Patents by Inventor Michael J. Rutkowski

Michael J. Rutkowski 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: 20170268596
    Abstract: Motor dampening provisions are described. Incorporation and use of the motor dampener(s) in a rotary type drain cleaning machine enables elimination of a clutch in the machine. Also described are clutch-free drive systems using the motor dampener(s). Also described are torque countering members that are used in conjunction with the motor dampener(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Alex M. Cole, Michael J. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 9670656
    Abstract: Quick release mechanisms for auger type cleanout tools are described. The mechanisms enable engagement and disengagement of a handle to an auger without the use of separate retainers or fasteners. Also described are auger type tools and related methods of use utilizing the quick release mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Ridge Tool Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Rutkowski, Jon R. Dunkin
  • Publication number: 20170129094
    Abstract: Adapters are described which enable a wide array of tools to be secured and/or mounted in a chain pipe vise. Also described are methods of using adapters with chain pipe vises in order to stably mount tools in the chain pipe vise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: James E. Hamm, Harald Krondorfer, Michael J. Rutkowski, Jeffrey Szucs
  • Publication number: 20170023052
    Abstract: Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Jon R. Dunkin, Michael J. Rutkowski, Hugh Morris
  • Patent number: 9399910
    Abstract: An inspection system and method for use in underground utility construction, especially underground boring operations, is provided. The inspection system generally includes a sensor, a sensor carrier apparatus, and an output device. The sensor is employed to obtain inspection data regarding the condition of a tunnel created in an underground boring operation. The sensor carrier is adapted to incorporate the sensor and connect to means for transporting the sensor through the tunnel. The output device receives an output signal from the sensor corresponding to the inspection data and presents it to an operator for interpretation and/or otherwise documents and/or records the inspection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Josh Sooy, Michael J. Rutkowski, Jon R. Dunkin
  • Publication number: 20160175899
    Abstract: Various feed control devices for plumbing tools such as drain cleaning machines are disclosed. The feed control devices include a collection of angled rollers that contact a cable or snake of the drain cleaning machine. Another collection of a single or dual angled roller(s) are mounted or otherwise engaged with a handle, and can be selectively positioned and contacted with the cable. By changing the position of the handle, rotation of the cable is translated to axial movement thereby advancing or retracting the cable. Also described are drain cleaning devices utilizing the feed control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Jon R. Dunkin, Michael J. Rutkowski, Alex M. Cole, Larry F. Babb
  • Patent number: 9080599
    Abstract: Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: RIDGE TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Rutkowski, Jon R. Dunkin, Hugh Morris
  • Publication number: 20150176637
    Abstract: Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Jon R. Dunkin, Michael J. Rutkowski, Hugh Morris
  • Publication number: 20150113748
    Abstract: Quick release mechanisms for auger type cleanout tools are described. The mechanisms enable engagement and disengagement of a handle to an auger without the use of separate retainers or fasteners. Also described are auger type tools and related methods of use utilizing the quick release mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Rutkowski, Jon R. Dunkin
  • Publication number: 20150105163
    Abstract: Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ridge Tool Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Rutkowski, Jon R. Dunkin, Hugh Morris
  • Publication number: 20150040731
    Abstract: Beveling tools having a variety of features are described. The tools can utilize a combination of handles, a protective external frame, guide rollers that are positionally adjusted by swing arms with timing lobes, or by an alternative guide bar mounting system, a helical knurled drive roller, guide rollers that have a convex or crowned face, skewed guide rollers, a positive clutch assembly for governing force applied to the guide rollers, a hand crank assembly for moving the tool when mounted on a workpiece, position adjustment provisions for varying the position of a milling head, and indicators providing visual feedback to an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Brandon Moherman, Michael J. Rutkowski, Harish Prakash Kulkami, Jon R. Dunkin, Robert Skrjanc, James E. Hamm
  • Patent number: 8826483
    Abstract: A hand operated drain cleaner includes a manually operated rotatable drum and an elongated flexible cable at least partially held in the drum. A portion of the cable extending from the drum has a cable axis, and rotation of the drum rotates the cable portion about the cable axis. A handle is adapted to rotatably support the drum. The handle includes a barrel portion and a handle portion. A feed control device includes a housing having a feed passage axially therethrough for receiving the cable and a trigger for moving the feed control device between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. In the actuating position, a feed control device is pivoted relative to the handle such that the driving mechanism engages the cable thereby inducing axial movement of the cable via rotation of the drum. A locking mechanism is opera operably associated with the feed control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael J. Rutkowski, Paul W. Gress, Jon R. Dunkin
  • Publication number: 20140192180
    Abstract: An inspection system and method for use in underground utility construction, especially underground boring operations, is provided. The inspection system generally includes a sensor, a sensor carrier apparatus, and an output device. The sensor is employed to obtain inspection data regarding the condition of a tunnel created in an underground boring operation. The sensor carrier is adapted to incorporate the sensor and connect to means for transporting the sensor through the tunnel. The output device receives an output signal from the sensor corresponding to the inspection data and presents it to an operator for interpretation and/or otherwise documents and/or records the inspection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Josh Sooy, Michael J. Rutkowski, Jon R. Dunkin
  • Patent number: 8413347
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul W. Gress, Michael J. Rutkowski, Philip Eisermann, Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Jeffrey A. Prsha
  • Publication number: 20120203501
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Paul W. Gress, Michael J. Rutkowski, Philip Eisermann, Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Jeffrey A. Prsha
  • Patent number: 8176593
    Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul W. Gress, Michael J. Rutkowski, Philip Eisermann, Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Jeffrey A. Prsha
  • Patent number: 8060968
    Abstract: An assembly for adjusting belt tension in a drain cleaning device is disclosed. The assembly includes an idler pulley assembly in which a pivotable idler pulley is urged against a belt by a tensioned spring. The tensile force exerted by the spring can be adjusted or otherwise changed by a rotatable spool engaged to the other end of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Larry F. Babb, Michael J. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: D699604
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Jon R. Dunkin, Michael J. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: D744558
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: RIDGE TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jon R. Dunkin, Michael J. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: D745230
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: RIDGE TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Rutkowski, Jon R. Dunkin, Hugh Morris