Patents by Inventor Jacob N. Zimmerman

Jacob N. Zimmerman 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: 12290908
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, and a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a top-dead-center (TDC) position and a bottom-dead-center (BDC) position. The driver blade including a body and a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. A lifter is operable to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter including a plurality of lugs engageable with the teeth of the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The body of the driver blade has a first thickness and at least a first of the teeth has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness and the first tooth has a stepped configuration relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan C. Ward, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Andrew J. Weber, Marcus Wechselberger, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens
  • Publication number: 20250114926
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver comprising a housing, a nosepiece extending from the housing, a workpiece contact bracket at least partially surrounding the nosepiece, wherein the workpiece contact bracket slides on the nosepiece, a driver blade movable within the nosepiece between a ready position and a driven position, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled with the driver blade to drive the driver blade. The nosepiece includes a tail extending outwardly at least partially along a length of the nosepiece and the workpiece contact bracket includes an internal bore having a tail socket extending at least partially along a length of the workpiece contact bracket, wherein the tail of the nosepiece fits into the tail socket of the workpiece contact bracket to form a slip fit elongated dovetail joint between the nosepiece and the workpiece contact bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Mark C. Hughes, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Ivan N. Zozulya, Travis W. Leathrum, Troy C. Thorson, Michael B. Koeppel, Bradley S. Houskamp, Lokeshwaran Rajendran, Mitchell A. Ellena, David C. Graf, Caleb M. Schober
  • Publication number: 20250100123
    Abstract: An oscillating power tool includes an outer housing having a head portion and a handle portion extending therefrom, an inner housing within the outer housing, a first annular gap between the inner housing and the head portion of the outer housing, and a motor and a drive mechanism having an output shaft that oscillates and defines an output axis. The output shaft extends through an opening in the head portion and defines a second annular gap between the output shaft and the outer housing. The oscillating power tool also includes an over-travel limit member in the first annular gap. In response to relative movement between the inner housing and the outer housing, the over-travel limit member prevents contact between them. The over-travel limit member limits lateral movement of the inner housing relative to the outer housing in a direction transverse to the output axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. HOLLY, Jacob N. ZIMMERMAN, James C. SITTER, David A. BIERDEMAN, Andrew R. SCHAUER, You Gen LIU
  • Patent number: 12186880
    Abstract: An oscillating power tool includes an outer housing, and an inner housing positioned within the outer housing. A motor and a drive mechanism are supported by the inner housing. The drive mechanism includes an output shaft that is rotational in an oscillating manner and that defines an output axis. A damping element is positioned between the inner housing and the outer housing through which the inner housing is mounted to the outer housing, thereby attenuating vibration transmitted to the outer housing from the inner housing. An over-travel limit member is positioned between the inner housing and the outer housing. In response to relative movement between the inner housing and the outer housing while the power tool is in use, the limit member is configured to prevent direct contact between the inner housing and the outer housing, inhibiting vibration produced by the motor and/or drive mechanism from bypassing the damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Holly, Jacob N. Zimmerman, James C. Sitter, David A Bierdeman, Andrew R. Schauer, You Gen Liu
  • Patent number: 12179325
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a housing, a nosepiece extending from the housing, a driver blade movable within the nosepiece between a ready position and a driven position the driver blade comprising a plurality of drive teeth on a first side of the driver blade and a plurality of locking projections on a second side of the driver blade, a piston coupled to the driver blade for movement therewith, a driver cylinder within which the piston is movable, a storage chamber cylinder containing pressurized gas therein and in fluid communication with the driver cylinder, a first end of the driver cylinder being affixed to a corresponding first end of the storage chamber cylinder, and a latch actuator assembly adjacent the driver blade, wherein the latch actuator assembly includes a latch to engage one of the plurality of locking projections to prevent the driver blade from moving toward the driven position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Mark C. Hughes, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Ivan N. Zozulya, Travis W. Leathrum, Troy C. Thorson, Michael B. Koeppel, Bradley S. Houskamp, Lokeshwaran Rajendran, Mitchell A. Ellena, David C. Graf, Caleb M. Schober
  • Patent number: 12179326
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top-dead-center (TDC) position to a bottom-dead-center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece and a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A kickout arrangement is at least partially defined by an outer surface on one of a torque output member and a torque input member and an aperture formed in the other of the torque output member and the torque input member in which the outer surface is received. The kickout arrangement configured to permit limited rotation of the torque output member relative to the torque input member between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Bierdeman, Troy C. Thorson, Jacob P. Schneider, Mackenzie J. Nick, Nathan Bandy, Travis W. Leathrum, Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Mark C. Hughes, David C. Graf, Marcus Wechselberger, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Jason M. Julius, Rosalie C. Phillips, Beth E. Cholst
  • Publication number: 20240408731
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver including a housing, a cylinder, a piston movable within the cylinder from a TDC position to a BDC position, a driver blade attached to the piston for movement therewith along a driving axis from the TDC position toward the BDC position for driving a fastener into a workpiece, a lifter operable to move the piston and driver blade, in unison, from the BDC position toward the TDC position, a drive unit operably coupled to the lifter, and a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned within the housing. The PCB receives electrical current from the battery pack and includes power switches for commutating the motor. The PCB defines a length and a width, and a vibration attenuating damper is positioned between the housing and the printed circuit board. The damper is positioned along the length of the PCB and is configured to support the PCB within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Kirat S. Mokha, Ryan Khatib, Logan M. Hietpas, Jeremy J. Keifenheim, David A. Bierdeman, Jason M. Julius, Rosalie C. Phillips, Ivan N. Zozulya, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Alex D. Servais, Mitchell T. Neuhoff
  • Publication number: 20240375260
    Abstract: An oscillating power tool has a housing including a handle portion defining a handle axis and a head portion defining an output axis that is perpendicular to the handle axis. The head portion includes a front face intersected by the handle axis. A drive mechanism includes an output shaft configured to oscillate about the output axis in a rotational manner in response receiving torque from a motor. A lighting assembly is configured to illuminate a workpiece in front of the head portion of the housing. The lighting assembly includes a lens arranged on the front face of the housing, a holder coupled to the lens, a plurality of printed circuit boards supported by the holder, and an LED arranged on each of the printed circuit boards. In response to being activated, the LEDs are configured to project a wide-angle beam of light through the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Holly, Jacob N. Zimmerman, James C. Sitter, David A. Bierdeman, Andrew R. Schauer, Michael J. Panetta, You Gen Liu
  • Publication number: 20240367297
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver including a piston movable within the inner cylinder from a top-dead-center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom-dead-center (BDC) position. The piston has a diameter of less than 45 mm, and a stroke length of the piston between the TDC position and the BDC position measuring greater than 60 mm and less than 90 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Mark C. Hughes, Bradley S. Houskamp, Ivan N. Zozulya, Jacob N. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20240367298
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver including a piston movable within an inner cylinder from a top-dead-center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom-dead-center (BDC) position. The piston has a reduced stroke length between the TDC position and the BDC position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Jason M. Julius, Rosalie C. Phillips, Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Mark C. Hughes, Bradley S. Houskamp, Ivan N. Zozulya, Jacob N. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20240335891
    Abstract: A circular saw including a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, a spindle operable to be rotated by the motor, and a saw blade supported by the spindle for co-rotation therewith. The saw blade includes a hub portion located at a center of the saw blade and a blade portion extending therefrom. The hub portion is offset from the blade portion to define a pocket between the blade portion and the hub portion. The circular saw also includes a fastener securing the saw blade to the spindle. The fastener is at least partially recessed within the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventors: Mark C. Hughes, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Andrew J. Weber, Adam N. Carter, Yangxue Yu, Vincent M. Zornow
  • Patent number: 12097603
    Abstract: An oscillating power tool has a housing including a handle portion defining a handle axis and a head portion defining an output axis that is perpendicular to the handle axis. The head portion includes a front face intersected by the handle axis. A drive mechanism includes an output shaft configured to oscillate about the output axis in a rotational manner in response receiving torque from a motor. A lighting assembly is configured to illuminate a workpiece in front of the head portion of the housing. The lighting assembly includes a lens arranged on the front face of the housing, a holder coupled to the lens, a plurality of printed circuit boards supported by the holder, and an LED arranged on each of the printed circuit boards. In response to being activated, the LEDs are configured to project a wide-angle beam of light through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Holly, Jacob N. Zimmerman, James C. Sitter, David A. Bierdeman, Andrew R. Schauer, Michael J. Panetta, You Gen Liu
  • Publication number: 20240308042
    Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a storage chamber cylinder having pressurized air in communication with the cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a top-dead-center position and a bottom-dead-center position, the driver blade defining a driving axis, a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the bottom-dead-center position toward the top-dead-center position, the lifter is configured to engage the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the bottom-dead-center position toward the top-dead-center position, a bumper positioned beneath the piston in a vertical direction to absorb impact energy from the piston, and a valve positioned in the storage chamber cylinder. In response to the piston compressing the bumper while absorbing impact energy from the piston, the valve adds pressurized air from the cylinder to the storage chamber cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: David A. Bierdeman, Troy C. Thorson, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Andrew R. Wyler, Travis W. Leathrum, David C. Graf, Alex J. Brasel
  • Patent number: 12048992
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top-dead-center position to a bottom-dead-center position for driving a fastener into a workpiece, a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade toward the top-dead-center position, and a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade. The lifter having a body and a drive pin coupled to the body. A roller is positioned on the drive pin and engages with a tooth of the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the bottom-dead-center position toward the top-dead-center position. The roller includes a first engagement section that receives an end portion of the tooth and a second engagement section. An engagement member engages the second engagement section for aligning the first engagement section of the roller with the end portion of the tooth to facilitate meshing between the end portion of the tooth and the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Bierdeman, Troy C. Thorson, Jacob P. Schneider, Mackenzie J. Nick, Nathan Bandy, Travis W. Leathrum, Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Mark C. Hughes, David C. Graf, Marcus Wechselberger, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Jason M. Julius, Rosalie C. Phillips, Beth E. Cholst
  • Patent number: 11975432
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, and a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a top-dead-center (TDC) position and a bottom-dead-center (BDC) position. A lifter is operable to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A transmission is provided for providing torque to the lifter. The lifter includes a hub and a plurality of lugs extending therefrom. Each lug is engageable with the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The hub and the lugs are integrally formed as a single piece. The lifter includes a first side and an opposite second side. Each of the first side and the second side is flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan C. Ward, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Andrew J. Weber, Marcus Wechselberger
  • Publication number: 20240131674
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a magazine configured to receive fasteners, a nosepiece including a fastener driving channel from which consecutive fasteners from the magazine are driven, and a workpiece contact element movable relative to the nosepiece between an extended position and a retracted position. A portion of the workpiece contact element is slidably positioned within the fastener driving channel. The portion of the workpiece contact element having an aperture extending therethrough in which the fasteners pass from the magazine through the aperture into the fastener driving channel of the nosepiece to be fired. The portion of the workpiece contact element further includes a guide assembly positioned thereon. The guide assembly configured to guide the fastener along the portion of the workpiece contact element within the fastener driving channel as the fastener is being fired into a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Casey D. Garces, Mitchell T. Neuhoff, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Christopher J. VanAckeren, Grace Whitmore, Marcus Wechselberger, Jason M. Julius
  • Publication number: 20240131672
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes an outer cylinder having a cylindrical first end and an opposite, second end, an inner cylinder positioned within the outer cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the inner cylinder, and a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a top-dead-center position and a bottom-dead-center position along a drive axis. The outer cylinder defining a longitudinal axis and a storage chamber configured to be filled with pressurized gas. The inner cylinder being in communication with the pressurized gas within the storage chamber. A frame has first end adjacent the cylindrical first end of the outer cylinder and a second end extending outward from the cylindrical first end of the outer cylinder in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The frame is integrally formed with the outer cylinder as a single piece and a nosepiece supported by the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Bryan C. Ward, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Andrew J. Weber, Marcus Wechselberger, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens
  • Publication number: 20240051102
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a pusher assembly slidably coupled to a magazine assembly. The pusher assembly includes a first portion and a second portion that are selectively movable relative to each other. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first portion and the second portion are configured to move together in unison toward the channel, and a second state in which the first portion moves relative to the second portion toward the channel. A dry-fire lockout assembly includes a blocking member coupled to the magazine assembly or the nosepiece assembly, and a lockout member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position and a second position. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Jacob N. Zimmerman, Grace Whitmore, Marcus Wechselberger, Casey D. Garces, Mitchell T. Neuhoff
  • Patent number: 11878400
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a housing defining a head portion and a handle portion, a drive mechanism positioned within the housing, and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism includes a primary guide member supported within the head portion of the housing, a secondary guide member spaced from the primary guide member and supported within the head portion of the housing, a piston slidable along the primary guide member and the secondary guide member, a driver blade attached to the piston and configured to be movable along a drive axis, and a biasing member configured to move the piston and the driver blade from a top dead center (TDC) position toward a bottom dead center (BDC) position. A lifter assembly is operated by the drive mechanism to return the piston and the driver blade towards the TDC position, against the bias of the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Coby A. Nettleton, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens, Alex D. Servais, Eric R. Albrecht, Jacob N. Zimmerman, John M. Jubeck, Andrew R. Palm, Casey L. Bonath, Daniel J. Sheridan
  • Patent number: D1022636
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Bandy, John Jubeck, Andrew J. Weber, Marcus Wechselberger, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Katherine G. Stringfield, Adam N. Carter