Patents by Inventor Peter D. Ploss

Peter D. Ploss 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: 8720764
    Abstract: A fuel cell adapter to be received in a combustion tool fuel cell cavity, the cavity having a predetermined diameter, and the adapter having a post extending longitudinally along an axis. First and second platforms are positioned at a first and second end of the post and they extend laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance slightly less than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. A flange extends from the post between the first and second ends of the post and has at least one portion extending laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance, when combined with the post, slightly greater than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. The flange is formed of a resilient material and a thickness so as to permit the flange to be deformed as the adapter is inserted into the fuel cell cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Peter D. Ploss
  • Publication number: 20130004863
    Abstract: A fuel cell adapter to be received in a combustion tool fuel cell cavity, the cavity having a predetermined diameter, and the adapter having a post extending longitudinally along an axis. First and second platforms are positioned at a first and second end of the post and they extend laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance slightly less than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. A flange extends from the post between the first and second ends of the post and has at least one portion extending laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance, when combined with the post, slightly greater than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. The flange is formed of a resilient material and a thickness so as to permit the flange to be deformed as the adapter is inserted into the fuel cell cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Peter D. Ploss
  • Patent number: 6651862
    Abstract: A powered tool constructed to drive a fastener into a workpiece includes a nosepiece assembly including a back plate and a front plate combining to define a path for a driver blade, the front plate being pivotally movable relative to the back plate between a closed position, in which the front plate and the back plate are in contact with each other, and an open position. The front plate is movable to an interim deflecting position between the closed position and the open position. A handle portion has an outer surface at least partially defining a grip, and an inner surface at least partially defining a chamber. The handle portion includes a substrate having at least one aperture, and an overmold configured for forming a gripping surface on the outer surface and for extending through the apertures into the chamber for forming a resilient mounting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Driscoll, Robert Scott Buetow, Marc Largo, Peter D. Ploss
  • Publication number: 20030116604
    Abstract: A powered tool constructed to drive a fastener into a workpiece includes a nosepiece assembly including a back plate and a front plate combining to define a path for a driver blade, the front plate being pivotally movable relative to the back plate between a closed position, in which the front plate and the back plate are in contact with each other, and an open position. The front plate is movable to an interim deflecting position between the closed position and the open position. A handle portion has an outer surface at least partially defining a grip, and an inner surface at least partially defining a chamber. The handle portion includes a substrate having at least one aperture, and an overmold configured for forming a gripping surface on the outer surface and for extending through the apertures into the chamber for forming a resilient mounting point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick J. Driscoll, Robert Scott Buetow, Marc Largo, Peter D. Ploss
  • Publication number: 20020158103
    Abstract: A powered tool constructed to drive a fastener into a workpiece includes a nosepiece assembly including a back plate and a front plate combining to define a path for a driver blade, the front plate being pivotally movable relative to the back plate between a closed position, in which the front plate and the back plate are in contact with each other, and an open position. The front plate is movable to an interim deflecting position between the closed position and the open position. A handle portion has an outer surface at least partially defining a grip, and an inner surface at least partially defining a chamber. The handle portion includes a substrate having at least one aperture, and an overmold configured for forming a gripping surface on the outer surface and for extending through the apertures into the chamber for forming a resilient mounting point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick J. Driscoll, Robert Scott Buetow, Marc Largo, Peter D. Ploss
  • Patent number: 6357534
    Abstract: A battery pack latching or locking mounting system comprises a battery case, a cell pack disposed within the battery case, a battery cap or end closure, and a spacer which is longitudinally interposed between the cell pack and the battery cap or end closure. A first latching element or detent is mounted upon the spacer, and a second latching element or detent is mounted upon the battery cap or end closure. When the battery pack is initially mounted within the tool housing socket, the first latching element or detent of the spacer lockingly engages the single aperture defined within a side wall portion of the tool housing socket so as to lock the battery pack at its first OFF position or state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Robert Scott Buetow, Larry Moeller, Patrick J. Driscoll, Peter D. Ploss
  • Patent number: D649113
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Peter D. Ploss
  • Patent number: D677220
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Peter D. Ploss