Patents by Inventor Michael S. Steele

Michael S. Steele 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: 10124417
    Abstract: A hole cutter assembly is operable to cut a plurality of different sized diameter holes in a work piece. The hole cutter assembly includes an arbor configured to connect to a power tool for rotation about an axis, and a body coupled to the arbor for rotation with the arbor. The body defines an aperture. The hole cutter assembly includes a drill bit removably received in the aperture of the body for rotation with the arbor, an arm moveably coupled to the body, and a cutting blade coupled to the arm and moveable with the arm relative to the body. The arm is moveable relative to the body to adjust a cutting diameter of the hole cutter assembly when the drill bit is not received within the aperture. The arm is fixed relative to the body when the drill bit is received within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Robb Dennert, Bryan C. Ward
  • Patent number: 10105983
    Abstract: A marking pen including a body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis that extends centrally through the body and through the first end and the second end, and a pen adjacent the first end. The body is generally cylindrical from the first end to the second end. The marking pen further includes a fin that extends from the body between the first end and the second end. The fin is integrally formed with the body and has a height measured normal to the longitudinal axis. The height of the fin gradually increases in a direction from the second end toward the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven W. Hyma, Wade F. Burch, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Publication number: 20180224264
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing having a wall defining an internal cavity and a tape port, a coilable measuring tape disposed within the internal housing and having a first end extendable out of the housing, and an end hook member including an attachment portion and a hook portion. The attachment portion is arranged to engage the first end of the tape to attach the end hook member to the tape. The hook portion extends in a direction normal to the attachment portion and includes a first face and a second face arranged to engage the workpiece. A finger guard extends from the housing, and is configured to engage the hook member, and a finger space is defined between the tape port and the finger guard and is arranged to receive a user's finger during operation of the tape measure such that the user's finger engages the measuring tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Scott R. Fischer, Michael S. Steele, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Patent number: 10024643
    Abstract: A tape measure including a housing arranged to enclose an internal cavity, where the housing defines a front wall. A port is formed in the housing and spaced a non-zero distance from the front wall. A measuring tape is at least partially disposed within the internal cavity of the housing and extends through the port. The measuring tape is rotatably coupled to the housing. A finger guard assembly is positioned adjacent the front wall, such that the finger guard assembly cooperates with the port to define a space therebetween. The measuring tape passes through the space outside of the housing to facilitate the control of the retraction and extension of the measuring tape through contact within the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven W. Hyma, Wade F. Burch, Cheng Zhang Li, Scott R. Fischer, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Patent number: 9952027
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing having a wall defining an internal cavity and a tape port, a coilable measuring tape disposed within the internal housing and having a first end extendable out of the housing, and an end hook member including an attachment portion and a hook portion. The attachment portion is arranged to engage the first end of the tape to attach the end hook member to the tape. The hook portion extends in a direction normal to the attachment portion and includes a first face and a second face arranged to engage the workpiece. A finger guard extends from the housing, and is configured to engage the hook member, and a finger space is defined between the tape port and the finger guard and is arranged to receive a user's finger during operation of the tape measure such that the user's finger engages the measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Scott R. Fischer, Michael S. Steele, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Publication number: 20180065404
    Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Abhijeet A. Khangar, Andrew G. Gongola, Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael S. Steele, Collin J. Nelson, Daniel H. Schneider, Roger D. Neitzell, Steven W. Hyma
  • Patent number: 9815320
    Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abhijeet A. Khangar, Andrew G. Gongola, Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael S. Steele, Collin J. Nelson, Daniel H. Schneider, Roger D. Neitzell, Steven W. Hyma
  • Publication number: 20170282353
    Abstract: A merchandise product includes a tool bit case having first and second housing members. The tool bit case also includes a first modular tool bit holder and a second modular tool bit holder each movably coupled to the first housing member. The merchandise product includes a clamshell packaging having a front clamshell portion defining a first cavity and a rear clamshell portion defining a second cavity. The front clamshell portion is coupled to the rear clamshell portion at an interface. The interface defines a plane between the front clamshell portion and the rear clamshell portion. The first cavity and the second cavity contain the tool bit case while the tool bit case is in an open position. A first portion of the tool bit case extends beyond the plane in a first direction, and a second portion of the tool bit case extends beyond the plane in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven G. Melnyk, Edward Landon, James Grow, Ryan Rudzinski, Brian Dieck, Adam Eller
  • Patent number: 9764486
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor and positioned within the housing, and a shear head rotatably mounted to the housing and coupled to the drive mechanism. The power tool also includes a manually-operable actuator supported by the housing. The actuator is movable between a first position, in which the shear head is held stationary relative to the housing, and a second position, in which the shear head is rotatable relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott D. Bublitz, Scott D. Eisenhardt, Hongping Hui, Andrew M. Plowman, Michael S. Steele, Guojian Yang
  • Publication number: 20170190039
    Abstract: A stapler includes a main body having a front side and a bottom side extending from the front side. A staple discharge opening is defined on the bottom side proximate the front side. The stapler further includes a magazine movable between a received position within the main body and a withdrawn position, and a latch mechanism including an actuator movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. When the magazine is in the received position and the actuator is in the latched position the magazine is retained from movement toward the withdrawn position, and when the actuator is in the unlatched position the magazine is movable relative to the main body from the received position to the withdrawn position. The actuator is positioned within a recess defined by the main body when the magazine is in the received position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Michael S. Steele, Steven W. Hyma
  • Patent number: 9694489
    Abstract: A tool bit case includes a first housing member and a second housing member pivotally coupled together. Each housing member includes a base and sidewalls extending from the base. The tool bit case also includes a plurality of retainers located along opposing sidewalls of the first housing member. The tool bit case further includes a modular tool bit holder that is engageable with a corresponding pair of retainers of the plurality of retainers. The modular tool bit holder is pivotable relative to the first housing member between a storage position and an upright position. When the modular tool bit holder is in the storage position, the modular tool bit holder blocks access to at least one retainer adjacent the corresponding pair of retainers, and when the modular tool bit holder is in the upright position, the at least one retainer is accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven G. Melnyk, Edward Landon, James Grow, Ryan Rudzinski, Brian Dieck, Adam Eller
  • Publication number: 20170182652
    Abstract: A tool storage device and a tool box. The device may include flexible walls cooperating to define a storage area, and a rigid frame supported in the storage area and including a central portion extending in a direction from a bottom wall toward a top wall, one base portion extending from one side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward one side wall, and another base portion extending from an opposite side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward an opposite side wall. The tool box may include a body defining a storage compartment; a lid defining a groove in its outer surface to support an elongated work piece; and a handle engageable with a work piece supported in the groove. The lid may be attachable to the top of the body in a closed position and to the bottom in a stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Mark R. Martinez, Joel Allen, Brandon Miller, Whitney M. Moks, Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Michael S. Steele, Steven G. Melnyk, Wade F. Burch, Matthew W. Naiva, Eric Mackey
  • Publication number: 20170157682
    Abstract: A hole cutter assembly is operable to cut a plurality of different sized diameter holes in a work piece. The hole cutter assembly includes an arbor configured to connect to a power tool for rotation about an axis, and a body coupled to the arbor for rotation with the arbor. The body defines an aperture. The hole cutter assembly includes a drill bit removably received in the aperture of the body for rotation with the arbor, an arm moveably coupled to the body, and a cutting blade coupled to the arm and moveable with the arm relative to the body. The arm is moveable relative to the body to adjust a cutting diameter of the hole cutter assembly when the drill bit is not received within the aperture. The arm is fixed relative to the body when the drill bit is received within the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Robb Dennert, Bryan C. Ward
  • Patent number: 9597736
    Abstract: A hole cutter assembly is operable to cut a plurality of different sized diameter holes in a work piece. The hole cutter assembly includes an arbor configured to connect to a power tool for rotation about an axis, and a body coupled to the arbor for rotation with the arbor. The body defines an aperture. The hole cutter assembly includes a drill bit removably received in the aperture of the body for rotation with the arbor, an arm moveably coupled to the body, and a cutting blade coupled to the arm and moveable with the arm relative to the body. The arm is moveable relative to the body to adjust a cutting diameter of the hole cutter assembly when the drill bit is not received within the aperture. The arm is fixed relative to the body when the drill bit is received within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Robb Dennert, Bryan C. Ward
  • Patent number: 9539722
    Abstract: A tool storage device and a tool box. The device may include flexible walls cooperating to define a storage area, and a rigid frame supported in the storage area and including a central portion extending in a direction from a bottom wall toward a top wall, one base portion extending from one side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward one side wall, and another base portion extending from an opposite side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward an opposite side wall. The tool box may include a body defining a storage compartment; a lid defining a groove in its outer surface to support an elongated work piece; and a handle engageable with a work piece supported in the groove. The lid may be attachable to the top of the body in a closed position and to the bottom in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark R. Martinez, Joel Allen, Brandon Miller, Whitney M. Moks, Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Michael S. Steele, Steven G. Melnyk, Wade F. Burch, Matthew W. Naiva, Eric Mackey
  • Publication number: 20160349031
    Abstract: A tape measure including a housing arranged to enclose an internal cavity, where the housing defines a front wall. A port is formed in the housing and spaced a non-zero distance from the front wall. A measuring tape is at least partially disposed within the internal cavity of the housing and extends through the port. The measuring tape is rotatably coupled to the housing. A finger guard assembly is positioned adjacent the front wall, such that the finger guard assembly cooperates with the port to define a space therebetween. The measuring tape passes through the space outside of the housing to facilitate the control of the retraction and extension of the measuring tape through contact within the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven W. Hyma, Wade F. Burch, Cheng Zhang Li, Scott R. Fischer, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Patent number: 9486860
    Abstract: A power tool arbor assembly includes an arbor, an actuating member located at a second end of the arbor, and a friction member located at the second end of the arbor. The friction member is axially movable along the second end of the arbor. The friction member has a first axial position when no power tool accessory is attached to the second end of the arbor. The friction member is moveable toward a first end of the arbor from the first axial position to a second axial position in response to contact between the power tool accessory and the friction member, and the friction member is moveable toward the first end of the arbor from the second axial position to a third axial position when the actuating member is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Austin J. Kazda, Michael S. Steele, Douglas W. Allen
  • Publication number: 20160303891
    Abstract: A marking pen including a body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis that extends centrally through the body and through the first end and the second end, and a pen adjacent the first end. The body is generally cylindrical from the first end to the second end. The marking pen further includes a fin that extends from the body between the first end and the second end. The fin is integrally formed with the body and has a height measured normal to the longitudinal axis. The height of the fin gradually increases in a direction from the second end toward the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven W. Hyma, Wade F. Burch, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Patent number: 9415485
    Abstract: A hand tool, pliers and a lock button assembly for a hand tool. The hand tool includes a first jaw assembly including a first rail, a second jaw assembly including a second rail shorter than the first rail, a pivot member coupling the jaw assemblies for pivoting movement between an open position and a closed position. The lock button assembly includes a first lock button member defining a second rail groove operable to selectively receive the second rail; and a second lock button member separate from and connectable to the first lock button member, the lock button members, when connected, cooperating to define a first rail groove receiving the first rail. The lock button assembly is operable between a locked position, engaging the first and second rails to releasably hold the jaw assemblies in the closed position, and an unlocked position, in which the second rail is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Wade Burch
  • Patent number: 9417046
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing arranged to substantially enclose an internal cavity, the housing defining a tape port, and a tape positioned partially within the housing, the tape including an end portion that extends through the tape port and out of the housing. A hook is coupled to the end portion and a finger guard assembly is coupled to the housing and spaced apart from the tape port. The end portion extends through an aperture in the finger guard assembly and is movable between a retracted position in which the hook abuts the finger guard assembly and an extended position in which the hook is spaced apart from the finger guard assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven W. Hyma, Wade F. Burch, Cheng Zhang Li, Scott R. Fischer, Abhijeet A. Khangar