Patents by Inventor Michael Kolden

Michael Kolden 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).

  • Patent number: 12531456
    Abstract: A brushless DC motor for use with a power tool includes a stator surrounding a rotor, an output shaft with first and second ends that is fixed to the rotor to transmit movement of the rotor to the output shaft, first and second bearings positioned on the output shaft adjacent the first and second ends, a fan coupled to the output shaft between the first and second bearings to rotate with the output shaft relative to the stator, and a brass bushing with an outer diameter coupled to the output shaft and positioned between the first and second bearings closer to the first bearing than to the second bearing. A hub portion of the fan is coupled to the output shaft and fins extend radially outward away from the hub portion. An outer diameter of the brass bushing is less than the outer diameter of the hub portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Publication number: 20250357560
    Abstract: A battery pack and a method of assembling a battery pack. The battery pack may include an outer housing; a cell module supportable by the outer housing, the cell module including a module housing, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, the battery cells having an energy of at least about 60 Watt-hours, a controller operable to control an operation of the battery pack, a conductive strap electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, a weld strap connected between the controller and the conductive strap, and a terminal electrically connected to the battery cells and operable to connect the battery cells to an electrical device for power transfer; and a vapor-deposited, hydrophobic nano coating applied to at least a portion of the cell module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Publication number: 20250239911
    Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: July 24, 2025
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Patent number: 12368205
    Abstract: A battery pack that is connectable to and supportable by a power tool (e.g., a hand-held power tool). The battery pack includes a top housing having a support member. The support member of the battery pack top housing is configured or operable to reinforce a support portion of the battery pack that is used to connect the battery pack to the power tool. By reinforcing the support portion of the battery pack, an interface between the battery pack and the power tool is able to withstand greater forces (e.g., from vibrations caused by the power tool).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Publication number: 20250233243
    Abstract: A battery pack that is connectable to and supportable by a power tool (e.g., a hand-held power tool). The battery pack includes a top housing having a support member. The support member of the battery pack top housing is configured or operable to reinforce a support portion of the battery pack that is used to connect the battery pack to the power tool. By reinforcing the support portion of the battery pack, an interface between the battery pack and the power tool is able to withstand greater forces (e.g., from vibrations caused by the power tool).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2025
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Patent number: 12322819
    Abstract: A battery pack that is connectable to and supportable by a power tool (e.g., a hand-held power tool). The battery pack includes a top housing having a support member. The support member of the battery pack top housing is configured or operable to reinforce a support portion of the battery pack that is used to connect the battery pack to the power tool. By reinforcing the support portion of the battery pack, an interface between the battery pack and the power tool is able to withstand greater forces (e.g., from vibrations caused by the power tool).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Publication number: 20250167316
    Abstract: A battery pack and a method of assembling a battery pack. The battery pack may include an outer housing; a cell module supportable by the outer housing, the cell module including a module housing, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, the battery cells having an energy of at least about 60 Watt-hours, a controller operable to control an operation of the battery pack, a conductive strap electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, a weld strap connected between the controller and the conductive strap, and a terminal electrically connected to the battery cells and operable to connect the battery cells to an electrical device for power transfer; and a vapor-deposited, hydrophobic nano coating applied to at least a portion of the cell module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Publication number: 20250167317
    Abstract: A battery pack and a method of assembling a battery pack. The battery pack may include an outer housing; a cell module supportable by the outer housing, the cell module including a module housing, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, the battery cells having an energy of at least about 60 Watt-hours, a controller operable to control an operation of the battery pack, a conductive strap electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, a weld strap connected between the controller and the conductive strap, and a terminal electrically connected to the battery cells and operable to connect the battery cells to an electrical device for power transfer; and a vapor-deposited, hydrophobic nano coating applied to at least a portion of the cell module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Publication number: 20250167315
    Abstract: A battery pack may include an outer housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion, a terminal operable to connect to an electrical device for power transfer, and a PCBA coupled to the terminal. The PCBA may include a controller. The battery pack may further include a cell module supported by the outer housing, the cell module having a module housing coupled to the PCBA, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, a first conductive strap electrically coupling a first pair of the plurality of battery cells, and a second conductive strap electrically coupling a second pair of the plurality of battery cells. The battery pack may include a first poly(p-xylylene) polymer coating applied to at least a portion of the first conductive strap and a second poly(p-xylylene) polymer coating applied to at least a portion of the second conductive strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Publication number: 20240413706
    Abstract: A brushless DC motor for use with a power tool includes a stator surrounding a rotor, an output shaft with first and second ends that is fixed to the rotor to transmit movement of the rotor to the output shaft, first and second bearings positioned on the output shaft adjacent the first and second ends, a fan coupled to the output shaft between the first and second bearings to rotate with the output shaft relative to the stator, and a brass bushing with an outer diameter coupled to the output shaft and positioned between the first and second bearings closer to the first bearing than to the second bearing. A hub portion of the fan is coupled to the output shaft and fins extend radially outward away from the hub portion. An outer diameter of the brass bushing is less than the outer diameter of the hub portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Patent number: 12095343
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a battery connection portion supported by the housing, a drive mechanism configured to operate a working element, and a brushless DC motor positioned within the housing and connected to the drive mechanism. The motor includes a rotor, stator surrounding the motor, and an output shaft fixed to the rotor such that movement of the rotor is transmitted to the output shaft. The motor also includes a fan coupled to the output shaft to rotate with the output shaft and the rotor, and a brass bushing fixed to the output shaft to rotate with the rotor and the output shaft relative to the stator. The bushing includes a balancing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Publication number: 20240204615
    Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Patent number: 11923514
    Abstract: A battery pack and a method of assembling a battery pack. The battery pack may include an outer housing; a cell module supportable by the outer housing, the cell module including a module housing, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, the battery cells having an energy of at least about 60 Watt-hours, a controller operable to control an operation of the battery pack, a conductive strap electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, a weld strap connected between the controller and the conductive strap, and a terminal electrically connected to the battery cells and operable to connect the battery cells to an electrical device for power transfer; and a vapor-deposited, hydrophobic nano coating applied to at least a portion of the cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Patent number: 11923752
    Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Publication number: 20240072311
    Abstract: A battery pack and a method of assembling a battery pack. The battery pack may include an outer housing; a cell module supportable by the outer housing, the cell module including a module housing, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, the battery cells having an energy of at least about 60 Watt-hours, a controller operable to control an operation of the battery pack, a conductive strap electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, a weld strap connected between the controller and the conductive strap, and a terminal electrically connected to the battery cells and operable to connect the battery cells to an electrical device for power transfer; and a vapor-deposited, hydrophobic nano coating applied to at least a portion of the cell module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Patent number: 11916203
    Abstract: A battery pack and a method of assembling a battery pack. The battery pack may include an outer housing; a cell module supportable by the outer housing, the cell module including a module housing, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, the battery cells having an energy of at least about 60 Watt-hours, a controller operable to control an operation of the battery pack, a conductive strap electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, a weld strap connected between the controller and the conductive strap, and a terminal electrically connected to the battery cells and operable to connect the battery cells to an electrical device for power transfer; and a vapor-deposited, hydrophobic nano coating applied to at least a portion of the cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Publication number: 20230327256
    Abstract: A battery pack that is connectable to and supportable by a power tool (e.g., a hand-held power tool). The battery pack includes a top housing having a support member. The support member of the battery pack top housing is configured or operable to reinforce a support portion of the battery pack that is used to connect the battery pack to the power tool. By reinforcing the support portion of the battery pack, an interface between the battery pack and the power tool is able to withstand greater forces (e.g., from vibrations caused by the power tool).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Patent number: 11784518
    Abstract: An electric motor for use with a power tool includes a rotor having a body, a stator having a plurality of electromagnetic coils surrounding the rotor, an output shaft coupled to the rotor for rotation with the rotor, and a plurality of magnets positioned within the body of the rotor. The motor also includes a mechanical magnet holder coupled to at least one of the rotor and the output shaft to engage each of the plurality of magnets. The mechanical magnet holder inhibits movement of the plurality of magnets out of the body of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Patent number: 11777151
    Abstract: A battery pack and a method of assembling a battery pack. The battery pack may include an outer housing; a cell module supportable by the outer housing, the cell module including a module housing, a plurality of battery cells supported by the module housing, the battery cells having an energy of at least about 60. Watt-hours, a controller operable to control an operation of the battery pack, a conductive strap electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, a weld strap connected between the controller and the conductive strap, and a terminal electrically connected to the battery cells and operable to connect the battery cells to an electrical device for power transfer; and a vapor-deposited, hydrophobic nano coating applied to at least a portion of the cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
  • Patent number: 11626645
    Abstract: A battery pack that is connectable to and supportable by a power tool (e.g., a hand-held power tool). The battery pack includes a top housing having a support member. The support member of the battery pack top housing is configured or operable to reinforce a support portion of the battery pack that is used to connect the battery pack to the power tool. By reinforcing the support portion of the battery pack, an interface between the battery pack and the power tool is able to withstand greater forces (e.g., from vibrations caused by the power tool).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly