Patents by Inventor Gareth Mueckl

Gareth Mueckl 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: 10807219
    Abstract: A power tool including a sensor attachment, a housing, a motor, and a power tool controller. The power tool controller is operable or configured to control power provided to the motor. The sensor attachment is coupled to the power tool's housing and includes a first non-contact sensor and a sensor controller. The sensor controller receives signals from the first non-contact sensor related to distance to a work surface and determines a fastener depth based on the signals from the first non-contact sensor. If the fastener depth is greater than or equal to a desired fastener depth, the sensor controller generates and sends a control signal to the power tool controller. In response, the power tool controller turns off or cuts power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Gareth Mueckl, Tauhira Hoossainy, Leo Mikat-Stevens, Logan Blair, Jake McDermott, Jonathon R. Nord, Jared Shurtleff, Joshua Kundinger, John von Helms, Jr., Nicholas Dobernig, Matthew Post
  • Patent number: 10794769
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for thermal detection. A thermal detection device includes a visual sensor, a thermal sensor (e.g., a thermopile array), a controller, a user interface, a display, and a removable and rechargeable battery pack. The thermal detection device also includes a plurality of additional software and hardware modules configured to perform or execute various functions and operations of the thermal detection device. An output from the visual sensor and an output from the thermal sensor are combined by the controller or the plurality of additional modules to generate a combined image for display on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Evans H. Nguyen, Matthew J. Mergener, Wade Burch, James V. Curtin, Zachary P. Haas, Benjamin Oliver Ryan Cabot, Gareth Mueckl
  • Publication number: 20200303942
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an electrical circuit coupled to an alternator. The electrical circuit includes a rotor and stator coils. The electrical circuit is configured to receive, at a point when an engine is operating, an electrical current that is induced in the stator coils by rotation of the rotor and charge a battery pack with the electrical current and inhibit generation of a spark by the engine while the alternator is powered by the battery pack until a speed of the alternator is greater than a threshold. The electrical circuit is further configured to power the alternator, at a point when the engine is not operating, with electrical current supplied by the battery pack coupled to a battery connector to start the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Gareth Mueckl, Jeremy R. Ebner, Tauhira Hoossainy, David Rose
  • Patent number: 10720792
    Abstract: System and method for a portable propane-fueled battery charger. One system includes a battery charger including a propane fuel line and an engine including an output shaft. The engine is configured to receive propane via the propane fuel line and rotationally drive the output shaft. The battery charger further includes an alternator including a rotor and stator coils. The output shaft is mechanically coupled to the rotor, and the rotor is rotationally driven by the output shaft. An electrical current is induced in the stator coils by rotation of the rotor. The battery charger further includes an electrical circuit that receives the electrical current and is configured to determine when a battery pack is coupled to a battery connector, and charge the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gareth Mueckl, Jeremy R. Ebner, Tauhira Hoossainy, David Rose
  • Publication number: 20200227927
    Abstract: A data logger device for a power tool including a housing, a power tool interface provided at the top of the housing and configured to be received in a corresponding interface of the power tool, and a battery pack interface provided at the bottom of the housing and configured to receive a corresponding interface of a battery pack providing operating power to the power tool. The data logger also includes a tool terminal block, a battery terminal block provided, and bus bars connecting the tool terminal block to the battery terminal block to provide pass through power from the battery pack to the power tool. The data logger is configured to obtain data related to power tool operation, and export, using a transceiver, the data to a user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: John W. Thiele, Richard A. Zainer, Matthew Post, Gareth Mueckl, Jonathan E. Abbott, Matthew N. Thurin, Kellen Carey
  • Patent number: 10583539
    Abstract: A magnetic drill press includes a housing, a magnetic base coupled to the housing for engagement with a workpiece, and a motor carriage slidably coupled to the base housing. The magnetic drill press further includes an electric motor supported by the motor carriage and configured to rotate a bit about a bit axis, and a spindle assembly supported by the housing and coupled to the motor carriage for selectively positioning the motor carriage relative to the housing. The magnetic drill press further includes a handle hub coupled to the spindle assembly, and a ratchet assembly including a ratchet head coupled to the handle hub and a ratchet handle coupled to the ratchet head for actuating the spindle assembly by reciprocating motion of the ratchet handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terry L. Timmons, Andrew M. Plowman, Gareth Mueckl, James Wekwert
  • Publication number: 20200067333
    Abstract: A vehicle battery jump starter that is powered by a removable and rechargeable battery pack, such as a battery pack used with various hand-held power tools. The battery pack removably connects to a vehicle battery jump starter and can be selectively used to charge a power boost module within the vehicle battery jump starter. The power boost module includes, for example, a plurality of supercapacitors or lithium polymer battery cells. The power boost module in combination with the battery pack 100 can be used to jump start a vehicle battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: James Wekwert, Gareth Mueckl, Randolph McHugh
  • Publication number: 20200055177
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver for driving fasteners into a workpiece includes a driver unit and a handle unit selectively and removably attachable to the driver unit. The driver unit includes a housing, a motor, and a first coupler. The handle unit includes a battery receptacle for receiving a battery pack, a trigger, and a second coupler. The first and second couplers selectively engage one another to mechanically and electrically connect the driver unit to the handle unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: John S. Scott, Gareth Mueckl, Caroline Hope, Isabel M. Lloyd, Matthew Post, Adam N. Carter, Jonathan L. Lambert, Logan M. Hietpas, Matthew N. Thurin, Paul Fry, Julia L. Savich
  • Publication number: 20200053259
    Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a housing, a handle coupled to the housing that is grasped by a user while the device is in use, and an articulating camera unit coupled to the housing. The articulating camera unit includes a flexible cable with a first end coupled to the housing and a second end, a camera coupled to the second end of the flexible cable and operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable, and an articulation mechanism operable to articulate the camera relative to the flexible cable. The articulation mechanism includes a mount that is removably coupled to the housing. The articulating camera unit further includes a means for securing the mount to the housing in a plurality of different orientations relative to the housing. The visual inspection device further includes a display unit coupled to the housing to display an image transmitted by the articulating camera unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Gareth Mueckl, Jason R. Crowe, Benjamin Oliver Ryan Cabot
  • Publication number: 20200030858
    Abstract: A pipeline inspection system including a first drum including a first cable having a first camera disposed on a distal end of the first cable, where the first cable is received within an interior of the first drum and is configured to be directed into a conduit, a second drum including a second cable having a second camera disposed on a distal end of the second cable, where the second cable is received within an interior of the second drum and is configured to be directed into a conduit, and a hub housing electrical components for operation of the pipeline inspection system, where the hub is removably received in the interior of the first drum, and where the hub is selectively removable from the first drum and insertable into an interior of the second drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher J. Turner, Gareth Mueckl, Samuel J. Krohlow
  • Publication number: 20200019134
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a power tool in control of a vacuum. In response to activation input, the power tool controls a motor for driving power tool operation and wirelessly transmits a control signal to a vacuum. In response to receiving the control signal, the vacuum controls a motor for driving operation of the vacuum. The power tool, the vacuum, or both include a wireless communication pairing butting for paring the power tool and the vacuum. The power tool and/or the vacuum may be cordless and powered by a battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew Post, Kellen Carey, Gareth Mueckl, Jeremy R. Ebner, Tauhira Hoossainy
  • Publication number: 20190386357
    Abstract: An inductive heater assembly that includes an adapter portion and a coil portion. The adapter portion includes a first adapter support portion and a second adapter support portion. The first adapter support portion is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the inductive heater assembly to a power source device. The first adapter support portion includes a first adapter terminal block configured to engage a complementary terminal block of the power source device. The second adapter support portion is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the inductive heater assembly to the power tool battery pack. The second adapter support portion includes a second adapter terminal block configured to engage a complementary terminal block of the power tool battery pack. The coil portion is supported by the adapter portion. The coil portion includes a coil housing and one or more inductive coil windings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Randolph H. McHugh, Gareth Mueckl, Tauhira Hoossainy
  • Publication number: 20190356147
    Abstract: A portable power source. The portable power source includes a housing, a first battery pack support configured to receive a first removable and rechargeable battery pack, a second battery pack support configured to receive a second removable and rechargeable battery pack, an inverter within the housing, and an alternating current power outlet. The inverter is configured to receive output power from the first removable and rechargeable battery pack and the second removable and rechargeable battery pack. The inverter is configured to produce an alternating current power output. The alternating current power outlet is configured to receive the alternating current power output from the inverter. The inverter is configured to be disabled when the first removable and rechargeable battery pack is received in the first battery pack support and the second removable and rechargeable battery pack is not received in the second battery pack support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Gareth Mueckl, Dean W. Nowalis, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Benjamin Tesch, Michael A. Matthews, Amanda M. Kachar, Dalton F. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20190346122
    Abstract: A site light including body, an arm coupled to the body having an adjustable arm length, a light assembly coupled to the arm opposite the body, and a drive mechanism with a crank arm rotatable about a first axis, where rotating the crank arm in a first direction causes the arm length to increase, and where rotating the crank arm in a second direction causes the arm length to decrease. The site light also includes a damper assembly in operable communication with the drive mechanism, where the damper assembly resists rotation of the drive mechanism when the crank arm rotates in the second direction, and where the damper assembly does not resist the rotation of the drive mechanism when the crank arm rotates in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: David Proeber, Ross McIntyre, Jason D. Thurner, Michael A. Verhagen, Gareth Mueckl, Brian Cornell, Dalton F. Hansen, Anthony R. Sleck
  • Patent number: 10477079
    Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a housing, a handle coupled to the housing that is grasped by a user while the device is in use, and an articulating camera unit coupled to the housing. The articulating camera unit includes a flexible cable with a first end coupled to the housing and a second end, a camera coupled to the second end of the flexible cable and operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable, and an articulation mechanism operable to articulate the camera relative to the flexible cable. The articulation mechanism includes a mount that is removably coupled to the housing. The articulating camera unit further includes a means for securing the mount to the housing in a plurality of different orientations relative to the housing. The visual inspection device further includes a display unit coupled to the housing to display an image transmitted by the articulating camera unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gareth Mueckl, Jason R. Crowe, Benjamin Oliver Ryan Cabot
  • Patent number: 10444720
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a power tool in control of a vacuum. In response to activation input, the power tool controls a motor for driving power tool operation and wirelessly transmits a control signal to a vacuum. In response to receiving the control signal, the vacuum controls a motor for driving operation of the vacuum. The power tool, the vacuum, or both include a wireless communication pairing butting for paring the power tool and the vacuum. The power tool and/or the vacuum may be cordless and powered by a battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRICAL TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Post, Kellen Carey, Gareth Mueckl, Jeremy R. Ebner, Tauhira Hoossainy
  • Patent number: 10434547
    Abstract: A pipeline inspection device including a cable having a camera disposed on a distal end of the cable, where the camera and the cable are configured to be directed into a conduit. A first drum includes a rear wall, a front wall, and a side wall defining an interior, where the front wall has an opening providing access to the interior, and where the cable is disposed at least partially within the first drum. A stand supports the first drum, where the first drum is rotatably coupled to the stand. A hub houses electrical components of the pipeline inspection device. The hub is removably received in the interior of the first drum via the opening, where the hub is selectively removable from the first drum and insertable into an interior of a second drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Turner, Gareth Mueckl, Samuel J. Krohlow
  • Publication number: 20190176288
    Abstract: A magnetic drill press includes a housing, a magnetic base coupled to the housing for engagement with a workpiece, and a motor carriage slidably coupled to the base housing. The magnetic drill press further includes an electric motor supported by the motor carriage and configured to rotate a bit about a bit axis, and a spindle assembly supported by the housing and coupled to the motor carriage for selectively positioning the motor carriage relative to the housing. The magnetic drill press further includes a handle hub coupled to the spindle assembly, and a ratchet assembly including a ratchet head coupled to the handle hub and a ratchet handle coupled to the ratchet head for actuating the spindle assembly by reciprocating motion of the ratchet handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Terry L. Timmons, Andrew M. Plowman, Gareth Mueckl, James Wekwert
  • Publication number: 20190011892
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a power tool in control of a vacuum. In response to activation input, the power tool controls a motor for driving power tool operation and wirelessly transmits a control signal to a vacuum. In response to receiving the control signal, the vacuum controls a motor for driving operation of the vacuum. The power tool, the vacuum, or both include a wireless communication pairing butting for paring the power tool and the vacuum. The power tool and/or the vacuum may be cordless and powered by a battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew Post, Kellen Carey, Gareth Mueckl, Jeremy R. Ebner, Tauhira Hoossainy
  • Publication number: 20180321297
    Abstract: A testing device including a housing including an indicator, a main housing, and a probe housing, wherein the probe housing is rotatably coupled to the main housing. The testing device further includes a first test probe and a second test probe. The first test probe is coupled to the main housing. The first test probe is configured to be inserted into an alternating-current receptacle. The second test probe is coupled to the probe housing. The second test probe is configured to be inserted into a universal serial bus receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Oliver Ryan Cabot, Gareth Mueckl