Patents by Inventor Ryan L. Francis

Ryan L. Francis 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: 20220339766
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: 11396095
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Publication number: 20210154816
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: 10926387
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: 10427289
    Abstract: A multi-position hook assembly for use in a tool that includes a hook having a first leg and a second leg joined by a top span member, and a mounting member configured for slidably receiving the top span member and releasably locking the hook in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Publication number: 20190184536
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: 10226729
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a filter for a portable industrial air filtration device. The filter generally includes a body and a limit switch actuator attached to the body. The body includes filter media and a rigidized material. The filter media is attached to the rigidized material, and the body has opposing upper and lower edges. The limit switch actuator includes a head and an actuator connected to and extending from the head. The limit switch actuator is attached to the body such the actuator extends below the lower edge of the body and is configured to actuate a limit switch actuator of an air filtration device when the filter is installed in the air filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan L. Francis, Stephen Patrick Moore
  • Patent number: 10213911
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: 9776117
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable industrial air filtration device employing an annular dual filter assembly to capture and remove impurities from the air surrounding the air filtration device, enabling the air filtration device to quickly and efficiently improve the quality and safety of the air. The air filtration device includes a two-piece housing including a lower housing component and a locking cover removably attachable to the lower housing component. The dual filter assembly is mounted within the housing between the locking cover and the lower housing component, and includes a removable self-supporting outer pre-filter surrounding a separately removable inner HEPA filter. The pre-filter initially filters the surrounding air by capturing relatively large or coarse impurities, and the HEPA filter further filters the air pulled through the pre-filter by capturing relatively small or fine impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Grider, Derek J. Leatzow, Stephen J. McPhilliamy, Antonio J. Belton, John S. White, Jr., Daniel J. Greene, Ryan L. Francis, Sean J. Corrigan, Charles Steven Pint, Frank E. Garrett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170129084
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Publication number: 20170100835
    Abstract: A multi-position hook assembly for use in a tool that includes a hook having a first leg and a second leg joined by a top span member, and a mounting member configured for slidably receiving the top span member and releasably locking the hook in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Publication number: 20170087495
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a filter for a portable industrial air filtration device. The filter generally includes a body and a limit switch actuator attached to the body. The body includes filter media and a rigidized material. The filter media is attached to the rigidized material, and the body has opposing upper and lower edges. The limit switch actuator includes a head and an actuator connected to and extending from the head. The limit switch actuator is attached to the body such the actuator extends below the lower edge of the body and is configured to actuate a limit switch actuator of an air filtration device when the filter is installed in the air filtration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Ryan L. Francis, Stephen Patrick Moore
  • Patent number: 9550288
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool also includes a trigger connected to the housing and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve including an actuating pin, an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the-actuation lever to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Moore, Murray Z. Weinger, Daniel J. Birk, Hanxin Zhao, Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: 9522464
    Abstract: A multi-position hook assembly for use in a tool that includes a hook having a first leg and a second leg joined by a top span member, and a mounting member configured for slidably receiving the top span member and releasably locking the hook in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Segura, Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: 9517428
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a filter for a portable industrial air filtration device. The filter generally includes a body and a limit switch actuator attached to the body. The body includes filter media and a rigidized material. The filter media is attached to the rigidized material, and the body has opposing upper and lower edges. The limit switch actuator includes a head and an actuator connected to and extending from the head. The limit switch actuator is attached to the body such the actuator extends below the lower edge of the body and is configured to actuate a limit switch actuator of an air filtration device when the filter is installed in the air filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan L. Francis, Stephen Patrick Moore
  • Publication number: 20160074801
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a filter for a portable industrial air filtration device. The filter generally includes a body and a limit switch actuator attached to the body. The body includes filter media and a rigidized material. The filter media is attached to the rigidized material, and the body has opposing upper and lower edges. The limit switch actuator includes a head and an actuator connected to and extending from the head. The limit switch actuator is attached to the body such the actuator extends below the lower edge of the body and is configured to actuate a limit switch actuator of an air filtration device when the filter is installed in the air filtration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan L. Francis, Stephen Patrick Moore
  • Patent number: D758558
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. McPhilliamy, Antonio J. Belton, John S. White, Jr., Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: D761946
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan L. Francis, Stephen Patrick Moore
  • Patent number: D785153
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. McPhilliamy, Antonio J. Belton, John S. White, Jr., Ryan L. Francis
  • Patent number: D785154
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. McPhilliamy, Antonio J. Belton, John S. White, Jr., Ryan L. Francis