Patents by Inventor Rick J. Heavel

Rick J. Heavel 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: 20230278185
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing; an electric motor; an electronic clutch; and a clutch setting assembly that includes a variable resistive element, a clutch selector, and a contact assembly. The contact assembly includes a spring coupled to the clutch selector and a contact member with a leg configured to be insertable into an opening in the clutch selector so that the spring and the contact member are non-removable from the clutch selector and the spring biases the contact member against the variable resistive element. The contact member has a head configured to engage the variable resistive element to generate a resistance signal that corresponds to a position of the clutch selector. The controller is configured to receive the resistance signal and, based on the resistance signal, look-up, receive, or generate the torque threshold value for the power tool operation parameter that corresponds to the selected clutch setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Trevor J. KOENIG, Joseph P. KELLEHER, Rick J. HEAVEL, Heather SCHAFER, Thomas DELMONT
  • Patent number: 8707839
    Abstract: A workpiece adjusting mechanism for a miter saw is provided. The workpiece adjusting mechanism may include: a table for supporting a workpiece to be cut by the miter saw; an engager for engaging the workpiece, the engager configured to move the workpiece with respect to the table; and an actuator configured to control the engager to move the workpiece with respect to the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Opsitos, Jr., Warren A. Ceroll, James P. Bascom, Rick J. Heavel, Craig A. Schell, Robert S. Gehret
  • Publication number: 20090260495
    Abstract: A workpiece adjusting mechanism for a miter saw is provided. The workpiece adjusting mechanism may include: a table for supporting a workpiece to be cut by the miter saw; an engager for engaging the workpiece, the engager configured to move the workpiece with respect to the table; and an actuator configured to control the engager to move the workpiece with respect to the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Opsitos, JR., Warren A. Ceroll, James P. Bascom, Rick J. Heavel, Craig A. Schell, Robert S. Gehret