Patents by Inventor William H. Frantz

William H. Frantz 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: 20230048961
    Abstract: Described herein are building panels and surface covering systems useful for spaces requiring acoustic control and design flexibility, and methods to prepare the same. Such building panels and surface covering systems comprise an acoustic building panel having a first major surface opposite a second major surface and a side surface extending there-between, the acoustic building panel comprising a body having an upper surface opposite a lower surface and side surfaces extending there-between; a fleece having a first side and a second side; wherein the first side of the fleece is in contact with the upper surface of the body; wherein the body and fleece are laminated; and wherein the fleece has a resistivity of about 826,100 to about 1,090,900 Pa*s/m2. In certain embodiments, building panels and surface covering systems have superior fire resistant qualities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: William H. FRANTZ, Anthony L. WIKER
  • Publication number: 20220282888
    Abstract: A ceiling system is provided that has a ceiling structure suspended within a space of a building thereby dividing the space into an occupied space below the ceiling structure and a plenum space above the ceiling structure; a panel structure supported by the ceiling structure and having an opening; a pressurized air passageway aligned with the opening, the pressurized air passageway having an outlet; and an inductive air passageway adjacent the pressurized air passageway, the inductive air passageway having an inlet and an outlet. The pressurized air passageway and the inductive air passageway are configured such that pressurized air passing through the outlet of the pressurized air passageway induces an induced air flow out of the outlet of the inductive air passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventor: William H. FRANTZ
  • Publication number: 20220202980
    Abstract: Air purification and surface sterilization systems employing ultraviolet germicidal irradiation integratable in a discrete manner into indoor occupiable spaces in buildings. The systems may be used alone or in combination. The air purification system utilizes fan-powered disinfection units equipped with an ultraviolet light source operable to deactivate airborne pathogens. The surface sterilization system utilizes ultraviolet lamp units operable to deactivate surface accumulations of pathogen. Devices of either disinfection system may be integrated into ceiling or wall systems of the building interior space, or office furniture used in such spaces. The systems have applicability to institutional, commercial, and residential facilities as some examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: William H. FRANTZ, Anthony L. WIKER, Alexandra G. WALTEMYER, Meredith G. BAXTER
  • Patent number: 11371744
    Abstract: A ceiling system is provided that has a ceiling structure suspended within a space of a building thereby dividing the space into an occupied space below the ceiling structure and a plenum space above the ceiling structure; a panel structure supported by the ceiling structure and having an opening; a pressurized air passageway aligned with the opening, the pressurized air passageway having an outlet; and an inductive air passageway adjacent the pressurized air passageway, the inductive air passageway having an inlet and an outlet. Wherein the pressurized air passageway and the inductive air passageway are configured such that pressurized air passing through the outlet of the pressurized air passageway induces an induced air flow out of the outlet of the inductive air passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: William H. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20220154465
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member and a ceiling panel supported on the member. A resiliently compressible gasket is disposed at the interface between the grid support member and peripheral edge of the panel. The gasket may be fixedly attached to the panel peripheral edge in the factory under controlled conditions before shipment to the ceiling installation site. In one embodiment, the gasket may be adhesively attached to the panel. Mounting the ceiling panel on the grid support member compresses the gasket to preferably form a minimally visible air leakage resistant seal between the air plenum space above the ceiling panels and the occupied space below. This retards air exchange between the spaces which enhances heating/cooling efficiency, noise reduction and allows formation of pressurized clean rooms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: William H. FRANTZ, Peter J. OLESKE
  • Publication number: 20210402425
    Abstract: Described herein is a coating system comprising an applicator head that is configured to apply a coating to a surface of a workpiece, a shroud comprising a housing and an internal cavity located inside of the housing, and a humidifying apparatus comprising an output that is fluidly coupled to the shroud, wherein the humidifying apparatus configured to introduce a quantity of humid air to the internal cavity of the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: James M. POHL, Christine J. BALDWIN, Jeffrey A. HAKE, William H. FRANTZ
  • Patent number: 11098481
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in an interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of struts; a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising a panel and a plurality of hook members coupled to and extending from a top surface of the panel; each of the hook members comprising: an upstanding section; a hook portion at a top end of the upstanding section, the hook portion defining a downwardly-facing open slot; and an attachment flange at a bottom end of the upstanding section that couples the hook member to the top surface of the panel; and the modules mounted to the frame, and wherein for each of the modules, the hook portions of the hook members fit over and rest upon the struts, the struts located in the downwardly-facing open slots of the hook portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20210245471
    Abstract: An acoustical ceiling panel including a first layer having a first major surface opposite a second major surface and a side surface extending therebetween, a second layer having a first major surface opposite a second major surface and a side surface extending therebetween, and a sealing layer having a first major surface opposite a second major surface and a side surface extending therebetween. The sealing layer may be positioned between the first major surface of the first layer and the second major surface of the second layer. The side surface of the sealing layer may extend beyond the side surface of the first layer and the side surface of the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Phi-Oanh R. PHAM, William H. FRANTZ, Sean D. BROWNE
  • Publication number: 20200354954
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in an interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of struts; a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising a panel and a plurality of hook members coupled to and extending from a top surface of the panel; each of the hook members comprising: an upstanding section; a hook portion at a top end of the upstanding section, the hook portion defining a downwardly-facing open slot; and an attachment flange at a bottom end of the upstanding section that couples the hook member to the top surface of the panel; and the modules mounted to the frame, and wherein for each of the modules, the hook portions of the hook members fit over and rest upon the struts, the struts located in the downwardly-facing open slots of the hook portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: James R. WATERS, James P. RINEER, Brian L. SPRINGER, William H. FRANTZ
  • Publication number: 20200327262
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and/or method is disclosed for designing a real-world space. For example, image data for an image of the space may be received. The image data may comprise a surface that is modifiable via an architectural material. Measuring rules for determining estimated real-world dimensions of the surface of the space may be executed. The measuring rules may be based on the received image data of the space. The estimated dimensions may comprise a length, width, and/or height of the surface of the space. A type and/or quantity of the architectural material for modifying the surface of the space may be determined based on the estimated dimensions of the surface of the space. A modified image of the space may be displayed in which the surface of the space is modified with the architectural material. The determined type and/or quantity of the architectural material may be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew S. CRAMER, Sean D. BROWNE, William H. FRANTZ, Steven P. WILKINSON, Jeffrey D. FULMER
  • Patent number: 10724237
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in an interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of struts; a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising a panel and a plurality of hook members coupled to and extending from a top surface of the panel; each of the hook members comprising: an upstanding section; a hook portion at a top end of the upstanding section, the hook portion defining a downwardly-facing open slot; and an attachment flange at a bottom end of the upstanding section that couples the hook member to the top surface of the panel; and the modules mounted to the frame, and wherein for each of the modules, the hook portions of the hook members fit over and rest upon the struts, the struts located in the downwardly-facing open slots of the hook portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20190242611
    Abstract: A ceiling system is provided that has a ceiling structure suspended within a space of a building thereby dividing the space into an occupied space below the ceiling structure and a plenum space above the ceiling structure; a panel structure supported by the ceiling structure and having an opening; a pressurized air passageway aligned with the opening, the pressurized air passageway having an outlet; and an inductive air passageway adjacent the pressurized air passageway, the inductive air passageway having an inlet and an outlet. Wherein the pressurized air passageway and the inductive air passageway are configured such that pressurized air passing through the outlet of the pressurized air passageway induces an induced air flow out of the outlet of the inductive air passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William H. FRANTZ
  • Publication number: 20190145099
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in an interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of struts; a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising a panel and a plurality of hook members coupled to and extending from a top surface of the panel; each of the hook members comprising: an upstanding section; a hook portion at a top end of the upstanding section, the hook portion defining a downwardly-facing open slot; and an attachment flange at a bottom end of the upstanding section that couples the hook member to the top surface of the panel; and the modules mounted to the frame, and wherein for each of the modules, the hook portions of the hook members fit over and rest upon the struts, the struts located in the downwardly-facing open slots of the hook portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20190112809
    Abstract: A building panel system is provided. The building panel system include a panel structure having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a mounting system attached to the panel structure; at least one container detachably coupled to the mounting system at one of a plurality of selectable coupling positions so as to be in conductive thermal cooperation with the first surface of the panel structure; and a phase change material contained within the at least one container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 9845596
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes a ceiling support structure supporting a plurality of ceiling panels, each ceiling panel including a core layer having a top surface facing a first interior space above the ceiling panels, a bottom surface facing a second interior space below the ceiling panels, and a plurality of peripheral edges extending between the top and bottom surfaces. A top frame layer extends from the top surface and a thermal layer is on the top frame layer opposite the top surface. The thermal layer has a first surface facing away from the top frame layer and a second surface facing toward the top frame layer. The top frame layer supports the second surface in a spaced-apart manner from the top surface to form one or more air gaps between the top surface and the second surface. The first and second surfaces have a thermal emissivity of 0.5 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: William H. Frantz, Gourish Sirdeshpande, Peter J. Oleske, Jere W. Myers, Kenneth P. Roy, Anthony L. Wiker, Shannon M. Weir
  • Publication number: 20170089064
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes a ceiling support structure supporting a plurality of ceiling panels, each ceiling panel including a core layer having a top surface facing a first interior space above the ceiling panels, a bottom surface facing a second interior space below the ceiling panels, and a plurality of peripheral edges extending between the top and bottom surfaces. A top frame layer extends from the top surface and a thermal layer is on the top frame layer opposite the top surface. The thermal layer has a first surface facing away from the top frame layer and a second surface facing toward the top frame layer. The top frame layer supports the second surface in a spaced-apart manner from the top surface to form one or more air gaps between the top surface and the second surface. The first and second surfaces have a thermal emissivity of 0.5 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: WILLIAM H. FRANTZ, GOURISH SIRDESHPANDE, PETER J. OLESKE, JERE W. MYERS, KENNETH P. ROY, ANTHONY L. WIKER, SHANNON M. WEIR
  • Publication number: 20160186432
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in an interior building environment, In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of struts; a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising a panel and a plurality of hook members coupled to and extending from a top surface of the panel; each of the hook members comprising: an upstanding section; a hook portion at a top end of the upstanding section, the hook portion defining a downwardly-facing open slot; and an attachment flange at a bottom end of the upstanding section that couples the hook member to the top surface of the panel; and the modules mounted to the frame, and wherein for each of the modules, the hook portions of the hook members fit over and rest upon the struts, the struts located in the downwardly-facing open slots of the hook portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 9279252
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in the interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts, the second struts intersecting the first struts; a plurality of panels; for each of the plurality of panels, a plurality of hook members attached to the panel; and wherein for each of the plurality of panels, the plurality of hook members comprise a first hook member coupled to one of the first struts and a second hook member coupled to one of the second struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20150159375
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in the interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts, the second struts intersecting the first struts; a plurality of panels; for each of the plurality of panels, a plurality of hook members attached to the panel; and wherein for each of the plurality of panels, the plurality of hook members comprise a first hook member coupled to one of the first struts and a second hook member coupled to one of the second struts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: James R. WATERS, James P. RINEER, Brian L. SPRINGER, William H. FRANTZ
  • Patent number: 8950146
    Abstract: A canopy system for use in the interior building environment. The canopy system of the invention meets seismic code requirements and includes a group suspension system for mechanically aligning and registering canopy modules relative one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz