Patents by Inventor James Wekwert

James Wekwert 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: 11952249
    Abstract: A material transport cart includes a cart body, a material support body coupled to the cart body, a wheel coupled to the cart body, a motor operable to drive the wheel, and a powered lift assembly. The powered lift assembly is coupled to the cart body and to the material support body. The powered lift assembly is operable to lift the material support body relative to the cart body. A removable battery is electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to both the motor and the powered lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Schwalbach, Christina Prestidge-Kadrlik, Paul Rossetto, Logan M. Hietpas, Matt Thurin, Kathleen M. Keegan, James Wekwert
  • Publication number: 20240083717
    Abstract: A zero-gravity hoist system including a chain fall, a motor coupled to the chain fall and configured to drive the chain fall in one or more directions, a power supply configured to provide power to the motor, and a controller having one or more electronic processors. The one or more electronic processors are configured to measure a first force of a load in response to receiving an input, store the measured first force in a memory of the controller, measure a second force of the load, determine a difference between the second measured force and the first measured force, and adjust a height of the load based on determining that the second force differs from the first force by a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Post, Isabel M. Lloyd, Gareth Mueckl, John S. Scott, Matthew N. Thurin, Timothy J. Campbell, Jonathan L. Lambert, James Wekwert
  • Publication number: 20240075845
    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: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: James Wekwert, Gareth Mueckl, Randolph McHugh
  • Patent number: 11912545
    Abstract: A wireless hoist system including a first hoist device having a first motor and a first wireless transceiver and a second hoist device having a second motor and a second wireless transceiver. The wireless hoist system includes a controller in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless. The controller is configured to receive a user input and determine a first operation parameter and a second operation parameter based on the user input. The controller is also configured to provide, wirelessly, a first control signal indicative of the first operation parameter to the first hoist device and provide, wirelessly, a second control signal indicative of the second operation parameter to the second hoist device. The first hoist device operates based on the first control signal and the second hoist device operates based on the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Post, Gareth Mueckl, Matthew N. Thurin, Joshua D. Widder, Timothy J. Bartlett, Patrick D. Gallagher, Jarrod P. Kotes, Karly M. Schober, Kenneth W. Wolf, Terry L. Timmons, Mallory L. Marksteiner, Jonathan L. Lambert, Ryan A. Spiering, Jeremy R. Ebner, Benjamin A. Smith, James Wekwert, Brandon L. Yahr, Troy C. Thorson, Connor P. Sprague, John E. Koller, Evan M. Glanzer, John S. Scott, William F. Chapman, III, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20230390837
    Abstract: A power tool used to perform a coping cut including a main housing, a motor disposed within the main housing, a drive shaft driven by the motor about a rotational axis, a handle extending from the main housing, and an abrasive disc coupled to and driven by the drive shaft about the rotational axis. The motor is an outer rotor brushless direct current motor capable of rotating at 4,000 surface feet per minute at 1.5 inch-pounds of torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Kyle Reeder, James Wekwert, Daniel M. Blau, Daniel L. Parr, IV, Ryan M. McManus, Jacob R. Seifert
  • Publication number: 20230339080
    Abstract: A hand tool for driving a fastener is provided. The hand tool includes gearing that interconnects a splined socket to a rotatable or trigger actuator and increases a rotational speed of the splined socket relative to the actuator. The hand tool may include a power tool receiver 38 or an independent motor to drive rotation of the splined socket to advance or retract a fastener from a threaded shaft. By increasing the speed and conserving rotational inertia, the hand tool reduces the time to secure a fastener on a threaded shaft. A rotatable nut is provided. The rotatable nut can slideably orient along a first axis and threadedly orient along a second axis to fasten to an adjacent surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Aaron M. Williams, Michael John Caelwaerts, Max R. Sawa, Caroline Hope, James Wekwert, Jason D. Thurner
  • Publication number: 20230339135
    Abstract: An oscillating power tool includes a housing, a motor, a tool holder driven oscillatingly, a flange threadedly coupled to a plunger, and a lever pivotable between a clamping position and a release position. The flange is configured to be movable in an axial direction. The flange is configured to clamp the output element onto the tool holder in the clamping position and configured to be displaced a first distance from the tool holder in the release position. The lever includes a cam surface including a substantially flat surface configured to engage the plunger in the release position. In the release position, a gap is disposed between the lever and the housing to allow the lever to be rotated past the release position. The lever is configured to displace the flange a second distance from the tool holder, larger than the first distance, when rotated past the release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Emily Doberstein, James Wekwert
  • Patent number: 11759925
    Abstract: A hand tool for driving a fastener is provided. The hand tool includes gearing that interconnects a splined socket to a rotatable or trigger actuator and increases a rotational speed of the splined socket relative to the actuator. The hand tool may include a power tool receiver or an independent motor to drive rotation of the splined socket to advance or retract a fastener from a threaded shaft. By increasing the speed and conserving rotational inertia, the hand tool reduces the time to secure a fastener on a threaded shaft. A rotatable nut is provided. The rotatable nut can slideably orient along a first axis and threadedly orient along a second axis to fasten to an adjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Max R. Sawa, Christopher S. Hoppe, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Caroline Hope, James Wekwert, Bryan C. Ward
  • Patent number: 11752894
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: James Wekwert, Gareth Mueckl, Randolph McHugh
  • Publication number: 20230256498
    Abstract: An expansion tool includes a housing, a motor supported by the housing and including a motor, a mandrel, and a drive mechanism configured to convert a rotational input from a motor shaft into translational movement of the mandrel. The expansion tool includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When the expansion tool is operated in the first operating mode, the drive mechanism is configured to reciprocate the mandrel between a retracted position and a first extended position. When the expansion tool is operated in the second operating mode, the drive mechanism is configured to reciprocate the mandrel between the retracted position and a second extended position different than the first extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: James Wekwert, Jacob Lindsey, Peter J. Davies, Justin Miller, Andrew J. Smith, Troy C. Thorson, Ryan J. Denissen, John S. Scott
  • Patent number: 11724413
    Abstract: An accessory for an oscillating power tool that oscillatingly drives a removably attachable output element. The accessory includes an attachment portion configured to be removably attached to a housing of the oscillating power tool on a side of the output element that faces the housing. The attachment portion is at least partially annular and defines an axial opening therethrough. The attachment portion includes a circumferential inner surface defining the axial opening and a circumferential outer surface opposite the inner surface. The attachment portion is configured to snap-fit with the power tool housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Emily Doberstein, James Wekwert
  • Patent number: 11724366
    Abstract: A hand tool for driving a fastener is provided. The hand tool includes gearing that interconnects a splined socket to a rotatable or trigger actuator and increases a rotational speed of the splined socket relative to the actuator. The hand tool may include a power tool receiver 38 or an independent motor to drive rotation of the splined socket to advance or retract a fastener from a threaded shaft. By increasing the speed and conserving rotational inertia, the hand tool reduces the time to secure a fastener on a threaded shaft. A rotatable nut is provided. The rotatable nut can slideably orient along a first axis and threadedly orient along a second axis to fasten to an adjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Aaron M. Williams, Michael John Caelwaerts, Max R. Sawa, Caroline Hope, James Wekwert, Jason D. Thurner
  • Publication number: 20230249330
    Abstract: A modular concrete tool includes a modular power unit that has a housing with a motor housing portion and a front housing portion coupled to the motor housing portion, a battery receptacle configured to removably engage a battery pack, a handle extending from the motor housing portion, a motor disposed within the motor housing portion, the motor configured to provide torque to an output shaft extending through the front housing portion, and a tool socket formed in the front housing portion in which the output shaft terminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: James Wekwert, Kyle Reeder, Colin J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20230241660
    Abstract: A powered conduit bending tool is configured to bend conduit. The tool comprises a housing, a motor contained within the housing, and a battery removably coupled to the housing to provide power to the motor. An output shaft extends from the housing and is driven by the motor to rotate about an axis. A head is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. The head includes a curved channel for receiving the conduit. A guide is coupled to the housing and supported opposite the curved channel of the head. The guide includes a latching handle movable between a closed position and an open position. The motor drives the head to rotate relative to the housing so that the curved channel and the guide cooperate to bend the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Brandon L. Yahr, James Wekwert, Matthew N. Thurin, Dayton J. Aardema, Van N. Heyer, Ameya Sanjay Kulkarni, Benjamin J. Boldt
  • Publication number: 20230204837
    Abstract: A glare reduction system includes a light source, a first circular polarizing filter, and a pair of second circular polarizing filters. The first circular polarizing filter is positioned to receive light from the light source. The first circular polarizing filter is able to pass light that is polarized in a first circular direction. The second circular polarizing filters include respective portions positioned laterally from one other. The pair of second circular polarizing filters is located a distance from the first circular polarizing filter. Each of the pair of second circular polarizing filters is able to pass light that is polarized in a second circular direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: James Wekwert, Scott T. Moeller, Michael A. Verhagen
  • Publication number: 20230150101
    Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a first chamber, and a movable piston positioned within the first chamber. The fastener driver also includes a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position. The fastener driver further includes a second chamber containing pressurized gas. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber via a flow passage. The fastener driver also includes a throttle mechanism configured to throttle flow of the pressurized gas through the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Logan M. HIETPAS, James WEKWERT, Matthew N. THURIN, John S. SCOTT, Caroline FOX
  • Patent number: 11633775
    Abstract: An expansion tool includes a housing, a motor supported within the housing, a mandrel, and a drive mechanism configured to convert a rotational input from the motor into translational movement of the mandrel. The drive mechanism includes a cam and a drive shaft coupled to the cam. The expansion tool further includes a frame including a hub and a neck extending from the hub and having an opening. A working element is coupled to the neck and has a plurality of jaws movable from a closed position toward an expanded position in response to movement of the mandrel from a retracted position toward an extended position. The mandrel extends through the opening to engage the jaws, and the drive shaft is rotatably supported by the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Wekwert, Jacob Lindsey, Peter J. Davies, Justin Miller, Andrew J. Smith, Troy C. Thorson, Ryan J. Denissen, John S. Scott
  • Publication number: 20230119432
    Abstract: A material transport cart includes a cart body, a material support body coupled to the cart body, a wheel coupled to the cart body, a motor operable to drive the wheel, and a powered lift assembly. The powered lift assembly is coupled to the cart body and to the material support body. The powered lift assembly is operable to lift the material support body relative to the cart body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: David M. Schwalbach, Christina Prestidge-Kadrlik, Paul Rossetto, Logan M. Hietpas, Matt Thurin, Kathleen M. Keegan, James Wekwert
  • Patent number: 11554943
    Abstract: A material transport cart includes a cart body, a material support body coupled to the cart body, a wheel coupled to the cart body, a motor operable to drive the wheel, and a powered lift assembly. The powered lift assembly is coupled to the cart body and to the material support body. The powered lift assembly is operable to lift the material support body relative to the cart body. A removable battery is electrically coupled to and operable to supply power to both the motor and the powered lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Schwalbach, Christina Prestidge-Kadrlik, Paul Rossetto, Logan M. Hietpas, Matt Thurin, Kathleen M. Keegan, James Wekwert
  • Publication number: 20220219251
    Abstract: A handheld punch tool includes a housing defining a first axis, a motor contained within the housing, the motor having a motor shaft defining a second axis, and a head coupled to the housing. The head including a drive member reciprocable along a third axis in response to rotation of the motor shaft about the second axis, and a punch coupled to the drive member and reciprocable in response to reciprocation of the drive member along the third axis. The handheld punch tool further includes a debris collection container removably coupled to the head. The debris collection container is configured to receive chips generated during operation of the handheld punch tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: William E. Street, James Wekwert