Patents by Inventor Thomas P. Becker
Thomas P. Becker 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: 8766567Abstract: A method, system and device for discharging power or validating protective elements of a power source to ensure proper functioning of a tool at various temperatures. The power source communicates with a switch using handshake signals to establish a scheme for power distribution depending on the temperature of the power source. The power source can discharge power at a normal start-up rate or a slower start-up rate depending on the temperature of the power source. Handshake signals can also be used to validate protective elements, where the protective elements respond to wake-up signals with respective handshake signals indicating that the protective elements are functioning property.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Anil P. Ghode, Thomas P. Becker, Donald Herres
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Publication number: 20140035489Abstract: A method, system and device for discharging power or validating protective elements of a power source to ensure proper functioning of a tool at various temperatures. The power source communicates with a switch using handshake signals to establish a scheme for power distribution depending on the temperature of the power source. The power source can discharge power at a normal start-up rate or a slower start-up rate depending on the temperature of the power source. Handshake signals can also be used to validate protective elements, where the protective elements respond to wake-up signals with respective handshake signals indicating that the protective elements are functioning property.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Anil P. Ghode, Thomas P. Becker, Donald Herres
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Patent number: 7565844Abstract: An electronic torque-angle instrument including a generally tubular body having a gripping section and a pivoting head for engaging a workpiece, such as a nut or bolt, and a housing associated with the body and containing electronics, including a microprocessor, which permit individual or simultaneous measurement of torque and angle applied to the workpiece. The microprocessor includes stored programs which interpret a signal from an input, such as a gyroscopic sensor, and sends the interpreted signal to an output means. The signal is finally displayed as an accurate torque measure and/or angle measure from the output means.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Matthew M. Crass, Thomas P. Becker, Matthew S. Marquette, Richard J. Hackl, Paul J. Beyerl, Marvin D. Thorell
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Patent number: 7148698Abstract: In one form, tester for an electrical system, such as for a vehicle, develops repetitively applied, short duration, control current pulses for reducing load current pulses through the electrical system. An operator connects a pair of input contacts across a fuse holder. A circuit between the input contacts is closed momentarily and repetitively to produce repetitive current pulses from the electricity source through the system. A perceptible alert is produced when the magnitude of the current pulse exceeds that of a prescribed reference current value. In another form, a tester for an electrical system is designed to plug into the fuse terminals in a fuse box. The tester can include a plurality of interchangeable circuit breaker modules to allow the tester to be used on circuits having differing current ratings.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Thomas P. Becker, Daniel D. Lionberg, Matthew D. Crass, William G. Bruno
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Patent number: 7082866Abstract: A torque-angle wrench has a torque preset alert circuit which provides a first signal when a predetermined torque level is reached, an angle sensing circuitry providing a second signal corresponding to angular rotation, output circuitry responsive to the second signal for providing an indication of angular rotation, and switch circuitry for preventing the second signal from reaching the output circuitry until the occurrence of the first signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventor: Thomas P. Becker
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Patent number: 6981436Abstract: An electronic torque wrench has inner and outer telescoping housing portions and a battery tray assembly telescopically receivable in the inner housing portion and a bezel assembly receivable in an aperture in the outer housing portion and interconnected with the housing portions and the battery support assembly by a single fastener. The bezel assembly carries torque measuring circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Thomas P. Becker, David F. Brekke, David D. Curry, Brian J. Cutler, Jay Kurtovic, Charles P. Davis
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Patent number: 6968759Abstract: An electronic torque wrench has inner and outer telescoping housing portions and a battery tray assembly telescopically receivable in the inner housing portion and a bezel assembly receivable in an aperture in the outer housing portion and interconnected with the housing portions and the battery support assembly by a single fastener. The bezel assembly carries torque measuring circuitry including a microcontroller, and a four-key pad including arrow keys for incrementing and decrementing a preset torque level at any time, an on/zero key and a units key for toggling among plural different units of torque measurement. The preset torque level is displayed until torque is applied or a key is pressed and can be changed and displayed at anytime.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Thomas P. Becker, David F. Brekke, David Duvan, Rolf Segger
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Publication number: 20040017203Abstract: In one form, tester for an electrical system, such as for a vehicle, develops repetitively applied, short duration, control current pulses for reducing load current pulses through the electrical system. An operator connects a pair of input contacts across a fuse holder. A circuit between the input contacts is closed momentarily and repetitively to produce repetitive current pulses from the electricity source through the system. A perceptible alert is produced when the magnitude of the current pulse exceeds that of a prescribed reference current value. In another form, a tester for an electrical system is designed to plug into the fuse terminals in a fuse box. The tester can include a plurality of interchangeable circuit breaker modules to allow the tester to be used on circuits having differing current ratings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Thomas P. Becker, Daniel D. Lionberg, Matthew D. Crass, William G. Bruno
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Patent number: 6680777Abstract: An automatic transmission fluid tester determines the remaining service life of automatic transmission fluid. The tester includes a radiation source for emitting radiation in the direction of an automatic transmission fluid sample under test, and a radiation receiver for detecting radiation passed through the sample. Based on the output of the radiation receiver, the tester measures the opacity of the sample. The remaining service life of the automatic transmission fluid is determined as a function of the measured opacity.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary S. Wollert, Thomas P. Becker
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Publication number: 20030094081Abstract: An electronic torque wrench has inner and outer telescoping housing portions and a battery tray assembly telescopically receivable in the inner housing portion and a bezel assembly receivable in an aperture in the outer housing portion and interconnected with the housing portions and the battery support assembly by a single fastener. The bezel assembly carries torque measuring circuitry including a microcontroller, and a four-key pad including arrow keys for incrementing and decrementing a preset torque level at any time, an on/zero key and a units key for toggling among plural different units of torque measurement. The preset torque level is displayed until torque is applied or a key is pressed and can be changed and displayed at anytime.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Thomas P. Becker, David F. Brekke, David D. Curry, Brian J. Cutler, David Duvan, Jay Kurtovic, Charles P. Davis, Rolf Segger
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Patent number: 6512361Abstract: A circuit tester for both 14-volt and 42-volt automotive electrical systems includes a housing with a probe tip at one end and a ground connector at the other end. A battery-powered voltage detection circuit in the housing includes a plurality of comparators, each having one input connected to an input signal from the probe tip and a reference input connected to a tap of a tapped voltage divider providing plural reference signals having amplitudes respectively corresponding to industry-standard voltage levels, the comparators being arranged in two groups respectively corresponding to 14-volt and 42-volt automotive systems. Series-connected LEDs have their cathodes respectively connected to the outputs of the comparators, and are arranged for respectively being viewed through apertures in the housing arranged in two separate rows. The interconnections are such that only one LED at a time is illuminated, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. Becker
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Patent number: 6313611Abstract: A lead-acid battery pack has an electronically-controlled power switch connected in series with the battery. A voltage monitor/controller is connected in series with a normally-open ON/OFF switch across the battery, the controller controlling a ramped pulse width modulator which provides a switch control signal to the power switch. The controller is program controlled so that, a fraction of a second after the ON/OFF switch is closed, the modulator will provide a constant DC level control signal to the power switch to hold it closed. If the battery voltage drops below a first level for several seconds, the modulator will produce a PWM switch control signal of gradually decreasing pulse width and duty cycle until the power switch is permanently open. This gradual decrease of power delivered from the battery will occur immediately upon the battery voltage dropping below a second level lower than the first level.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Mowry, Thomas P. Becker
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Patent number: 6262560Abstract: A charging circuit for a lead-acid battery pack includes a sacrificial battery with a voltage less than that required to charge the lead-acid battery and connected across the input terminals of a power converter, which boosts the sacrificial battery voltage to an output voltage sufficient to charge the battery pack. A processor operating under stored program control is connected across the lead-acid battery and monitors its voltage and produces an output signal when the voltage drops below a predetermined level, for triggering the power converter to apply its boosted voltage to the lead-acid battery for charging.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Lionberg, Thomas P. Becker, Daniel M. Eggert
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Patent number: 6262559Abstract: A keeper battery pack includes a housing incorporating an array of series-connected alkaline battery cells coupled to a cable extending outside the housing and terminating in a quick-connect connector plug adapted to plug into the charger port of a portable lead-acid battery power pack ofthe type used for jump-starting automotive vehicles. The keeper pack is portable and can maintain the charge on the battery power pack during extended periods of non-use, such as during storage, transportation and the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Thomas P. Becker
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Patent number: 6259228Abstract: A protective housing for a jump-starting battery pack includes a flexible sheet of multi-layered, electrically insulating fabric material including inner and outer nylon layers and a foam padding layer sandwiched therebetween adapted to be folded around the case of a battery pack positioned in the middle of the sheet and held closed by Velcro-type closures. Retaining straps secure the battery pack in place, one of the straps having stacks of secured-together folds positioned on opposite sides of the case to provide supports on which the connector clamps of the battery pack jumper cables can be clamped, with the cables projecting from the open top of the housing to serve as handles.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Becker, Bryan L. Doyle, Daniel M. Eggert, Gordon A. Putney, Richard W. Prince
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Patent number: 6252378Abstract: A usage counter has input terminals connectable to the terminals of a jump-starting battery pack. The counter has an IC comparator which generates an output signal when battery voltage drops below a predetermined reference level. If the output signal persists for a predetermined time period, indicating an attempt to jump-start an engine with the battery pack, an IC timer is triggered to output a count pulse which is inverted and then counted and displayed by an IC counter/display circuit. The usage counter circuit is powered by the battery pack and has a Zener diode which provides to the IC circuits a limited supply voltage which is unaffected by voltage spikes which might appear at the battery pack terminals. A capacitor maintains the reference voltage level despite momentary drops in battery terminal voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Matthew M. Crass, Thomas P. Becker
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Patent number: 6222342Abstract: A portable battery jump start unit includes a portable, plastic, clamshell-type housing including a box-like open-top base and a box-like, open-bottom cover hingedly connected together for movement between open and closed conditions. A lead-acid battery is disposed in the housing, along with a state-of-charge monitoring circuit connected to the battery terminals and including a visible indicator viewable through an aperture in the housing. Cables are connected to the battery terminals and respectively extend through openings formed by cooperating notches in the mating edges of the base and cover, the cables respectively having clamp connectors at their distal ends which can be clamped onto posts projecting laterally outwardly from the sides of the base. A charger jack in the base is connected to the battery terminals for receiving a charger connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Michael R. Mowry, Matthew M. Crass, Thomas P. Becker
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Patent number: D530166Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Thomas P. Becker, David F. Brekke, David D. Curry, Brian J. Cutler, Charles P. Davis, David Duvan, Jaye Kurtovic
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Patent number: D497294Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Thomas P. Becker, David F. Brekke, David D. Curry, Brian J. Cutler, Charles P. Davis, David Duvan, Jay Kurtovic
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Patent number: RE41466Abstract: In one form, tester for an electrical system, such as for a vehicle, develops repetitively applied, short duration, control current pulses for reducing load current pulses through the electrical system. An operator connects a pair of input contacts across a fuse holder. A circuit between the input contacts is closed momentarily and repetitively to produce repetitive current pulses from the electricity source through the system. A perceptible alert is produced when the magnitude of the current pulse exceeds that of a prescribed reference current value. In another form, a tester for an electrical system is designed to plug into the fuse terminals in a fuse box. The tester can include a plurality of interchangeable circuit breaker modules to allow the tester to be used on circuits having differing current ratings.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Thomas P. Becker, Daniel D. Lionberg, Matthew M. Crass, William G. Bruno