Patents by Inventor Hans T. Banholzer

Hans T. Banholzer 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: 20240083009
    Abstract: A power tool includes an elongated shaft forming a handle and a tool head located at one end of the handle. The tool head includes a working element and a driven shaft configured to drive the working element. A powerhead located at an opposite end of the handle and includes an input shaft. A driveshaft is coupled between the tool head and the powerhead. The driveshaft has a first driveshaft portion rotatably driven by the input shaft and a second driveshaft portion coupled to the first driveshaft portion and the driven shaft. The second driveshaft portion is driven by the first driveshaft portion to transfer torque from the powerhead to the working element. One of the first driveshaft portion or the second driveshaft portion is constructed of a non-conductive material or both of the first driveshaft portion and the second driveshaft portion are constructed of a non-conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventor: Hans T. Banholzer
  • Publication number: 20240074347
    Abstract: A discharge accessory for a lawnmower includes an inlet end and a hook disposed at the inlet end. The hook defines a channel. A lever arm extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the channel, and a protrusion is disposed in the channel. The protrusion extends in a first direction transverse to the channel and to the lever arm, and the protrusion extends in a second direction transverse to the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: David Marolla, Shane McCue, Hans T. Banholzer, John L. Whealon, Ryan Gunderson
  • Patent number: 11904452
    Abstract: A power tool includes an elongated shaft forming a handle constructed of a non-conductive material and a tool head located at one end of the handle. The tool head includes a working element and a driven shaft configured to drive the working element. A powerhead located at an opposite end of the handle and includes an input shaft. A driveshaft extends between the tool head and the powerhead. The driveshaft is rotatably coupled to the input shaft and the driven shaft to transfer torque from the powerhead to the working element of the tool head. At least a portion of the driveshaft extending between the powerhead and the working element is constructed of a non-conductive material to inhibit transmission of electricity from the working element to the powerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans T. Banholzer
  • Patent number: 11844306
    Abstract: A discharge accessory for a lawnmower includes an inlet end and a hook disposed at the inlet end. The hook defines a channel. A lever arm extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the channel, and a protrusion is disposed in the channel. The protrusion extends in a first direction transverse to the channel and to the lever arm, and the protrusion extends in a second direction transverse to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: David Marolla, Shane McCue, Hans T. Banholzer, John L. Whealon, Ryan Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20230390838
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw includes a blade assembly having a spindle and a blade clamp. The blade clamp includes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle, and a detent movable in a radial direction to adjust the blade clamp between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The cover is rotatable between a first rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the locked configuration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the unlocked configuration. The reciprocating saw further includes a barrel surrounding at least a portion of the blade clamp. The barrel includes a plurality of projections extending from the barrel toward the blade clamp. At least one of the projections is engageable with the cover to rotate the cover from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, thereby adjusting the blade clamp from the unlocked configuration toward the locked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Beth E. Cholst, Troy C. Thorson, Hans T. Banholzer
  • Publication number: 20230387734
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a circuit board, a rotor assembly, and a stator assembly having a first end coupled to the circuit board and a second end opposite the first end. The stator assembly also includes an annular stator body having a plurality of inwardly projecting teeth. The stator assembly further includes windings wrapped about the stator body to form a plurality of coils. The stator assembly also includes a terminal coupled to an outer periphery of the stator body and extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The terminal is coupled to the circuit board at the first end and is coupled to the windings at the second end to electrically connect the windings to the circuit board. The terminal is molded to an attachment member, and the attachment member is molded to the outer periphery of the stator body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Derek J. Schwab, Samantha L. Billetdeaux, Kyle Greunke, Hans T. Banholzer, Carmen J. Castanos
  • Patent number: 11786984
    Abstract: A blade clamp, for use with a power tool having a reciprocating spindle, includes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle and a detent received within a bore of the spindle. The detent is movable in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the spindle to adjust the blade clamp between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The cover is rotatable between a first rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the locked configuration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the unlocked configuration. The blade clamp further includes a sleeve in which the detent is slidably received. The sleeve includes a non-corrosive material for inhibiting corrosion of the detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Beth E. Cholst, Troy C. Thorson, Hans T. Banholzer
  • Patent number: 11766770
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing defining a grip portion, a motor having a motor drive shaft, a drive assembly coupled to the motor drive shaft and driven by the motor, an output assembly coupled to the drive assembly and having an output member that receives torque from the drive assembly, causing the output member to rotate about an axis, and a transducer assembly disposed between the grip portion and the output assembly to measure the amount of torque applied through the output member, when the motor is deactivated, in response to the power tool being manually rotated about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wyatt R. Silha, Jacob P. Schneider, John S. Dey, IV, Hans T. Banholzer
  • Publication number: 20230286119
    Abstract: A ratchet tool including a handle housing including a grip, the handle housing defining a longitudinal axis. The ratchet tool also includes a ratchet assembly including a pawl and an output shaft. The pawl is moveable between a first position in which the pawl is operatively coupled to drive the output shaft in a first direction and a second position in which the pawl is operatively coupled to drive the output shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction. A switch is disposed in an aperture in the generally tubular surface of the handle housing, the switch having an external actuation surface for engagement with an operator's hand. The switch is slideable with respect to the handle housing in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A linkage is disposed between the switch and the ratchet assembly configured to move the pawl between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, John L. Whealon, Ryan A. Dedrickson
  • Patent number: 11728700
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing having a rear wall, a motor assembly coupled to the rear wall, and a plurality of mounting legs projecting from the rear wall toward the motor assembly. The motor assembly defines a motor axis, and includes a stator assembly defining a plurality of axially extending mounting apertures. Each mounting leg defines a threaded boss corresponding to a respective mounting aperture of the stator assembly, and each threaded boss is configured to receive a threaded fastener. The mounting legs are angularly spaced at unequal intervals about the motor axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Derek J. Schwab, Samantha L. Billetdeaux, Kyle Greunke, Hans T. Banholzer, Carmen J. Castanos
  • Publication number: 20230249332
    Abstract: A telescoping tool includes a pole assembly, a driveshaft, a plurality of bearings, and at least one connection member. The pole assembly includes an outer pole and an inner pole. The inner pole is slidably received in the outer pole. The pole assembly is movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The driveshaft extends longitudinally in the outer pole and the inner pole. Each bearing of the plurality of bearings includes a driveshaft passage defined therein. The driveshaft passage receives the driveshaft therethrough. Each bearing further includes an end connection passage defined therein. The at least one connection member joins adjacent bearings of the plurality of bearings. The at least one connection member is disposed in the end connection passage of each of the adjacent bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, Troy C. Thorson, Michael R. Sande
  • Patent number: 11691253
    Abstract: A ratchet tool has a handle housing and a ratchet assembly including a pawl and an output shaft. The pawl is moveable between a first position in which the pawl is operatively coupled to drive the output shaft in a first direction and a second position in which the pawl is operatively coupled to drive the output shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction. A switch in the handle housing has an external actuation surface for engagement with an operator's hand. The ratchet tool also has a rotatable gear having at least one tooth, the rotatable gear operatively coupled to the pawl such that rotation of the rotatable gear effectuates movement of the pawl between the first and second positions. A linkage is operatively coupled to the rotatable gear to effectuate rotation of the rotatable gear by actuation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, John L. Whealon, Ryan A. Dedrickson
  • Patent number: 11684957
    Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a shroud with a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end and a drum assembly positioned within the shroud. The drum assembly is rotatable relative to the shroud. The drum assembly includes an inner drum and a drum cover extending entirely over an open forward end of the inner drum. The drain cleaner also includes a flexible cable stored within a cavity defined by the inner drum and the drum cover of the drum assembly. The flexible cable is supported by the inner drum. The drain cleaner further includes a handle assembly coupled to and extending rearwardly from the shroud. The handle assembly includes a motor, a grip, and an actuator to selectively energize the motor. The actuator is positioned in an area defined between the grip and the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, Nikos A. Gainacopulos, Jacqueline J. Beierle, Sean T. Kehoe, Ryan James Denissen, Justin Miller
  • Publication number: 20230150097
    Abstract: A powered ratchet tool including a housing and a drive mechanism for driving an output member. The drive mechanism includes a yoke through which the output member extends. The ratchet tool further comprises a first selective pawl, a second selective pawl, and a non-selective pawl in the yoke that are biased toward an outer toothed surface of the output member. The outer toothed surface includes first and second selectively-toothed sections. When the first selectively-toothed section and second selectively-toothed sections are rotationally aligned with the with the first selective pawl and the second selective pawl, the first and second selective pawls are incapable of transferring torque to the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, Jonathan Paul
  • Patent number: 11618149
    Abstract: A telescoping tool includes a pole assembly, a driveshaft, a plurality of bearings, and at least one connection member. The pole assembly includes an outer pole and an inner pole. The inner pole is slidably received in the outer pole. The pole assembly is movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The driveshaft extends longitudinally in the outer pole and the inner pole. Each bearing of the plurality of bearings includes a driveshaft passage defined therein. The driveshaft passage receives the driveshaft therethrough. Each bearing further includes an end connection passage defined therein. The at least one connection member joins adjacent bearings of the plurality of bearings. The at least one connection member is disposed in the end connection passage of each of the adjacent bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, Troy C. Thorson, Michael R. Sande
  • Publication number: 20230094058
    Abstract: A power tool includes an elongated shaft forming a handle constructed of a non-conductive material and a tool head located at one end of the handle. The tool head includes a working element and a driven shaft configured to drive the working element. A powerhead located at an opposite end of the handle and includes an input shaft. A driveshaft extends between the tool head and the powerhead. The driveshaft is rotatably coupled to the input shaft and the driven shaft to transfer torque from the powerhead to the working element of the tool head. At least a portion of the driveshaft extending between the powerhead and the working element is constructed of a non-conductive material to inhibit transmission of electricity from the working element to the powerhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventor: Hans T. Banholzer
  • Publication number: 20230051592
    Abstract: A discharge accessory for a lawnmower includes an inlet end and a hook disposed at the inlet end. The hook defines a channel. A lever arm extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the channel, and a protrusion is disposed in the channel. The protrusion extends in a first direction transverse to the channel and to the lever arm, and the protrusion extends in a second direction transverse to the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: David Marolla, Shane McCue, Hans T. Banholzer, John L. Whealon, Ryan Gunderson
  • Patent number: 11565386
    Abstract: A powered ratchet tool including a housing and a drive mechanism for driving an output member. The drive mechanism includes a yoke through which the output member extends. The ratchet tool further comprises a first selective pawl, a second selective pawl, and a non-selective pawl in the yoke that are biased toward an outer toothed surface of the output member and blocking member. The outer toothed surface includes first and second selectively-toothed sections. When the first selectively-toothed section and second selectively-toothed sections are rotationally aligned with the with the first selective pawl and the second selective pawl, the first and second selective pawls are incapable of transferring torque to the output member. The blocking member moves between an operating position, wherein the non-selective pawl is engaged with the outer toothed surface, and a home position, wherein the blocking member inhibits the non-selective pawl from engaging with the outer toothed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, Jonathan Paul
  • Publication number: 20220395967
    Abstract: A power tool comprises a housing defining a grip portion, a motor having a motor drive shaft, a drive assembly including a crankshaft configured to receive torque from the motor drive shaft, an output assembly having an output member configured to receive torque from the crankshaft, a bearing rotatably supporting the crankshaft, a retainer configured to prevent translation of the bearing along the crankshaft past the retainer, and a transducer assembly disposed between the grip portion and the output member to measure the amount of torque applied through the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Wyatt R. Silha, Jacob P. Schneider, John S. Dey, IV, Hans T. Banholzer, Qiang Wei Li, Pu Shao Zhang, Qian Guo Qin
  • Patent number: 11518018
    Abstract: A power tool includes an elongated shaft forming a handle and a tool head located at one end of the handle. The tool head includes a working element and a driven shaft configured to drive the working element. A powerhead located at an opposite end of the handle and includes an input shaft. A driveshaft extends between the tool head and the powerhead. The driveshaft is rotatably coupled to the input shaft and the driven shaft to transfer torque from the powerhead to the working element of the tool head. At least a portion of the driveshaft extending between the powerhead and the working element is constructed of a non-conductive material to inhibit transmission of electricity from the working element to the powerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans T. Banholzer