Abstract: An accessory device system includes a charger, a battery pack selectively coupled to a battery receiving portion of the charger to receive charging current, and a first accessory device selectively coupled to an accessory device port of the charger. The charger further includes an electronic controller having a wireless transceiver and configured to communicate with a peripheral device to one or more of provide identity and status information regarding the first accessory device and to receive settings data to control the first accessory device. The charger receives the identity and status information from the first accessory device, and provides the settings data to the first accessory device to control the first accessory device. In some instances, the peripheral device and the charger communicate via a network and server, and the charger communicates wirelessly with the network via the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: An accessory device system includes a garage door opener, an adapter, and one or more accessory devices whereby the garage door opener has a first accessory device port configured to selectively couple to the one or more accessory devices and the adapter has a second accessory device port configured to selectively couple to the one or more accessory devices. The garage door opener is further configured to provide power to a first accessory device of the one or more accessory devices via the first accessory device port. The adapter further includes a battery receiving portion configured to be selectively coupled to a battery pack and to receive power from the battery pack, and the adapter is further configured to provide power, received from the battery pack, to the first accessory device via the second accessory device port.

Abstract: A garage door opener remote control device performs secondary functions (other than opening and closing a garage door). The garage door opener remote control device includes a user input, a wireless communication interface to communicate with a garage door opener, and secondary components including sensory and actuatable components. A processor communicates a user input to the garage door opener to operate a motor configured to drive a garage door. The processor also detects stimuli in a space associated with the remote control device based on sensory data from the secondary sensor, determines a responsive action, and controls the secondary actuatable component or an accessory device of the garage door opener to perform the responsive action. The remote control device may function as a speaker phone or wireless communication device utilizing the secondary components. The secondary components may be connected to vehicle diagnostics and communicate vehicle status to users.

Abstract: A modular garage door opener system includes an accessory device including a first electronic processor, a first memory, and a load, and includes a garage door opener including an accessory port, a second memory, and a second electronic processor. The accessory port is configured to be removably coupled to the accessory device. The second electronic processor receives new status data from the accessory device indicating a change in a status of the accessory device to a new status, sends the new status data to a remote server to update an accessory data set, receives new settings data from the remote server indicating a requested change in a setting of the accessory device, and sends the new settings data to the accessory device to update the setting of the accessory device. The first electronic processor controls the load of the accessory device based on the new settings data.

Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter configured to transmit a power signal within a first power distribution volume and a plurality receivers configured to receive the power signal. The receivers include power harvesters, batteries, light sources and light sensors. The receivers determine whether the received power signal is greater than a power threshold value and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, power the light source, etc. The light source selectively receives power from the battery when the ambient light, detected by the light sensor, is below a light threshold value.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.

Abstract: A tool for removing an interchangeable cooking insert from a grill has a handle end and an engagement end. A handle extends from the handle end toward the engagement end. A support arm extends from the handle toward the engagement end. The support arm has a first lateral edge defining a first lifting hook and a second lateral edge defining a second lifting hook. The first lifting hook and second lifting hook are configured to engage a portion of the cooking insert. A support pin extends across the support arm between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. A latch member is pivotally coupled to one of the support arm and the handle. The latch member includes a first end selectively engageable with a portion of the cooking insert and a second end extending through the handle for actuation of the latching member by a user.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal.

Abstract: A tool for removing an interchangeable cooking insert from a grill has a handle end and an engagement end. A handle extends from the handle end toward the engagement end. A support arm extends from the handle toward the engagement end. The support arm has a first lateral edge defining a first lifting hook and a second lateral edge defining a second lifting hook. The first lifting hook and second lifting hook are configured to engage a portion of the cooking insert. A support pin extends across the support arm between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. A latch member is pivotally coupled to one of the support arm and the handle. The latch member includes a first end selectively engageable with a portion of the cooking insert and a second end extending through the handle for actuation of the latching member by a user.

Abstract: A charcoal ignition device generally includes a housing having a wall defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface. A blower assembly has an inlet end and an outlet end, with the outlet end in fluid communication with the interior cavity. The blower assembly includes a motor and a blower coupled to the motor. A battery receptacle is in electrical communication with the electric motor. The battery receptacle is configured to receive a rechargeable power-tool battery pack.

Abstract: A convection grill including a body having a base and a lid, and defining a cooking chamber, and a convection system coupled to a wall of the base. The convection system includes an air conduit defined at least in part by a front panel and a back panel, the air conduit including an intake aperture, a duct, and an exhaust vent. The convection system also includes a fan assembly including a convection fan positioned within the duct proximate to the intake aperture, and a motor coupled to the convection fan by a motor shaft. The back panel includes a first end distal from the wall, a second end proximate the wall, and a cross section having a substantially continuous curve between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.

Abstract: A battery pack that is capable of supplying high- and low-current discharge to end products. The battery pack includes a cylindrical housing with a lithium-ion battery cell enclosed within the housing. The housing also includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a body portion. The first end portion includes a plurality of terminals for electrically connecting to the end product. The terminals include a high-current discharge terminal, a low-current discharge terminal, a battery pack identification terminal, a battery pack temperature terminal, and a positive voltage terminal. The second end portion includes a recess for removably securing the battery pack to an end product, such as a battery charger or a power tool. Included within the battery pack housing is circuitry for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery pack through the low-current discharge terminal.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, or a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, or both.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal.

Abstract: A battery management system for use with one or more cells comprising the system having one or more battery monitor and programmable logic which is connected to the one or more battery monitor to modify its battery operation and report battery status. The programmable logic may be configured to analyse physical data relating to the effect of temperature on battery capacity and/or the effect of temperature on battery self discharge current. Implementation is applicable to all electrical energy storage systems that comprise series or parallel connected electro chemical storage elements. This includes Super or Ultra Capacitor's, fuel cells, NiMH, NiCd, Pb & Lithium Chemistry battery packs.

Abstract: A clutch bypass for a combination drill has a gearbox connected to a motor and an output spindle. The gearbox includes a ring gear. A clutch mechanism is coupled with the gearbox to selectively transmit torque from the motor to the output spindle. The clutch mechanism includes at least one link member disposed adjacent the ring gear and a capture member disposed adjacent the link member for selectively engaging the link member. The link member has a slot formed on an end thereof. The capture member has a first position in which the capture member is at least partially received in the slot, and a second position in which the capture member does not engage the link member.

Abstract: A clutch bypass for a combination drill has a gearbox connected to a motor and an output spindle. The gearbox includes a ring gear. A washer is mounted adjacent the output spindle and a clutch mechanism is coupled with the gearbox to selectively transmit torque from the motor to the output spindle. The clutch mechanism includes at least one link member disposed between the washer and the ring gear and a blocking member disposed adjacent the washer for selectively engaging the washer. The blocking member has a first position in which the blocking member engages the washer, and a second position in which the blocking member does not engage the washer.

Abstract: A clutch bypass for a combination drill has a gearbox connected to a motor and an output spindle. The gearbox includes a ring gear. A clutch mechanism is coupled with the gearbox to selectively transmit torque from the motor to the output spindle. The clutch mechanism includes at least one link member disposed adjacent the ring gear and a rotatable mode selector disposed adjacent the link member. The mode selector has at least one opening that can receive a bypass member. The mode selector has a first position in which the bypass member does not abut the link member, and a second position in which the bypass member abuts the link member.