Patents by Inventor Robert E. McCracken
Robert E. McCracken 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: 10237996Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2018Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
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Publication number: 20180263129Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
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Patent number: 10015898Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITEDInventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
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Publication number: 20170295658Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
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Publication number: 20160135269Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter configured to transmit a power signal within a first power distribution volume and a plurality receivers configured to receive the power signal. The receivers include power harvesters, batteries, light sources and light sensors. The receivers determine whether the received power signal is greater than a power threshold value and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, power the light source, etc. The light source selectively receives power from the battery when the ambient light, detected by the light sensor, is below a light threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Mike Hornick, Robert E. McCracken, Mark Huggins, Jason P. Whitmire
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Patent number: 9257865Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Mark Huggins, Robert E. McCracken, Jason P. Whitmire, Mike Hornick
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Patent number: 9205497Abstract: A collet for connecting a tool to a driver includes a shaft having an end. The collet includes a body including a first end that connects to the driver and a second end having an internal space partially defined by a frustoconical bore and a plurality of jaws disposed within the space. Each of the jaws includes a body having a frustoconical surface arranged to engage the frustoconical bore and an engagement member coupled to each body to move between an unlocked and a locked position. Rotation of the tool about the axis in a first direction biases the engagement member toward the unlocked position to allow movement of the tool with respect to the jaws, and rotation of the tool about the axis in a second direction opposite the first direction biases the engagement member toward the locked position wherein the tool is fixed with respect to the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Ryan Harrison, Robert E. McCracken, Daniel J. Bowen
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Publication number: 20140217684Abstract: A collet for connecting a tool to a driver includes a shaft having an end. The collet includes a body including a first end that connects to the driver and a second end having an internal space partially defined by a frustoconical bore and a plurality of jaws disposed within the space. Each of the jaws includes a body having a frustoconical surface arranged to engage the frustoconical bore and an engagement member coupled to each body to move between an unlocked and a locked position. Rotation of the tool about the axis in a first direction biases the engagement member toward the unlocked position to allow movement of the tool with respect to the jaws, and rotation of the tool about the axis in a second direction opposite the first direction biases the engagement member toward the locked position wherein the tool is fixed with respect to the jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Ryan Harrison, Robert E. McCracken, Daniel J. Bowen
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Patent number: 8708346Abstract: A collet for connecting a rotary tool to a rotary tool driver, the rotary tool including a shaft having a shaft end and a shaft diameter includes a body including a first end configured to connect to the rotary tool driver and a second end configured to receive the rotary tool. A magnet is disposed within the body and is positioned to magnetically engage and contact the shaft end to inhibit movement of the rotary tool along a shaft rotational axis. A support member is disposed within the body and is configured to support the shaft for rotation about the shaft rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Ryan Harrison, Robert E. McCracken, Daniel J. Bowen
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Patent number: 8302519Abstract: A power tool includes an electric motor, a motor housing in which the electric motor is at least partially positioned, a blade drivably coupled to the motor for rotation about a first axis, and a blade housing in which the blade is at least partially positioned. The blade and the blade housing are pivotably coupled to the motor housing about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Robert E. McCracken, Ryan T. Harrison
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Publication number: 20120192852Abstract: A charcoal ignition device generally includes a housing having a wall defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface. A blower assembly has an inlet end and an outlet end, with the outlet end in fluid communication with the interior cavity. The blower assembly includes a motor and a blower coupled to the motor. A battery receptacle is in electrical communication with the electric motor. The battery receptacle is configured to receive a rechargeable power-tool battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Jason Porter Whitmire, Ryan T. Harrison, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Scott Kippes, Mark Huggins, Taku Ohi, Eric Lagman
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Publication number: 20120192726Abstract: A convection grill including a body having a base and a lid, and defining a cooking chamber, and a convection system coupled to a wall of the base. The convection system includes an air conduit defined at least in part by a front panel and a back panel, the air conduit including an intake aperture, a duct, and an exhaust vent. The convection system also includes a fan assembly including a convection fan positioned within the duct proximate to the intake aperture, and a motor coupled to the convection fan by a motor shaft. The back panel includes a first end distal from the wall, a second end proximate the wall, and a cross section having a substantially continuous curve between the first and second ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Christopher Clearman, Ryan T. Harrison, Robert E. McCracken, Mark Huggins, Scott Kippes, Adam Clark
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Publication number: 20120187851Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Mark Huggins, Robert E. McCracken, Jason P. Whitmire, Mike Hornick
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Publication number: 20120144676Abstract: An accessory attachable to an output shaft of a power tool includes a hub portion having an opening for securing the accessory to the power tool, a first blade portion having a first side edge extending away from the hub portion, and a second blade portion having a second side edge extending away from the hub portion in a direction different from the first side edge. The first blade portion has a first working characteristic, and the second blade portion has a second working characteristic different from the first working characteristic. The first side edge is substantially perpendicular to the second side edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Richard Davidian, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell
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Publication number: 20110260867Abstract: A lock for engaging a cable. The lock has a housing with an aperture through which the cable may pass. A first locking member and second locking member are coupled to the housing. A first biasing member is configured to bias the first locking member towards the cable to prevent cable movement in a first direction. A second biasing member is configured to bias the second locking member away from the cable. A third biasing member is configured to selectively bias the second locking member towards the cable to prevent cable movement in a second direction. A trigger is movably coupled to the housing, with the trigger configured to selectively deflect the first locking member away from the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Robert E. McCracken, Ryan T. Harrison, Christopher Clearman
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Publication number: 20110219628Abstract: A power tool includes a motor, a cutting element operably coupled to the motor and configured to remove material from a workpiece, a base configured to support the cutting element relative to the workpiece, and a receptacle positioned beneath the base and configured to be positioned beneath the workpiece to collect debris generated by the cutting element beneath the workpiece as material is removed from the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Ryan Harrison, Robert E. McCracken
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Publication number: 20110170975Abstract: A collet for connecting a rotary tool to a rotary tool driver, the rotary tool including a shaft having a shaft end and a shaft diameter includes a body including a first end configured to connect to the rotary tool driver and a second end configured to receive the rotary tool. A magnet is disposed within the body and is positioned to magnetically engage and contact the shaft end to inhibit movement of the rotary tool along a shaft rotational axis. A support member is disposed within the body and is configured to support the shaft for rotation about the shaft rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Ryan Harrison, Robert E. McCracken, Daniel J. Bowen
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Publication number: 20110010951Abstract: A pivotable shoe assembly, for use on a reciprocating saw having a housing and a saw blade, includes a shoe support coupled to the housing and having a longitudinal axis. The shoe support includes a base member extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis to define a first plane. The shoe assembly further including a shoe pivotably coupled to the shoe support. The shoe includes a contact surface defining a second plane and a blade recess defined by the contact surface to allow the saw blade to pass therethrough. The shoe further includes plurality of locking positions, each locking position corresponding to an engagement angle, where the engagement angle is defined as the angle between the first plane and the second plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Ryan Harrison, Daniel J. Bowen, Robert E. McCracken
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Patent number: D623034Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Thomas Evatt, Robert E. McCracken, Anthony T. Tocco
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Patent number: D633769Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Thomas Evatt, Robert E. McCracken, Anthony T. Tocco