publication number: 20030163367
    Abstract: A system for use with a releasable screen is described. The system may be used in a method of influencing purchasing decisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Piepel, Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina
  • Publication number: 20020163722
    Abstract: A flexible screen with a mechanism for releasably attaching the screen to a transparent door or window is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Andrew J. Piepel, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina
  • Publication number: 20020163720
    Abstract: A system for use with a releasable screen is described. The system may be used in a method of influencing purchasing decisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Piepel, Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina
  • Patent number: 6466368
    Abstract: A rear projection screen has one or more internal layers that reduce the speckle perceived by a viewer. A screen assembly has a light-source side and a viewing side. The assembly includes a screen layer to disperse light passing through the screen from the light source side and a matte surface disposed on the viewing side of the screen assembly to reduce ambient glare. A first speckle contrast reducing layer is disposed between the screen layer and the matte surface to reduce speckle formed at the matte surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Piepel, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Patrick A. Thomas, Thomas R. Gehring