Patents by Inventor Robert Bradus
Robert Bradus 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: 6462513Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Robert Bradus, Janet Embrey
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Patent number: 6455186Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Moores, Jr., Rouse R. Bailey, Jr., Robert Bradus, John R. Cochran, Lee W. Ramstrom, Douglas L. Kreiser
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Publication number: 20020034682Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: Robert G. Moores, Rouse R. Bailey, Robert Bradus, John R. Cochran, Lee W. Ramstrom, Douglas L. Kreiser
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Publication number: 20020011819Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The system further includes a battery pack charger and a converter for converting AC electricity to DC electricity. A battery pack interface block is captured between clam shell halves of a battery pack housing and includes a plurality of male blade terminals. The male blade terminals are received within recessed female terminals of a tool terminal block and similarly received by recessed female terminals of the charger. The tool terminal block further includes a pair of male terminals which engage recessed female terminals of the converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: James B. Watson, Paul S. White, Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniel Puzio, Thomas J. Bodine, Robert Bradus, Daniele C. Brotto, John E. Buck, Daniel J. White, Samuel G. Woods, Richard T. Walter, Edward A. Harrison, Adan Ayala
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Patent number: 6304058Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The system further includes a battery pack charger and a converter for converting AC electricity to DC electricity. A battery pack interface block is captured between clam shell halves of a battery pack housing and includes a plurality of male blade terminals. The male blade terminals are received within recessed female terminals of a tool terminal block and similarly received by recessed female terminals of the charger. The tool terminal block further includes a pair of male terminals which engage recessed female terminals of the converter.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: James B. Watson, Paul S. White, Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniel Puzio, Thomas J. Bodine, Robert Bradus, Daniele C. Brotto, John E. Buck, Daniel J. White, Samuel G. Woods, Richard T. Walter, Edward A. Harrison, Adan Ayala
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Publication number: 20010000945Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The system further includes a battery pack charger and a converter for converting AC electricity to DC electricity. A battery pack interface block is captured between clam shell halves of a battery pack housing and includes a plurality of male blade terminals. The male blade terminals are received within recessed female terminals of a tool terminal block and similarly received by recessed female terminals of the charger. The tool terminal block further includes a pair of male terminals which engage recessed female terminals of the converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: May 10, 2001Inventors: James B. Watson, Paul S. White, Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniel Puzio, Thomas J. Bodine, Robert Bradus, Daniele C. Brotto, John E. Buck, Daniel J. White, Samuel G. Woods, Richard T. Walter, Edward A. Harrison, Adan Ayala
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Patent number: 6154008Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Robert Bradus, Janet Embrey
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Patent number: 5896024Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.Inventors: Robert Bradus, Janet Embrey
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Patent number: 5805068Abstract: A cordless device 11 comprises a load 13 and a multiple pack power supply 15 connected to load 13. A voltage detection circuit 23, 63, 64, 75, 76 is connected to supply 15 and detects when one of the batteries 17, 19 is charged and the other is discharged. Circuits 23, 63, 65, 75, 76 may also function as a voltage comparator circuit to identify when one of the batteries 17, 19 is defective. The detection or comparator circuit includes comparators 25, 33 for comparing the battery voltages. An indicator 41, 43, 65, 74, 81 is connected to the output of comparators 25, 33 and provides an end user identifiable signal responsive to the outputs of comparators 25, 33.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1995Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Robert Bradus
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Patent number: 4628233Abstract: A microprocessor based motor controller which provides open loop speed control at low conduction angles, closed loop speed control at high conduction angles, and a smooth transition between open loop and closed loop zones. In open loop, the motor speed is selected and is permitted to vary with applied load. In closed loop, the motor speed is held constant, substantially irrespective of load. In the transition zone, the motor is operated in a hybrid open loop, closed loop fashion.Anti-kickback protection is also provided based on a percentage change in the motor's rotational period.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1985Date of Patent: December 9, 1986Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Robert Bradus
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Patent number: 4443137Abstract: An electronic power tool provided with a microprocessor operated speed control system and having a multiple gear reduction drive mechanism is provided with a gear ratio indicator system employing a dual purpose cam shaft for coordinating the mechanical gear shifting and electrical microprocessor systems. The cam shaft is provided with a first cam element for performing the gear shifting function and a second cam element, operably interconnected with the first cam element for automatically moving a switch between positions corresponding to the gear engagement selected. The switch is electrically interconnected with the microprocessor to communicate the gear ratio selected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1981Date of Patent: April 17, 1984Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Albrent, Robert Bradus
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Patent number: 4317176Abstract: A microcomputer controlled power tool including a semiconductor control device connected to the motor, one or more sensors, and a microcomputer interfaced to a keyboard and digital display for monitoring and controlling various operating conditions and parameters of the power tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1980Date of Patent: February 23, 1982Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: David A. Saar, Robert Bradus
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Patent number: 4272821Abstract: A digital read-out system for a portable power tool that is adapted to provide a precise digital reading of the depth adjustment of the blade of the tool. The system includes a position encoding device that is coupled to the blade adjustment mechanism of the tool. The encoder provides position feedback information to a microprocessor which is programmed to calculate the amount of blade adjustment made relative to a preselected reference positioned. In the preferred embodiment, a mercury switch is provided which is interrogated by the microprocessor to determine the orientation of the tool so that the orientation of the digital display can be controlled accordingly. In this manner, the display automatically appears rightside up even when the blade adjustment is made with the tool upside down. A mode select switch is also provided for selecting between English and Metric units.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1979Date of Patent: June 9, 1981Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Robert Bradus
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Patent number: 4237610Abstract: A portable, electrically energized, cordless grass trimmer device is disclosed having a rotatable hub which is adapted to alternatively mount, for substantially balanced rotation therewith, a flexible cutter strip and a line cutter and mechanical counterbalance.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1978Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Assignee: Black and Decker Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert Bradus, Thomas J. Howard, Jr., John W. Miller
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Patent number: RE33379Abstract: A microprocessor based motor controller which provides open loop speed control at low conduction angles, closed loop speed control at high conduction angles, and a smooth transition between open loop and closed loop zones. In open loop, the motor speed is selected and is permitted to vary with applied load. In closed loop, the motor speed is held constant, substantially irrespective of load. In the transition zone, the motor is operated in a hybrid open loop, closed loop fashion.Anti-kickback protection is also provided based on a percentage change in the motor's rotational period.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1988Date of Patent: October 9, 1990Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Robert Bradus