Patents by Inventor Troy C. Thorson
Troy C. Thorson 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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Publication number: 20240131675Abstract: A powered fastener driver including a housing, an inner cylinder within the housing, and a piston movable within the inner cylinder from a TDC position to a BDC position. The piston has a diameter of less than 1.7 inches. A stroke length of the piston is between the TDC position and the BDC position measuring greater than 3 inches. A driver blade is attached to the piston for movement therewith along a driving axis. A lifter is operable to move the piston and driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A drive unit is operably coupled to the lifter to provide torque thereto, causing the lifter to rotate. A source of pressurized gas is in fluid communication with the inner cylinder. A pressure of the pressurized gas acting on the piston at the TDC position is greater than 180 psi.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Travis W. Leathrum, Troy C. Thorson
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Publication number: 20240131670Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a housing, a nosepiece coupled to the housing, a driver blade movable within the nosepiece between a ready position and a driven position, a canister magazine coupled to the nosepiece and including collated fasteners arranged in a coil, and a pusher mechanism coupled to the nosepiece for individually transferring collated fasteners from the canister magazine to a driver channel in the nosepiece, wherein the pusher mechanism includes: a linkage assembly having a support arm, a finger pivotably coupled to the support arm, a lever pivotably coupled to the support arm via and a fork pivotably coupled to the lever via a second fixed pivot, and a feeder arm engaged with the fork. The feeder arm pushes fasteners into the driver channel as the pusher mechanism is actuated by the impact of the driver blade during a retraction stroke of the driver blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Travis W. Leathrum, Troy C. Thorson
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Publication number: 20240116157Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a controller electrically coupled to the motor, and a transmission coupled to the motor. The transmission includes a ring gear and a torque transducer coupled to the ring gear. The torque transducer is configured to transmit a torque value to the controller. The power tool further including an impulse assembly coupled to the transmission to receive torque therefrom. The controller is configured to receive a target output torque value and to determine an actual output torque based at least in part on the torque value from the torque transducer, and the controller is configured to stop operation of the motor in response to the actual output torque being within a predefined margin of the target output torque value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Nathan Bandy, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz
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Patent number: 11951602Abstract: A rotary hammer adapted to impart axial impacts to a tool bit. The rotary hammer includes a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a spindle coupled to the motor for receiving torque from the motor, causing the spindle to rotate, a reciprocation mechanism operable to create a variable pressure air spring within the spindle, an anvil received within the spindle for reciprocation in response to the pressure of the air spring, the anvil imparting axial impacts to the tool bit, a bit retention assembly for securing the tool bit to the spindle, and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism switchable between a first state, in which the reciprocation mechanism is enabled, such that the anvil imparts axial impacts to the tool bit, and a second state, in which the reciprocation mechanism is disabled, such that the anvil ceases to impart axial impacts to the tool bit.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Jeremy R. Ebner, Beth E. Cholst, Troy C. Thorson
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Patent number: 11951601Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top-dead-center (TDC) position to a bottom-dead-center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece and a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A rotary lifter is engageable with the driver blade and configured to receive torque from the drive unit for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter has a body, a drive pin coupled to the body, and a roller positioned on the drive pin. The roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of a tooth of the driver blade. The lifter includes a means for aligning the engagement section with the end portion of the tooth on the driver blade to facilitate meshing between the end portion and the roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Beth E. Cholst, Troy C. Thorson, Jacob P. Schneider, Mackenzie J. Nick, Nathan Bandy, David A Bierdeman, Travis W. Leathrum, Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Mark C. Hughes, David C. Graf, Marcus Wechselberger
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Patent number: 11926028Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter. The fastener driver also includes an input to provide torque to the transmission and a clutch positioned downstream of the input and operably coupled to the output shaft to limit an amount of torque transferred to the output shaft and the lifter. In response to an application of a reaction torque to the output shaft above a predetermined threshold, torque from the input is diverted from the output shaft via the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan Allen Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
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Patent number: 11912545Abstract: A wireless hoist system including a first hoist device having a first motor and a first wireless transceiver and a second hoist device having a second motor and a second wireless transceiver. The wireless hoist system includes a controller in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless. The controller is configured to receive a user input and determine a first operation parameter and a second operation parameter based on the user input. The controller is also configured to provide, wirelessly, a first control signal indicative of the first operation parameter to the first hoist device and provide, wirelessly, a second control signal indicative of the second operation parameter to the second hoist device. The first hoist device operates based on the first control signal and the second hoist device operates based on the second control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Matthew Post, Gareth Mueckl, Matthew N. Thurin, Joshua D. Widder, Timothy J. Bartlett, Patrick D. Gallagher, Jarrod P. Kotes, Karly M. Schober, Kenneth W. Wolf, Terry L. Timmons, Mallory L. Marksteiner, Jonathan L. Lambert, Ryan A. Spiering, Jeremy R. Ebner, Benjamin A. Smith, James Wekwert, Brandon L. Yahr, Troy C. Thorson, Connor P. Sprague, John E. Koller, Evan M. Glanzer, John S. Scott, William F. Chapman, III, Timothy R. Obermann
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Publication number: 20240058912Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned substantially within the housing, a drive mechanism supported by the housing and coupled to the motor, a battery pack electrically coupled to the motor, and an isolation system. The isolation system includes an interface member positioned substantially within the housing. The interface member receives a portion of the battery pack to electrically couple the battery pack to the motor. The isolation system also includes a plurality of isolators coupled between the housing and the interface member to isolate the battery pack from the housing during operation of the power tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Andrew J. Weber
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Patent number: 11897106Abstract: A fastener driver includes a housing having a handle portion. A motor is positioned within the housing. The fastener driver further includes an air compressor including a compressor cylinder and a compressor piston movable within the compressor cylinder in a reciprocating manner to compress air within the compressor cylinder. The fastener driver further includes a drive train converting torque from the motor to a linear force applied to the compressor piston, causing the compressor piston to move in the reciprocating manner. At least a portion of the drive train extends through the handle portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew J. Weber, James M. Wentzloff, Nicholas A. Albers, Bradley S. Helm, Troy C. Thorson
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Patent number: 11890726Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, and an impulse assembly coupled to the motor to receive torque therefrom. The impulse assembly includes a cylinder at least partially forming a chamber containing a hydraulic fluid, an anvil positioned at least partially within the chamber, and a hammer positioned at least partially within the chamber. The hammer includes a first side facing the anvil and a second side opposite the first side. The impulse assembly further includes a biasing member biasing the hammer towards the anvil, and a valve movable between a first position that permits a first fluid flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the chamber from the second side to the first side, and a second position that permits a second fluid flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the chamber from the first side to the second side.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Nathan Bandy, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz
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Patent number: 11865683Abstract: A powered fastener driver comprising a housing, a nosepiece coupled to the housing and extending therefrom, a driver blade movable within the nosepiece between a ready position and a driven position, and a pusher mechanism coupled to the nosepiece for individually transferring collated fasteners in a canister magazine to a driver channel in the nosepiece in which the driver blade is movable. The pusher mechanism includes a feeder arm and a linkage positioned between the feeder arm and the driver blade. The feeder arm is engageable with individual fasteners in the nosepiece for sequentially pushing each of the fasteners into the driver channel in response to movement of the feeder arm toward the driver channel. The linkage is movable to advance the feeder arm toward the driver channel in response to contact with the driver blade as the driver blade moves from the driven position toward the ready position.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Travis W. Leathrum, Troy C. Thorson
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Publication number: 20240001518Abstract: A tool comprises a housing, an electric motor positioned in the housing, and a drive assembly including an output shaft having a driving end portion. The output shaft extends from the housing such that a tool element for performing work on a workpiece is attachable to the output shaft. A retainer assembly is positioned about an outer surface of the driving end portion. The retainer assembly has a proximal end adjacent to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Devin C. Albrecht, Hugh A. Dales, Jay M. Klubertanz, Jeffery M. Watts, Troy C. Thorson, Zhipeng Dai
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Patent number: 11845153Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned substantially within the housing, a drive mechanism supported by the housing and coupled to the motor, a battery pack electrically coupled to the motor, and an isolation system. The isolation system includes an interface member positioned substantially within the housing. The interface member receives a portion of the battery pack to electrically couple the battery pack to the motor. The isolation system also includes a plurality of isolators coupled between the housing and the interface member to isolate the battery pack from the housing during operation of the power tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2023Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Andrew J. Weber
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Publication number: 20230390838Abstract: A reciprocating saw includes a blade assembly having a spindle and a blade clamp. The blade clamp includes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle, and a detent movable in a radial direction to adjust the blade clamp between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The cover is rotatable between a first rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the locked configuration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the unlocked configuration. The reciprocating saw further includes a barrel surrounding at least a portion of the blade clamp. The barrel includes a plurality of projections extending from the barrel toward the blade clamp. At least one of the projections is engageable with the cover to rotate the cover from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, thereby adjusting the blade clamp from the unlocked configuration toward the locked configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Beth E. Cholst, Troy C. Thorson, Hans T. Banholzer
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Publication number: 20230373067Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, an impulse assembly coupled to the motor to receive torque therefrom, the impulse assembly including a cylinder at least partially forming a chamber containing a hydraulic fluid, an anvil positioned at least partially within the chamber, and a hammer positioned at least partially within the chamber and engageable with the anvil for transferring rotational impacts to the anvil, the hammer including a through hole, and a valve configured to control flow of the hydraulic fluid through the through hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Hugh A. Dales, Michael A. Verhagen, Troy C. Thorson, Jacob R. Seifert
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Publication number: 20230339135Abstract: An oscillating power tool includes a housing, a motor, a tool holder driven oscillatingly, a flange threadedly coupled to a plunger, and a lever pivotable between a clamping position and a release position. The flange is configured to be movable in an axial direction. The flange is configured to clamp the output element onto the tool holder in the clamping position and configured to be displaced a first distance from the tool holder in the release position. The lever includes a cam surface including a substantially flat surface configured to engage the plunger in the release position. In the release position, a gap is disposed between the lever and the housing to allow the lever to be rotated past the release position. The lever is configured to displace the flange a second distance from the tool holder, larger than the first distance, when rotated past the release position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Emily Doberstein, James Wekwert
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Publication number: 20230330823Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top-dead-center (TDC) position toward a driven or bottom-dead-center (BDC) position, a gas spring mechanism for driving the driver blade toward the BDC position, a lifter assembly having a rotary lifter for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, a motor that provides torque to the rotary lifter to return the driven blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, and a cam which, during operation of the rotary lifter, causes the rotary lifter to axially move along a rotational axis defined by the rotary lifter between a first position, in which the rotary lifter is engageable with the driver blade, and a second position, in which the rotary lifter is not engageable with the driver blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Marcus Wechselberger, Troy C. Thorson, David A. Bierdeman
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Patent number: 11786984Abstract: A blade clamp, for use with a power tool having a reciprocating spindle, includes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle and a detent received within a bore of the spindle. The detent is movable in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the spindle to adjust the blade clamp between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The cover is rotatable between a first rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the locked configuration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the unlocked configuration. The blade clamp further includes a sleeve in which the detent is slidably received. The sleeve includes a non-corrosive material for inhibiting corrosion of the detent.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Beth E. Cholst, Troy C. Thorson, Hans T. Banholzer
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Publication number: 20230327256Abstract: A battery pack that is connectable to and supportable by a power tool (e.g., a hand-held power tool). The battery pack includes a top housing having a support member. The support member of the battery pack top housing is configured or operable to reinforce a support portion of the battery pack that is used to connect the battery pack to the power tool. By reinforcing the support portion of the battery pack, an interface between the battery pack and the power tool is able to withstand greater forces (e.g., from vibrations caused by the power tool).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
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Publication number: 20230294259Abstract: A powered fastener driver comprising, a housing including a head portion, a handle portion extending therefrom, the handle portion including a first end coupled with the head portion and an opposite, second end, and a drive unit portion, and a canister magazine configured to receive coiled fasteners. At least a portion of the canister magazine is integrally formed as a single piece with at least a portion of the drive unit portion of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Travis W. Leathrum, Troy C. Thorson, Casey D. Garces, Andrew P. Rux, Andrew R. Wyler