Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Zapp

Kenneth J. Zapp 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: 9511472
    Abstract: The invention concerns a module (100) adapted for use with a hand-held power drill (200) for dual-action abrading, polishing, and/or cleaning of a substrate. The module (100) uses a direct drive mechanism whereby rotation of a suitable work member (204) is actuated along a circular orbital path. The module (100) optionally includes a handle (114) coupled to the module (100), which allows the spindle (110) motion induced by the power drill (200) and the motion of the housing (102) to be effectively decoupled from each other and enhances operator control over the work member (204). Providing a modular device (100) that can be used with a common household tool results in an increased versatility as well as space and cost savings for the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Zapp, James R. Williamson, Brian P. Dutkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20140187127
    Abstract: The invention concerns a module (100) adapted for use with a hand-held power drill (200) for dual-action abrading, polishing, and/or cleaning of a substrate. The module (100) uses a direct drive mechanism whereby rotation of a suitable work member (204) is actuated along a circular orbital path. The module (100) optionally includes a handle (114) coupled to the module (100), which allows the spindle (110) motion induced by the power drill (200) and the motion of the housing (102) to be effectively decoupled from each other and enhances operator control over the work member (204). Providing a modular device (100) that can be used with a common household tool results in an increased versatility as well as space and cost savings for the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Zapp, James R. Williamson, Brian P. Dutkiewicz