Patents by Inventor Erik Ekstrom

Erik Ekstrom 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: 9473053
    Abstract: A fastening power tool such as a nailer is provided including a tool housing, an input unit actuated in response to an operator input, and a motor assembly including a motor housed within the tool housing. A control unit is provided including a controller programmable to control an operation of the motor and a decoder circuit configured to control a supply of power from a power source to the controller based on a status of the power source and a status of the input unit. The decoder circuit is configured to connect supply of power from the power source to the controller when the power tool is coupled to the power source prior to an engagement of the input unit, but disconnect the supply of power when the power tool is coupled to the power source after the engagement of the input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventors: Jongsoo Lim, Erik Ekstrom, Pradeep Pant, Michael P. Baron, Paul G. Gross, Lee M. Brendel
  • Patent number: 9344008
    Abstract: A portable power supply apparatus is provided having reduced impedance losses. The portable power supply apparatus is comprised of: a portable housing; a battery system residing in the housing; and an inverter circuit residing in the housing. The battery system generates a direct current (DC) voltage having a magnitude greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired alternating current (AC) voltage. The inverter circuit receives the DC voltage directly from the battery system, converts the DC voltage to an AC output voltage and outputs the AC output voltage to one or more outlets exposed on an exterior surface of the portable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele C. Brotto, Nathan J. Cruise, Erik Ekstrom, Ren Wang, Mehdi T. Abolhassani, William D. Spencer, Rouse Roby Bailey, Jr., Andrew E. Seman, Scott Eshleman
  • Patent number: 9318932
    Abstract: A power tool includes a brushless DC motor housed inside an upper body of the tool housing and a control unit housed inside a handle of the housing, the control unit including a micro-controller mounted on a control circuit board, a power unit electronically coupled to the micro-controller and mounted on a power circuit board arranged substantially parallel the control circuit board inside the handle, and a heat sink in thermal contact with the power unit. An input unit may be mounted directly on the control circuit board. An upper portion of the heat sink extending towards the upper body of the housing may include a tab protruding underneath a fan assembly of the motor to transfer heat from the power unit to the airflow created by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, Earl M. Ortt, Erik Ekstrom, Shailesh P. Waikar, Marcell E. Coates, Eric E. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20160056731
    Abstract: A portable power supply includes a housing, and power circuitry providing an output AC waveform having a first positive voltage step level, a second higher positive voltage step level, a third lower positive voltage step level, a fourth negative voltage step level, a fifth higher negative voltage step level, and a sixth lower negative voltage step level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Daniele C. Brotto, Nathan J. Cruise, Erik Ekstrom, Pradeep M. Pant, David A. Carrier, Shailesh P. Waikar, Ren H. Wang, Mehdi T. Abolhassani, William D. Spencer, Rouse Roby Bailey, JR., Andrew E. Seman, JR., John E. Buck, Seth M. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9254991
    Abstract: A filling machine for filling product into a packaging container comprises; at least one filling nozzle for ejection of liquid in a first general direction into the packaging container, wherein the filling nozzle is arranged in a dishbox having an opening through which the product may be ejected towards a package provided in a volume, wherein the opening may selectively be sealed by a sealing valve having a valve body with a portion dimensioned to be inserted in said opening. In the inventive filling machine a recess is arranged in an upper surface of the volume such that the valve body is at least partly insertable in the recess in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Ekström, Bo Runnberg, Henrik Brännmo
  • Patent number: 9169541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a sandwich?material for brazing, comprising the steps of: providing a core layer of a first alloy that contains (by wt. %): 0.5-2.0% Mn, ?1.0% Mg, ?0.2% Si, ?0.3% Ti, ?0.3% Cr, ?0.3% Zr, ?0.2% Cu, ?3% Zn, ?0.2% In, ?0.1% Sn and ?0.7% (Fe+Ni), the rest Al and ?0.05% of each of unavoidable impurities; providing a barrier layer of a second alloy that contains (by wt. %): ?0.2% Mn+Cr, ?1.0% Mg, 1.6-5% Si, ?0.3% Ti, ?0.2% Zr, ?0.2% Cu, ?3% Zn, ?0.2% In, ?0.1% Sn and ?1.5% (Fe+Ni), the rest Al and ?0.05% of each of unavoidable impurities; rolling the layers together so that they adhere and form a sandwich material; heat treating the sandwich material at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time so that the Si-content is equalized to 0.4-1% in both core layer and barrier layer; rolling the sandwich material to a final thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Gränges Sweden AB
    Inventors: Hans-Erik Ekström, Anders Oskarsson
  • Patent number: 9166422
    Abstract: A portable power supply includes a housing, and power circuitry providing an output AC waveform having a first positive voltage step level, a second higher positive voltage step level, a third lower positive voltage step level, a fourth negative voltage step level, a fifth higher negative voltage step level, and a sixth lower negative voltage step level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele C. Brotto, Nathan J. Cruise, Erik Ekstrom, Pradeep M. Pant, David A. Carrier, Shailesh P. Waikar, Ren Wang, William D. Spencer, Rouse Roby Bailey, Jr., Andrew E. Seman, Jr., John E. Buck, Seth M. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20150282337
    Abstract: A power tool is provided including a tool housing, an electric motor disposed in the housing, and a variable-speed actuator having a trigger, a sliding member linked to the trigger and moveable in a longitudinal direction, and a compression spring engaging the sliding member and a wall arranged at a distance from the sliding member in the longitudinal direction. A post is disposed on the wall, where an end of the compression spring engaging the wall is disposed around the post to limit a lateral movement of the compression spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Erik A. Ekstrom, Matthew J. Velderman, Redeat G. Alemu, Michael D. Grove, Alexandros T. Theos, Alpay Hizal, Victor A. Dorado Reyes
  • Publication number: 20150279592
    Abstract: A directional input unit is provided for a power tool having an electric motor is provided, where the input unit is configured to output a signal indicative of a rotational direction of the electric motor. The input unit includes a forward/reverse actuator having a lever extending from an engagement member and pivotable around a pivot member, the lever having a contact tip, and a biasing member. The biasing member including a lever engaging member engaging the contact tip and having an upper portion and a lower portion with a groove formed at an end common point of the upper and lower portions. A first leg of the biasing member extend downwardly from the upper portion and arranged to be securely received inside an opening of a holder, and a second leg extends upwardly from the lower portion outside the opening between the lever engaging member and the first leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Ekstrom, Matthew J. Velderman, Redeat G. Alemu, Michael D. Grove, Alexandros T. Theos, Alpay Hizal, Victor A. Dorado Reyes
  • Publication number: 20150280515
    Abstract: An electronic switch and control module for a power tool having an electric motor is provided. The module includes a module housing including a bottom surface, side walls, and an open face; a printed circuit board (PCB) fittingly received from the open face of the module housing and securely disposed within the module housing; an encapsulation member arranged to mate with a mating surface of the side walls of the module housing to form an enclosed compartment over a portion of the PCB to enclose at least one electronic or electro-mechanical element mounted on a surface of the PCB; and power switches mounted on the surface of the PCB within an open compartment of the module housing where the encapsulation member does not enclose the surface of the PCB, the power switches being electrically configured to switchably connect a supply of electric power from a power source to the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Erik A. Ekstrom, Matthew J. Velderman, Redeat G. Alemu, Michael D. Grove, Alexandros T. Theos, Alpay Hizal, Victor A. Dorado Reyes
  • Publication number: 20150280516
    Abstract: An electronic switch and control module for a power tool having an electric motor is provided. The module includes a printed circuit board (PCB), an encapsulation member forming an enclosed compartment enclosing a portion of a surface of the PCB, and power switches mounted on the surface of the PCB outside the enclosed compartment, where the power switches are electrically configured to switchably connect a supply of electric power from a power source to the electric motor. The module further includes an input unit having at least one electro-mechanical element at least partially disposed within the enclosed component and generating a signal for controlling a switching operation of the plurality of power switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Ekstrom, Matthew J. Velderman, Redeat G. Alemu, Michael D. Grove, Alexandros T. Theos, Alpay Hizal, Victor A. Dorado Reyes
  • Publication number: 20150280517
    Abstract: An electronic switch and control module for a power tool having an electric motor is provided. The module includes a module housing including a bottom surface, side walls, and an open face, a printed circuit board (PCB) received from the open face of the module housing and securely disposed within the module housing at a distance from the bottom surface of the module housing; power switches mounted on a top surface of the PCB, and heat sinks discretely arranged and each mounted over a respective one of the plurality of power switches and secured to the top surface of the PCB to transfer heat away from the power switch through the open face of the module housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Ekstrom, Matthew J. Velderman, Redeat G. Alemu, Michael D. Grove, Alexandros T. Theos, Alpay Hizal, Victor A. Dorado Reyes
  • Publication number: 20150207431
    Abstract: A portable power supply apparatus is provided having reduced impedance losses. The portable power supply apparatus is comprised of: a portable housing; a battery system residing in the housing; and an inverter circuit residing in the housing. The battery system generates a direct current (DC) voltage having a magnitude greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired alternating current (AC) voltage. The inverter circuit receives the DC voltage directly from the battery system, converts the DC voltage to an AC output voltage and outputs the AC output voltage to one or more outlets exposed on an exterior surface of the portable housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Daniele C. Brotto, Nathan J. Cruise, Erik Ekstrom, Ren Wang, Mehdi T. Abolhassani, William D. Spencer, Rouse Roby Bailey, Jr., Andrew E. Seman, Scott Eshleman
  • Patent number: 8994336
    Abstract: A portable power supply apparatus is provided having reduced impedance losses. The portable power supply apparatus is comprised of: a portable housing; a battery system residing in the housing; and an inverter circuit residing in the housing. The battery system generates a direct current (DC) voltage having a magnitude greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired alternating current (AC) voltage. The inverter circuit receives the DC voltage directly from the battery system, converts the DC voltage to an AC output voltage and outputs the AC output voltage to one or more outlets exposed on an exterior surface of the portable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele C. Brotto, Nathan J. Cruise, Erik Ekstrom, Ren Wang, Mehdi T. Abolhassani, William D. Spencer, Rouse Roby Bailey, Jr., Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Scott Eshleman
  • Publication number: 20140132093
    Abstract: A power tool includes a brushless DC motor housed inside an upper body of the tool housing and a control unit housed inside a handle of the housing, the control unit including a micro-controller mounted on a control circuit board, a power unit electronically coupled to the micro-controller and mounted on a power circuit board arranged substantially parallel the control circuit board inside the handle, and a heat sink in thermal contact with the power unit. An input unit may be mounted directly on the control circuit board. An upper portion of the heat sink extending towards the upper body of the housing may include a tab protruding underneath a fan assembly of the motor to transfer heat from the power unit to the airflow created by the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, Earl M. Ortt, Erik Ekstrom, Shailesh P. Waikar, Marcell E. Coates, Eric E. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20140100687
    Abstract: A mode selector switch for a power tool that can have a source of a magnetic field and use a magnetoresistive component to produce an output signal that changes when the strength of the magnetic field changes. The power tool can have a microprocessor that changes an operational mode of the power tool based on a change of the output signal from the magnetoresistive component. The magnetoresistive component can be a Hall effect sensor and the power tool can be a nailer. The power tool can have a switching means which changes an operational mode based upon a change in the strength of the magnetic field upon a magnetoresistive component. A method of controlling a power tool, having a step of changing an operational mode of a power tool based upon identifying a change in output from a magnetoresistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Ekstrom, Stuart E. Garber, Jongsoo Lim, David J. Smith, Shailesh P. Waikar
  • Publication number: 20140088753
    Abstract: A fastening power tool such as a nailer is provided including a tool housing, an input unit actuated in response to an operator input, and a motor assembly including a motor housed within the tool housing. A control unit is provided including a controller programmable to control an operation of the motor and a decoder circuit configured to control a supply of power from a power source to the controller based on a status of the power source and a status of the input unit. The decoder circuit is configured to connect supply of power from the power source to the controller when the power tool is coupled to the power source prior to an engagement of the input unit, but disconnect the supply of power when the power tool is coupled to the power source after the engagement of the input unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jongsoo Lim, Erik Ekstrom, Pradeep Pant, Michael P. Baron, Paul G. Gross, Lee M. Brendel
  • Publication number: 20140076953
    Abstract: A battery powered tool includes a housing containing a motor assembly. A fan positioned in the housing is rotated by the motor assembly. The fan has a circular ring/body and further has multiple fan blades directly connected to the circular ring body. The circular ring/body defines a concave shaped surface having the fan blades directly connected to the concave shaped surface. A housing cover includes: first and second extending walls; a slot created between the first and second extending walls; and multiple air intake vents all positioned in a lower housing zone separated from an upper housing zone by the slot. An electronics module is positioned in the housing proximate to the housing cover lower housing zone such that air entering the intake vents passes only through the lower housing zone and past the electronics module to cool the electronics module before entering the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Erik Ekstrom, David J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8574723
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sandwich material for brazing comprising a core layer of a first aluminum alloy and a barrier layer of a second aluminum alloy characterized by that: the first alloy, constituting the core layer contains (in weight %): 0.8-2% Mn, ?1.0% Mg, 0.3-1.5% Si, ?0.3% Ti, ?0.3% Cr, ?0.3% Zr, ?1.3% Cu, ?0.5% Zn, ?0.2% In, ?0.1% Sn and ?0.7% (Fe+Ni), the balance consisting of Al and ?0.05% of each of the unavoidable impurities, and that the second alloy, constituting the barrier layer contains (in weight %): ?0.2% Mn+Cr, ?1.0% Mg, ?1.5% Si, ?0.3% Ti, ?0.2% Zr, ?0.3% Cu, ?0.5% Zn, ?0.2% In, ?0.1% Sn and ?1.5% (Fe+Ni), the balance consisting of Al and ?0.05% of each of the unavoidable impurities, The invention also concerns a method for the manufacture of the sandwich material, a brazed product, such as a heat exchanger comprising the sandwich material and the use of the brazed product at high and low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sapa Heat Transfer AB
    Inventor: Hans-Erik Ekström
  • Patent number: 8388417
    Abstract: An angle grinder is provided including a radial fan assembly. The radial fan assembly is configured to direct exhaust radially outwardly and axially away from a user of the angle grinder. Brush card assemblies for an angle grinder are also provided. The brush card assemblies provide for the securing of brush cards to a field case of the angle grinder by the interface between the field case and brush cards. Additionally, a spindle lock mechanism and a safety mechanism for an angle grinder are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Trautner, Philip T. Miller, Kevin S. Agan, Erik Ekstrom, Junyi Xie, Yaping Yang, Jason R. Melvin, Gregg L. Sheddy