Patents by Inventor Leslie J. Reading

Leslie J. Reading 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: 11937086
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 11871232
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20230144664
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20220109993
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20220022043
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 11159942
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20200137578
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 10631120
    Abstract: A power distribution box and method of communicating via the power distribution box are provided. A power input in the power distribution box is coupled to a power output to provide power to external devices. A gateway device supported by the housing of the power distribution box includes a wireless network module for communicating with power tools and a cellular module for communicating via a cellular network with a power tool monitoring system. The gateway may be removable from the power distribution box. A translation controller in the gateway enables communication between the wireless network module and the external network using the cellular module. The translation controller translates messages between the power tools and external network. The messages may include location data or operational data associated with the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 10531304
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20190222957
    Abstract: A power distribution box and method of communicating via the power distribution box are provided. A power input in the power distribution box is coupled to a power output to provide power to external devices. A gateway device supported by the housing of the power distribution box includes a wireless network module for communicating with power tools and a cellular module for communicating via a cellular network with a power tool monitoring system. The gateway may be removable from the power distribution box. A translation controller in the gateway enables communication between the wireless network module and the external network using the cellular module. The translation controller translates messages between the power tools and external network. The messages may include location data or operational data associated with the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20190159034
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 10285003
    Abstract: A power distribution box and method of communicating via the power distribution box are provided. A power input in the power distribution box is coupled to a power output to provide power to external devices. A gateway device supported by the housing of the power distribution box includes a wireless network module for communicating with power tools and a cellular module for communicating via a cellular network with a power tool monitoring system. The gateway may be removable from the power distribution box. A translation controller in the gateway enables communication between the wireless network module and the external network using the cellular module. The translation controller translates messages between the power tools and external network. The messages may include location data or operational data associated with the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 10237742
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20180160266
    Abstract: A power distribution box and method of communicating via the power distribution box are provided. A power input in the power distribution box is coupled to a power output to provide power to external devices. A gateway device supported by the housing of the power distribution box includes a wireless network module for communicating with power tools and a cellular module for communicating via a cellular network with a power tool monitoring system. The gateway may be removable from the power distribution box. A translation controller in the gateway enables communication between the wireless network module and the external network using the cellular module. The translation controller translates messages between the power tools and external network. The messages may include location data or operational data associated with the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 9949075
    Abstract: A method of communicating with at least one power tool device using a power distribution box. The power distribution box includes a power-line adapter, a gateway device, and alternating current (AC) power outlets. The method includes receiving alternating current from an external power source and distributing the AC power received from the external power source to the AC power outlets. The method also includes receiving from the gateway device wireless communication from a power tool, transmitting by the power-line adapter the data from the wireless communication to an external network, and receiving information regarding the power tool device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20170006420
    Abstract: A method of communicating with at least one power tool device using a power distribution box. The power distribution box includes a power-line adapter, a gateway device, and alternating current (AC) power outlets. The method includes receiving alternating current from an external power source and distributing the AC power received from the external power source to the AC power outlets. The method also includes receiving from the gateway device wireless communication from a power tool, transmitting by the power-line adapter the data from the wireless communication to an external network, and receiving information regarding the power tool device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 9467862
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Patent number: 9466198
    Abstract: A power distribution box includes a power input configured to receive power from an external power source, an alternating current (AC) output electrically coupled to the power input, a power-line adapter and a gateway device. The power-line adapter is coupled to the power input and configured to receive power via the power input and communicate with an external network. The gateway device is coupled to the power-line adapter and is configured to communicate with the external network. The gateway device includes a wireless network module configured to communicate with at least one power tool device in a wireless network, and a translation controller configured to enable communications between the wireless network module and the external network through the power-line adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20160088482
    Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading
  • Publication number: 20140240125
    Abstract: A power distribution box includes a power input configured to receive power from an external power source, an alternating current (AC) output electrically coupled to the power input, a power-line adapter and a gateway device. The power-line adapter is coupled to the power input and configured to receive power via the power input and communicate with an external network. The gateway device is coupled to the power-line adapter and is configured to communicate with the external network. The gateway device includes a wireless network module configured to communicate with at least one power tool device in a wireless network, and a translation controller configured to enable communications between the wireless network module and the external network through the power-line adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Leslie J. Reading