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).
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Patent number: 12531456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 19, 2024Date of Patent: January 20, 2026Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Publication number: 20250357560Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2025Publication date: November 20, 2025Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Publication number: 20250239911Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2025Publication date: July 24, 2025Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Patent number: 12368205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
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Publication number: 20250233243Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2025Publication date: July 17, 2025Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
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Patent number: 12322819Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2023Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
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Publication number: 20250167316Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2025Publication date: May 22, 2025Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Publication number: 20250167317Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2025Publication date: May 22, 2025Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Publication number: 20250167315Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2025Publication date: May 22, 2025Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Publication number: 20240413706Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2024Publication date: December 12, 2024Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Patent number: 12095343Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 8, 2022Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Publication number: 20240204615Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2024Publication date: June 20, 2024Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Patent number: 11923514Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Patent number: 11923752Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Publication number: 20240072311Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Patent number: 11916203Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Publication number: 20230327256Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly
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Patent number: 11784518Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Patent number: 11777151Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: James P. Elfering, Cameron R. Schulz, Ryan B. Jipp, Samuel Sheeks, Kyle J. Radovich, Michael Kolden
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Patent number: 11626645Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Andrew T. Beyerl, Michael Kolden, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Jeffrey S. Holly