Patents by Inventor Fred S. Watts

Fred S. Watts 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: 9658326
    Abstract: A locating device disposable on a surface has a housing, a capacitance sensor, a radar sensor, and an inductance sensor. The locating device also has a motion sensor disposed for detecting at least one motion parameter. A controller receives data from the capacitance sensor, the radar sensor, the inductance sensor and the motion sensor, and determines from the data a presence of objects disposed within or behind the surface. A display is used for displaying a graphical representation of the objects disposed within or behind the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Christine H. Potter, Muniswamappa Anjanappa, Xia Chen, Si Li
  • Publication number: 20160103215
    Abstract: A locating device disposable on a surface has a housing, a capacitance sensor, a radar sensor, and an inductance sensor. The locating device also has a motion sensor disposed for detecting at least one motion parameter. A controller receives data from the capacitance sensor, the radar sensor, the inductance sensor and the motion sensor, and determines from the data a presence of objects disposed within or behind the surface. A display is used for displaying a graphical representation of the objects disposed within or behind the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Christine H. Potter, Muniswamappa Anjanappa, Xia Chen, Si Li
  • Patent number: 9194950
    Abstract: A locating device disposable on a surface has a housing, a capacitance sensor, a radar sensor, and an inductance sensor. The locating device also has a motion sensor disposed for detecting at least one motion parameter. A controller receives data from the capacitance sensor, the radar sensor, the inductance sensor and the motion sensor, and determines from the data a presence of objects disposed within or behind the surface. A display is used for displaying a graphical representation of the objects disposed within or behind the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Christine H. Potter, Muniswamappa Anjanappa, Xia Chen, Si Li
  • Patent number: 9163823
    Abstract: A light stand assembly with a base having pivoting legs and a power supply circuit. An adjustable post detachably connects to the base. The adjustable post is configured for telescoping movement between a lower position and a raised position, and secures at a selected position with latches. An adjustable post connector moveably connects to the adjustable post. A pair of light modules detachably connect to the adjustable post connector and operatively connects to the power supply circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Snehal S. Choksi, James B. Watson, Fred S. Watts, Andrzej R. Wojcicki, Gabriel Concari, Leon T. Gibson, James P. Bascom
  • Publication number: 20130265766
    Abstract: A light stand assembly with a base having pivoting legs and a power supply circuit. An adjustable post detachably connects to the base. The adjustable post is configured for telescoping movement between a lower position and a raised position, and secures at a selected position with latches. An adjustable post connector moveably connects to the adjustable post. A pair of light modules detachably connect to the adjustable post connector and operatively connects to the power supply circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Snehal S. Choksi, James B. Watson, Fred S. Watts, Andrzej R. Wojcicki, Gabriel Concari, Leon T. Gibson, James P. Bascom
  • Publication number: 20130265780
    Abstract: A light stand assembly with a base having pivoting legs and a power supply circuit. An adjustable post detachably connects to the base. The adjustable post is configured for telescoping movement between a lower position and a raised position, and secures at a selected position with latches. An adjustable post connector moveably connects to the adjustable post. A pair of light modules detachably connect to the adjustable post connector and operatively connects to the power supply circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Snehal S. Choksi, James B. Watson, Fred S. Watts, Andrzej R. Wojcicki, Gabriel Concari, Leon T. Gibson, James P. Bascom
  • Patent number: 8093863
    Abstract: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as the pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Geoffrey S. Howard, Daniele C. Brotto, Danh T. Trinh, Fred S. Watts, Snehal S. Choksi, Qiang J. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110317064
    Abstract: A remote inspection device is disclosed. The device has an imager housing with an imager device, a grip housing, a cable connecting the imager and grip housings, a display housing removably attached to the grip housing, and a power tool battery pack removably attached to the grip housing. The display housing includes a battery and a display for showing images generated by the imager device. The battery may be charged by the power tool battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Andrzej R. Wojcicki, James P. Bascom, Christine H. Potter, Francis C. Ng
  • Publication number: 20110163701
    Abstract: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as the pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Andrew E. Seman, JR., Geoffrey S. Howard, Daniele C. Brotto, Danh T. Trinh, Fred S. Watts, Snehal S. Choksi, Qiang J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 7961088
    Abstract: A portable security system for monitoring an asset has one or more alarm sensors and a wireless transmitter/receiver that communicates via wireless communication with a host system. The portable security system is switchable between a disabled (partially powered) state and an enabled (fully powered state) in response to commands received from the host system. In an aspect, the portable security system has a plurality of alarm sensors which a user can separately activate and deactivate via the host system. In an aspect, the portable security system includes a base unit and an auxiliary unit. The base unit includes one or more of the alarm sensors that serves a dual purpose depending on whether the base unit is mated with the auxiliary unit. In an aspect, the host system can be utilized by multiple users to manage portable security systems associated with the respective users, including management by group. In an aspect, the host system notifies a user(s) of an alarm condition(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cattail Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Francis J. Rosenthal, Maureen Silber
  • Publication number: 20110095883
    Abstract: A portable security system for monitoring an asset has one or more alarm sensors and a wireless transmitter/receiver that communicates via wireless communication with a host system. The portable security system is switchable between a disabled (partially powered) state and an enabled (fully powered state) in response to commands received from the host system. In an aspect, the portable security system has a plurality of alarm sensors which a user can separately activate and deactivate via the host system. In an aspect, the portable security system includes a base unit and an auxiliary unit. The base unit includes one or more of the alarm sensors that serves a dual purpose depending on whether the base unit is mated with the auxiliary unit. In an aspect, the host system can be utilized by multiple users to manage portable security systems associated with the respective users, including management by group. In an aspect, the host system notifies a user(s) of an alarm condition(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: CATTAIL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Francis J. Rosenthal, Maureen Silber
  • Patent number: 7928692
    Abstract: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as they pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Geoffrey S. Howard, Daniele C. Brotto, Danh T. Trinh, Fred S Watts, Snehal S. Choksi, Qiang J. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100213900
    Abstract: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as they pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Andrew E. Seman, JR., Geoffrey S. Howard, Daniele C. Brotto, Danh T. Trinh, Fred S. Watts, Snehal S. Choksi, Qiang J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 7750811
    Abstract: An asset monitoring and security system includes at least one asset assigned a unique identifier and operable wirelessly transmit an identification signal embodying the identifier. A data store maintains a list of the assets and privileges associated with the assets for authorized users of the assets. A control unit is adapted to receive identification signals from the assets and monitor positions of the assets within a defined area. The control unit communicates with the data store and is further operable to initiate an alarm event when privileges associated with a given asset for authorized users of the asset are exceeded. Each of the assets includes a lock-out mechanism that impedes use of the asset when the lock-out mechanism is activated. The control unit activates the lock-out mechanism of a given asset when the privileges associated with the asset for authorized users of the asset are exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Lawrence E. Milburn, Fred S. Watts, Charles P. Mooney, Robert Bradus, James Watson, William E. Pugh, II
  • Patent number: 7736792
    Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Moores, Jr., Rouse R. Bailey, Jr., Robert Bradus, John R. Cochran, Lee W. Ramstrom, Fred S. Watts, Paul S. White, Daniele C. Brotto, Janet M. Embrey
  • Patent number: 7728553
    Abstract: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as the pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Geoffrey S. Howard, Daniele C. Brotto, Danh T. Trinh, Fred S. Watts, Snehal S. Choksi, Qiang J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 7719234
    Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, a battery pack which may removably attachable to a cordless power tool and to a charger may include at least one battery cell and a power limiting device. The power limiting device may be arranged in series with the at least one battery cell for limiting power output of the battery pack based on the component that is connected to the pack. Current and hence power out of the battery pack may be controlled as a function of total internal impedance in the battery pack, which may be adjusted depending on the component that is connected to the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Bhanuprasad V. Gorti, Danh Thanh Trinh, R. Roby Bailey, Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Daniele C. Brotto, Fred S. Watts
  • Patent number: 7675413
    Abstract: An intrusion sensing device includes an intrusion detection sensor enclosed within a housing and operable to detect an intrusion into a container. A mounting detection mechanism contacts the surface of the container when the housing is mounted thereto and is operable to detect when the housing is not in contact with the surface of the container. An access detection mechanism is operably connected to an access panel of the housing and operable to detect removal of the access panel from the housing. A control module is operable in a setup mode and an active mode. The control module is adapted to receive an alarm message from the intrusion detection sensor and operable to initiate an alarm event during the setup mode which varies from an alarm event initiated during the active mode. A wireless transmitter is operable to transmit an alarm indication signal to a remote monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Cattail Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Gabriel E. Concari, Harry B. Taylor, William E. Pugh, Kelton Lovell, Robert Bradus, Lawrence Milburn, Craig Patton
  • Patent number: 7649464
    Abstract: An asset monitoring and security system includes at least one asset and at least one user identification device assigned a unique identifier and operable to transmit an identification signal embodying the identifier over a wireless communications link. A data store maintains lists of the assets, users authorized to use the assets, and privileges associated with the assets for each of the authorized users. A control unit is adapted to receive identification signals from the assets and user identification devices and monitor positions of the assets and user identification devices within a defined area based on the identification signals. The control unit communicates with the data store and is further operable to initiate an alarm event when privileges associated with a given authorized user for a given asset are exceeded. Each of the assets includes a lock-out mechanism that impedes use of the asset when the lock-out mechanism is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Lawrence E. Milburn, Fred S. Watt, Charles P. Mooney, Robert Bradus, James Watson, William E. Pugh, II
  • Publication number: 20090015410
    Abstract: An asset monitoring and security system includes at least one asset assigned a unique identifier and operable wirelessly transmit an identification signal embodying the identifier. A data store maintains a list of the assets and privileges associated with the assets for authorized users of the assets. A control unit is adapted to receive identification signals from the assets and monitor positions of the assets within a defined area. The control unit communicates with the data store and is further operable to initiate an alarm event when privileges associated with a given asset for authorized users of the asset are exceeded. Each of the assets includes a lock-out mechanism that impedes use of the asset when the lock-out mechanism is activated. The control unit activates the lock-out mechanism of a given asset when the privileges associated with the asset for authorized users of the asset are exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Lawrence E. Milburn, Fred S. Watts, Charles P. Mooney, Robert Bradus, James Watson, William E. Pugh, II