Patents by Inventor Luke J. Skinner
Luke J. Skinner 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).
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Publication number: 20240106180Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a status of an action performed by a power tool. For example, the power tool includes a power tool housing, an accessory, and an electronic processor. The housing includes a recess and an input device. The accessory is configured to be received by the recess. The accessory includes an identifier. The electronic processor is connected to the input device. The electronic processor is configured to receive a first signal from the identifier, determine an accessory type based on the first signal, receive a second signal from the input device, initiate an action based on the second signal, determine an outer diameter of the workpiece, calculate a force applied by the power tool, determine a distance traveled by the accessory during the action, and determine a status of the action based on the force applied to the workpiece and the distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Timothy J. Radtke, Luke J. Skinner
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Publication number: 20240091924Abstract: An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Eric D. Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack, Luke J. Skinner, Robert Jensen, Marc S. D'Antuono, Peter Davies
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Patent number: 11926028Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter. The fastener driver also includes an input to provide torque to the transmission and a clutch positioned downstream of the input and operably coupled to the output shaft to limit an amount of torque transferred to the output shaft and the lifter. In response to an application of a reaction torque to the output shaft above a predetermined threshold, torque from the input is diverted from the output shaft via the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan Allen Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
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Patent number: 11878402Abstract: An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Eric D. Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack, Luke J. Skinner, Robert Jensen, Marc S. D'Antuono, Peter Davies
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Patent number: 11870197Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a status of an action performed by a power tool. For example, the power tool includes a power tool housing, an accessory, and an electronic processor. The housing includes a recess and an input device. The accessory is configured to be received by the recess. The accessory includes an identifier. The electronic processor is connected to the input device. The electronic processor is configured to receive a first signal from the identifier, determine an accessory type based on the first signal, receive a second signal from the input device, initiate an action based on the second signal, determine an outer diameter of the workpiece, calculate a force applied by the power tool, determine a distance traveled by the accessory during the action, and determine a status of the action based on the force applied to the workpiece and the distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Timothy J. Radtke, Luke J. Skinner
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Publication number: 20230241750Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter engageable with the driver blade to return the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a multi-stage planetary transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque thereto, a first bearing supporting a first portion of the output shaft for rotation, a second bearing supporting a second portion of the output shaft for rotation, and first and second planetary stages. The fastener driver also includes a housing having a cylinder support portion and a transmission housing portion in which the first and second bearings are received. The cylinder support portion and the transmission housing portion are integrally formed as a single piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan A. Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
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Patent number: 11654590Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann
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Patent number: 11633842Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston, a driver blade attached to the piston, the driver blade movable with the piston, a lifter including a rotary component operably coupled to the driver blade to move the driver blade from a driven position to a ready position, and a multi-stage planetary transmission. The transmission includes an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque thereto, a first bearing supporting a first portion of the output shaft for rotation, a second bearing supporting a second portion of the output shaft for rotation. The fastener driver also includes a housing having a cylinder support portion in which the cylinder is received and a transmission housing portion in which the first and second bearings are received to rotatably support the output shaft. The cylinder support portion and the transmission housing portion are integrally formed as a single piece.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan A. Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
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Publication number: 20220226979Abstract: A hydraulic tool includes a tool head and a moveable piston coupled to the tool head. The hydraulic tool head includes a plurality of jaws, which are operable to open and close for performing work on a workpiece. The hydraulic tool also includes a motor operable to drive the moveable piston to close the plurality of jaws to a closed position at which the work on the workpiece is completed. The hydraulic tool further includes a position sensor configured to detect when the plurality of jaws are at the closed position and responsively generate a sensor signal indicating that the plurality of jaws are at the closed position. Additionally, the hydraulic tool includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the position sensor. The controller is configured to operate the motor based on the sensor signal that the controller receives from the position sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Luke J. Skinner, Kris J. Kanack, James G. Ballard, David R. Bauer, Troy A. Marks, Marc S. D'Antuono, Paige L. Bovard, Eric Norquist
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Patent number: 11292118Abstract: A hydraulic tool includes a tool head and a moveable piston coupled to the tool head. The hydraulic tool head includes a plurality of jaws, which are operable to open and close for performing work on a workpiece. The hydraulic tool also includes a motor operable to drive the moveable piston to close the plurality of jaws to a closed position at which the work on the workpiece is completed. The hydraulic tool further includes a position sensor configured to detect when the plurality of jaws are at the closed position and responsively generate a sensor signal indicating that the plurality of jaws are at the closed position. Additionally, the hydraulic tool includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the position sensor. The controller is configured to operate the motor based on the sensor signal that the controller receives from the position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Luke J. Skinner, Kris J. Kanack, James G. Ballard, David R. Bauer, Troy A. Marks, Marc S. D'Antuono, Paige L. Bovard, Eric Norquist
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Publication number: 20210370540Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20210347026Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter. The fastener driver also includes an input to provide torque to the transmission and a clutch positioned downstream of the input and operably coupled to the output shaft to limit an amount of torque transferred to the output shaft and the lifter. In response to an application of a reaction torque to the output shaft above a predetermined threshold, torque from the input is diverted from the output shaft via the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan Allen Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
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Publication number: 20210347025Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston, a driver blade attached to the piston, the driver blade movable with the piston, a lifter including a rotary component operably coupled to the driver blade to move the driver blade from a driven position to a ready position, and a multi-stage planetary transmission. The transmission includes an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque thereto, a first bearing supporting a first portion of the output shaft for rotation, a second bearing supporting a second portion of the output shaft for rotation. The fastener driver also includes a housing having a cylinder support portion in which the cylinder is received and a transmission housing portion in which the first and second bearings are received to rotatably support the output shaft. The cylinder support portion and the transmission housing portion are integrally formed as a single piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan Allen Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
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Publication number: 20210328399Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a status of an action performed by a power tool. For example, the power tool includes a power tool housing, an accessory, and an electronic processor. The housing includes a recess and an input device. The accessory is configured to be received by the recess. The accessory includes an identifier. The electronic processor is connected to the input device. The electronic processor is configured to receive a first signal from the identifier, determine an accessory type based on the first signal, receive a second signal from the input device, initiate an action based on the second signal, determine an outer diameter of the workpiece, calculate a force applied by the power tool, determine a distance traveled by the accessory during the action, and determine a status of the action based on the force applied to the workpiece and the distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Timothy J. Radtke, Luke J. Skinner
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Publication number: 20210310231Abstract: A sewer cleaning machine includes a frame and a drum rotatably supported by the frame. The drum defines an opening. The sewer cleaning machine also includes a cable supported within the drum and is operable to enter and exit the drum through the opening. The cable includes a plurality of tags spaced along a length of the cable. The sewer cleaning machine further includes a reader module positioned adjacent the opening. The reader module is operable to identify each of the plurality of tags as the plurality of tags passes the reader module and communicate to a user a distance the cable is payed out of the drum based on the plurality of tags.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Alex R. Kuhls, Luke J. Skinner, Carl B. Westerby
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Patent number: 11110624Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann
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Patent number: 11072058Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver including a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, a transmission for providing torque to the lifter, a first clutch mechanism permitting a transfer of torque to an output shaft of the transmission in a single rotational direction, and a second clutch mechanism limiting an amount of torque transferred to the transmission output shaft and the lifter.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan A. Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
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Publication number: 20210001503Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann
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Patent number: 10792832Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20200298388Abstract: An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Eric D. Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack, Luke J. Skinner, Robert Jensen, Marc S. D'Antuono, Peter Davies