Patents by Inventor Paul W. Griffin

Paul W. Griffin 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: 20240103632
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to providing gesture-based control of electronic devices. Providing gesture-based control may include determining, with a machine learning system that includes multiple machine learning models, a prediction of one or more gestures and their corresponding probabilities of being performed. A likelihood of the user's intent to actually perform that gesture may then be generated, based on the prediction and a gesture detection factor. The likelihood may be dynamically updated over time, and a visual, auditory, and/or haptic indicator of the likelihood may be provided as user feedback. The visual, auditory, and/or haptic indicator may be helpful to guide the user to the correct gesture if the gesture is intended, or to stop performing an action similar to the gesture if the gesture is not intended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Matthias R. HOHMANN, Anna SEDLACKOVA, Bradley W. GRIFFIN, Christopher M. SANDINO, Darius A. SATONGAR, Erdrin AZEMI, Kaan E. DOGRUSOZ, Paul G. PUSKARICH, Gergo PALKOVICS
  • Publication number: 20240077309
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to displaying information related to a physical activity. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for managing the display of information related to a physical activity are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas D. FELTON, James B. CARY, Edward CHAO, Kevin W. CHEN, Christopher P. FOSS, Eamon F. GILRAVI, Austen J. GREEN, Bradley W. GRIFFIN, Anders K. HAGLUNDS, Lori HYLAN-CHO, Stephen P. JACKSON, Matthew S. KOONCE, Paul T. NIXON, Robert M. PEARSON
  • Patent number: 10590770
    Abstract: A reversing mechanism for a pneumatically or hydraulically powered tool having a rotor adapted to rotate in either of first and second rotational directions. The reversing mechanism allows a user to actuate a button and rotate a valve to direct air flow through the tool. By pressing the button, the button will move a base laterally, and in doing so, rotates the valve. Rotating the valve then aligns a barrier of the valve in a direction tangential to the selected rotational direction of the tool, better directing forced air or fluid and more efficiently distributing the air or fluid in the selected rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul W. Griffin, Dennis A. Nowak, John R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20190275658
    Abstract: An electronics module with a housing shaped to conform to the internal shape of a power tool handle. The housing can be made of a metal or a high density polymer to stabilize the handle and enclose electronics within the handle. The module can further include a potting compound provided within openings of the handle to dampen vibrations and resist impact during events that are likely to cause failure at the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Patent number: 9808928
    Abstract: A tool, such as a pneumatic tool, having a first and second housing portions coupled together. The first housing portion including an upper portion adapted to receive power and transmission components and a handle portion including a recess adapted to receive a trigger assembly. A reinforcement member is disposed in the recess with a first side facing in a first direction away from the recess and towards the second housing portion, and a protrusion extending from the first side in the first direction. The protrusion engages the second housing portion and strengthens the handle portion to allow the handle portion to withstand forces resulting from the tool being dropped on a hard surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard D. Bothmann, Paul W Griffin, Dennis A Nowak, Benjamin E Kohls
  • Patent number: 9625936
    Abstract: A seal integrated into a groove of a button. The seal includes a cross-section with a peak surrounded by a valley on each side of the peak. The valleys both extend below the outer surface of the midsection of the button and the peak extends above the outer surface. This structure allows for easier compression of the seal while performing the sealing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20160339578
    Abstract: A tool, such as a pneumatic tool, having a first and second housing portions coupled together. The first housing portion including an upper portion adapted to receive power and transmission components and a handle portion including a recess adapted to receive a trigger assembly. A reinforcement member is disposed in the recess with a first side facing in a first direction away from the recess and towards the second housing portion, and a protrusion extending from the first side in the first direction. The protrusion engages the second housing portion and strengthens the handle portion to allow the handle portion to withstand forces resulting from the tool being dropped on a hard surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard D. Bothmann, Paul W. Griffin, Dennis A. Nowak, Benjamin E. Kohls
  • Publication number: 20160259363
    Abstract: A seal integrated into a groove of a button. The seal includes a cross-section with a peak surrounded by a valley on each side of the peak. The valleys both extend below the outer surface of the midsection of the button and the peak extends above the outer surface. This structure allows for easier compression of the seal while performing the sealing function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20160258291
    Abstract: A reversing mechanism for a pneumatically or hydraulically powered tool having a rotor adapted to rotate in either of first and second rotational directions. The reversing mechanism allows a user to actuate a button and rotate a valve to direct air flow through the tool. By pressing the button, the button will move a base laterally, and in doing so, rotates the valve. Rotating the valve then aligns a barrier of the valve in a direction tangential to the selected rotational direction of the tool, better directing forced air or fluid and more efficiently distributing the air or fluid in the selected rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul W. Griffin, Dennis A. Nowak, John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8800412
    Abstract: A handle for controlling a power tool by configuring the handle in either a straight or T-shaped position. In the straight position, the handle design serves as a rotational safety control that allows a user to control the rotational reaction of the tool by placing the user's hand in a position that is perpendicular to the main body of the tool. In the T-shaped configuration, the user can apply rotational force and longitudinal force more easily because the hand position is tangent to the tool base. A fastener couples a base of the handle to a band that grips the power tool and facilitates the user control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20130042730
    Abstract: A handle for controlling a power tool by configuring the handle in either a straight or T-shaped position. In the straight position, the handle design serves as a rotational safety control that allows a user to control the rotational reaction of the tool by placing the user's hand in a position that is perpendicular to the main body of the tool. In the T-shaped configuration, the user can apply rotational force and longitudinal force more easily because the hand position is tangent to the tool base. A fastener couples a base of the handle to a band that grips the power tool and facilitates the user control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7719230
    Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate on different operating voltages and a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages for charging the power tools. Each receiver is configured to engage and charge only the one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of that receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7659694
    Abstract: A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W Griffin
  • Patent number: 7609025
    Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate at different voltages, a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages and means for selectively engaging each receiver with only one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of the receiver to charge the one or more power tool. The selective engagement means being in the form of a plurality of terminal block. Each terminal block may be secured to a respective one of the power tools. Each terminal block may include a rib and each receiver may define a slot to receivingly engage one of the ribs. The rib of each terminal block may be disposed at a different location than the ribs of the other terminal blocks, and the slot of each receiver may be positioned at a different location than the slots of the other receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20080122403
    Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate at different voltages, a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages and means for selectively engaging each receiver with only one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of the receiver to charge the one or more power tool. The selective engagement means being in the form of a plurality of terminal block. Each terminal block may be secured to a respective one of the power tools. Each terminal block may include a rib and each receiver may define a slot to receivingly engage one of the ribs. The rib of each terminal block may be disposed at a different location than the ribs of the other terminal blocks, and the slot of each receiver may be positioned at a different location than the slots of the other receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20080101100
    Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate on different operating voltages and a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages for charging the power tools. Each receiver is configured to engage and charge only the one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of that receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20080084181
    Abstract: A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6227308
    Abstract: An impact mechanism, such as an impact wrench is provided and includes a motor, a shaft rotatable about an axis and coupled to the motor and having a first shaft groove with first and second axial ends and a hammer disposed about the shaft and having a first hammer groove. A ball is disposed in the first hammer groove and in the first shaft groove and couples the hammer to the shaft for relative axial and rotatable movement, with the ball moveable along the grooves. The wrench also includes a rotatable anvil for coupling to a load, a bias member resiliently biasing the hammer axially into engagement with the anvil and stop structure disposed along the shaft for engagement with the hammer to limit axial movement of the hammer away from the anvil so as to prevent the ball from contacting the second axial end of the first shaft groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Company
    Inventors: Anil P. Ghode, Paul W. Griffin, Raymond D. DeRome
  • Patent number: D535536
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Anil P. Ghode, Paul W. Griffin, Isidro M. Alanis
  • Patent number: D536591
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Anil P. Ghode, Paul W. Griffin, Isidro M. Alanis