Patents by Inventor Christopher R. Yahnker

Christopher R. Yahnker 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: 7868591
    Abstract: A cordless system has cordless system components that include a cordless device, such as a cordless power tool, a battery pack and a charger. The battery pack is mated with either the cordless device to provide power to operate the cordless device or to the charger to charge the battery cells in the battery pack. In an aspect of the invention, the cordless system has an identification and communication system by which the battery pack identifies and communicates information about the battery pack to the cordless device or to the charger to which the battery pack is mated. In another aspect of the invention, the battery pack of the cordless system is capable of multiple modes, such as controlling the cordless device and controlling the charger. In yet another aspect of the invention, the battery pack validates the cordless device or charger to which it is mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Phillips, Jeffrey J. Francis, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Daniele C. Brotto, David A. Carrier, Danh Thanh Trinh, Christopher R. Yahnker, James B. Watson, Daniel J. White
  • Patent number: 7854597
    Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and an arrangement for controlling the variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes an auxiliary device operably connected to the arrangement for controlling, and an arrangement for providing two-way communication between the arrangement for controlling and the auxiliary device. The arrangement for controlling is capable of receiving a parameter from the auxiliary device through the arrangement for providing two-way communication. In one example, the arrangement for controlling is capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device. In addition or alternatively, the arrangement for controlling is operable to selectively alter operation of the motor based upon the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniel J. Hruby, Kevin Murphy, Edward Brown, David MacCallum, Dennis Dunn, Kenneth N. Clack, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Alberto Morando
  • Publication number: 20100254825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Publication number: 20100247332
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Publication number: 20100141207
    Abstract: A cordless system has cordless system components that include a cordless device, such as a cordless power tool, a battery pack and a charger. The battery pack is mated with either the cordless device to provide power to operate the cordless device or to the charger to charge the battery cells in the battery pack. In an aspect, the cordless system has an identification and communication system by which the battery pack identifies and communicates information about the battery pack to the cordless device or to the charger to which the battery pack is mated. In an, the battery pack of the cordless system is capable of multiple modes, such as controlling the cordless device and controlling the charger. In an aspect, the battery pack validates the cordless device or charger to which it is mated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Phillips, Jeffrey J. Francis, Andrew E. Seaman, JR., Daniele C. Brotto, David A. Carrier, Danh Thanh Trinh, Christopher R. Yahnker, James B. Watson, Daniel J. White
  • Patent number: 7723952
    Abstract: A cordless system has cordless system components that include a cordless device, such as a cordless power tool, a battery pack and a charger. The battery pack is mated with either the cordless device to provide power to operate the cordless device or to the charger to charge the battery cells in the battery pack. In an aspect, the cordless system has an identification and communication system by which the battery pack identifies and communicates information about the battery pack to the cordless device or to the charger to which the battery pack is mated. In an, the battery pack of the cordless system is capable of multiple modes, such as controlling the cordless device and controlling the charger. In an aspect, the battery pack validates the cordless device or charger to which it is mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Phillips, Jeffrey J. Francis, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Daniele C. Brotto, David A. Carrier, Danh T. Trinh, Christopher R. Yahnker, James B. Watson, Daniel J. White
  • Patent number: 7686589
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives, division of Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Patent number: 7688028
    Abstract: A cordless system has cordless system components that include a cordless device, such as a cordless power tool, a battery pack and a charger. The battery pack is mated with either the cordless device to provide power to operate the cordless device or to the charger to charge the battery cells in the battery pack. In an aspect, the cordless system has an identification and communication system by which the battery pack identifies and communicates information about the battery pack to the cordless device or to the charger to which the battery pack is mated. In an, the battery pack of the cordless system is capable of multiple modes, such as controlling the cordless device and controlling the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Phillips, Jeffrey J. Francis, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Daniele C. Brotto, David A. Carrier, Danh T. Trinh, Christopher R. Yahnker, James B. Watson, Daniel J. White
  • Patent number: 7686853
    Abstract: A battery pack for a cordless power has a plurality of battery cells disposed in a housing. In an embodiment of the invention, battery cells are interconnected with a laminated plate structure having non-conductive layers interspersed with conductive layers, at least one of the conductive layers connected to the battery cells to interconnect them. In an embodiment of the invention, battery cells in a battery pack are interconnected with a flexible printed circuit board having conductive traces thereon that are attached to the battery cells to interconnect them. In an embodiment of the invention, a cordless power tool has one or the other of the foregoing battery packs. In an embodiment of the invention, the battery cells are Lithium Ion battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniel J. White, Daniele C. Brotto, David A. Carrier, Steven J. Phillips, Danh T. Trinh
  • Publication number: 20100010473
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention relate to an applicator, and methods of use thereof, which can house multiple component formulations in separate material receptacles, which can then be easily reconstituted at time of use without any assembly by the user. A device of the invention can be used for, but is not limited to, applying hydrogel formulations to dura mater, abdominal tissue in hernia repair, tissues near the spine, lung tissue, intestinal tissue, and any of the internal tissues. A device of the invention can be configured to apply a spray or a stream of liquid formulation onto a surface to be treated. A device of the invention can be configured to deliver the formulation through an endoscope or laparoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: HyperBranch Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith R. D'Alessio, Jeffrey G. Clark, Roy R.B. Attride, Wai N. Chin, Robert M. Colonna, Tomas Matusaitis, Todd J. Taylor, Christopher R. Yahnker
  • Patent number: 7602146
    Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, protection methods, circuits and devices are provided to protect against fault conditions within a battery pack that is operatively attached to a power tool or charger, so as to prevent internal or external damage to the battery pack or attached tool or charger. The exemplary methods, circuits and devices address fault conditions such as over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, over-temperature, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Steven J. Phillips, Jeffrey J. Francis, R. Roby Bailey, Danh Thanh Trinh, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniele C. Brotto
  • Patent number: 7598705
    Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack and the power tool can have complementary grooves and rails or L-shaped surfaces that aid in aligning the positive and negative blade terminals of the battery pack to the positive and negative tool terminals, respectively, of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: 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, Sam Woods, Richard T. Walter, Edward A. Harrison, Adan Ayala
  • Publication number: 20090183689
    Abstract: A system for controlling insects is provided. The system includes an insect control compound reservoir. A pump receives an insect control compound from the insect compound reservoir and pressurizes the insect control compound. A rechargeable battery provides power to the pump. A plurality of nozzles receive the pressurized insect control compound and generate an insect control compound mist. A controller receives a first command to cause the pump to begin operation and a wireless signal to cause the pump to stop operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Stephen Moore, James B. Mills, Laura N. Van Nuland, Christopher R. Yahnker, John A. Venida, James A. Borgen, John A. Kaminski, Juliana G. Lear, Gordon S. Jones, Margaret F. Butler, Peter Jerome Warren, Thomas H. Zelmer
  • Publication number: 20090146614
    Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, protection methods, circuits and devices are provided to protect against fault conditions within a battery pack that is operatively attached to a power tool or charger, so as to prevent internal or external damage to the battery pack or attached tool or charger. The exemplary methods, circuits and devices address fault conditions such as over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, over-temperature, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David Carrier, Steve Phillips, Jeffrey J. Francis, R. Roby Bailey, Danh Thanh Trinh, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniele C. Brotto
  • Publication number: 20090136363
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a booster pump to pressurize fluid for use by a pool cleaner in a pool or spa. The booster pump includes a front housing having an inlet, a plurality of diffuser units positioned in the front housing, and a motor housing detachably coupled to the front housing and having an outlet. A submersible motor positioned in the motor housing is operatively coupled to the diffuser units. A space is defined between an outer surface of the motor and an interior surface of the motor housing. A self-contained fluid flow path is formed from the inlet, through the diffuser units, and through the space to the outlet. As the fluid passes over the motor, the motor can be cooled and acoustic output of the booster pump can be dampened. The booster pump can be constructed of plastic for applications in the pool and spa industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker
  • Patent number: 7513993
    Abstract: Fluid filter devices include at least one porous body. In one example, the fluid filter device can be incorporated as part of a fluid filter apparatus. The fluid filter apparatus can include a container defining an interior area wherein the filter device is positioned within the interior area. Particulate can be positioned within the interior area to cover the porous body to enhance the filter capabilities of the fluid filter apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Goodwin, Christopher R. Yahnker, Robert Frank Swindell, Bret Schaller, Shirley A. Bromley, legal representative, Arthur J. Bromley
  • Patent number: 7508171
    Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, protection methods, circuits and devices are provided to protect against fault conditions within a battery pack that is operatively attached to a power tool or charger, so as to prevent internal or external damage to the battery pack or attached tool or charger. The exemplary methods, circuits and devices address fault conditions such as over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, over-temperature, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Carrier, Steve Phillips, Jeffrey J. Francis, R. Roby Bailey, Danh Thanh Trinh, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniele C. Brotto, John C. Vanko, Robert Bradus
  • Patent number: 7486047
    Abstract: A shipping method including shipping specialized pallets from a factory to a distribution center, shipping specialized pallets from a distribution center to a customer, returning specialized pallets from the customer to the factory, and reusing the specialized pallets, wherein the specialized pallets separate batteries of battery packs during the shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J Phillips, David A Carrier, Danh Thanh Trinh, Andrew E Seman, Jr., Daniele C Brotto, Christopher R Yahnker, Jeff Francis, Harry J Campbell
  • Patent number: 7463007
    Abstract: A battery pack with a first battery and a second battery, wherein each battery is a plurality of cells connected in series, and operable in a storage mode and a use mode, a storage mode defined by isolating the first battery from the second battery, and a use mode defined by electrically connecting the first battery to the second battery. The storage mode may include: electrically isolating said first plurality of cells from said second plurality of cells or physically isolating said first plurality of cells from said second plurality of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Phillips, David A. Carrier, Danh Thanh Trinh, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Daniele C. Brotto, Christopher R. Yahnker, Jeff Francis, Harry J. Campbell
  • Patent number: D606562
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, John Gary Bullock, Gert Kjaer, Arne Fink Hansen