Patents by Inventor Kenneth R. Pierce

Kenneth R. Pierce 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: 12135096
    Abstract: A valve operating device includes a base having a housing thereon. A motor, a motor controller unit, and a human machine interface controller are disposed in the housing. A display device mounted on top of the housing is controlled by the human interface controller to display control screens and receive user input. The operator controls operation of the device at a home control screen, which displays information regarding the exercise of the valve as it is acquired. Data configuration and storage functions are controlled via a valve data record screen and identifier screens accessible from the home control screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 12129934
    Abstract: A valve operating device includes a defining a transverse axis extending from a first end to a second end. A motor is positioned within the housing. The motor includes a motor output shaft configured to drive at least one gear disposed within the housing. The at least one gear is configured to rotate a key extending substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis to engage a valve. A motor controller unit drives the motor in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction at a variable motor speed to deliver up to a torque limit. A user interface comprises a first motor activation throttle configured to drive the motor in the clockwise direction at a user-controlled speed when activated. A second motor activation throttle drives the motor at a user-controlled speed in the counter-clockwise direction when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Wozniak, Michael W. Gearhart, Karl G. Kopija, Ramunas Jonaitis, Kenneth R. Pierce
  • Patent number: 11920695
    Abstract: A valve operating machine includes a base, a housing thereon and a motor within the housing, an output socket rotatably coupled to the housing and extending through the base, a ring lock rotatably coupled to the output socket, a locking assembly which locks the ring lock to the output socket and can be released to allow removal of the ring lock from the output socket, a plate rotatably coupled to the ring lock, and a mating assembly configured to couple the plate to the base in at least two positions, while preventing rotation of the plate relative to the base. A key that is used to exercise a valve can be connected to the output socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20220243838
    Abstract: A valve operating device includes a defining a transverse axis extending from a first end to a second end. A motor is positioned within the housing. The motor includes a motor output shaft configured to drive at least one gear disposed within the housing. The at least one gear is configured to rotate a key extending substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis to engage a valve. A motor controller unit drives the motor in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction at a variable motor speed to deliver up to a torque limit. A user interface comprises a first motor activation throttle configured to drive the motor in the clockwise direction at a user-controlled speed when activated. A second motor activation throttle drives the motor at a user-controlled speed in the counter-clockwise direction when activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Mark W. Wozniak, Michael W. Gearhart, Karl G. Kopija, Ramunas Jonaitis, Kenneth R. Pierce
  • Patent number: 11344959
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus and the method of operating same is provided. The apparatus includes a feed tower assembly configured to be attached to an object and a frame base plate movably attached thereto. The frame base plate has a pivotable arm assembly and an arm wheel thereon which accept a cutting member. A visual tension indicator is operably connected to the frame base plate and the arm assembly and configured to indicate an amount of tension applied to the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart, Jeffrey M. Swiatowy, Mark W. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 11326706
    Abstract: A valve operating machine includes a base having a housing thereon. A motor, and a planetary gearbox are mounted within cavities in the housing. A motor gear, a planetary input gear and an idler gear are mounted within a separate cavity. The motor gear is mounted for rotation with a motor shaft of the motor and the planetary input gear is mounted for rotation with a planetary gear spindle of the planetary input gear. The idler gear is engaged with the motor and planetary input gears. An output socket is connected to the planetary gearbox for connection to a key that is used to exercise a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20210254747
    Abstract: A valve operating machine includes a base having a housing thereon. A motor, and a planetary gearbox are mounted within cavities in the housing. A motor gear, a planetary input gear and an idler gear are mounted within a separate cavity. The motor gear is mounted for rotation with a motor shaft of the motor and the planetary input gear is mounted for rotation with a planetary gear spindle of the planetary input gear. The idler gear is engaged with the motor and planetary input gears. An output socket is connected to the planetary gearbox for connection to a key that is used to exercise a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20210254746
    Abstract: A valve operating device includes a base having a housing thereon. A motor, a motor controller unit, and a human machine interface controller are disposed in the housing. A display device mounted on top of the housing is controlled by the human interface controller to display control screens and receive user input. The operator controls operation of the device at a home control screen, which displays information regarding the exercise of the valve as it is acquired. Data configuration and storage functions are controlled via a valve data record screen and identifier screens accessible from the home control screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20210254745
    Abstract: A valve operating machine includes a base, a housing thereon and a motor within the housing, an output socket rotatably coupled to the housing and extending through the base, a ring lock rotatably coupled to the output socket, a locking assembly which locks the ring lock to the output socket and can be released to allow removal of the ring lock from the output socket, a plate rotatably coupled to the ring lock, and a mating assembly configured to couple the plate to the base in at least two positions, while preventing rotation of the plate relative to the base. A key that is used to exercise a valve can be connected to the output socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 10994349
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a low profile travelling pipe cutter is provided which is adapted to perform at least one of cutting and beveling a hollow vessel while traveling around the vessel using a cutting tool mounted thereon. The pipe cutter includes inner and outer carriages, a capstan assembly attached to the outer carriage to which a feed cable is attached, and rollers attached to the outer carriage to which a tension cable is attached. The force adjustment assembly changes the vertical position of the outer carriage relative to the inner carriage to compensate for the pipe cutter going inwardly and outwardly as it travels around a hollow vessel in order to maintain constant pressure caused by the lever tension interface. A guard assembly is provided for covering and uncovering the cutting tool during cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart, Alexander S. Giberman
  • Patent number: 10835960
    Abstract: Pipe machining apparatuses and methods of operating are provided. In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus includes an advancement mechanism coupled to a frame and adapted to move relative to the frame between a first position, in which the advancement mechanism is in a travel path of an advancement member and is adapted to be engaged by the advancement member to advance a tool, and a second position, in which the advancement mechanism is positioned out of the travel path of the advancement member and is not adapted to be engaged by the advancement member. In another aspect, a pipe machining apparatus includes multiple motors and pinion gears engaged with a gear rack of a tool carrier. In a further aspect, a pipe machining apparatus includes a race wiper. In yet another aspect, a pipe machining apparatus includes a race lubrication member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 10730120
    Abstract: Pipe machining apparatuses are provided. In some aspects, a pipe machining apparatus may include a hinge to allow two sections of the pipe machining apparatus to move relative to one another. In another aspect, a support member may be provided to support a pipe machining apparatus on a surface. In a further aspect, a support member may be provided that allows lifting of a pipe machining apparatus in either a horizontal position or a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20200180052
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus and the method of operating same is provided. The apparatus includes a feed tower assembly configured to be attached to an object and a frame base plate movably attached thereto. The frame base plate has a pivotable arm assembly and an arm wheel thereon which accept a cutting member. A visual tension indicator is operably connected to the frame base plate and the arm assembly and configured to indicate an amount of tension applied to the cutting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart, Jeffrey M. Swiatowy, Mark W. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 10562117
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus and the method of operating same is provided. The apparatus includes a feed tower assembly configured to be attached to an object and a frame assembly movably attached thereto. The frame assembly has arm assemblies thereon which accept a cutting member. A liquid spray system is provided for cooling components of the cutting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart, Jeffrey M. Swiatowy, Mark W. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 10549362
    Abstract: Cutting tools for pipe cutting frames are disclosed. Example split frame pipe cutting tools include a frame and a slide tool configured to position a cutting edge in contact with the workpiece, the slide tool comprising: a radial advancement mechanism configured to provide radial advancement of the cutting edge based on circumferential advancement of the slide tool by the frame; and an axial guide rail; a recirculating bearing carriage configured to slide in an axial direction along the axial guide rail and to couple the cutting edge to the axial guide rail; an axial advancement mechanism configured to advance the cutting edge in the axial direction with respect to the workpiece by translating radial advancement by the radial advancement mechanism to axial advancement based on a cutting template coupled to the radial advancement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 10434589
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus and the method of operating same is provided. The apparatus includes a feed tower assembly configured to be attached to an object and a frame assembly movably attached thereto. The frame assembly has arm assemblies thereon which accept a cutting member. At least one arm assembly can be pivoted relative to the other arm assembly and relative to the feed tower assembly. One arm assembly can further be moved relative to the other arm assembly and relative to the feed tower assembly in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart, Jeffrey M. Swiatowy, Mark W. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 10376970
    Abstract: A cutting tool to cut a hollow vessel includes a conical member, a plurality of grooves, and a plurality of cutting members. The plurality of grooves are disposed in a semi-helix around an outer conical surface of the conical member. Each of the plurality of cutting members is disposed in fixed position within one of the plurality of grooves at a non-zero angle relative to a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Alexander S. Giberman, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 10328493
    Abstract: Pipe machining apparatuses are provided. In one aspect, a locking member may be provided to selectively engage with a frame and a tool carrier of a pipe machining apparatus to prevent movement of the tool carrier relative to the frame. In another aspect, a roller bearing assembly for a pipe machining apparatus may be provided and defines a lubricant cavity in a spindle of the roller bearing assembly. In a further aspect, a coupling member for coupling a pipe machining apparatus to either an exterior surface or an exterior surface of a pipe may be provided. In still another aspect, an adjustable pad is provided for coupling a pipe machining apparatus to a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20190143425
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a low profile travelling pipe cutter is provided which is adapted to perform at least one of cutting and beveling a hollow vessel while traveling around the vessel using a cutting tool mounted thereon. The pipe cutter includes inner and outer carriages, a capstan assembly attached to the outer carriage to which a feed cable is attached, and rollers attached to the outer carriage to which a tension cable is attached. The force adjustment assembly changes the vertical position of the outer carriage relative to the inner carriage to compensate for the pipe cutter going inwardly and outwardly as it travels around a hollow vessel in order to maintain constant pressure caused by the lever tension interface. A guard assembly is provided for covering and uncovering the cutting tool during cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart, Alexander S. Giberman
  • Patent number: 10220456
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a low profile travelling pipe cutter is provided which is adapted to perform at least one of cutting and beveling a hollow vessel while traveling around the vessel using a cutting tool mounted thereon. The pipe cutter includes inner and outer carriages, a capstan assembly attached to the outer carriage to which a feed cable is attached, and rollers attached to the outer carriage to which a tension cable is attached. The force adjustment assembly changes the vertical position of the outer carriage relative to the inner carriage to compensate for the pipe cutter going inwardly and outwardly as it travels around a hollow vessel in order to maintain constant pressure caused by the lever tension interface. A guard assembly is provided for covering and uncovering the cutting tool during cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart, Alexander S. Giberman