Patents by Inventor Robert A. Usselman
Robert A. Usselman 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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Patent number: 11173584Abstract: A power tool is provided including a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a rectifier that receives an alternative current from a power supply and outputs a rectified signal supplied to a DC power bus, and an inverter circuit having motor switches connected electrically between the DC power bus and the motor. A control module controls a switching operation of the power switches to regulate supply power from the power supply to the motor. The control module controls the switching operation so as to, within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage waveform, increase current draw from the power supply from a first threshold at or after a first zero-crossing of the half cycle up to a second threshold, and reduce current draw from the power supply from the second threshold up to a third threshold at or prior to a second zero-crossing of the half cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Alexander Manasseh, Scott J. Eshleman, Robert A. Usselman, John D. Cox
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Patent number: 10870216Abstract: A power tool having an integrated control system includes a workpiece supporting surface, a cutting instrument extendable above the workpiece supporting surface, a guard assembly securable above the workpiece supporting surface for covering at least a portion of the cutting instrument, a motor coupled with the cutting instrument, and a power switch operable for starting the motor for driving the cutting instrument. The power tool includes a control system in communication with the guard assembly for determining if the guard assembly is installed. Before the motor is started, the control system automatically disables the motor if it determines that the guard assembly is not installed. The control system includes a bypass switch for enabling starting of the motor when the guard assembly is not installed.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: Craig A. Schell, Robert A. Usselman
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Patent number: 10710220Abstract: A power tool is provided including a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a rectifier that receives an alternative current from a power supply and outputs a rectified signal supplied to a DC power bus, and an inverter circuit having motor switches connected electrically between the DC power bus and the motor. A control module controls a switching operation of the power switches to regulate supply power from the power supply to the motor. The control module controls the switching operation so as to, within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage waveform, increase current draw from the power supply from a first threshold at or after a first zero-crossing of the half cycle up to a second threshold, and reduce current draw from the power supply from the second threshold up to a third threshold at or prior to a second zero-crossing of the half cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Alexander Manasseh, Scott J. Eshleman, Robert A. Usselman, John D. Cox
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Publication number: 20200114499Abstract: A power tool includes a tool body including a motor having an output member that drives an accessory. A chuck is coupled for rotation with the output member relative to the tool body and configured to retain the accessory. The chuck has a chuck body that defines at least one light pipe formed therethrough. A light source disposed on a light ring coupled to the tool body and includes at least one light. Each at least one light source aligns with each of the at least one light pipe intermittently during rotation of the chuck.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: John C. Vanko, Tal Gottesman, Daniel Puzio, Michael K. Forster, John D. Cox, Joseph P. Kelleher, Stuart Garber, Joerg Zellerhoff, Joao Norona, Robert S. Gehret, Scott Eshleman, Stephen P. Osborne, Brian E. Friedman, Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov, Michael C. Doyle
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Patent number: 10543588Abstract: A power tool includes a tool body including a motor having an output member that drives an accessory. A chuck is coupled for rotation with the output member relative to the tool body and configured to retain the accessory. The chuck has a chuck body that defines at least one light pipe formed therethrough. A light source disposed on a light ring coupled to the tool body and includes at least one light. Each at least one light source aligns with each of the at least one light pipe intermittently during rotation of the chuck.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: John C. Vanko, Tal Gottesman, Daniel Puzio, Michael K. Forster, John D. Cox, Joseph P. Kelleher, Stuart Garber, Joerg Zellerhoff, Joao Norona, Robert S. Gehret, Scott Eshleman, Stephen P. Osborne, Brian E. Friedman, Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov, Michael C. Doyle
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Publication number: 20190314961Abstract: A power tool is provided including a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a rectifier that receives an alternative current from a power supply and outputs a rectified signal supplied to a DC power bus, and an inverter circuit having motor switches connected electrically between the DC power bus and the motor. A control module controls a switching operation of the power switches to regulate supply power from the power supply to the motor. The control module controls the switching operation so as to, within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage waveform, increase current draw from the power supply from a first threshold at or after a first zero-crossing of the half cycle up to a second threshold, and reduce current draw from the power supply from the second threshold up to a third threshold at or prior to a second zero-crossing of the half cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Alexander Manasseh, Scott J. Eshleman, Robert A. Usselman, John D. Cox
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Publication number: 20180290270Abstract: A power tool is provided including a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a rectifier that receives an alternative current from a power supply and outputs a rectified signal supplied to a DC power bus, and an inverter circuit having motor switches connected electrically between the DC power bus and the motor. A control module controls a switching operation of the power switches to regulate supply power from the power supply to the motor. The control module controls the switching operation so as to, within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage waveform, increase current draw from the power supply from a first threshold at or after a first zero-crossing of the half cycle up to a second threshold, and reduce current draw from the power supply from the second threshold up to a third threshold at or prior to a second zero-crossing of the half cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Alexander Manasseh, Scott J. Eshleman, Robert A. Usselman, John D. Cox
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Patent number: 9993936Abstract: A chop saw includes a base assembly and a saw assembly pivotally attached to the base assembly. The base assembly has a workpiece-supporting plane. The saw assembly has a blade and a motor driving the blade. A hinged connection between the base assembly and a saw assembly allows a user to rotate the saw assembly from a position where the plane of the blade extends through the workpiece-supporting plane to a position where the plane of the blade does not extend through the workpiece-supporting plane. In such position, the plane of blade may be substantially parallel to the workpiece-supporting plane. A switch or sensor may detect when the saw assembly is in the pivoted position so that the motor cannot be activated in such position.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Warren A. Ceroll, Danielle J. Barker, James D. Schroeder, Stephanie A. Billingsley, John C. Wenig, Dennis A. Bush, Daniel Fitzgerald, Thomas J. Bodine, Robert A. Usselman, Eric J. Samuelsen
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Publication number: 20170203421Abstract: A power tool includes a tool body including a motor having an output member that drives an accessory. A chuck is coupled for rotation with the output member relative to the tool body and configured to retain the accessory. The chuck has a chuck body that defines at least one light pipe formed therethrough. A light source disposed on a light ring coupled to the tool body and includes at least one light. Each at least one light source aligns with each of the at least one light pipe intermittently during rotation of the chuck.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: John C. Vanko, Tal Gottesman, Daniel Puzio, Michael K. Forster, John D. Cox, Joseph P. Kelleher, Stuart Garber, Joerg Zellerhoff, Joao Norona, Robert S. Gehret, Scott Eshleman, Stephen P. Osborne, Brian E. Friedman, Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov, Michael C. Doyle
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Patent number: 9698621Abstract: A portable generator system having an internal combustion engine, a starting device for starting the internal combustion engine and a power generating device for generating an AC signal for powering a charger assembly, the charger assembly adapted to receive the AC signal and to generate a DC charging signal. The charger assembly includes a first user controllable switch and a second user controllable switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Usselman, Dalton E. McFarland, Jeffrey P. Grant
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Patent number: 9644837Abstract: A power tool includes a tool body including a motor having an output member that drives an accessory. A chuck is coupled for rotation with the output member relative to the tool body and configured to retain the accessory. The chuck has a chuck body that defines at least one light pipe formed therethrough. A light source disposed on a light ring coupled to the tool body and includes at least one light. Each at least one light source aligns with each of the at least one light pipe intermittently during rotation of the chuck.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: John C. Vanko, Tal Gottesman, Daniel Puzio, Michael K. Forster, John D. Cox, Joseph P. Kelleher, Stuart Garber, Joerg Zellerhoff, Joao Norona, Robert S. Gehret, Scott Eshleman, Stephen P. Osborne, Brian E. Friedman, Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov, Michael C. Doyle
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Patent number: 9614466Abstract: A power system is provided comprising an electric universal motor including an armature rotatable coupled to an armature shaft and a commutator disposed on an armature shaft, a pair of brushes engaging the commutator, and a field having at least two field windings electrically coupled in series with the pair of brushes. The power system includes a power line having two terminals arranged to provide alternating-current (AC) power from a power supply, and a power switch provided in series with the field windings on a power line to provide AC power from the terminals to the motor when the power switch is closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov
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Patent number: 9464893Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, an output shaft having a tool axis, and a motion sensor that senses motion of the tool housing. A control circuit receives an input signal from the motion sensor, to make a first determination, based on the input signal, whether the tool is being operated in a horizontal mode or a vertical mode. The control circuit makes a second determination, based on the input signal, whether the tool axis is substantially level when the tool is being operated in the horizontal mode or the tool axis is substantially plumb when the tool is being operated in the vertical mode. An indicator receives an output signal from the control circuit that causes the indicator to indicate whether the tool axis is level when being operated in the horizontal mode or plumb when being operated in the vertical mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: John C. Vanko, Craig A. Schell, Robert S. Gehret, Michael K. Forster, Tal Gottesman, Sankarshan Murthy, Daniel Puzio, Joerg Zellerhoff, Robert A. Usselman, Scott J. Eshleman, Joao Norona
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Publication number: 20160279822Abstract: A chop saw includes a base assembly and a saw assembly pivotally attached to the base assembly. The base assembly has a workpiece-supporting plane. The saw assembly has a blade and a motor driving the blade. A hinged connection between the base assembly and a saw assembly allows a user to rotate the saw assembly from a position where the plane of the blade extends through the workpiece-supporting plane to a position where the plane of the blade does not extend through the workpiece-supporting plane. In such position, the plane of blade may be substantially parallel to the workpiece-supporting plane. A switch or sensor may detect when the saw assembly is in the pivoted position so that the motor cannot be activated in such position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Warren A. Ceroll, Danielle J. Barker, James D. Schroeder, Stephanie A. Billingsley, John C. Wenig, Dennis A. Bush, Daniel Fitzgerald, Thomas J. Bodine, Robert A. Usselman, Eric J. Samuelsen
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Publication number: 20160010848Abstract: A power tool includes a tool body including a motor having an output member that drives an accessory. A chuck is coupled for rotation with the output member relative to the tool body and configured to retain the accessory. The chuck has a chuck body that defines at least one light pipe formed therethrough. A light source disposed on a light ring coupled to the tool body and includes at least one light. Each at least one light source aligns with each of the at least one light pipe intermittently during rotation of the chuck.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: John C. VANKO, Tal GOTTESMAN, Daniel PUZIO, Michael K. FORSTER, John D. COX, Joseph P. KELLEHER, Stuart GARBER, Joerg ZELLERHOFF, Joao NORONA, Robert S. GEHRET, Scott ESHELMAN, Stephen P. OSBORNE, Brian E. FRIEDMAN, Robert A. USSELMAN, Anatoliy NOSOV, Michael C. DOYLE
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Publication number: 20150340974Abstract: A power system is provided comprising an electric universal motor including an armature rotatable coupled to an armature shaft and a commutator disposed on an armature shaft, a pair of brushes engaging the commutator, and a field having at least two field windings electrically coupled in series with the pair of brushes. The power system includes a power line having two terminals arranged to provide alternating-current (AC) power from a power supply, and a power switch provided in series with the field windings on a power line to provide AC power from the terminals to the motor when the power switch is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov
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Patent number: 9108285Abstract: A dust collection system includes a sensor body, a selection circuit, a detection circuit, and a motor control circuit. The sensor body detachably encircles a cord supplying power to a power tool. The cord includes a neutral conductor and a hot conductor. The sensor body houses sensors that, in response to current flow through the cord, generate sensor signals. The selection circuit generates a positive output signal in response to the sensor signals and generates a negative output signal in response to the sensor signals. The detection circuit generates a current detection signal in response to a comparison of the positive and negative output signals with a threshold. The motor control circuit selectively turns on a motor of the dust collection system in response to the current detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventor: Robert A. Usselman
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Patent number: 9028088Abstract: A power tool includes a tool body having an output member that drives an accessory. An end effector is coupled for rotation with the output member. A light source is disposed on the end effector. A primary coil assembly is configured on the tool body and mounted concentric to the output member. The primary coil assembly includes a primary coil that is electrically connected to a power source of the power tool. A secondary coil assembly is configured on the end effector and mounted concentric to the output member. The secondary coil assembly includes a secondary coil that is electrically connected to the light source. Current flowing through the primary coil creates a magnetic field that causes current to flow through the secondary winding and power the light source.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: John C. Vanko, Tal Gottesman, Daniel Puzio, Michael K. Forster, John D. Cox, Joseph P. Kelleher, Stuart Garber, Joerg Zellerhoff, Joao Norona, Robert S. Gehret, Scott Eshleman, Stephen P. Osborne, Brian E. Friedman, Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov, Michael C. Doyle
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Publication number: 20140261551Abstract: A dust collection system includes a sensor body, a selection circuit, a detection circuit, and a motor control circuit. The sensor body detachably encircles a cord supplying power to a power tool. The cord includes a neutral conductor and a hot conductor. The sensor body houses sensors that, in response to current flow through the cord, generate sensor signals. The selection circuit generates a positive output signal in response to the sensor signals and generates a negative output signal in response to the sensor signals. The detection circuit generates a current detection signal in response to a comparison of the positive and negative output signals with a threshold. The motor control circuit selectively turns on a motor of the dust collection system in response to the current detection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: BLACK AND DECKER INC.Inventor: Robert A. USSELMAN
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Publication number: 20140000921Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, an output shaft having a tool axis, and a motion sensor that senses motion of the tool housing. A control circuit receives an input signal from the motion sensor, to make a first determination, based on the input signal, whether the tool is being operated in a horizontal mode or a vertical mode. The control circuit makes a second determination, based on the input signal, whether the tool axis is substantially level when the tool is being operated in the horizontal mode or the tool axis is substantially plumb when the tool is being operated in the vertical mode. An indicator receives an output signal from the control circuit that causes the indicator to indicate whether the tool axis is level when being operated in the horizontal mode or plumb when being operated in the vertical mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: John C. Vanko, Craig A. Schell, Robert S. Gehret, Michael K. Forster, Tal Gottesman, Sankarshan Murthy, Daniel Puzio, Joerg Zellerhoff, Robert A. Usselman, Scott J. Eshleman, Joao Norona