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).
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Publication number: 20210213553Abstract: A portable welder that includes a portable housing, a ground clamp, an electrode holder, a user interface, and a battery pack interface. The ground clamp is connected to the portable housing through a ground cable and is configured to be connected to a metal workpiece. The electrode holder is connected to the portable housing through an electrode cable. The electrode holder includes a mount connected to the electrode cable and a user input. The mount is configured to hold a consumable electrode. The user input is configured to activate the portable welder. The user interface located on the housing. The battery pack interface is configured to receive a removable and rechargeable battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Woodrow W. Walker, Andrew D. Van Hoorn, Matthew Doyle, Timothy J. Bartlett, Timothy R. Obermann, Steven C. Zbrozek
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Publication number: 20210140130Abstract: Bi-directional motor (36) for gas engine replacement device (10). One embodiment provides a gas engine replacement device (10) including a housing (14), a battery receptacle (54), a motor (36), a power take-off shaft (38) receiving torque from the motor (36), a power switching network (310) configured to selectively provide power to the motor (36), and an electronic processor (302) coupled to the power switching network (310). The electronic processor (302) is configured to rotate the motor (36) in a first direction and receive an input to switch a rotation direction of the motor (36). The electronic processor is also configured to control the power switching network (310) to stop the motor (36) and rotate the motor (36) in a second direction after controlling the power switching network (310) to stop the motor (36).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Patrick D. Gallagher, Timothy J. Bartlett, Timothy R. Obermann, Alexander Huber, Connor P. Sprague, Evan M. Glanzer, John E. Koller
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Publication number: 20210143375Abstract: A gas engine replacement device includes a housing, a battery receptacle coupled to the housing to receive a battery pack, a motor within the housing, a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and protruding from a side of the housing, a power switching network configured to provide power from the battery pack to the motor, and an electronic processor coupled to the power switching network and configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor and to receive a command speed, determine whether the command speed is in an exclusion zone, set an output speed at the command speed responsive to the command speed being outside the exclusion zone, set the output speed to a speed outside the exclusion zone responsive to the command speed being in the exclusion zone, and control the power switching network to rotate the motor in accordance with the output speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Timothy R. Obermann, David W. Siegler, Alexander Huber, William F. Chapman, III, Patrick D. Gallagher, Timothy J. Bartlett
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Publication number: 20210122024Abstract: An electronic power tool device includes an electronic processor, a communication interface in communication with the electronic processor, and a wake-up sensor configured to generate a wake signal for activating the communication interface and the electronic processor responsive to a stimulus. The communication interface is configured to receive a first electronic message that includes an activation state and transmit the first received electronic message to the electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to control the activation state of the electronic power tool device to allow or prevent operation of the electronic power tool device based on the first received electronic message.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Timothy R. Obermann, Anthony M. Davis
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Patent number: 10981267Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Jonathan E. Abbott, Timothy R. Obermann, John S. Dey, IV, Benjamin R. Suhr, Richard A. Ryer, Maxwell L. Merget, Douglas R. Fieldbinder
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Patent number: 10976726Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: John S. Dey, IV, Alex Huber, Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Stephen Matson, Timothy R. Obermann
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Publication number: 20210091687Abstract: Apparatus and method for motor braking using selectively connectable resistance. The method includes controlling, using a motor controller of the power tool, a power switching network to drive a motor of the power tool in response to actuation of a user input and determining, using the motor controller, a variable tool characteristic. The method further includes determining, using the motor controller, that the user input is de-actuated. The method also includes controlling, using the motor controller, the power switching network to brake the motor when the variable tool characteristic satisfies the tool characteristic threshold and controlling, using the motor controller, a braking circuit to brake the motor when the variable tool characteristic does not satisfy the tool characteristic threshold. The braking circuit includes one or more resistive loads and is selectively coupled to the motor terminals of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Timothy R. OBERMANN, Alex HUBER
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Publication number: 20210001503Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20200376645Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Anthony Davis, Alex Huber, Timothy R. Obermann
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Publication number: 20200371498Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: John S. Dey, IV, Alex Huber, Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Stephen Matson, Timothy R. Obermann
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Patent number: 10838407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: John S. Dey, IV, Alex Huber, Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Stephen Matson, Timothy R. Obermann
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Patent number: 10792832Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20200304043Abstract: A power tool includes a three-phase DC motor, a power switching network, a power source, and an electronic processor. A first phase of the motor is connected between a first low side electronic switch and a power source electronic switch, and connected to the power source via a first high side electronic switch in parallel with a diode. The electronic processor is configured to receive an indication to stop the motor during operation of the motor and activate the first low side electronic switch and a second low side electronic switch for a first predetermined time responsive to receiving the indication such that a back-electromagnetic force generated by the motor is stored in the first phase. The electronic processor is configured to deactivate the second low side electronic switch after the first predetermined time such that a first regenerative current is provided to the power source via the diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Carl B. Westerby, Timothy R. Obermann, Alex Huber
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Patent number: 10720860Abstract: A power tool including a three-phase DC motor, a power switching network, a power source, and an electronic processor. A first phase of the motor is connected between a first high side electronic switch and a first low side electronic switch, and between a second high side electronic switch and a second low side electronic switch. The first high side electronic switch is parallel to the second high side electronic switch, and the first low side electronic switch is parallel to the second low side electronic switch. The electronic processor receives an indication to stop the motor, and deactivates the first high side electronic switch and the first low side electronic switch, and activates the second high side electronic switch and the second low side electronic switch such that the back-electromagnetic force generated by the motor is connected in a second polarity relative to the power source.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Carl B. Westerby, Timothy R. Obermann, Alex Huber
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Publication number: 20200194735Abstract: A power adapter assembly and an electrical system. The power adapter assembly is operable to supply power to an electrical device. The power adapter assembly includes a power box including a housing, an electrical circuit supported by the housing, the electrical circuit being operable to receive as input AC power and to output DC power, an adapter controller operable to control the adapter assembly; and an adapter electrically connected to the power box, the adapter including an adapter engagement portion connectable to a device engagement portion to connect the adapter to the electrical device, DC power being output from the electrical circuit through the adapter to the electrical device to power the load, when the adapter engagement portion is connected to the device engagement portion, a communication interface between the adapter assembly and the electrical device being active even when power is not being output to power the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Dean W. NOWALIS, Gary Lee MCMURRAY, Brian ALVES, Timothy R. OBERMANN, Benjamin C. TESCH, DanJun GUO, HuaLiang LAI
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Publication number: 20200180128Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Jacob P. Schneider, John S. Dey, IV, Timothy R. Obermann
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Publication number: 20200162007Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20200127593Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Samuel Sheeks, Jeffrey M. Brozek, Keith Boulanger, Andrew T. Beyerl, Timothy R. Obermann, Alex Huber, Samantha L. Billetdeaux, Lance D. Lamont, Matthew J. Mergener
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Publication number: 20200106380Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Samuel Sheeks, Jeffrey M. Brozek, Keith Boulanger, Andrew T. Beyerl, Timothy R. Obermann, Alex Huber, Samantha L. Billetdeaux, Lance D. Lamont, Matthew J. Mergener
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Publication number: 20200061861Abstract: An example system includes a cutting tool and a device configured to remotely control the cutting tool. In response to receiving information indicative of actuation of a first user interface item, the device sends a first signal to the cutting tool so as to request enabling the cutting tool to be operated remotely. The cutting tool sends a second signal to the device indicating that remote operation of the cutting tool has been enabled. The cutting tool receives information indicating that the trigger has been activated, and sends a third signal to the device indicating that the cutting tool is ready to perform a cutting operation. The device receives information indicative of actuation of a second user interface item, and responsively, sends a fourth signal to the cutting tool so as to cause the cutting tool to perform the cutting operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Luke J. Skinner, Burtrom L. Stampfl, Timothy J. Bartlett, Carter H. Ypma, Timothy R. Obermann, Benjamin O. Cabot, Kris J. Kanack, Thomas C. Hanks, Ian C. Zimmermann