David M Nowak

US Patent:

6817726, Nov 16, 2004

Filed:

Dec 10, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/315716

Inventors:

David R. Nowak - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

F21V 800

US Classification:

362 31, 362309, 362517, 362800

Abstract:

A lighting system is provided to transmit light from a light source through a prism. The prism includes a light receiving edge surface, a curved edge surface and a light exiting edge surface. The light source is positioned to transmit a beam of light through the light receiving edge surface of the prism. The prism is configured such that the beam of light travels through the prism to strike the curved edge surface. The beam of light is then reflected off of the curved edge surface such that the beam of light changes direction and continues to travel through the prism until such time as it passes through the light exiting edge surface. The lighting system is adapted to provide a substantially uniform light distribution from the light exiting edge surface.

US Patent:

6910340, Jun 28, 2005

Filed:

Mar 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/401395

Inventors:

David R. Nowak - Chicago IL, US
Robert Dam - Aurora IL, US
Anthony Caringella - Norridge IL, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

F25B001/00

US Classification:

62115, 62187, 236 495, 454334

Abstract:

An airflow control device has a fixed damper element and a movable damper element. Shape memory wires are connected to the fixed damper element and the movable damper element. The shape memory wires are alternately electrified to cause the contraction thereof to move the movable damper element in opposite directions. A heater can be provided along with the damper elements to overcome frost buildup in cold environments, such as refrigeration systems.

US Patent:

7040110, May 9, 2006

Filed:

Jun 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/860421

Inventors:

David R. Nowak - Chicago IL, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc - Glenview IL

International Classification:

F25D 23/00

US Classification:

62264, 62389, 2221466

Abstract:

A lighting system for dispensing units such as ice and water dispensers on refrigerators includes a paddle on a shaft for activating and deactivating the dispenser by force applied from a receptacle. The shaft is configured as a light tube. A light source is positioned above the shaft to supply light into the shaft and paddle in the non-deflected condition. A prism is provided to receive light from the light source when the paddle is depressed, and to redirect light from the light source towards a receptacle positioned for receiving ice or water dispensed by the dispenser.

US Patent:

7147341, Dec 12, 2006

Filed:

Aug 4, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/197031

Inventors:

David R. Nowak - Chicago IL, US
Richard R. Herzog - Arlington Heights IL, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc - Glenview IL

International Classification:

F21V 33/00
F21V 21/00

US Classification:

362133, 362374, 362375, 362455

Abstract:

A light assembly for a refrigerator drawer includes a light source assembly, a reflector and a lens assembly keyed one to another for positioning, and secured to each other as a preassembled unit. The preassembled light assembly is snap fit into an opening in a panel of the drawer.