Patents by Inventor Michael Stearns
Michael Stearns 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: 20260124736Abstract: Tool storage devices. A tool storage device may include a handle assembly including a support arm connected between a body and a handle portion and having a substantially rectangular cross section oriented with first walls extending transverse to the axis having a greater width than second walls extending parallel to the axis. A width of the handle portion may be at least about 50% of a width of the body. The body may include a frame assembly formed of a rigid material, a wall formed of a flexible material and at least partially defining the storage compartment with an open top, and a cover formed of a rigid material connected to the frame assembly to selectively close the open top. A wheel well portion receives each wheel and may cover the width of the wheel and a portion of the circumference of the wheel. A radial clearance between the wheel and a lower end of the wheel well may be no more than about 0.5 inches.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2025Publication date: May 7, 2026Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Grant T. Squiers, Michael Stearns
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Patent number: 12559287Abstract: A storage container with various aspects is described herein. The storage container may have cleats or cleat receptacles to interact with other storage containers and/or accessories. The storage container may also include rails for attachment of various accessories. Some versions of the storage container may further include telescopic uprights connected to a handle. Many of the versions of the storage containers may further include wheels for transporting the storage containers and their contents.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2024Date of Patent: February 24, 2026Assignees: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, Keter Plastic LTD.Inventors: Grant T. Squiers, Matthew Vargo, Matthew W. Naiva, George Barton, Christopher S. Hoppe, Scott Earl McKinster, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Michael John Caelwaerts, Aaron M. Williams, Samuel A. Gould, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Patent number: 12533790Abstract: Tool storage devices. A tool storage device may include a handle assembly including a support arm connected between a body and a handle portion and having a substantially rectangular cross section oriented with first walls extending transverse to the axis having a greater width than second walls extending parallel to the axis. A width of the handle portion may be at least about 50% of a width of the body. The body may include a frame assembly formed of a rigid material, a wall formed of a flexible material and at least partially defining the storage compartment with an open top, and a cover formed of a rigid material connected to the frame assembly to selectively close the open top. A wheel well portion receives each wheel and may cover the width of the wheel and a portion of the circumference of the wheel. A radial clearance between the wheel and a lower end of the wheel well may be no more than about 0.5 inches.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 27, 2026Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Grant T. Squiers, Michael Stearns
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Publication number: 20260021938Abstract: A storage container with various aspects is described herein. The storage container may have cleats or cleat receptacles to interact with other storage containers and/or accessories. The storage container may also include rails for attachment of various accessories. Some versions of the storage container may further include telescopic uprights connected to a handle. Many of the versions of the storage containers may further include wheels for transporting the storage containers and their contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2025Publication date: January 22, 2026Inventors: Grant T. Squiers, Matthew Vargo, Matthew W. Naiva, George Barton, Christopher S. Hoppe, Scott E. McKinster, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Michael J. Caelwaerts, Aaron M. Williams, Samuel A. Gould, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Patent number: 12509278Abstract: Described herein are various coupling systems to be used with storage units that are selectively coupled and decoupled. The coupling systems may be used with storage units that are stackable and/or transportable, thus allowing the storage units to function well within a large stationary environment, such as a basement, and also for a subset of the storage units to be selected and easily moved to another location.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2025Date of Patent: December 30, 2025Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael John Caelwaerts, Samuel A. Gould, Aaron M. Williams, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Grant T. Squiers, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner
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Publication number: 20250296735Abstract: Described herein are various coupling systems to be used with storage units that are selectively coupled and decoupled. The coupling systems may be used with storage units that are stackable and/or transportable, thus allowing the storage units to function well within a large stationary environment, such as a basement, and also for a subset of the storage units to be selected and easily moved to another location.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2025Publication date: September 25, 2025Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael John Caelwaerts, Samuel A. Gould, Aaron M. Williams, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Grant T. Squiers, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner
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Publication number: 20250296739Abstract: A storage container with various aspects is described herein. The storage container may have cleats or cleat receptacles to interact with other storage containers and/or accessories. The storage container may also include rails for attachment of various accessories. Some versions of the storage container may further include telescopic uprights connected to a handle. Many of the versions of the storage containers may further include wheels for transporting the storage containers and their contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2025Publication date: September 25, 2025Inventors: Grant T. Squiers, Matthew Vargo, Matthew W. Naiva, George Barton, Christopher S. Hoppe, Scott Earl McKinster, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Michael John Caelwaerts, Aaron M. Williams, Samuel A. Gould, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Publication number: 20250256378Abstract: Various embodiments of pliers and pipe wrenches are provided. Wire cutters enable a finger pivot hole to enhance the grasp of the wire cutters while rotating the tool and/or stripping wire. Pipe wrenches include different configurations of teeth to improve durability and grip on a workpiece. Pliers are provided with axial teeth to enhance gripping a workpiece in different directions. Pliers are provided with selectable mechanical advantages so that a user may select the mechanical advantage desirable for a particular application.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2025Publication date: August 14, 2025Inventors: Aaron S. Blumenthal, Aaron M. Williams, Michael Stearns, Christopher S. Hoppe
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Publication number: 20250223079Abstract: Described herein are various coupling systems to be used with storage units that are selectively coupled and decoupled. The coupling systems may be used with storage units that are stackable and/or transportable, thus allowing the storage units to function well within a large stationary environment, such as a basement, and also for a subset of the storage units to be selected and easily moved to another location.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2025Publication date: July 10, 2025Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael John Caelwaerts, Samuel A. Gould, Aaron M. Williams, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Grant T. Squiers, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Publication number: 20250181430Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure enable electronic messaging using a network communications architecture, including receiving, by processor via a status application programming interface (API) of an administration service, a performance incident indication indicative of a performance incident associated with an application service. The administration service determines a performance incident status based at least in part on the performance incident indication and determines a message having a notification of the performance incident. The administration service determines front-ends associated with the application service. The administration service generates, using front-end specific adapters of the status API, a front-end specific API call to each front-end to update each front-end with the message with content and formatting specific to each front-end.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2022Publication date: June 5, 2025Applicant: PITTWAY SARLInventors: Dipti Gadhia, Michael Stearns, Joseph Raymond Zwack, Roger Hernandez, Isao Jonas
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Patent number: 12311514Abstract: Various embodiments of pliers and pipe wrenches are provided. Wire cutters enable a finger pivot hole to enhance the grasp of the wire cutters while rotating the tool and/or stripping wire. Pipe wrenches include different configurations of teeth to improve durability and grip on a workpiece. Pliers are provided with axial teeth to enhance gripping a workpiece in different directions. Pliers are provided with selectable mechanical advantages so that a user may select the mechanical advantage desirable for a particular application.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2023Date of Patent: May 27, 2025Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Aaron S. Blumenthal, Aaron M. Williams, Michael Stearns, Christopher S. Hoppe
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Patent number: 12286267Abstract: Described herein are various coupling systems to be used with storage units that are selectively coupled and decoupled. The coupling systems may be used with storage units that are stackable and/or transportable, thus allowing the storage units to function well within a large stationary environment, such as a basement, and also for a subset of the storage units to be selected and easily moved to another location.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2022Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignees: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, Keter Plastic LTD.Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael John Caelwaerts, Samuel A. Gould, Aaron M. Williams, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Grant T. Squiers, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Publication number: 20250073933Abstract: A utility knife including a handle, a blade, a first blade holder, and a spare blade holder. The spare blade holder is pivotal with respect to the handle between an open position where the recess is exposed to allow a spare blade to be removed from the spare blade holder and a closed position where the recess is within a slot of the handle to inhibit removal of the spare blade from the spare blade holder. The spare blade holder further including a cam surface and the cam surface of the spare blade holder engages a cam surface of the handle when the spare blade holder is in the closed position to urge the spare blade holder in a direction from a first longitudinal side of the handle toward a second longitudinal side of the handle to allow the first blade holder to pivot between extended and folded positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Inventors: Grant T. Squiers, Steven W. Hyma, Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael Stearns, Joseph M. DeBaker
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Patent number: 12214514Abstract: A utility knife including a handle, a blade, a first blade holder, and a spare blade holder. The spare blade holder is pivotal with respect to the handle between an open position where the recess is exposed to allow a spare blade to be removed from the spare blade holder and a closed position where the recess is within a slot of the handle to inhibit removal of the spare blade from the spare blade holder. The spare blade holder further including a cam surface and the cam surface of the spare blade holder engages a cam surface of the handle when the spare blade holder is in the closed position to urge the spare blade holder in a direction from a first longitudinal side of the handle toward a second longitudinal side of the handle to allow the first blade holder to pivot between extended and folded positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2023Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Grant T. Squiers, Steven W. Hyma, Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael Stearns, Joseph M. DeBaker
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Patent number: 12195229Abstract: Described herein are various coupling systems to be used with storage units that are selectively coupled and decoupled. The coupling systems may be used with storage units that are stackable and/or transportable, thus allowing the storage units to function well within a large stationary environment, such as a basement, and also for a subset of the storage units to be selected and easily moved to another location.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2024Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignees: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, Keter Plastic LTD.Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael John Caelwaerts, Samuel A. Gould, Aaron M. Williams, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Grant T. Squiers, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Patent number: 12187491Abstract: A storage container with various aspects is described herein. The storage container may have cleats or cleat receptacles to interact with other storage containers and/or accessories. The storage container may also include rails for attachment of various accessories. Some versions of the storage container may further include telescopic uprights connected to a handle. Many of the versions of the storage containers may further include wheels for transporting the storage containers and their contents.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2024Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignees: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, Keter Plastic LTDInventors: Grant T. Squiers, Matthew Vargo, Matthew W. Naiva, George Barton, Christopher S. Hoppe, Scott Earl McKinster, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Michael John Caelwaerts, Aaron M. Williams, Samuel A. Gould, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Publication number: 20240315414Abstract: Various carrying mechanisms to transport a storage device, container or unit are shown. The carrying mechanisms actuate between various positions that may interfere with opening a lid of the storage unit. Various configurations of the carrying mechanisms reduce their profile when in use. Also described are multi-segmented carrying mechanisms that provides a beneficial weight distribution while facilitating actuating the carrying mechanism between different positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2024Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventors: Michael Stearns, Christopher S. Hoppe, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Scott M. Hangartner, Benjamin T. Jones, Matthew A. Lownik, George Barton
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Publication number: 20240306753Abstract: A hard hat attachment system is described with front, back, and side mounts to support various accessories. Mounts of hard hat receive slots of a bracket that fit around the ridges. Auxiliary ridges receive clips within ports. The user customizes the hard hat for the particular task with the preferred accessories used to complete the job. For example, lamps, face-shields, reflectors, tool carriers, and eyeglass holders are interchangeably releasably coupled to mounting and/or auxiliary ridges on the hard hat. In this way, the hard hat is customized and/or modified to support a wide variety of accessories that are securely and releasably attached to mounting and/or auxiliary ridges without destructive alterations to the hard hat. Brackets couple to mounts and clips couple to ports to secure and/or lock various accessories in place during operation and prevent accidental knocks or jarring the accessory loose.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Inventors: Benjamin T. Jones, Nicole Z. Summersett, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Steven W. Hyma, McKenzie T. Price, Christopher S. Hoppe, Grant T. Squiers
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Publication number: 20240253862Abstract: A storage container with various aspects is described herein. The storage container may have cleats or cleat receptacles to interact with other storage containers and/or accessories. The storage container may also include rails for attachment of various accessories. Some versions of the storage container may further include telescopic uprights connected to a handle. Many of the versions of the storage containers may further include wheels for transporting the storage containers and their contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2024Publication date: August 1, 2024Inventors: Grant T. Squiers, Matthew Vargo, Matthew W. Naiva, George Barton, Christopher S. Hoppe, Scott Earl McKinster, Aaron S. Blumenthal, Michael Stearns, Michael John Caelwaerts, Aaron M. Williams, Samuel A. Gould, Steven W. Hyma, Jason D. Thurner, Yaron Brunner
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Patent number: D1099661Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2023Date of Patent: October 28, 2025Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Mark W. Cors, Steven W. Hyma, Grant T. Squiers, Michael Stearns