Patents by Inventor James D. Hay

James D. Hay 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: 11045935
    Abstract: A nosepiece assembly for use in a powered nailer includes an outer portion defining an outer side of a drive channel. The drive channel is operable to receive a first nail of a collated strip of nails and guide the first nail out of the nosepiece assembly when the first nail is driven into a workpiece. The nosepiece assembly also includes a magazine-coupling portion coupled to the outer portion. The magazine-coupling portion includes a magazine connector and a spring. The magazine connector is coupleable to a magazine assembly to feed the collated strip of nails along a nail guide toward the drive channel and the spring is positioned adjacent to, but outside, the drive channel to bias at least one nail of the collated strip of nails into a seated position against a surface of the nail guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hays, Talon Curtis
  • Patent number: 10766127
    Abstract: A nosepiece assembly includes a first nosepiece portion including a fastener guide. The fastener guide has a support ledge to position a first fastener of a collated strip of fasteners in a drive channel. The nosepiece assembly also includes a second nosepiece portion connected to the first nosepiece portion opposite to the fastener guide with the first and second nosepiece portions defining the drive channel therebetween and defining a debris ejection passage therebetween. The debris ejection passage extends between the drive channel and a debris ejection aperture on an exterior surface of the nosepiece assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Talon Curtis, James D. Hays, Rex A. Marshall, Jr., Larry E. Gregory, Evan Cain
  • Patent number: 10576616
    Abstract: A power tool housing can include a circumferential housing groove having at least one detent. A wire can include a central bend forming a hook end of a wire body, and can include two free ends of the wire forming a coupling end of the wire body. The coupling end can be received in the housing groove, and the coupling end can have at least one cooperating detent. The at least one detent and the at least one cooperating detent can be engaged in a storage position in which the hook end is positionable adjacent the power tool housing, and can be engaged in an in-use position in which the hook end is positionable extending away from the power tool housing ready for use in hanging the tool. The coupling end can be slidable along the housing groove between the storage and in-use positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hays, John C. Wenig
  • Patent number: 10513021
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary impact mechanism and a mode change mechanism. The impact mechanism is driven by an output member of a transmission and includes a hammer and an anvil. The mode change mechanism includes a mode collar that is movable between a first position, in which the mode collar directly couples the hammer to the transmission output member to inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle, and a second position in which the mode collar does not inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Rudolph, Daniel Puzio, Sankarshan N. Murthy, Aris Cleanthous, Joseph Stauffer, Robert S. Gehret, James D. Hays, Qiang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20190337136
    Abstract: A nosepiece assembly for use in a powered nailer includes an outer portion defining an outer side of a drive channel. The drive channel is operable to receive a first nail of a collated strip of nails and guide the first nail out of the nosepiece assembly when the first nail is driven into a workpiece. The nosepiece assembly also includes a magazine-coupling portion coupled to the outer portion. The magazine-coupling portion includes a magazine connector and a spring. The magazine connector is coupleable to a magazine assembly to feed the collated strip of nails along a nail guide toward the drive channel and the spring is positioned adjacent to, but outside, the drive channel to bias at least one nail of the collated strip of nails into a seated position against a surface of the nail guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. HAYS, Talon CURTIS
  • Publication number: 20190337142
    Abstract: A power tool housing can include a circumferential housing groove having at least one detent. A wire can include a central bend forming a hook end of a wire body, and can include two free ends of the wire forming a coupling end of the wire body. The coupling end can be received in the housing groove, and the coupling end can have at least one cooperating detent. The at least one detent and the at least one cooperating detent can be engaged in a storage position in which the hook end is positionable adjacent the power tool housing, and can be engaged in an in-use position in which the hook end is positionable extending away from the power tool housing ready for use in hanging the tool. The coupling end can be slidable along the housing groove between the storage and in-use positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. HAYS, John C. WENIG
  • Publication number: 20190337132
    Abstract: A nosepiece assembly includes a first nosepiece portion including a fastener guide. The fastener guide has a support ledge to position a first fastener of a collated strip of fasteners in a drive channel. The nosepiece assembly also includes a second nosepiece portion connected to the first nosepiece portion opposite to the fastener guide with the first and second nosepiece portions defining the drive channel therebetween and defining a debris ejection passage therebetween. The debris ejection passage extends between the drive channel and a debris ejection aperture on an exterior surface of the nosepiece assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Talon CURTIS, James D. HAYS, Rex A. MARSHALL, JR., Larry E. GREGORY, Evan CAIN
  • Publication number: 20160297060
    Abstract: A power tool has a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a tool holder driven by the motor, a control circuit for controlling the motor, a rotary input rotatable relative to the housing, and a rotational sensor for sensing the rotational position of the rotary input relative to the housing. The rotary input can be a thumbwheel or a handle that rotates relative to the housing. The control circuit receives input from the rotational sensor for controlling motor speed, rotational direction, etc. Other user interface mechanisms are disclosed as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Jason F. Busschaert, Scott J. Eshleman, Craig A. Schell, Daniel N. Lopano, Christine H. Potter, Rouse R. Bailey, Robert S. Gehret, Jesse P. Hill, James D. Hays, Michael K. Forster
  • Publication number: 20160052118
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary impact mechanism and a mode change mechanism. The impact mechanism is driven by an output member of a transmission and includes a hammer and an anvil. The mode change mechanism includes a mode collar that is movable between a first position, in which the mode collar directly couples the hammer to the transmission output member to inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle, and a second position in which the mode collar does not inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Scott M. Rudolph, Daniel Puzio, Sankarshan N. Murthy, Aris Cleanthous, Joseph Stauffer, Robert S. Gehret, James D. Hays, Qiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9193053
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary impact mechanism and a mode change mechanism. The impact mechanism is driven by an output member of a transmission and includes a hammer and an anvil. The mode change mechanism includes a mode collar that is movable between a first position, in which the mode collar directly couples the hammer to the transmission output member to inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle, and a second position in which the mode collar does not inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle. A power tool having an impact mechanism with an external adjusting member that can be moved to vary a trip torque of the impact mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Rudolph, Daniel Puzio, Sankarshan N. Murthy, Aris Cleanthous, Joseph Stauffer, Robert S. Gehret, James D. Hays, Qiang J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8794348
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary impact mechanism and a mode change mechanism. The impact mechanism is driven by an output member of a transmission and includes a hammer and an anvil. The mode change mechanism includes a mode collar that is movable between a first position, in which the mode collar directly couples the hammer to the transmission output member to inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle, and a second position in which the mode collar does not inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Rudolph, Daniel Puzio, Sankarshan N. Murthy, Aris Cleanthous, Joseph Stauffer, Robert S. Gehret, James D. Hays, Qiang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130306341
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary impact mechanism and a mode change mechanism. The impact mechanism is driven by an output member of a transmission and includes a hammer and an anvil. The mode change mechanism includes a mode collar that is movable between a first position, in which the mode collar directly couples the hammer to the transmission output member to inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle, and a second position in which the mode collar does not inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Rudolph, Daniel Puzio, Sankarshan N. Murthy, Aris Cleanthous, Joseph Stauffer, Robert S. Gehret, James D. Hays, Qiang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130071203
    Abstract: An apparatus includes structure having a first surface and a second surface, and defining a hole having a first opening at the first surface and a second opening at the second surface. A first member extends into the hole through the first opening and defines a first aperture. A second member extends into the hole through the second opening and defines a second aperture. A threaded fastener is at least partially disposed within the first and second apertures, and is selectively rotatable about an axis. A retainer member is disposed within the first and second apertures and resists axial movement of the first and second members and the threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: James D. Hay
  • Patent number: 8307809
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include a cylinder head, a cam cover and a fuel rail assembly. The cylinder head may define intake and exhaust ports and the cam cover may be fixed to the cylinder head. The fuel rail assembly may include a fuel rail, a bracket assembly and a fuel injector. The bracket assembly may be fixed to the fuel rail and may include a fastener and an isolation member. The fastener may be engaged with the cam cover and may secure the fuel rail thereto. The isolation member may be located between the fuel rail and the cam cover to isolate vibration therebetween. The fuel injector may be in communication with the fuel rail and may extend into a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head at a location between the intake and exhaust ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Hay, Joel Cowgill, Rodney E. Baker
  • Publication number: 20110277727
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure defining a combustion chamber, a spark plug extending into a central region of the combustion chamber and a fuel injector in communication with the central region of the combustion chamber. The fuel injector may define a C-shaped fuel spray emanating from the central region of the combustion chamber and spaced from the spark plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: James D. Hay, Scott Halsall
  • Publication number: 20110073074
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include a cylinder head, a cam cover and a fuel rail assembly. The cylinder head may define intake and exhaust ports and the cam cover may be fixed to the cylinder head. The fuel rail assembly may include a fuel rail, a bracket assembly and a fuel injector. The bracket assembly may be fixed to the fuel rail and may include a fastener and an isolation member. The fastener may be engaged with the cam cover and may secure the fuel rail thereto. The isolation member may be located between the fuel rail and the cam cover to isolate vibration therebetween. The fuel injector may be in communication with the fuel rail and may extend into a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head at a location between the intake and exhaust ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: JAMES D. HAY, JOEL COWGILL, RODNEY E. BAKER
  • Patent number: 7848874
    Abstract: A fuel control system includes a pressure comparison module that generates a pressure control signal when a fuel supply pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure value, a temperature comparison module that generates a temperature control signal when a temperature of an engine is greater than a predetermined temperature value, and a pre-crank fuel module that selectively dispenses pre-crank fuel prior to cranking the engine based on the pressure control signal and the temperature control signal. A related fuel control method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: James D. Hay, Mark D. Carr, Jeffrey M. Hutmacher, Louis A. Avallone, Jon C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100071923
    Abstract: A power tool having a rotary impact mechanism and a mode change mechanism. The impact mechanism is driven by an output member of a transmission and includes a hammer and an anvil. The mode change mechanism includes a mode collar that is movable between a first position, in which the mode collar directly couples the hammer to the transmission output member to inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle, and a second position in which the mode collar does not inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle. A power tool having an impact mechanism with an external adjusting member that can be moved to vary a trip torque of the impact mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Scott M. Rudolph, Daniel Puzio, Sankarshan N. Murthy, Aris Cleanthous, Joseph Stauffer, Robert S. Gehret, James D. Hays, Qiang J. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090216425
    Abstract: A fuel control system includes a pressure comparison module that generates a pressure control signal when a fuel supply pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure value, a temperature comparison module that generates a temperature control signal when a temperature of an engine is greater than a predetermined temperature value, and a pre-crank fuel module that selectively dispenses pre-crank fuel prior to cranking the engine based on the pressure control signal and the temperature control signal. A related fuel control method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC
    Inventors: James D. Hay, Mark D. Carr, Jeffrey M. Hutmacher, Louis A. Avallone, Jon C. Miller
  • Patent number: 6044583
    Abstract: A fly-fishing aerial spinner lure is constructed of such light weight and small size as to be effective in rotating at a high angular velocity when casting a fly fishing line. The spinner is able to flex with the line and is metallized to provide an attractive appearance to fish. A delta shaped wing is mounted onto a flexible and self lubricated tube so as to be easily threaded onto a line and yet to be able to rotate without significant friction or line wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: James D. Hay