Patents by Inventor Michael D. Grove
Michael D. Grove 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: 20240405650Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor for a power tool includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly including stator windings. A ratio of a motor size (Km) constant of the motor to an electrical envelope of the motor including electrical parts of the motor is greater than approximately 850 (N.m/?W)/m{circumflex over (?)}3. A ratio of a motor size (Km) constant of the motor to a magnetic envelope of the motor including stator core and windings is greater than approximately 980 (N.m/?W)/m{circumflex over (?)}3.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Barak N. GOHN, Colin M. CROSBY, Nicholas J. LOWE, James R. CLARKE, Daniel F. HECK, Michael P. SIKORA, Christian B. ROGERSON, Ryan F. SCHROEDER, Connor T. MOHAN, Michael D. GROVE
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Patent number: 12107468Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor for a power tool includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly including stator windings. A ratio of a motor size (Km) constant of the motor to an electrical envelope of the motor including electrical parts of the motor is greater than approximately 850 (N·m/?W)/m{circumflex over (?)}3. A ratio of a motor size (Km) constant of the motor to a magnetic envelope of the motor including stator core and windings is greater than approximately 980 (N·m/?W)/m{circumflex over (?)}3.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Barak N. Gohn, Colin M. Crosby, Nicholas J. Lowe, James R. Clarke, Daniel F. Heck, Michael P. Sikora, Christian B. Rogerson, Ryan F. Schroeder, Connor T. Mohan, Michael D. Grove
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Patent number: 12088160Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor for a power tool includes a rotor assembly; a stator assembly including a stator having stator teeth forming slots therebetween and stator windings wound around the stator teeth; stator terminals extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from the stator assembly and being substantially aligned with centerlines of the slots of the stator assembly; and a circuit board mounted on the stator terminals adjacent the stator assembly. The circuit board includes conductive traces facilitating a one of a delta or a series connection between the stator windings. An end insulator is provided at an axial end of the stator to electrically insulate the stator from the stator windings, the end insulator including support members to support the stator terminals relative to the stator assembly. The circuit board is mounted and fastened to the support members.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Barak N. Gohn, Colin M. Crosby, Nicholas J. Lowe, James R. Clarke, Daniel F. Heck, Michael P. Sikora, Christian B. Rogerson, Ryan F. Schroeder, Connor T. Mohan, Michael D. Grove
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Publication number: 20240292541Abstract: An electronic module is provided including a circuit board a first conductive track, second conductive tracks, third conductive tracks mounted on a first surface of the circuit board; at least one first heat sink mounted on the first conductive track; second heat sinks mounted respectively on the second conductive tracks; motor terminals formed through the third conductive tracks; and power switches mounted on the second surface of the circuit board configured as an inverter circuit to supply power from a power supply to an electric motor. High-side power switches are located opposite the at least one first heat sink and in thermal communication therewith, and low-side power switches are located opposite the second heat sinks and in respective thermal communication therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2024Publication date: August 29, 2024Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Joshua M. LEWIS, Michael D. GROVE
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Patent number: 12010799Abstract: An electronic module is provided including a circuit board defining a longitudinal axis and having a first surface and a second surface. A module housing is provided having a bottom surface and side walls extending from the bottom surface to form an open face through which the circuit board is received. Power switches configured as an inverter circuit to drive an electric motor are mounted on the second surface of the circuit board facing the bottom surface of the module housing, and a series of heat sinks are discretely mounted on the first surface of the circuit board facing the open face opposite the power switches. Potting material is disposed in the distance between the circuit board and the bottom surface of the module housing to cover the power switches. Thermal vias are disposed through the circuit board between corresponding ones of the heat sinks and the power switches.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Joshua M. Lewis, Michael D. Grove
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Patent number: 11837926Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly including a rotor supporting permanent magnets rotatable relative to the stator assembly. The stator assembly includes a stator comprising a stator core and stator teeth radially extending from the stator core and defining slots therebetween. A first set of stator windings is wound on the stator teeth, and a second set of stator windings is also wound on the stator teeth such that, on each stator tooth, the first and second windings are provided in an electrically parallel configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: BLACK & DECKER, INC.Inventors: Barak N. Gohn, Colin M. Crosby, Nicholas J. Lowe, James R. Clarke, Daniel F. Heck, Michael P. Sikora, Christian B. Rogerson, Ryan F. Schroeder, Connor T. Mohan, Michael D. Grove
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Patent number: 11811293Abstract: A power module for driving a motor is provided including a power circuit board, power switches operatively connected to the motor disposed on a first side of the circuit board, and positional sensors disposed on a side surface of the power circuit board facing the motor. The power circuit board includes a thermally-conductive core carrier layer, a first electrically-insulating layer disposed on a first surface of the core carrier layer and on which the power switches are mounted, and a second electrically-insulating layer disposed on a second surface of the core carrier layer and on which the positional sensors are mounted. The second electrically-insulating layer is etched to expose the conductive core layer on at least approximately 70% of a surface area of the second side of the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: BLACK & DECKER, INC.Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, Michael D. Grove, Joel D. Sayles
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Patent number: 11689082Abstract: A power tool including an electric motor is provided. The tool includes a substantially disc-shaped printed circuit board (PCB), power switches mounted on the PCB; magnetic sensors mounted on the PCB facing the motor; a heat sink in thermal communication with the power switches disposed between the PCB and the electric motor; and a molded casing structurally securing the heat sink relative to the PCB. The molded casing includes a center opening, at least one first opening provided at a first radial distance from the center opening arranged to receive the magnetic sensors therein, and at least one second opening provided at a second radial distance from the center opening arranged to securely receive the heat sink therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, Joshua M. Lewis, Marcell E. Coates, Michael D. Grove, Victor A. Dorado
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Publication number: 20220385143Abstract: A power tool including an electric motor is provided. The tool includes a substantially disc-shaped printed circuit board (PCB), power switches mounted on the PCB; magnetic sensors mounted on the PCB facing the motor; a heat sink in thermal communication with the power switches disposed between the PCB and the electric motor; and a molded casing structurally securing the heat sink relative to the PCB. The molded casing includes a center opening, at least one first opening provided at a first radial distance from the center opening arranged to receive the magnetic sensors therein, and at least one second opening provided at a second radial distance from the center opening arranged to securely receive the heat sink therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Madhur M. PUROHIT, Joshua M. LEWIS, Marcell E. COATES, Michael D. GROVE, Victor A. DORADO
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Patent number: 11477889Abstract: An electronic module is provided including power switches mounted on a circuit board and configured as an inverter circuit for an electric motor. A sliding member is coupled to an actuator. A power contact switch is provided including a first conductive body, a second conductive body, and a contact switch. The first and second conductive bodies are mounted on a first surface of the circuit board and include pins received through through-holes of the circuit board to make electrical contact with two conductive tracks on a second surface of the circuit board. The contact switch pivotably is secured to the first conductive body and pivotably moveable by the sliding member to make contact with the second conductive body with movement of the actuator. A flyback diode is electrically connected between the first and second conductive track on the second surface of the circuit board parallel to the power contact switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Joshua M. Lewis, Michael D. Grove
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Patent number: 11444512Abstract: An electronic module is provided for a power tool having an electric motor. The module includes a module housing having a radial portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the radial portion away from the electric motor and defining an open end, a printed circuit board (PCB) received within the module housing through the open end thereof, power switches mounted on the PCB, and magnetic sensors mounted on the PCB facing the motor substantially equidistantly from a center of the PCB. The module housing includes openings disposed in the radial portion angularly around a center of the module housing to receive the magnetic sensors therein to allow the magnetic sensors to magnetically interface with the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, Joshua M. Lewis, Marcell E. Coates, Michael D. Grove, Victor A. Dorado
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Patent number: 11418089Abstract: A power tool is provided, including a housing; an electric brushless DC motor disposed within the housing; and a power module disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the motor. The power module includes a circuit board, a first set of power switches mounted on a first surface of the circuit board, a second set of power switches mounted on a second surface of the circuit board substantially opposite the first set of power switches and electrically coupled to the first set of power switches forming an inverter bridge circuit, power terminals arranged on a side edge of the circuit board and coupled to the output of the inverter bridge, a first heat sink mounted on the first surface of the circuit board covering the first set of power switches, and a second heat sink covering the first heat sink and at least portions of the power terminals.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, John B. Fogle, Michael D. Grove
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Publication number: 20220200388Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor for a power tool includes a rotor assembly; a stator assembly including a stator having stator teeth forming slots therebetween and stator windings wound around the stator teeth; stator terminals extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from the stator assembly and being substantially aligned with centerlines of the slots of the stator assembly; and a circuit board mounted on the stator terminals adjacent the stator assembly. The circuit board includes conductive traces facilitating a one of a delta or a series connection between the stator windings. An end insulator is provided at an axial end of the stator to electrically insulate the stator from the stator windings, the end insulator including support members to support the stator terminals relative to the stator assembly. The circuit board is mounted and fastened to the support members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Barak N. GOHN, Colin M. CROSBY, Nicholas J. LOWE, James R. CLARKE, Daniel HECK, Michael P. SIKORA, Christian B. ROGERSON, Ryan F. SCHROEDER, Connor T. MOHAN, Michael D. GROVE
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Publication number: 20220200426Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly including a rotor supporting permanent magnets rotatable relative to the stator assembly. The stator assembly includes a stator comprising a stator core and stator teeth radially extending from the stator core and defining slots therebetween. A first set of stator windings is wound on the stator teeth, and a second set of stator windings is also wound on the stator teeth such that, on each stator tooth, the first and second windings are provided in an electrically parallel configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Barak N. GOHN, Colin M. CROSBY, Nicholas J. LOWE, James R. CLARKE, Daniel HECK, Michael P. SIKORA, Christian B. ROGERSON, Ryan F. SCHROEDER, Connor T. MOHAN, Michael D. GROVE
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Publication number: 20220200401Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor for a power tool includes a motor housing having a radial wall, a rotor, a stator assembly including stator windings, and stator terminals extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from the stator assembly. The stator terminals are substantially aligned with centerlines of slots of the stator assembly. A circuit board is mounted on the stator terminals adjacent the stator assembly. The circuit board includes conductive traces facilitating a one of a delta or a series connection between the stator windings. The circuit board may be mounted inside the motor housing in contact with the radial member. A second circuit board may be provided with power switches for driving the motor proximate the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Barak N. GOHN, Colin M. CROSBY, Nicholas J. LOWE, James R. CLARKE, Daniel HECK, Michael P. SIKORA, Christian B. ROGERSON, Ryan F. SCHROEDER, Connor T. MOHAN, Michael D. GROVE
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Publication number: 20220200368Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor for a power tool includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly including a stator comprising a stator core and stator teeth radially extending from the stator core and defining slots therebetween, and stator windings wound on the stator teeth. The stator has an inner diameter defined by inner ends of the stator teeth and an outer diameter defined by an outer surface of the stator core. A ratio of the inner diameter to the outer diameter is in the range of 0.5 to 0.53. The stator core has a variable thickness and, for each slot, includes a first portion forming an approximately right angle with the respective stator tooth and a second portion that is substantially normal to a radius of the stator assembly and forms an angle of approximately 25 to 35 degrees with the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Barak N. GOHN, Colin M. CROSBY, Nicholas J. LOWE, James R. CLARKE, Daniel HECK, Michael P. SIKORA, Christian B. ROGERSON, Ryan F. SCHROEDER, Connor T. MOHAN, Michael D. GROVE
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Publication number: 20220200414Abstract: A brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor for a power tool includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly including stator windings. A ratio of a motor size (Km) constant of the motor to an electrical envelope of the motor including electrical parts of the motor is greater than approximately 900 (N·m/?W)/m{circumflex over (?)}3. A ratio of a motor size (Km) constant of the motor to a magnetic envelope of the motor including stator core and windings is greater than approximately 810 (N·m/?W)/m{circumflex over (?)}3.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Barak N. GOHN, Colin M. CROSBY, Nicholas J. LOWE, James R. CLARKE, Daniel HECK, Michael P. SIKORA, Christian B. ROGERSON, Ryan F. SCHROEDER, Connor T. MOHAN, Michael D. GROVE
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Publication number: 20210091639Abstract: An electronic module is provided for a power tool having an electric motor. The module includes a module housing having a radial portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the radial portion away from the electric motor and defining an open end, a printed circuit board (PCB) received within the module housing through the open end thereof, power switches mounted on the PCB, and magnetic sensors mounted on the PCB facing the motor substantially equidistantly from a center of the PCB. The module housing includes openings disposed in the radial portion angularly around a center of the module housing to receive the magnetic sensors therein to allow the magnetic sensors to magnetically interface with the electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Madhur M. PUROHIT, Joshua M. LEWIS, Marcell E. COATES, Michael D. GROVE, Victor A. DORADO
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Patent number: 10873244Abstract: An electronic module is provided for a power tool having an electric motor. The module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first surface and a second surface; first set of power switches mounted on the first surface of the PCB; second set of power switches mounted on the PCB and electrically coupled to the first power switches forming an inverter bridge circuit for driving the electric motor; a first heat sink surface-mounted on the first surface of the PCB and having a planar main body disposed over the first power switches; a module housing arranged to receive the PCB therein; and a second heat sink secured to the module housing in thermal communication with the first heat sink to transfer heat from the first power switches.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, Joshua M. Lewis, Marcell E. Coates, Michael D. Grove, Victor A. Dorado
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Patent number: 10848034Abstract: An electronic module is provided for a power tool having an electric motor. The electronic module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) being substantially disc-shaped; power switches mounted on the PCB forming an inverter bridge circuit for driving the electric motor; a controller mounted on the PCB and configured to control a switching operation of the power switches; positional sensors mounted on the PCB substantially equidistantly from a center of the PCB within the control portion and in communication with the controller to provide positional signals related to a rotational position of the electric motor to the controller; and a module housing arranged to receive the PCB therein. The module housing includes a planar portion in parallel to the PCB and openings disposed in the planar portion angularly around a center of the module housing to receive the positional sensors therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Madhur M. Purohit, Joshua M. Lewis, Marcell E. Coates, Michael D. Grove, Victor A. Dorado