Patents by Inventor Thomas P. James

Thomas P. James 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: 9579105
    Abstract: A sagittal saw includes a blade and an actuator configured to drive the blade. The blade includes a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and second end. The blade first end extends transverse to the longitudinal axis, and its movement defines a blade path. The blade path comprises a closed plane curve consisting of two loops meeting at a node ie, a figure-eight, whereby the blade path crosses over itself. The actuator includes a gear assembly configured to cyclically drive the blade so that the blade path includes multiple impulsive thrusts along the longitudinal axis in each blade path cycle. In addition, the blade cuts the work piece in both a first direction and a second direction in each blade cycle, the second direction opposed to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TUFTS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Matthew P. Kelly, Timothy B. Lannin, Thomas P. James
  • Publication number: 20160193824
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to micro-forming (e.g., micro-punches) devices and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates micro-forming devices and systems made using lithographic techniques, the use of such devices in fabricating a variety of materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas P JAMES, Robert D. WHITE, Eric C. SCHMITT
  • Publication number: 20140243832
    Abstract: A sagittal saw includes a blade and an actuator configured to drive the blade. The blade includes a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and second end. The blade first end extends transverse to the longitudinal axis, and its movement defines a blade path. The blade path comprises a closed plane curve consisting of two loops meeting at a node ie, a figure-eight, whereby the blade path crosses over itself. The actuator includes a gear assembly configured to cyclically drive the blade so that the blade path includes multiple impulsive thrusts along the longitudinal axis in each blade path cycle. In addition, the blade cuts the work piece in both a first direction and a second direction in each blade cycle, the second direction opposed to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Tufts University
    Inventors: Matthew P. Kelly, Timothy B. Lannin, Thomas P. James
  • Patent number: 7793420
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a power tool. The power tool includes a motor having a drive shaft and an output member adapted to support a tool element. The drive mechanism includes a drive assembly engaged with and driven by the drive shaft and a drive arm drivingly connected between the drive assembly and the output member to transmit driving force from the drive assembly to the output member. The drive arm is configured to absorb an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Griep, Richard H. Jungmann, Roger D. Neitzell, Thomas P. James, Thomas R. Bednar, Troy Charles Thorson, David Paul Serdynski
  • Patent number: 7740425
    Abstract: Accessories for power tools and combinations are provided. An accessory for a power tool may include a body including a connecting portion for connecting the accessory to the power tool and a communication member positioned on the body for communicating with the power tool. The accessory may be capable of communicating with a power tool and an inventory system via the communication member. A combination may include a power tool including a housing and a motor supported by the housing, and a power tool accessory connectable to the power tool and driveable by the motor, the power tool accessory may communicate with the power tool for affecting operation of the power tool. A combination may include an indication device operable to indicate operation characteristics of the power tool to a user. The communication member may be operable to communicate with the indication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Thomas P. James
  • Patent number: 7658012
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw generally includes a housing and a motor supported by the housing. A spindle is mounted for reciprocation relative to the housing, the spindle having a front end for supporting a saw blade and being movable through a cutting stroke and a return stroke, and the cutting stroke may have a stroke length. A rotary member may be supported for rotation about a rotary axis. The saw may further include an adjusting assembly operable to adjust the stroke length of the spindle. Also, the saw may include a counterweight supported for movement relative to the housing, a movement of the counterweight substantially balancing at least a portion of movement of the spindle, and an adjusting assembly operable to adjust the movement of the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. James, Roger D. Neitzell, David A. Hempe
  • Publication number: 20080302549
    Abstract: Accessories for power tools and combinations are provided. An accessory for a power tool may include a body including a connecting portion for connecting the accessory to the power tool and a communication member positioned on the body for communicating with the power tool. The accessory may be capable of communicating with a power tool and an inventory system via the communication member. A combination may include a power tool including a housing and a motor supported by the housing, and a power tool accessory connectable to the power tool and driveable by the motor, the power tool accessory may communicate with the power tool for affecting operation of the power tool. A combination may include an indication device operable to indicate operation characteristics of the power tool to a user. The communication member may be operable to communicate with the indication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Thomas P. James
  • Patent number: 7431682
    Abstract: Accessories for power tools and combinations are provided. An accessory for a power tool may include a body including a connecting portion for connecting the accessory to the power tool and a communication member positioned on the body for communicating with the power tool. The accessory may be capable of communicating with a power tool and an inventory system via the communication member. A combination may include a power tool including a housing and a motor supported by the housing, and a power tool accessory connectable to the power tool and driveable by the motor, the power tool accessory may communicate with the power tool for affecting operation of the power tool. A combination may include an indication device operable to indicate operation characteristics of the power tool to a user. The communication member may be operable to communicate with the indication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Thomas P. James
  • Publication number: 20080189963
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a power tool. The power tool includes a motor having a drive shaft and an output member adapted to support a tool element. The drive mechanism includes a drive assembly engaged with and driven by the drive shaft and a drive arm drivingly connected between the drive assembly and the output member to transmit driving force from the drive assembly to the output member. The drive arm is configured to absorb an impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: David B. Griep, Richard H. Jungmann, Roger D. Neitzell, Thomas P. James, Thomas R. Bednar, Troy Charles Thorson, David Paul Serdynski
  • Patent number: 7096590
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to the housing and having a front end for supporting a saw blade, the spindle being movable through a cutting stroke and a return stroke, the cutting stroke having a stroke length, and a pivot body interconnecting the spindle and the motor. The position of the pivot axis of the pivot body may be movable relative to the housing to change the stroke length of the spindle. A shock absorber may be operatively positioned between the motor and the front end of the spindle and may be at least partially mounted within the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Dragomir C. Marinkovich, Roger D. Neitzell, Thomas P. James
  • Publication number: 20040261273
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a power tool, a power tool and a reciprocating saw. The power tool includes a housing, a motor supported by the housing and including a drive shaft, an output member supported by the housing and adapted to support a tool element, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a drive assembly driven by the drive shaft for rotation about an axis, the drive assembly including a gear, a hub selectively driven by the gear for rotation about the axis, and structure positioned between the gear and the hub, the structure selectively transmitting drive force between the gear and the hub and selectively allows relative movement between the gear and the hub. The drive mechanism may also include a drive arm drivingly connected between the drive assembly and the output member of a tool, and the drive arm may be configured to absorb an impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: David B. Griep, Richard H. Jungmann, Roger D. Neitzell, Thomas P. James, Thomas R. Bednar, Troy Charles Thorson
  • Publication number: 20040187324
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw generally includes a housing and a motor supported by the housing. A spindle is mounted for reciprocation relative to the housing, the spindle having a front end for supporting a saw blade and being movable through a cutting stroke and a return stroke, and the cutting stroke may have a stroke length. A rotary member may be supported for rotation about a rotary axis. The saw may further include an adjusting assembly operable to adjust the stroke length of the spindle. Also, the saw may include a counterweight supported for movement relative to the housing, a movement of the counterweight substantially balancing at least a portion of movement of the spindle, and an adjusting assembly operable to adjust the movement of the counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas P. James, Roger D. Neitzell, David A. Hempe
  • Patent number: 6772662
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to the housing and having a front end for supporting a saw blade, the spindle being movable through a cutting stroke and a return stroke, the cutting stroke having a stroke length, and a pivot body interconnecting the spindle and the motor. The position of the pivot axis of the pivot body may be movable relative to the housing to change the stroke length of the spindle. A shock absorber may be operatively positioned between the motor and the front end of the spindle and may be at least partially mounted within the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Dragomir C. Marinkovich, Roger D. Neitzell, Thomas P. James
  • Publication number: 20030009888
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a spindle mounted for reciprocation relative to the housing and having a front end for supporting a saw blade, the spindle being movable through a cutting stroke and a return stroke, the cutting stroke having a stroke length, and a pivot body interconnecting the spindle and the motor. The position of the pivot axis of the pivot body may be movable relative to the housing to change the stroke length of the spindle. A shock absorber may be operatively positioned between the motor and the front end of the spindle and may be at least partially mounted within the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Dragomir C. Marinkovich, Roger D. Neitzell, Thomas P. James
  • Publication number: 20020096499
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing cutting blades, such as band saw blades. In some aspects of the invention, the method includes cutting blade stock with a laser and welding the blade length with a laser to provide a continuous cutting blade. In some aspects of the invention, the method includes cutting the blade stock to provide an end edge portion oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an edge of the blade stock and welding the blade length to provide a continuous cutting blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas P. James, Ken Rohman, David Simonis, Stephen Lewis
  • Publication number: 20020023360
    Abstract: A circular saw having an improved line-of-sight. The circular saw comprises a motor for rotatably driving a saw blade about an axis to cut a workpiece, a bevel angle being defined between the cutting plane of the saw blade and a surface of the workpiece; a housing supporting the motor; a shoe plate supporting the circular saw on the workpiece to be cut, the shoe plate being pivotably connected to the housing to adjust the bevel angle; a main handle supported by the housing; an auxiliary handle supported by the housing; and an indicator for indicating the bevel angle. Preferably, the main handle, the auxiliary handle and the indicator are arranged so that, in the cutting position, the operator can view the saw blade as the saw blade cuts the workpiece and can view the indicator. The operator holds the main handle with one hand and the auxiliary handle with the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Brian P. Wattenbach, Richard P. Brault, Jeffrey S. Holly, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Thomas P. James
  • Patent number: 6301789
    Abstract: A circular saw having an improved line-of-sight. The circular saw comprises a motor for rotatably driving a saw blade about an axis to cut a workpiece, a bevel angle being defined between the cutting plane of the saw blade and a surface of the workpiece, a housing supporting the motor; a shoe plate supporting the circular saw on the workpiece to be cut, the shoe plate being pivotably connected to the housing to adjust the bevel angle; a main handle supported by the housing; an auxiliary handle supported by the housing; and an indicator for indicating the bevel angle. Preferably, the main handle, the auxiliary handle and the indicator are arranged so that, in the cutting position, the operator can view the saw blade as the saw blade cuts the workpiece and can view the indicator. The operator holds the main handle with one hand and the auxiliary handle with the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Brian P. Wattenbach, Richard P. Brault, Jeffrey S. Holly, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Thomas P. James