Patents by Inventor Christine Potter
Christine Potter 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).
-
Publication number: 20070175645Abstract: A portable power tool having a relatively compact multi-stage, three-speed transmission and a related method for operating a power tool with a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: August 2, 2007Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd Hagan, Michael Bowers
-
Patent number: 7223195Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
-
Publication number: 20070113369Abstract: A tool set with a battery pack, a power tool and a utility vacuum. The power tool includes a receptacle assembly for detachably coupling the battery pack to the power tool. The utility vacuum has a canister, a powerhead assembly, which is coupled to the canister and has a fan, a motor for providing rotary power to the fan, and a power supply for distributing electrical power to the motor, and a shut-off device that prevents the fan from drawing a liquid into the fan inlet when a volume of the liquid in the canister exceeds a predetermined volume. The power supply includes a receptacle assembly for detachably receiving the battery pack. The battery pack may be selectively coupled to either of the power tool and the utility vacuum to provide a source of electrical power thereto. A method for operating a battery-powered tool set is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: May 24, 2007Inventors: John Cochran, Jason Goger, Daniel Lopano, Christine Potter, James Watson
-
Patent number: 7220211Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
-
Publication number: 20060281596Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2006Publication date: December 14, 2006Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd Hagan, Michael Bowers
-
Patent number: 7101300Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
-
Publication number: 20060021771Abstract: A power tool with a housing, an electric motor having an output shaft that provides a first output torque, a first gear reduction element driven by the output shaft to provide a second output torque, a second gear reduction element, which can be operated in active and inactive modes, driven by the first gear reduction element to receive the second output torque and to provide a third output torque, a third gear reduction element, which is operable in active and inactive modes, driven by the first gear reduction element to receive the second output torque and to provide a fourth output torque, an output spindle operably driven by the second gear reduction element or the third gear reduction element, and a shift actuator. The shift actuator is employed to position the second and third gear reduction elements to achieve at least three overall speed ratios.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2005Publication date: February 2, 2006Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd Hagan, Michael Bowers
-
Patent number: 6984188Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
-
Publication number: 20050061524Abstract: An article having a first structure and a second structure. The first structure includes a structural portion and an overmold portion, which is formed from a resilient material and molded onto the structural portion. The overmold portion is configured to perform an auxiliary function, such as creating a seal portion that is configured to sealing engage the second structure, an isolator portion that is configured to contact the second structure and dampen vibrations that are transmitted thereto and/or an auxiliary gripping surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventors: Todd Hagan, Christine Potter, Michael Bowers, Rodney Milbourne, James Watson
-
Publication number: 20050043135Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2004Publication date: February 24, 2005Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd Hagan, Michael Bowers
-
Patent number: 6857983Abstract: A clutch assembly for limiting a torque output of the power tool. The clutch assembly includes an annular rotatable clutch member, which is coupled to the ring gear of a planetary gearset in a transmission, and an engagement assembly. The clutch member has a clutch face with a predetermined clutch profile. The engagement assembly has at least one follower member that abuts the clutch member and cooperates with the clutch profile to inhibit rotation of the clutch member relative to the follower member only when the magnitude of the torque output of the power tool is less than a predetermined maximum torque. The clutch face on the clutch member is located between the opposite axially ends of the ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
-
Publication number: 20050028997Abstract: A hand-held power tool having a housing, which has first and second shell members and an end cap, and a trigger. The first and second shell members define a handle portion that is configured to be engaged by a first hand of a user. The trigger is coupled to the handle portion and configured to be operated by the first hand of the user. The end cap is removably coupled to the first and second shell members and defines an auxiliary gripping structure that is remote from the handle portion and configured to be selectively engaged by a second hand of the user to aid in operating the power tool. The end cap has a structural portion and an overmold portion that is formed from a resilient material. The overmold portion is at least partially interposed between the structural portion and the second hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Inventors: Todd Hagan, Christine Potter, Michael Bowers, Rodney Milbourne
-
Publication number: 20050022358Abstract: An article having a first structure and a second structure. The first structure includes a structural portion and an overmold portion, which is formed from a resilient material and molded onto the structural portion. The overmold portion is configured to perform an auxiliary function, such as creating a seal portion that is configured to sealing engage the second structure, an isolator portion that is configured to contact the second structure and dampen vibrations that are transmitted thereto and/or an auxiliary gripping surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2004Publication date: February 3, 2005Inventors: Todd Hagan, Christine Potter, Michael Bowers, Rodney Milbourne
-
Publication number: 20040211576Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
-
Patent number: 6805207Abstract: An article having a first structure and a second structure. The first structure includes a structural portion and an overmold portion, which is formed from a resilient material and molded onto the structural portion. The overmold portion is configured to perform an auxiliary function, such as creating a seal portion that is configured to sealing engage the second structure, an isolator portion that is configured to contact the second structure and dampen vibrations that are transmitted thereto and/or an auxiliary gripping surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Hagan, Christine Potter, Michael C. Bowers
-
Publication number: 20040142787Abstract: A clutch assembly for limiting a torque output of the power tool. The clutch assembly includes an annular rotatable clutch member, which is coupled to the ring gear of a planetary gearset in a transmission, and an engagement assembly. The clutch member has a clutch face with a predetermined clutch profile. The engagement assembly has at least one follower member that abuts the clutch member and cooperates with the clutch profile to inhibit rotation of the clutch member relative to the follower member only when the magnitude of the torque output of the power tool is less than a predetermined maximum torque. The clutch face on the clutch member is located between the opposite axially ends of the ring gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2004Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
-
Patent number: 6676557Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a power tool having a multi-speed transmission. The clutch arrangement includes a clutch member and a follower member. The clutch member is coupled to a member of the transmission that is proximate the torsional input of the transmission and which must be in a non-rotating position to permit the transmission to perform a torque multiplication operation. The follower member is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. As the clutch member and the transmission member are coupled to one another, the transmission is able to perform a torque multiplication operation. When, however, the torsion that is exerted onto the clutch member is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the follower and clutch members, the clutch member, and the transmission member, rotate, thereby inhibiting the capability of the transmission to continue to perform the torque multiplication operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
-
Publication number: 20030171185Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
-
Patent number: 6431289Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
-
Publication number: 20020098938Abstract: A clutch arrangement for use in a power tool having a multi-speed transmission assembly. The clutch arrangement includes a clutch member and a follower member. The clutch member is coupled to a member of the transmission assembly that is proximate the torsional input of the transmission assembly and which must be in a non-rotating position to permit the transmission assembly to perform a torque multiplication operation. The follower member is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. As the clutch member and the transmission member are coupled to one another, the transmission assembly is able to perform a torque multiplication operation. When, however, the torsion that is exerted onto the clutch member is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the follower and clutch members, the clutch member, and the transmission member, rotate, thereby inhibiting the capability of the transmission to continue to perform the torque multiplication operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang