Patents by Inventor Cole Conrad

Cole Conrad 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: 20240098388
    Abstract: A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Matthew J. Mergener, Alex Huber, Paul Rossetto, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Scott R. Fischer, Mark A. Kubale, Christian Coulis
  • Patent number: 11919129
    Abstract: A power tool and method of detecting impacts of a power tool that includes a motor driving a hammer to impact an anvil. A motor control unit is configured to determine a motor characteristic indicative of a speed of the motor. When the motor characteristic indicates that the speed of the motor is below a speed threshold, the motor control unit employs an acceleration-based technique to detect a first impact based on a change in motor acceleration and generate a first impact indication in response to detecting the first impact. When the motor characteristic indicates that the speed is above the speed threshold, the motor control unit employs a time-based technique to detect a second impact based on an elapsed time and generates a second impact indication in response to detecting the second impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Huber, Matthew Wycklendt, Matthew Mergener, Cole Conrad, Wing Fung Yip
  • Patent number: 11909548
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating power tools. The method includes receiving a command to start a recording mode at a first electronic processor of a first power tool, and receiving at the first electronic processor, a measured parameter from a sensor of the first power tool while a first motor of the first power tool is operating. The method also includes generating a recorded motor parameter by recording the measured parameter, on a first memory of the first power tool, when the first power tool operates in the recording mode, and transmitting, with a first transceiver of the first power tool, the recorded motor parameter. The method further includes receiving the recorded motor parameter at an external device, transmitting the recorded motor parameter to a second power tool via the external device, and receiving the recorded motor parameter via a second transceiver of the second power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Cole A. Conrad, Thomas G. Simeone, Matthew J. Mergener, Matthew P. Wycklendt
  • Patent number: 11871167
    Abstract: A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Matthew J. Mergener, Alex Huber, Paul Rossetto, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Scott R. Fischer, Mark A. Kubale, Christian Coulis
  • Publication number: 20230398668
    Abstract: A power tool communication system including an external device including a first controller configured to transmit, via wireless communication to a power tool, configuration data including a work light duration parameter value and a work light brightness parameter value. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a trigger, a work light, a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the external device to receive the configuration data, and a second controller configured to control a work light duration of the work light based on the work light duration parameter value, and control a work light brightness of the work light based on the work light brightness parameter value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Michael Monteleone, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Robert R. Hollis
  • Patent number: 11738426
    Abstract: A power tool communication system including an external device including a first controller configured to transmit, via wireless communication to a power tool, configuration data including a work light duration parameter value and a work light brightness parameter value. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a trigger, a work light, a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the external device to receive the configuration data, and a second controller configured to control a work light duration of the work light based on the work light duration parameter value, and control a work light brightness of the work light based on the work light brightness parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Michael Monteleone, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Robert R. Hollis
  • Publication number: 20230234204
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating power tools. The method includes receiving a command to start a recording mode at a first electronic processor of a first power tool, and receiving at the first electronic processor, a measured parameter from a sensor of the first power tool while a first motor of the first power tool is operating. The method also includes generating a recorded motor parameter by recording the measured parameter, on a first memory of the first power tool, when the first power tool operates in the recording mode, and transmitting, with a first transceiver of the first power tool, the recorded motor parameter. The method further includes receiving the recorded motor parameter at an external device, transmitting the recorded motor parameter to a second power tool via the external device, and receiving the recorded motor parameter via a second transceiver of the second power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Cole A. Conrad, Thomas G. Simeone, Matthew J. Mergener, Matthew P. Wycklendt
  • Publication number: 20230124017
    Abstract: A power tool communication system including an external device including a first controller configured to transmit, via wireless communication to a power tool, configuration data including a work light duration parameter value and a work light brightness parameter value. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a trigger, a work light, a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the external device to receive the configuration data, and a second controller configured to control a work light duration of the work light based on the work light duration parameter value, and control a work light brightness of the work light based on the work light brightness parameter value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Michael Monteleone, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Robert R. Hollis
  • Publication number: 20230037974
    Abstract: A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Matthew J. Mergener, Alex Huber, Paul Rossetto, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Scott R. Fischer, Mark A. Kubale, Christian Coulis
  • Publication number: 20230033932
    Abstract: A power tool and method of detecting impacts of a power tool that includes a motor driving a hammer to impact an anvil. A motor control unit is configured to determine a motor characteristic indicative of a speed of the motor. When the motor characteristic indicates that the speed of the motor is below a speed threshold, the motor control unit employs an acceleration-based technique to detect a first impact based on a change in motor acceleration and generate a first impact indication in response to detecting the first impact. When the motor characteristic indicates that the speed is above the speed threshold, the motor control unit employs a time-based technique to detect a second impact based on an elapsed time and generates a second impact indication in response to detecting the second impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Alex Huber, Matthew Wycklendt, Matthew Mergener, Cole Conrad, Wing Fung Yip
  • Patent number: 11565393
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating power tools. The method includes receiving a command to start a recording mode at a first electronic processor of a first power tool, and receiving at the first electronic processor, a measured parameter from a sensor of the first power tool while a first motor of the first power tool is operating. The method also includes generating a recorded motor parameter by recording the measured parameter, on a first memory of the first power tool, when the first power tool operates in the recording mode, and transmitting, with a first transceiver of the first power tool, the recorded motor parameter. The method further includes receiving the recorded motor parameter at an external device, transmitting the recorded motor parameter to a second power tool via the external device, and receiving the recorded motor parameter via a second transceiver of the second power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Cole A. Conrad, Thomas G. Simeone, Matthew J. Mergener, Matthew P. Wycklendt
  • Patent number: 11541521
    Abstract: A power tool communication system including an external device including a first controller configured to transmit, via wireless communication to a power tool, configuration data including a work light duration parameter value and a work light brightness parameter value. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a trigger, a work light, a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the external device to receive the configuration data, and a second controller configured to control a work light duration of the work light based on the work light duration parameter value, and control a work light brightness of the work light based on the work light brightness parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Michael Monteleone, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Robert R. Hollis
  • Patent number: 11485000
    Abstract: A power tool and method of detecting impacts of a power tool that includes a motor driving a hammer to impact an anvil. A motor control unit is configured to determine a motor characteristic indicative of a speed of the motor. When the motor characteristic indicates that the speed of the motor is below a speed threshold, the motor control unit employs an acceleration-based technique to detect a first impact based on a change in motor acceleration and generate a first impact indication in response to detecting the first impact. When the motor characteristic indicates that the speed is above the speed threshold, the motor control unit employs a time-based technique to detect a second impact based on an elapsed time and generates a second impact indication in response to detecting the second impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Huber, Matthew Wycklendt, Matthew Mergener, Cole Conrad, Wing Fung Yip
  • Patent number: 11483633
    Abstract: A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Matthew J. Mergener, Alex Huber, Paul Rossetto, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Scott R. Fischer, Mark A. Kubale, Christian Coulis
  • Publication number: 20210362306
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating power tools. The method includes receiving a command to start a recording mode at a first electronic processor of a first power tool, and receiving at the first electronic processor, a measured parameter from a sensor of the first power tool while a first motor of the first power tool is operating. The method also includes generating a recorded motor parameter by recording the measured parameter, on a first memory of the first power tool, when the first power tool operates in the recording mode, and transmitting, with a first transceiver of the first power tool, the recorded motor parameter. The method further includes receiving the recorded motor parameter at an external device, transmitting the recorded motor parameter to a second power tool via the external device, and receiving the recorded motor parameter via a second transceiver of the second power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Cole A. Conrad, Thomas G. Simeone, Matthew J. Mergener, Matthew P. Wycklendt
  • Patent number: 11095138
    Abstract: A battery charger includes a housing and a plurality of charging ports coupled to the housing. Each charging port is configured to connect a battery pack to the battery charger. The battery charger also includes a charging circuit positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of charging ports. The charging circuit is operable to charge the battery packs connected to the plurality of charging ports in series. The battery charger further includes a skip switch coupled to the charging circuit. The skip switch is operable to skip a battery pack currently being charged and advance to another battery pack connected to the battery charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Schneider, James S. Hull, Jay Rosenbecker, Cole A. Conrad
  • Patent number: 11084147
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating power tools. The method includes receiving a command to start a recording mode at a first electronic processor of a first power tool, and receiving at the first electronic processor, a measured parameter from a sensor of the first power tool while a first motor of the first power tool is operating. The method also includes generating a recorded motor parameter by recording the measured parameter, on a first memory of the first power tool, when the first power tool operates in the recording mode, and transmitting, with a first transceiver of the first power tool, the recorded motor parameter. The method further includes receiving the recorded motor parameter at an external device, transmitting the recorded motor parameter to a second power tool via the external device, and receiving the recorded motor parameter via a second transceiver of the second power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cole A. Conrad, Thomas G. Simeone, Matthew J. Mergener, Matthew P. Wycklendt
  • Publication number: 20210213594
    Abstract: A power tool communication system including an external device including a first controller configured to transmit, via wireless communication to a power tool, configuration data including a work light duration parameter value and a work light brightness parameter value. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a trigger, a work light, a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the external device to receive the configuration data, and a second controller configured to control a work light duration of the work light based on the work light duration parameter value, and control a work light brightness of the work light based on the work light brightness parameter value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Michael Monteleone, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Robert R. Hollis
  • Patent number: 10979786
    Abstract: A power tool having multiple wireless communication states and a method of wirelessly communicating by a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a battery pack interface that selectively receives a battery pack, a backup power source, and a wireless communication controller coupled to the backup power source and the battery pack interface. The wireless communication controller operates in a connectable state when coupled to a battery pack and transmits tool operational data to the external device and receives tool configuration data from the external device. The wireless communication controller operates in an advertisement state when the wireless communication controller is coupled to and powered by the backup power source. In the advertisement state, the wireless communication controller is configured to transmit the unique tool identifier. The external device may also display an indication of the communication state of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Matthew J. Mergener, Alex Huber, Paul Rossetto, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Scott R. Fischer, Mark A. Kubale, Christian Coulis
  • Patent number: D944068
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph H. Ellice, Ryan A. Dedrickson, Cole A. Conrad, Mayela Schoonover