Patents by Inventor Craig A. Carroll

Craig A. Carroll 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: 20240230306
    Abstract: A wheel adaptor for placement against a rim edge of a wheel having a recessed central hub. The adaptor comprises a base supporting, on an inboard side, a framework for synchronous radial adjustment of at least three contact surfaces. An axially adjustable target mount is secured to the base on an outboard side. A spring-biased clamp is coupled to the base, positioned axially inboard of the target mount. Extending radially outward from the clamp, a pair of wheel clamp arms are adjustably configured to engage the tread surface of a tire when placed against the wheel. Engagement of the clamp applies a grips the tire tread surface, holding the contact surfaces against the wheel. A radially outward position of the contact surfaces along the base is controlled by a rotating selection element and a set of linkages coupling each contract surface to the selection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventor: Craig A. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20240133668
    Abstract: A wheel adaptor for placement against a rim edge of a wheel having a recessed central hub. The adaptor comprises a base supporting, on an inboard side, a framework for synchronous radial adjustment of at least three contact surfaces. An axially adjustable target mount is secured to the base on an outboard side. A spring-biased clamp is coupled to the base, positioned axially inboard of the target mount. Extending radially outward from the clamp, a pair of wheel clamp arms are adjustably configured to engage the tread surface of a tire when placed against the wheel. Engagement of the clamp applies a grips the tire tread surface, holding the contact surfaces against the wheel. A radially outward position of the contact surfaces along the base is controlled by a rotating selection element and a set of linkages coupling each contract surface to the selection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventor: Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9677973
    Abstract: A drive-over tire tread depth measurement system is configured with environmental protection components for preventing or impeding environmental contaminates from falling through openings in a vehicle support surface or cover plate onto underlying components such as sensor optical windows and adjacent surfaces. The environmental protection components may include air discharge assemblies, movable shields, guards, wipers or deflectors such as drip edges, water-accumulating textured surfaces, flow diverters, and selectively placed flanges or fixed guards which operate cooperatively to displace accumulated contaminates, debris, or liquids from the optical windows and adjacent sensor surfaces. A portion of the vehicle support surface or cover plate is removable to permit access to underlying components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Craig A. Carroll, Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 9616860
    Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9046446
    Abstract: A drive-over tire tread depth measurement system is configured with components for preventing or impeding environmental contaminates from falling through openings in a vehicle support surface or cover plate onto sensor optical windows and adjacent surfaces. The components may include active mechanisms, in the form of air discharge assemblies, movable shields, guards, wipers or deflectors, and/or passive components such as drip edges, water-accumulating textured surfaces, flow diverters, and selectively placed flanges or fixed guards which operate cooperatively to displace accumulated contaminates, debris, or liquids from the optical windows and adjacent sensor surfaces on a periodic basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig A. Carroll, Michael T. Stieff
  • Publication number: 20140262565
    Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8408975
    Abstract: A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetweeen. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Wall, Jeremy D. Leasure, Craig A. Carroll, Julie L. Jones, Jeffrey D. Weston, Thomas A. Mooty, James P. Nichols, Jr., John W. Schnell
  • Publication number: 20120055307
    Abstract: A table saw fence having a guide rail, a fence beam having a front portion and a rear portion, and a fence face disposed adjacent to the fence beam. The fence face is movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the fence beam. A fence face locking mechanism is provided for locking the fence face relative to the fence beam. The locking mechanism has a handle disposed on the front portion of the fence beam and is movable between a first position where the fence face is locked relative to the fence beam and a second position where the fence is unlocked relative to the fence beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Burke, Craig A. Carroll, Peter Chaikowsky
  • Patent number: 8075374
    Abstract: A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetween. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Wall, Jeremy D. Leasure, Craig A. Carroll, Julie L. Jones, Jeffrey D. Weston, Thomas A. Mooty, James P. Nichols, Jr., John W. Schnell
  • Publication number: 20110275292
    Abstract: A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetweeen. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Wall, Jeremy D. Leasure, Craig A. Carroll, Julie L. Jones, Jeffrey D. Weston, Thomas A. Mooty, James P. Nichols, JR., John W. Schnell
  • Patent number: 8047242
    Abstract: A power tool includes a spindle assembly supported for rotation about an axis. The spindle assembly includes a plurality of engagement members, and at least two of the engagement members are disposed in spaced relationship less than one hundred eighty degrees from each other with respect to the axis of the spindle assembly. The power tool also includes a spindle lock assembly that selectively engages at least one of the plurality of engagement members to lock the spindle assembly against rotation about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Paxton Wall, Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7997962
    Abstract: A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetweeen. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Wall, Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7992479
    Abstract: A table saw includes a base assembly, a table assembly supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly connected to at least one of the base assembly and the table assembly, the saw assembly having a blade extending through the table assembly, a height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the blade, the height adjustment assembly comprising a height adjustment wheel, and bevel adjustment assembly for adjusting the bevel angle of the blade, the bevel adjustment assembly comprising a bevel adjustment wheel. The height and bevel adjustment wheels are disposed at the front of the base assembly. The position of the height and bevel adjustment wheels relative to the front of the base assembly does not change regardless of the blade height and bevel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Burke, Jaime E. Garcia, Jeffrey D. Weston, Craig A. Carroll, Peter Chaikowsky
  • Patent number: 7946318
    Abstract: A variable depth router and base assembly can include a ring-type, depth-adjustment mechanism. The base assembly can be a two-piece base wherein one piece is disposed inside the other. One of the pieces can include an annular lip or recess that can cooperate with levers on the adjustment ring to secure the router to the base assembly. The two-piece base assembly can facilitate the manufacture of the base assembly, can allow the use of different materials for different portions of the base assembly, and can provide a more economical base assembly. The use of differing materials can facilitate the using of more wear-resistant materials where needed while avoiding the costs of such materials in locations where it is not needed. The two-piece base assembly may allow various features to be economically incorporated into one of the pieces, thereby facilitating the manufacturing and assembly of the base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7900662
    Abstract: A power tool includes a motor assembly, a base assembly, and a clamp assembly coupled to the motor assembly or the base assembly to selectively provide a retention force to the other to removably couple the motor assembly and the base assembly. The clamp assembly includes a handle member, a fulcrum member, and a biasing lever member. The lever member includes a first portion and a second portion disposed on opposite sides of the fulcrum member. The handle member is coupled to the first portion, and the handle member is movable between an open and closed position. The handle member rotates the first and second portions of the biasing lever member about the fulcrum member when moving from the open to the closed position, causing the second portion of the lever member to provide the retention force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Paxton Wall, Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7871311
    Abstract: A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetweeen. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Wall, Craig A. Carroll, Jeffrey D. Weston
  • Patent number: 7850325
    Abstract: A power tool includes a motor, a lighting power source, and a housing assembly defining an axis that supports the motor and the lighting power source. The power tool also includes a lighting assembly with a light and an energy line that transmits energy to the light to thereby provide illumination. The light and the lighting power source are disposed in spaced relationship from each other relative to the axis. Furthermore, the power tool includes a light holder supported by the housing assembly. The light holder supports the light and a portion of the energy line such that an end of the energy line unsupportedly extends beyond the light holder and electrically couples to the lighting power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Paxton Wall, Craig A. Carroll, Kevin Maurice Alston
  • Patent number: D842717
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: D915266
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Craig A. Carroll
  • Patent number: D1056739
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Craig A. Carroll