Patents by Inventor Michael C. Reed

Michael C. Reed 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).

  • Publication number: 20240120158
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a power trowel. A power trowel includes a handle including a speed control input, a housing, a shaft connecting the handle and the housing, a safety mechanism located on the shaft, a blade assembly positioned below the housing, a motor located within the motor housing and coupled to the blade assembly, and a controller. The safety mechanism includes a safety lever configured to move in response to an uncontrolled condition of the power trowel. The controller is connected to the motor and the safety mechanism. The controller is configured to drive, in response to actuation of the speed control input, the motor, detect a movement of the safety lever from a first position to a second position, and perform, in response to the movement of the safety lever to the second position, a safety operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Brennen M. Gleason, Caleb Hendryx, Michael C. Reed, Julio Armendariz Nunez
  • Patent number: 11905698
    Abstract: A feed mechanism for use with a drain cleaner includes a frame configured to be coupled to the drain cleaner. The frame including a cable passage defining a cable axis. The feed mechanism includes a plurality of rollers including a translatable roller. Each roller defines a roller axis. The translatable roller is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The feed mechanism includes a mode selection member coupled to the frame and moveable between a first position in which each roller axis is parallel to the cable axis and the plurality of rollers are configured to spin the cable about the cable axis, and a second position in which each roller axis is non-parallel to the cable axis and the plurality of rollers are configured to move the cable in a first direction along the cable axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Timothy J. Hilger
  • Publication number: 20240026669
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine for moving a snake in a drain. The drain cleaning machine includes a housing, a motor configured to move the snake in the drain, a switch trigger configured to move between a first switch trigger position and a second switch trigger position, an actuating lever moveable between a deactivated position and an activated position, and a switch linkage configured to be moved by the actuating lever between a first switch linkage position and a second switch linkage position. In response to the actuating lever moving from the deactivated position to the activated position, the switch linkage is moved from the first switch linkage position to the second switch linkage position, and in response to the actuating lever moving from the activated position to the deactivated position, the switch linkage is moved from the second switch linkage position to the first switch linkage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Sean T. Kehoe
  • Patent number: 11821188
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine for moving a snake in a drain. The drain cleaning machine includes a rotating shell, a motor, radial drive mechanism, a translate mechanism, and a selection mechanism. The selection mechanism includes an actuating lever moveable between an activated position and a deactivated position, a selection plate moveable between a radial drive position and a translate position, and a push plate. The push plate is moveable in a first direction relative to the selection plate in response to the actuating lever moving to the activated position, and is moveable in a second direction relative to the selection plate in response to the actuating lever moving to the deactivated position. When the selection plate is in the radial drive position and the actuating lever is moved to the activated position, the push plate moves toward the selection plate to switch the radial drive mechanism to an engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Justin Miller, Samuel J. Krohlow, Sean T. Kehoe
  • Publication number: 20230030584
    Abstract: A handle for a construction tool includes a lower handle portion configured to be coupled to the construction tool, an upper handle portion configured to be grasped by a user, a support pin disposed between the upper handle portion to the lower handle portion, and a locking mechanism configured to selectively secure the upper handle portion relative to the lower handle portion. The upper handle portion pivotable relative to the lower handle portion about the support pin. The locking mechanism includes a locking pin movable between a lock position, in which the upper handle portion is not pivotable relative to the lower handle portion, and an unlock position, in which the upper handle portion is pivotable relative to the lower handle portion, and a release handle configured to selectively move the locking pin between the lock position and the unlock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Miguel Ángel Ortuño Rodriguez, Ian C. Richards, Travis S. Mergener, Michael C. Reed, Katherine A. Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20220362869
    Abstract: A pipe threader includes a housing, an electric motor, a battery, a die holder, and a die locking mechanism. The die locking mechanism receives torque from the electric motor and rotates as a result. A cutting die is received in the die holder and the locking mechanism rotationally locks the cutting die in the die holder. The locking mechanism includes a first lock ring and a second lock ring. The pipe threader includes a drive assembly including an electric motor, a multi-stage planetary transmission that receives torque from the motor, and a worm drive that receives torque from the transmission. The pipe threader includes an inertial measurement unit and an electronic processer. The processor receives data from the inertial measurement unit, generates a relative position of the pipe threader by applying a Kalman filter, determining whether the relative position exceeds a threshold, and decreases the motor speed in response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Keegan P. Fager, Timothy J. Radtke, Paul Rossetto
  • Publication number: 20220297348
    Abstract: A concrete saw is disclosed and includes a frame having a platform and a leg pivotably coupled to the platform at a pivot axis, at least two rear wheels coupled to the platform at the pivot axis, at least one rear wheel coupled to an end of the leg distanced from the pivot axis, a power and drive assembly disposed on the platform, wherein the power and drive assembly includes an electric motor and a battery pack coupled to the electric motor to provide direct current power to the electric motor, and a cutting assembly driven by the power and drive assembly to cut a groove in a work surface as the concrete saw is moved across the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Katie M. Kershaw, Patrick D. Gallagher, Matthew N. Lombardo, Casey A. Ketterhagen, Allison M. McDougal, Daryl S. Richards, John P. Carroll, Carissa J. Minkebige, Michael C. Reed, Matthew D. Strommen
  • Publication number: 20220290448
    Abstract: A concrete trowel is disclosed and includes a frame, a drive assembly including a motor mounted on the frame and a drive hub configured to receive torque from the motor, a handle assembly extending from the frame for controlling the concrete trowel, a rotor including a plurality of blades, the rotor rotatably coupled to the drive assembly for rotating about a rotational axis, and a steering control system mounted on the handle assembly to selectively adjust an orientation of the drive hub relative to a work surface in a plurality of different directions to adjust a pressure applied by the blades against the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Travis S. Mergener
  • Publication number: 20220152671
    Abstract: A drain clearing air gun includes a housing defining a main body, a handle positioned on a first end of the main body, and a nose positioned on a second end of the main body. The drain clearing air gun additionally includes a tank at least partially positioned within the housing and including a chamber for receiving pressurized air, a motor positioned within the main body of the housing, and a pump positioned within the main body of the housing and operatively coupled to the motor. The pump is driven by the motor to pump air into the tank. The drain clearing air gun also includes a connection mechanism coupled to the nose. The connection mechanism includes a receiving member configured to releasably couple to a plurality of accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Sean T. Kehoe, Ryan J. Denissen, Michael C. Reed, Vasil Zhmendak, Samuel J. Krohlow, Jingyuan Liang
  • Patent number: 11235360
    Abstract: A drain clearing air gun includes a housing defining a main body, a handle positioned on a first end of the main body, and a nose positioned on a second end of the main body. A tank is at least partially positioned within the housing and includes a chamber for receiving pressurized air. A motor is positioned within a main body of the housing, and a pump is positioned within the main body of the housing and operatively coupled to the motor. The pump is driven by the motor to pump air into the tank. A pressure gauge is supported by the housing and includes an automatic shutoff feature. The pressure gauge is in fluid communication with the tank. When a predetermined pressure within the tank is reached the automatic shutoff feature is activated to stop the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sean T. Kehoe, Ryan J. Denissen, Michael C. Reed, Vasil Zhmendak, Samuel J. Krohlow, Jingyuan Liang
  • Publication number: 20210285197
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine for moving a snake in a drain. The drain cleaning machine includes a rotating shell, a motor, radial drive mechanism, a translate mechanism, and a selection mechanism. The selection mechanism includes an actuating lever moveable between an activated position and a deactivated position, a selection plate moveable between a radial drive position and a translate position, and a push plate. The push plate is moveable in a first direction relative to the selection plate in response to the actuating lever moving to the activated position, and is moveable in a second direction relative to the selection plate in response to the actuating lever moving to the deactivated position. When the selection plate is in the radial drive position and the actuating lever is moved to the activated position, the push plate moves toward the selection plate to switch the radial drive mechanism to an engaged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Justin Miller, Samuel J. Krohlow, Sean T. Kehoe
  • Publication number: 20210277647
    Abstract: A feed mechanism for use with a drain cleaner includes a frame configured to be coupled to the drain cleaner. The frame including a cable passage defining a cable axis. The feed mechanism includes a plurality of rollers including a translatable roller. Each roller defines a roller axis. The translatable roller is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The feed mechanism includes a mode selection member coupled to the frame and moveable between a first position in which each roller axis is parallel to the cable axis and the plurality of rollers are configured to spin the cable about the cable axis, and a second position in which each roller axis is non-parallel to the cable axis and the plurality of rollers are configured to move the cable in a first direction along the cable axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Timothy J. Hilger
  • Publication number: 20210245208
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine includes a snake inlet tube, a clamping mechanism having a first support member and a second support member. The second support member is movable between a first position in which a first distance is defined between the first support member and the second support member, and a second position in which a second distance is defined between the first support member and the second support member. The clamping mechanism also includes a plurality of collets supported by the first and second support members. The drain cleaning machine also includes a motor switchable between a deactivated state and an activated state in which the motor is configured to rotate the clamping mechanism and an actuating lever moveable between a deactivated position, in which the second support member is in the first position, and an activated position, in which the second support member is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Joshua P. Heimann
  • Patent number: 11021859
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine for moving a snake in a drain includes a rotating shell, a motor to rotate the rotating shell, and a radial drive mechanism coupled for rotation with the rotating shell and including a plurality of collets. The radial drive mechanism is switchable between an engaged state in which the one or more collets move toward a snake axis to engage the snake, and a disengaged state. A translate mechanism is coupled for rotation with the rotating shell and includes a plurality of wheels. The translate mechanism is switchable between an engaged state in which the wheels move toward the snake axis to engage the snake, and a disengaged state. A selection mechanism is configured to switch the radial drive mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state and configured to switch the translate mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Justin Miller, Samuel J. Krohlow, Sean T. Kehoe
  • Publication number: 20200048885
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine for moving a snake in a drain includes a rotating shell, a motor to rotate the rotating shell, and a radial drive mechanism coupled for rotation with the rotating shell and including a plurality of collets. The radial drive mechanism is switchable between an engaged state in which the one or more collets move toward a snake axis to engage the snake, and a disengaged state. A translate mechanism is coupled for rotation with the rotating shell and includes a plurality of wheels. The translate mechanism is switchable between an engaged state in which the wheels move toward the snake axis to engage the snake, and a disengaged state. A selection mechanism is configured to switch the radial drive mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state and configured to switch the translate mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Michael C. Reed, Justin Miller, Samuel J. Krohlow, Sean T. Kehoe
  • Publication number: 20190283091
    Abstract: A drain clearing air gun includes a housing defining a main body, a handle positioned on a first end of the main body, and a nose positioned on a second end of the main body. A tank is at least partially positioned within the housing and includes a chamber for receiving pressurized air. A motor is positioned within a main body of the housing, and a pump is positioned within the main body of the housing and operatively coupled to the motor. The pump is driven by the motor to pump air into the tank. A pressure gauge is supported by the housing and includes an automatic shutoff feature. The pressure gauge is in fluid communication with the tank. When a predetermined pressure within the tank is reached the automatic shutoff feature is activated to stop the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Sean T. Kehoe, Ryan J. Denissen, Michael C. Reed, Vasil Zhmendak, Samuel J. Krohlow, Jingyuan Liang
  • Patent number: 10350656
    Abstract: A drain clearing air gun includes a housing defining a main body, a handle positioned on a first end of the main body, and a nose positioned on a second end of the main body. A tank is at least partially positioned within the housing and includes a chamber for receiving pressurized air, where the tank has a first portion and a second portion that are coupled together to form the chamber. The first portion is disposed within the nose of the housing and is formed of a first material. The second portion is disposed within the main body of the housing and is formed of a second material that is different than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sean T. Kehoe, Ryan J. Denissen, Michael C. Reed, Vasil Zhmendak, Samuel J. Krohlow, Jingyuan Liang
  • Publication number: 20180133763
    Abstract: A drain clearing air gun includes a housing defining a main body, a handle positioned on a first end of the main body, and a nose positioned on a second end of the main body. A tank is at least partially positioned within the housing and includes a chamber for receiving pressurized air, where the tank has a first portion and a second portion that are coupled together to form the chamber. The first portion is disposed within the nose of the housing and is formed of a first material. The second portion is disposed within the main body of the housing and is formed of a second material that is different than the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Sean T. Kehoe, Ryan J. Denissen, Michael C. Reed, Vasil Zhmendak, Samuel J. Krohlow, Jingyuan Liang
  • Patent number: 5836026
    Abstract: An orthopedic trapeze for a hospital bed for use with an overhead frame bar. The orthopedic trapeze includes an upper base assembly mounted on the overhead frame bar, a lower base assembly attached to the upper base assembly. The upper base assembly can slide linearly upon the overhead frame bar, the lower base assembly can rotate 360 degrees in a horizontal plane with respect to the upper base assembly, and the trapeze bar can slide linearly within the lower base assembly, giving the trapeze handle the ability to be positioned anywhere over the hospital bed, including the ability to be positioned past the edges of the bed. In the absence of any external weight on the trapeze handle the lower base assembly and trapeze bar and trapeze handle will rotate freely, while a weight placed on the trapeze handle will lock the lower base assembly in position. A patient can therefore position the trapeze handle at any desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Michael C. Reed