Patents by Inventor Connor P. Sprague

Connor P. Sprague 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: 11912545
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20230412041
    Abstract: A method of assembling a stand-alone motor unit and a piece of power equipment includes moving the motor unit in a first direction onto the piece of power equipment, such that a protrusion of the piece of power equipment is received in a slot of the motor unit. The method further comprises moving the motor unit along the piece of power equipment in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, such that the protrusion moves within the slot from a first position to a second position, in which the protrusion is inhibited from moving in a direction opposite the first direction. The method further comprises coupling a power take-off shaft of the motor unit to a rotational input of the piece of power equipment, such that torque from the motor unit can be transferred to the rotational input to operate the piece of power equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Patent number: 11791687
    Abstract: A stand-alone motor unit for use with a piece of power equipment includes a housing, a flange coupled to the housing on a first side thereof and a slot in the flange. The slot is configured to receive a protrusion of the piece of power equipment. An electric motor is located within the housing. A power take-off shaft receives torque from the motor and protrudes from a second side of the housing adjacent the first side. A battery pack provides power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Publication number: 20230246522
    Abstract: A stand-alone motor unit includes a housing and an electric motor. The electric motor includes a stator, a rotor rotatable relative to the stator and having an output shaft, a housing in which the stator and rotor are arranged, and an adapter plate coupled to the housing. The adapter plate includes a first plurality of holes defining a first hole pattern. The output shaft of the rotor protrudes from the adapter plate. The motor unit further includes a battery pack for providing power to the motor, a power take-off shaft protruding from the housing, and a gearbox including a second plurality of holes defining a second hole pattern that is identical to the first hole pattern, such that when the first hole pattern is aligned with the second hole pattern, the gearbox is configured to be coupled to the adapter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Patent number: 11658546
    Abstract: A stand-alone motor unit includes a base having a first side and a second side adjacent the first side, an electric motor arranged in the base and including an output shaft, a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and protruding from the second side of the base, a battery pack, and a battery module removably coupled to the base. The battery module includes a side wall and a battery receptacle for receiving the battery pack for providing power to the motor when the battery module is coupled to the base. The battery module is configured to be coupled to the base in a first position, in which the side wall of the battery module is parallel with the second side of the base, and in a second position, in which the side wall is perpendicular to the second side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Publication number: 20220395917
    Abstract: A miter saw includes a base assembly configured to at least partially support a workpiece on the miter saw. The miter saw also includes a turntable pivotably coupled to the base assembly about a vertical miter axis in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The turntable is also configured to at least partially support the workpiece on the miter saw. The miter saw also includes a constraining device coupled between the base assembly and the turntable. The constraining device is configured to inhibit movement of the turntable relative to the base assembly in a direction different than the first and second rotational directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Evan M. GLANZER, Connor P. SPRAGUE
  • Publication number: 20220185639
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11173623
    Abstract: A bevel angle lock and detent system for a miter saw includes a first locking unit fixed relative to the turntable and a second locking unit coupled to a bevel arm of the miter saw. An actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position to move the second locking unit relative to the first locking unit. In the first position, a brake member of the second locking unit is engaged with an arcuate surface of the first locking unit to lock a saw unit relative to a turntable. In the second position, the brake member is disengaged from the arcuate surface, thereby permitting pivoting movement of the saw unit, and a detent member of the second locking unit is engageable a detent aperture of the first locking unit to locate the saw unit relative to the turntable at one predetermined bevel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Connor P. Sprague
  • Publication number: 20210194316
    Abstract: A stand-alone motor unit for use with a piece of power equipment includes a housing, a flange coupled to the housing on a first side thereof and a slot in the flange. The slot is configured to receive a protrusion of the piece of power equipment. An electric motor is located within the housing. A power take-off shaft receives torque from the motor and protrudes from a second side of the housing adjacent the first side. A battery pack provides power to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Publication number: 20210175479
    Abstract: Battery configuration for gas engine replacement device. One embodiment provides a gas engine replacement device (10) including a housing (14) and a first battery pack (50) and a second battery pack (50) connected to the housing (14). The gas engine replacement device (10) also includes a motor (36) within the housing (14) and a power switching network (310) coupled to the motor (36), the first battery pack (50), and the second battery pack (50) and configured to drive the motor (36). The gas engine replacement device (10) further includes an electronic processor (302) coupled to the power switching network (310) and configured to sequentially discharge the first battery pack (50) and the second battery pack (50) to the power switching network (310) to drive the motor (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller, Patrick D. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20210143499
    Abstract: A stand-alone motor unit for use with a piece of power equipment includes a housing, an electric motor, a first fan driven by the electric motor and configured to induce an airflow through the electric motor, a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor, and control electronics positioned within the housing and electrically connected to the electric motor. The motor unit also includes a battery pack, and a battery receptacle coupled to the housing and engageable with the battery pack to transfer current between the battery pack and the electric motor. The motor unit further includes an auxiliary cooling system located within the housing. The auxiliary cooling system includes a heat sink coupled to the control electronics, and a second fan configured to direct an airflow across the heat sink separate from the airflow induced through the electric motor by the first fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Publication number: 20210140130
    Abstract: Bi-directional motor (36) for gas engine replacement device (10). One embodiment provides a gas engine replacement device (10) including a housing (14), a battery receptacle (54), a motor (36), a power take-off shaft (38) receiving torque from the motor (36), a power switching network (310) configured to selectively provide power to the motor (36), and an electronic processor (302) coupled to the power switching network (310). The electronic processor (302) is configured to rotate the motor (36) in a first direction and receive an input to switch a rotation direction of the motor (36). The electronic processor is also configured to control the power switching network (310) to stop the motor (36) and rotate the motor (36) in a second direction after controlling the power switching network (310) to stop the motor (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick D. Gallagher, Timothy J. Bartlett, Timothy R. Obermann, Alexander Huber, Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Publication number: 20210143710
    Abstract: A stand-alone motor unit includes a base having a first side and a second side adjacent the first side, an electric motor arranged in the base and including an output shaft, a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and protruding from the second side of the base, a battery pack, and a battery module removably coupled to the base. The battery module includes a side wall and a battery receptacle for receiving the battery pack for providing power to the motor when the battery module is coupled to the base. The battery module is configured to be coupled to the base in a first position, in which the side wall of the battery module is parallel with the second side of the base, and in a second position, in which the side wall is perpendicular to the second side of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Publication number: 20210143709
    Abstract: A stand-alone motor unit for use with a piece of power equipment includes a housing, an electric motor, a battery pack to provide power to the motor, a battery receptacle arranged on the housing and configured to receive the battery pack, and a control panel arranged on either the housing or the piece of power equipment. The control panel is operable to control operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
  • Publication number: 20200338779
    Abstract: A bevel angle lock and detent system for a miter saw includes a first locking unit fixed relative to the turntable and a second locking unit coupled to a bevel arm of the miter saw. An actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position to move the second locking unit relative to the first locking unit. In the first position, a brake member of the second locking unit is engaged with an arcuate surface of the first locking unit to lock a saw unit relative to a turntable. In the second position, the brake member is disengaged from the arcuate surface, thereby permitting pivoting movement of the saw unit, and a detent member of the second locking unit is engageable a detent aperture of the first locking unit to locate the saw unit relative to the turntable at one predetermined bevel angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventor: Connor P. Sprague
  • Patent number: 10710267
    Abstract: A bevel angle lock and detent system for a miter saw includes a first locking unit fixed relative to the turntable and a second locking unit coupled to a bevel arm of the miter saw. An actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position to move the second locking unit relative to the first locking unit. In the first position, a brake member of the second locking unit is engaged with an arcuate surface of the first locking unit to lock a saw unit relative to a turntable. In the second position, the brake member is disengaged from the arcuate surface, thereby permitting pivoting movement of the saw unit, and a detent member of the second locking unit is engageable a detent aperture of the first locking unit to locate the saw unit relative to the turntable at one predetermined bevel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Connor P. Sprague
  • Publication number: 20190009425
    Abstract: A bevel angle lock and detent system for a miter saw includes a first locking unit fixed relative to the turntable and a second locking unit coupled to a bevel arm of the miter saw. An actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position to move the second locking unit relative to the first locking unit. In the first position, a brake member of the second locking unit is engaged with an arcuate surface of the first locking unit to lock a saw unit relative to a turntable. In the second position, the brake member is disengaged from the arcuate surface, thereby permitting pivoting movement of the saw unit, and a detent member of the second locking unit is engageable a detent aperture of the first locking unit to locate the saw unit relative to the turntable at one predetermined bevel angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventor: Connor P. Sprague