Patents by Inventor Daniel F. Nace

Daniel F. Nace 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: 12278577
    Abstract: The present directed to a cordless power tool system including a plurality of cordless power tools, a plurality of fixed voltage and multi-voltage battery packs and a plurality of battery pack chargers. The battery packs include circuitry to indicate various parameters about the battery pack and communicate this indication to the power tools in order to enable the power tools to alter their motor output schemes to improve performance. The indication may include whether the battery pack is a fixed voltage battery pack or a multi-voltage battery pack and when the multi-voltage battery pack is in a first configuration or a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Barton, Mark T. Cherry, Timothy J. Hennesy, William Thomas Lunsford, V, Michael W. Roberts, Nathan J. Osborne, Elizabeth Wink, Daniel F. Nace, Philip Gilde
  • Patent number: 12266918
    Abstract: A method of operating a power tool having a motor and a controller is provided. The method includes: setting a protection time limit associated with a condition of the motor; taking protective action to shut down the motor if the condition of the motor persists for a duration of the protection time limit; and in response to occurrence of the condition during a start-up period of operation of the motor, extending the protection time limit for a duration of a constant-clutch time period to allow an output speed of the motor to reach or exceed a speed threshold, and taking protective action to shut down the motor if the output speed of the motor remains below the speed threshold for the duration of the constant-clutch time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Sona R. Mathew, Daniel F. Nace, Jason D. McKillican, Christopher T. King
  • Patent number: 12194611
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing, an electric motor, a main trigger switch, a side handle having an auxiliary trigger, and a controller operable to control a flow of electric current from a power source to the electric motor. In an embodiment, the controller the motor at start-up only if the main trigger is actuated within a time threshold after the auxiliary trigger is actuated, and otherwise prevent motor operation until both the main trigger and the auxiliary triggers are released and reengaged. In an embodiment, the controller applies a regenerative brake to stop an operation of the electric motor if one of the main trigger or the auxiliary trigger is released while the electric motor is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Nace, Levi G. Bowers, James H. Stiles, III, Eric S. Rohrer, Christopher T. King
  • Publication number: 20240308052
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing, an electric motor disposed within the housing, a first trigger disposed on the housing, and a gear case mounted on an end of the housing. An accessory is provided that is mountable to the gear case and includes a second trigger pivotably secured relative to the gear case. The second trigger switch extends substantially along a surface of the gear case in a depressed position and being actuatable by a palm of an operator of the power tool. The supply of power from the power source to the electric motor is enabled only upon actuation of both the first trigger and the second trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Levi G. BOWERS, Daniel F. NACE, Eric S. ROHRER
  • Publication number: 20240293910
    Abstract: A power tool comprising: a housing including a motor case and a handle portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing from the motor case; an electric motor having a drive shaft and mounted within the motor case; a partitioning wall extending radially between the motor case and the handle portion and forming a bearing pocket therein; a rear bearing mounted on the drive shaft and received into the bearing pocket to support the drive shaft relative to the housing; two elongate walls extending rearwardly from the partitioning wall along two sides of the handle portion; a power control module supported by the two elongate walls within the handle portion, the power control module including a circuit board having a motor drive circuit configured to drive the electric motor; and at least one cover secured to the two elongate walls to cover the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Zollie W. PRIVETT, JR., Craig A. OKTAVEC, David J. SMITH, Matthew J. VELDERMAN, Colin C. CROSBY, Pradeep PANT, Kyle J. CHRISTOPHERSEN, Daniel F. NACE, James H. STILES, III, Floyd E. MORELAND, IV
  • Patent number: 12017321
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing defining a cavity therein, where the housing includes a motor case and a handle portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing from the motor case; an electric motor having a drive shaft and mounted within the motor case; a partitioning wall extending radially and separating the motor case portion from the non-motor case portion of the housing; and a bearing pocket with an open end facing the motor case portion formed in the partitioning wall and a main body extending away from the electric motor for receiving a rotor bearing. The handle portion includes two elongate walls extending from the partitioning wall, a circuit board supported by the two elongate walls and including a motor drive circuit, and two covers secured to the two elongate walls to cover the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Zollie W. Privett, Jr., Craig A. Oktavec, David J. Smith, Matthew J. Velderman, Colin C. Crosby, Pradeep Pant, Kyle J. Christophersen, Daniel F. Nace, James H. Stiles, III, Floyd E. Moreland, IV
  • Publication number: 20240198482
    Abstract: A shield assembly includes a guard collar and a guard member. The guard collar is disposed around a neck of a gear case of a power tool and includes a first engagement interface. The first engagement interface extends along an outer perimeter of the guard collar and defines a circumferential recess. The guard member includes a second engagement interface for removably engaging with the first engagement interface to secure the guard member to the guard collar. The second engagement interface includes a circumferential engagement member for mating with the circumferential recess of the first engagement interface. The guard member includes a body portion for at least partially surrounding a working member of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: LEVI G. BOWERS, DANIEL F. NACE
  • Publication number: 20240181620
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing, an electric motor, a main trigger switch, a side handle having an auxiliary trigger, and a controller operable to control a flow of electric current from a power source to the electric motor. In an embodiment, the controller the motor at start-up only if the main trigger is actuated within a time threshold after the auxiliary trigger is actuated, and otherwise prevent motor operation until both the main trigger and the auxiliary triggers are released and reengaged. In an embodiment, the controller applies a regenerative brake to stop an operation of the electric motor if one of the main trigger or the auxiliary trigger is released while the electric motor is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. NACE, Levi G. BOWERS, James H. STILES, III, Eric S. ROHRER, Christopher T. KING
  • Publication number: 20240097431
    Abstract: A method of operating a power tool having a motor and a controller is provided. The method includes: setting a protection time limit associated with a condition of the motor; taking protective action to shut down the motor if the condition of the motor persists for a duration of the protection time limit; and in response to occurrence of the condition during a start-up period of operation of the motor, extending the protection time limit for a duration of a constant-clutch time period to allow an output speed of the motor to reach or exceed a speed threshold, and taking protective action to shut down the motor if the output speed of the motor remains below the speed threshold for the duration of the constant-clutch time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Sona R. MATHEW, Daniel F. NACE, Jason D. McKILLICAN, Christopher T. KING
  • Patent number: 11931879
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing; an electric motor disposed within the housing; a main trigger switch mounted on the housing; a side handle mounted on the housing, the side handle having an auxiliary trigger; and a controller disposed within the housing operable to control a flow of electric current from a power source to the electric motor. The controller activates the motor only if the main trigger and the auxiliary trigger are both actuated. If the one of the triggers is released while the other trigger is still engaged, the controller is configured to continue operating the motor only if the released trigger is reengaged within a time threshold, but otherwise discontinue operating the motor until both the main trigger and the auxiliary triggers are released and reengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Nace, Levi G. Bowers, James H. Stiles, III, Eric S. Rohrer, Christopher T. King
  • Patent number: 11872683
    Abstract: A side handle for a power tool is provided including a main gripping body; a rod extending through the main gripping body and having a threaded end extending through a frontal end of the main gripping body; and a knob mounted on an end of the rod opposite the threaded end and being rotatable relative to the main gripping body. The frontal end of the main gripping body includes a keying feature operable to engage a portion of the power tool to prevent rotation of the main gripping body relative to the power tool while the knob is rotated to fasten the threaded end of the rod to a threaded opening of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Nace, Levi G. Bowers, James H. Stiles, III, Eric S. Rohrer, Christopher T. King
  • Publication number: 20240009794
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a motor having an axial length of smaller than or equal to 65 mm and an outer diameter of smaller than or equal to 63 mm. The electric motor is configured to produce a maximum power output of greater than or equal to 2800 watts when the battery pack coupled to the battery receiver has a nominal voltage output of smaller than or equal to 60 volts and a rated capacity of approximately 9 ampere-hours (A.h.). Further, the motor drives an output spindle so as to maintain an output rotational speed of greater than 3,500 rotations-per-minute (RPM) within a torque range of 30 inch-lbs to 45 inch-lbs and exhibit a drop in the output rotational speed that is less than or equal to approximately 11.5% as the torque increases from 30 inch-lbs to 45 inch-lbs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER T. KING, DANIEL F. NACE, JAMES H. STILES, III
  • Patent number: 11806857
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing including a motor case and a handle; an electric motor housed within the motor case and rotatably driving a motor spindle; a gear case mounted on the housing; and an output spindle rotatably coupled to the motor spindle. The output spindle, motor spindle, and the handle form the plane through the housing. A fan is coupled to the motor to generate an airflow through the housing. The housing includes a first air inlet on a first side of the plane and a second air inlet a second side of the plane opposite the first air inlet, both adjacent the motor. The first air inlet is larger than the second air inlet to allow a larger volume of air to enter the housing from the first side of the plane than from the second side of the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Nace, James H. Stiles, III
  • Patent number: 11750069
    Abstract: A power adaptor is provided including a housing receiving a first power cord couplable to a power source through a and a second power cord couplable to a load through a second axial end, a protective capacitor mounted on a circuit board within the housing, a first set of terminals mounted on a first side of the circuit board adjacent the protective capacitor and configured to electrically couple line and neutral wires of the first power cord to the protective capacitor, and a second set of terminals mounted on a second side of the circuit board adjacent the protective capacitor and configured to electrically couple line and neutral wires of the second power cord to the protective capacitor. The protective capacitor is configured to discharge when current draw by the load exceeds a current threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Ekstrom, Shailesh P. Waikar, Joseph B. Narbut, Alexandros T. Theos, Daniel F. Nace, Zachary S. Olmsted
  • Publication number: 20230211450
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing defining a cavity therein, where the housing includes a motor case and a handle portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing from the motor case; an electric motor having a drive shaft and mounted within the motor case; a partitioning wall extending radially and separating the motor case portion from the non-motor case portion of the housing; and a bearing pocket with an open end facing the motor case portion formed in the partitioning wall and a main body extending away from the electric motor for receiving a rotor bearing. The handle portion includes two elongate walls extending from the partitioning wall, a circuit board supported by the two elongate walls and including a motor drive circuit, and two covers secured to the two elongate walls to cover the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Zollie W. PRIVETT, JR., Craig A. OKTAVEC, David J. SMITH, Matthew J. VELDERMAN, Colin C. CROSBY, Pradeep PANT, Kyle J. CHRISTOPHERSEN, Daniel F. NACE, James H. STILES, III, Floyd E. MORELAND, IV
  • Patent number: 11597050
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a motor case and a handle portion. An electric motor having a drive shaft is mounted within the motor case. A circuit board is disposed in the handle portion to accommodate a motor drive circuit. The motor drive circuit includes a rectifier configured to receive an alternating current from an alternating current (AC) power source and convert it to a direct current supplied to a DC power bus, and a bridge circuit having motor switches connected between the rectifier and the electric motor. A bus capacitor is mounted on the circuit board and coupled across the DC power bus. An auxiliary capacitor having higher capacitance than the bus capacitor is switchably coupled across the DC power bus. The handle portion includes a support member protruding radially outwardly to accommodate the auxiliary capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Zollie W. Privett, Jr., Craig A. Oktavec, David J. Smith, Matthew J. Velderman, Colin C. Crosby, Pradeep Pant, Kyle J. Christophersen, Daniel F. Nace, James H. Stiles, III, Floyd E. Moreland, IV
  • Publication number: 20220388143
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing; an electric motor disposed within the housing; a main trigger switch mounted on the housing; a side handle mounted on the housing, the side handle having an auxiliary trigger; and a controller disposed within the housing operable to control a flow of electric current from a power source to the electric motor. The controller activates the motor only if the main trigger and the auxiliary trigger are both actuated. If the one of the triggers is released while the other trigger is still engaged, the controller is configured to continue operating the motor only if the released trigger is reengaged within a time threshold, but otherwise discontinue operating the motor until both the main trigger and the auxiliary triggers are released and reengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel F. NACE, Levi G. BOWERS, James H. STILES, III, Eric S. ROHRER, Christopher T. KING
  • Publication number: 20220388142
    Abstract: A side handle for a power tool is provided including a main gripping body; a rod extending through the main gripping body and having a threaded end extending through a frontal end of the main gripping body; and a knob mounted on an end of the rod opposite the threaded end and being rotatable relative to the main gripping body. The frontal end of the main gripping body includes a keying feature operable to engage a portion of the power tool to prevent rotation of the main gripping body relative to the power tool while the knob is rotated to fasten the threaded end of the rod to a threaded opening of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel F. NACE, Levi G. BOWERS, James H. STILES, III, Eric S. ROHRER, Christopher T. KING
  • Publication number: 20220368258
    Abstract: The present directed to a cordless power tool system including a plurality of cordless power tools, a plurality of fixed voltage and multi-voltage battery packs and a plurality of battery pack chargers. The battery packs include circuitry to indicate various parameters about the battery pack and communicate this indication to the power tools in order to enable the power tools to alter their motor output schemes to improve performance. The indication may include whether the battery pack is a fixed voltage battery pack or a multi-voltage battery pack and when the multi-voltage battery pack is in a first configuration or a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander R. BARTON, Mark T. CHERRY, Timothy J. HENNESY, Thomas LUNSFORD, Michael W. ROBERTS, Nathan J. OSBORNE, Elizabeth WINK, Daniel F. NACE, Philip GILDE
  • Publication number: 20220085699
    Abstract: A power adaptor is provided including a housing receiving a first power cord couplable to a power source through a and a second power cord couplable to a load through a second axial end, a protective capacitor mounted on a circuit board within the housing, a first set of terminals mounted on a first side of the circuit board adjacent the protective capacitor and configured to electrically couple line and neutral wires of the first power cord to the protective capacitor, and a second set of terminals mounted on a second side of the circuit board adjacent the protective capacitor and configured to electrically couple line and neutral wires of the second power cord to the protective capacitor. The protective capacitor is configured to discharge when current draw by the load exceeds a current threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Erik A. EKSTROM, Shailesh P. WAIKAR, Joseph B. NARBUT, JR., Alexandros T. THEOS, Daniel F. NACE, Zachary S. OLMSTED