Patents by Inventor William A. Niehaus
William A. Niehaus 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: 11961332Abstract: One or more electronic device may use motion and/or activity sensors to estimate a user's 6 minute walking distance. In particular, because users typically walk at less than their maximum output and in imperfect conditions, control circuitry within the device(s) may rely on walks of shorter distances to estimate the 6 minute walking distance. For example, the control circuitry may gather activity information for the user, such as heart rate, calories burned, and step count, and analyze a distance component and a speed component for periods in which the user has walked. Individual 6 minute walk distance estimates may be generated based on each of the activity information, distance component, and speed component. The distance and speed estimates may be corrected for walking behaviors that deviate from an ideal testing environment, and may then be fused with the activity estimate to generate a final 6 minute walk distance estimate.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: William R. Powers, III, Maryam Etezadi-Amoli, Britni A. Crocker, Allison L. Gilmore, Edith M. Arnold, Hung A. Pham, Irida Mance, Sumayah F. Rahman, Katherine Niehaus, Kyle A. Reed, Maxsim L. Gibiansky, Karthik Jayaraman Raghuram, Adeeti V. Ullal
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Publication number: 20240098941Abstract: An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Philip Sloan, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20240068702Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having a tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct is elongate in a longitudinal direction. The airduct system further includes a frame including a hoop disposable inside the airduct to support the tubular wall in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The hoop is less flexible than the pliable material. The airduct system also includes a sensor to be attached to the frame to be in fluid communication with a current of air within the airduct. The sensor is to provide a feedback signal that varies in response to a changing condition of the current of air.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 11856735Abstract: An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Philip Sloan, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 11796214Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having an elongate tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct system further includes a frame disposable inside the tubular wall of the airduct, the frame including a hoop to support the tubular wall in a radial direction, the hoop to define an opening to provide passage of a flow of air along a length of the airduct. The airduct system also includes an HVAC component disposable within the tubular wall of the airduct, the HVAC component to be attached to and supported by the frame inside the airduct, the HVAC component to adjust a characteristic of the air.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20220146141Abstract: Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes a hoop to be supported adjacent an end of an air duct, and a first fabric sheet to hang downward from the hoop. The first fabric sheet to define a first wall of an air chamber adjacent the hoop on a side of the hoop opposite the air duct. The first fabric sheet to completely surround the air chamber along a circumferential path corresponding to the hoop. The hoop to be transverse to the air duct and positioned so that air delivered by the air duct is to pass through the hoop and into the air chamber. The drop-down diffuser also includes a second fabric sheet to be coupled to the first fabric sheet. The second fabric sheet to define a second wall of the air chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 11231202Abstract: Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes an upper panel including an upper fabric sheet to be held in radial tension by an upper hoop. The upper panel defines a supply air inlet. The example drop-down diffuser further includes a lower panel to be underneath and spaced apart from the upper panel. The example drop-down diffuser also includes a circumferential fabric sheet to encircle the upper panel and the lower panel. The circumferential fabric sheet is to extend downward from the upper panel to the lower panel to define an air chamber bordered by the upper panel, the lower panel and the circumferential fabric sheet. The air chamber is connected in fluid communication with the supply air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20210356162Abstract: Apparatus for tensioning pliable airducts while supporting internal HVAC components are disclosed. An airduct system includes an airduct having an elongate tubular wall of a pliable material. The airduct system further includes a frame disposable inside the tubular wall of the airduct, the frame including a hoop to support the tubular wall in a radial direction, the hoop to define an opening to provide passage of a flow of air along a length of the airduct. The airduct system also includes an HVAC component disposable within the tubular wall of the airduct, the HVAC component to be attached to and supported by the frame inside the airduct, the HVAC component to adjust a characteristic of the air.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20200107474Abstract: An example air barrier system for a data center within a building is disclosed. The example air barrier system includes a pliable barrier material to partition an area above a top of row of computer cabinets in the data center and below an overhead surface of the building. The pliable barrier material is to reduce mixing of air between first and second aisles on opposites sides of the row of computer cabinets. The example air barrier system also includes a frame to support the pliable barrier material in position when in the area above the top of the row of computer cabinets. The frame is to be supported by the row of computer cabinets without support from the overhead surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Philip Sloan, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 10480813Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes an air duct including a pliable sidewall. The example air duct system further includes a shaft including a first end and a second end. The shaft extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the air duct with the first end coupled to a first point of the air duct and the second end coupled to a second point of the air duct. The first point is downstream of the second point. The pliable sidewall is to be held in tension in the longitudinal direction between the first and second points in response to compression in the shaft between the first and second ends.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Right-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20180209685Abstract: Fabric drop-down diffusers are disclosed. An example drop-down diffuser includes an upper panel including an upper fabric sheet to be held in radial tension by an upper hoop. The upper panel defines a supply air inlet. The example drop-down diffuser further includes a lower panel to be underneath and spaced apart from the upper panel. The example drop-down diffuser also includes a circumferential fabric sheet to encircle the upper panel and the lower panel. The circumferential fabric sheet is to extend downward from the upper panel to the lower panel to define an air chamber bordered by the upper panel, the lower panel and the circumferential fabric sheet. The air chamber is connected in fluid communication with the supply air inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Blaine Schmidt, Kevin J. Gebke, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20180180319Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes an air duct including a pliable sidewall. The example air duct system further includes a shaft including a first end and a second end. The shaft extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the air duct with the first end coupled to a first point of the air duct and the second end coupled to a second point of the air duct. The first point is downstream of the second point. The pliable sidewall is to be held in tension in the longitudinal direction between the first and second points in response to compression in the shaft between the first and second ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2018Publication date: June 28, 2018Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 9927139Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 9927140Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 9784469Abstract: Fabric silencers for air ducts are disclosed. An example air duct silencer system includes an inner tube being of a first pliable material, the inner tube defining an airway extending along the inner tube. The example air duct silencer system further includes an outer tube being of a second pliable material, the outer tube to encircle the inner tube to define an annular space between the outer tube and the inner tube. The example air duct silencer system also includes a sound absorbing material to be disposed within the annular space.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Jake Ramos, James Partain, Kevin J. Gebke, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20170159966Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2017Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Publication number: 20170159965Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2017Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 9612033Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 9605864Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 9605865Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus