Chris A Rice

US Patent:

7114544, Oct 3, 2006

Filed:

Sep 7, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/936408

Inventors:

Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL, US
Robert L. Eggleston - Marathon FL, US

Assignee:

Hunter Douglas Inc. - Upper Saddle River NJ

International Classification:

E06B 9/382

US Classification:

1601781V, 160322

Abstract:

A tensioner for the control element of a covering for an architectural opening includes a base member attachable to a support surface adjacent to the architectural opening with the base member supporting an upstanding plunger about which a surrounding housing is adapted to slide. A coil spring biases the housing downwardly relative to the plunger and a rotatable pulley is mounted in an open top of the housing around which an endless operating element for a covering for an architectural opening extends. Operation of the covering by pulling on the endless element raises the housing relative to the plunger permitting free rotation of the pulley. Upon completion of operation the housing lowers under the bias of the coil spring so that the pulley is seated in engagement with the plunger and restrained from rotation. The angular spacial orientation of the pulley can also be changed by raising the housing relative to the plunger a predetermined distance and rotating the housing into a desired angular spacial orientation relative to the plunger.

US Patent:

7451801, Nov 18, 2008

Filed:

Dec 4, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/566313

Inventors:

Jeffrey A. Park - Miami Beach FL, US
Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL, US

Assignee:

Hunter Douglas Inc. - Upper Saddle River NJ

International Classification:

E06B 9/36

US Classification:

160173V, 1601781 V

Abstract:

A removable clip for suspending a vane in a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening from a carrier in a control system comprises a neck for connection to the carrier and spaced downwardly projecting fixed and movable legs having a system for releasable interconnection. The movable leg is connected to the necks of the clip through a living hinge so as to be pivotal about the hinge between open and closed position. In the open position, a vane having a hole adjacent to the top edge thereof can be inserted into the clip connection thereto. The neck of the clip has an opening therethrough for suspension from a hook or ledge on the carrier.

US Patent:

D622993, Sep 7, 2010

Filed:

Mar 14, 2008

Appl. No.:

29/305166

Inventors:

Jeffrey A. Park - Miami Beach FL, US
Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL, US

Assignee:

Hunter Douglas Inc. - Upper Saddle River NJ

International Classification:

0610

US Classification:

D 6580

US Patent:

58825126, Mar 16, 1999

Filed:

Nov 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/964782

Inventors:

Raymond P. Denkewicz - Warwick RI
Roger H. Gagnon - Framingham MA
Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL

Assignee:

Baracuda International Corporation - Ft. Lauderdale FL

International Classification:

E04H 316

US Classification:

210169

Abstract:

Systems and apparatus for cleaning swimming pools or other vessels are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include an automatic swimming pool cleaner adapted not only to filter debris from water mechanically, but to dispense water sanitizing chemicals as well. Fluid drawn into the cleaner in operation contacts or otherwise passes through media containing the chemicals, purifying the fluid at least partially within the cleaner itself.

US Patent:

54189950, May 30, 1995

Filed:

Jan 24, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/185451

Inventors:

Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL
Desroy D. Smith - Ft. Lauderdale FL
Robin O. Ellis - Cumnor, GB2
Alain J. Gazzola - Lyons, FR

Assignee:

Zarina Holdings C.V. - Amsterdam

International Classification:

E04H 416

US Classification:

15 17

Abstract:

Discs for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs includes slots (or other suitable apertures) positioned near their rimmed peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, incorporate rounded edges or beads, and both the discs and associated footpads may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces.

US Patent:

54210542, Jun 6, 1995

Filed:

Aug 6, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/103930

Inventors:

Andrew W. Dawson - Westleigh, AU
John T. Evans - Frenchs Forest, AU
Alain J. Gazzola - Lyon, FR
Robert W. Marklew - Pompano Beach FL
Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL
Desroy D. Smith - Ft. Lauderdale FL

Assignee:

Zarina Holding C.V. - Amsterdam

International Classification:

E04H 416

US Classification:

15246

Abstract:

Discs and a footpad for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins protruding radially from their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, define a plurality of tongues for increased flexibility, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces.

US Patent:

57757410, Jul 7, 1998

Filed:

Jan 26, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/592197

Inventors:

Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL
Graham M. Barton - Escondido CA

Assignee:

Baracuda International Corporation - Ft. Lauderdale FL

International Classification:

F16L 2708
E04H 320

US Classification:

285272

Abstract:

The swivel assembly of the present invention employs a thrust bearing configuration that provides smooth operation under non-axial and axial load conditions. The assembly comprises two opposing bearing surfaces, one on the end of a hose pipe and the other on a bearing race. A cylindrical housing interlocks with the bearing race and includes a flange to keep the bearing surface of the hose pipe in contact with the bearings. Thus, the hose pipe may rotate freely relative to the bearing race and housing. Because only the end of the hose pipe is in contact with the housing or bearings, non-axial bending loads centered in the bearing are resolved through relatively short moment arms thereby reducing friction creating by the non-axial loading condition. A sealing and lubricating thrust washer may be introduced between the flange in the housing and the hose pipe to seal the swivel assembly and to reduce further the friction between the hose pipe and the housing flange and bearing race.

US Patent:

55469825, Aug 20, 1996

Filed:

May 12, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/439635

Inventors:

William T. Clark - Coral Springs FL
James D. Scott - Boca Raton FL
Graham M. Barton - Tamarac FL
Chris A. Rice - Boca Raton FL
Shawn M. McLaughlin - Delray Beach FL

Assignee:

Baracuda International Corp. - Ft. Lauderdale FL

International Classification:

F16K 3700

US Classification:

137557

Abstract:

Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up. Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow. A diffuser and fluid release ports permit the valve to be adjusted to achieve a desired flow rate.