Patents by Inventor Timothy R. Obermann

Timothy R. Obermann 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: 11648655
    Abstract: Kickback control methods for power tools. One power tool includes a movement sensor configured to measure an angular velocity of the housing of the power tool, and an orientation sensor configured to measure an orientation of the housing. The power tool includes an electronic processor coupled to a switching network and a trigger. To implement the kickback control, the electronic processor is configured to receive measurements of the angular velocity of the housing, receive measurements of the orientation of the housing, determine a binding condition of the power tool based on the measurements of the angular velocity and the measurements of orientation, and control the switching network to cease driving of the brushless DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Abbott, Timothy R. Obermann, John S. Dey, IV, Benjamin R. Suhr, Richard A. Ryer, Maxwell L. Merget, Douglas R. Fieldbinder
  • Patent number: 11607790
    Abstract: Kickback control methods for power tools. One power tool includes a movement sensor configured to measure an angular velocity of the housing of the power tool about the rotational axis. The power tool includes an electronic processor coupled to the switching network and the movement sensor and configured to implement kickback control of the power tool. To implement the kickback control, the electronic processor is configured to control the switching network to drive the brushless DC motor, receive measurements of the angular velocity of the housing of the power tool from the movement sensor, determine that a plurality of the measurements of the angular velocity of the housing of the power tool exceed a rotation speed threshold, and control the switching network to cease driving of the brushless DC motor in response to determining that the plurality of the measurements of the angular velocity exceed the rotation speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Abbott, Timothy R. Obermann, John S. Dey, IV, Benjamin R. Suhr, Richard A. Ryer, Maxwell L. Merget, Douglas R. Fieldbinder
  • Patent number: 11599093
    Abstract: A programmable power tool and method and systems of programming a power tool using wireless communication. An external device having a processor and a transceiver establishes a communication link with the power tool. The external device receives, with the transceiver, a first mode profile stored on the power tool. The first mode profile is defined by a profile type and a first value associated with a parameter for executing the profile type. The external device displays a control screen including the profile type and the parameter at the first value, and receives a user input. The external device generates, in response to the user input, a second mode profile by modifying the parameter to be at a second value. The external device transmits, with the transceiver, the second mode profile to the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Dey, IV, Alex Huber, Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Stephen Matson, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Patent number: 11571803
    Abstract: Power tool devices described herein include a motor, an actuator configured to be actuated by a user, a plurality of power switching elements configured to drive the motor, a gate driver coupled to the plurality of power switching elements and configured to control the plurality of power switching elements, a first printed circuit board (PCB), an antenna, and a combined chip. The combined chip is located on the first PCB and is coupled to the actuator, the antenna, and the gate driver. The combined chip includes a memory and an electronic processor configured to determine that the actuator has been actuated, and provide, in response to determining that the actuator has been actuated, a signal to the gate driver, control the signal based on the motor position information, wirelessly transmit power tool device information to an external device, and wirelessly receive configuration information from the external device via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Davis, Alexander Huber, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20230021235
    Abstract: An electrical combination, a motorized device system, a motor assembly, a battery pack, and operating methods. The combination may include an electrical device including a device housing, a load supported by the device housing, the load being operable to output at least about 1800 watts (W), and a device terminal electrically connected to the load; a battery pack including a pack housing, battery cells supported by the pack housing, the battery cells being electrically connected and having a nominal voltage of up to about 20 volts, and a pack terminal electrically connectable to the device terminal to transfer current between the battery pack and the electrical device; and a controller operable to control the transfer of current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Samuel Sheeks, Keith Boulanger, Andrew T. Beyerl, Timothy R. Obermann, Carl B. Westerby, Matthew J. Mergener, Cameron R. Schulz, Kyle C. Fassbender, Matthew R. Polakowski
  • Publication number: 20230015954
    Abstract: Position sensing related to a component within a power tool. The component within the power tool is, for example, a hammer of an impact mechanism and can include one or more sensible features that allow a controller of the power tool to precisely determine the position, speed, and acceleration of the component. One or more sensors can be used to determine the rotational position of the hammer and the axial position of the hammer. The rotational position of the hammer can then be used to calculate, for example, rotational speed and acceleration of the hammer. With precise determinations of the rotational and axial position of the hammer, the controller of the power tool is able to precisely time the impact between the hammer and the anvil to optimize the impact between the hammer and the anvil (e.g., to maximize energy transfer between the hammer and the anvil).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Jacob P. Schneider, John S. Dey, IV, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20230011690
    Abstract: Simulated bog-down system and method for power tools. One power tool according to an example embodiment includes a power source and a motor selectively coupled to the power source. The motor includes a rotor and stator windings. The power tool includes an actuator configured to generate a drive request signal and a power switching network configured to selectively couple the power source to the stator windings of the motor. The power tool includes an electronic processor coupled to the power source, the actuator, and the power switching network. The electronic processor is configured to detect a load on the power tool and compare the load to a threshold. The electronic processor is configured to determine that the load is greater than the threshold, and to control the power switching network to simulate bog-down in response to determining that the load is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Alex Huber, Murat Avci, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20220385111
    Abstract: A wireless charging system for heated garments includes a garment body, a heater coupled to the garment body, a receiver coupled to the garment body and configured to wirelessly receive power, an energy storage element coupled to the garment body and configured to store charge provided to the receiver, a controller selectively providing power from the energy storage element to the heater, and a power supply including a transmitter configured to wirelessly provide power to the receiver when the transmitter is near the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Donald J. Truettner, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Patent number: 11476527
    Abstract: An electrical combination, a motorized device system, a motor assembly, a battery pack, and operating methods. The combination may include an electrical device including a device housing, a load supported by the device housing, the load being operable to output at least about 1800 watts (W), and a device terminal electrically connected to the load; a battery pack including a pack housing, battery cells supported by the pack housing, the battery cells being electrically connected and having a nominal voltage of up to about 20 volts, and a pack terminal electrically connectable to the device terminal to transfer current between the battery pack and the electrical device; and a controller operable to control the transfer of current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Samuel Sheeks, Keith Boulanger, Andrew T. Beyerl, Timothy R. Obermann, Carl B. Westerby, Matthew J. Mergener, Cameron R. Schulz, Kyle C. Fassbender, Matthew R. Polakowski
  • Patent number: 11465264
    Abstract: Position sensing related to a component within a power tool. The component within the power tool is, for example, a hammer of an impact mechanism and can include one or more sensible features that allow a controller of the power tool to precisely determine the position, speed, and acceleration of the component. One or more sensors can be used to determine the rotational position of the hammer and the axial position of the hammer. The rotational position of the hammer can then be used to calculate, for example, rotational speed and acceleration of the hammer. With precise determinations of the rotational and axial position of the hammer, the controller of the power tool is able to precisely time the impact between the hammer and the anvil to optimize the impact between the hammer and the anvil (e.g., to maximize energy transfer between the hammer and the anvil).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob P. Schneider, John S. Dey, IV, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Patent number: 11462794
    Abstract: An electrical combination, a motorized device system, a motor assembly, a battery pack, and operating methods. The combination may include an electrical device including a device housing, a load supported by the device housing, the load being operable to output at least about 1800 watts (W), and a device terminal electrically connected to the load; a battery pack including a pack housing, battery cells supported by the pack housing, the battery cells being electrically connected and having a nominal voltage of up to about 20 volts, and a pack terminal electrically connectable to the device terminal to transfer current between the battery pack and the electrical device; and a controller operable to control the transfer of current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Samuel Sheeks, Keith Boulanger, Andrew T. Beyerl, Timothy R. Obermann, Carl B. Westerby, Matthew J. Mergener, Cameron R. Schulz, Kyle C. Fassbender, Matthew R. Polakowski
  • Publication number: 20220241951
    Abstract: Methods and power tools for sensorless motor control. One embodiment provides a method for automatic control switching for driving a sensorless motor (150) of a power tool (100). The method includes determining, using a motor controller (224), a first load point based on user inputs (232) and determining, using the motor controller (224), a first motor control technique corresponding to the first load point. The method also includes driving the motor (150) based on the first motor control technique. The method further includes determining, using the motor controller (224), a change from the first load point to a second load point and determining, using the motor controller (224), a second motor control technique corresponding to the second load point. The method includes driving the motor (150) based on the second motor control technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy R. Obermann, Douglas R. Fieldbinder, Alex Huber
  • Patent number: 11396110
    Abstract: Simulated bog-down system and method for power tools. One power tool according to an example embodiment includes a power source and a motor selectively coupled to the power source. The motor includes a rotor and stator windings. The power tool includes an actuator configured to generate a drive request signal and a power switching network configured to selectively couple the power source to the stator windings of the motor. The power tool includes an electronic processor coupled to the power source, the actuator, and the power switching network. The electronic processor is configured to detect a load on the power tool and compare the load to a threshold. The electronic processor is configured to determine that the load is greater than the threshold, and to control the power switching network to simulate bog-down in response to determining that the load is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alex Huber, Murat Avci, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20220231387
    Abstract: A battery pack, an electrical combination and a method of operating a battery pack. The battery pack may include a housing; a plurality of battery cells supported by the housing; a plurality of terminals including a positive power terminal, a negative power terminal, and a low power terminal; a low power circuit connecting the plurality of battery cells to the low power terminal and the negative terminal to output a first voltage; and a power circuit connecting the plurality of battery cells to the positive power terminal and the negative terminal to output a second voltage, the second voltage being greater than the first voltage. A terminal block for one of a battery pack and an electrical device may include a terminal with a terminal blade, and a terminal support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Brozek, Donald J. Truettner, Lance D. Lamont, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy R. Obermann, Matthew J. Mergener, Seyed A. Hamidi, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Kyle J. Radovich
  • Patent number: 11374528
    Abstract: An electrical combination, a tool system, an electric motor, a battery pack, and operating and manufacturing methods. The tool may include a tool housing, a motor supported by the tool housing, the motor having a nominal outer diameter of up to about 80 millimeters (mm), the motor being operable to output at least about 2760 watts (W), and a tool terminal electrically connected to the motor; a battery pack including a pack housing defining a volume of the battery pack, the volume being up to about 5.2×106 cubic millimeters (mm3), battery cells supported by the pack housing, the battery cells being electrically connected and having a nominal voltage of up to about 80 volts (V), and a pack terminal electrically connectable to the tool terminal to transfer current between the battery pack and the tool; and a controller operable to control the transfer of current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Samuel Sheeks, Jeffrey M. Brozek, Keith Boulanger, Andrew T. Beyerl, Timothy R. Obermann, Alex Huber, Samantha L. Billetdeaux, Lance D. Lamont, Matthew J. Mergener
  • Publication number: 20220185639
    Abstract: A wireless hoist system including a first hoist device having a first motor and a first wireless transceiver and a second hoist device having a second motor and a second wireless transceiver. The wireless hoist system includes a controller in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless. The controller is configured to receive a user input and determine a first operation parameter and a second operation parameter based on the user input. The controller is also configured to provide, wirelessly, a first control signal indicative of the first operation parameter to the first hoist device and provide, wirelessly, a second control signal indicative of the second operation parameter to the second hoist device. The first hoist device operates based on the first control signal and the second hoist device operates based on the second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew Post, Gareth Mueckl, Matthew N. Thurin, Joshua D. Widder, Timothy J. Bartlett, Patrick D. Gallagher, Jarrod P. Kotes, Karly M. Schober, Kenneth W. Wolf, Terry L. Timmons, Mallory L. Marksteiner, Jonathan L. Lambert, Ryan A. Spiering, Jeremy R. Ebner, Benjamin A. Smith, James Wekwert, Brandon L. Yahr, Troy C. Thorson, Connor P. Sprague, John E. Koller, Evan M. Glanzer, John S. Scott, William F. Chapman, III, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Patent number: 11338405
    Abstract: A power tool includes a battery pack, one or more sensors, an indicator, and an electronic processor coupled to the battery pack, the one or more sensors, and the indicator. The electronic processor is configured to: detect, using the one or more sensors, one or more parameters of the power tool; determine a system performance based on the one or more parameters; determine a system performance level based on the system performance; and provide, using the indicator, an indication corresponding to the system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lance D. Lamont, Samantha L. Billetdeaux, Timothy R. Obermann, Joseph H. Ellice, Amanda M. Kachar, Kathleen M. Keegan, Brian Alves, Toby Lichtensteiger, Mitchell Carlson, Colin J. Harper
  • Publication number: 20220147020
    Abstract: A programmable power tool and method and systems of programming a power tool using wireless communication. An external device having a processor and a transceiver establishes a communication link with the power tool. The external device receives, with the transceiver, a first mode profile stored on the power tool. The first mode profile is defined by a profile type and a first value associated with a parameter for executing the profile type. The external device displays a control screen including the profile type and the parameter at the first value, and receives a user input. The external device generates, in response to the user input, a second mode profile by modifying the parameter to be at a second value. The external device transmits, with the transceiver, the second mode profile to the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: John S. Dey, IV, Alex Huber, Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Stephen Matson, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20220131397
    Abstract: An electrical device including a first battery pack receptacle, a second battery pack receptacle, and circuitry including an electronic processor. The first battery pack receptacle is configured to receive a first battery pack. The second battery pack receptacle is configured to receive a second battery pack. The second battery pack is electrically connected in a series-type configuration with the first battery pack. The circuitry is configured to alter a first signal output from the electronic processor to at least one selected from a group consisting of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and alter a second signal received by the electronic processor from at least one selected from the group consisting of the first battery pack and the second battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Alex Huber, Timothy R. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20220120813
    Abstract: Power tool devices described herein include a housing, a power source interface, a field effect transistor within the housing connected between the power source interface and a load of the power tool device, and an electronic processor coupled to the field effect transistor. The electronic processor is configured to control the field effect transistor to drive the load and measure a voltage at a terminal of the field effect transistor. The electronic processor is also configured to determine the current flowing through the field effect transistor based on the voltage without using a shunt resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander T. Huber, Timothy R. Obermann