Patents by Inventor Todd W. Johnson

Todd W. Johnson 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).

  • Method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries
    Patent number: 8525479
    Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Meyer, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Kevin L. Glasgow, Todd W. Johnson, Karl F. Scheucher
  • Battery pack
    Patent number: 8487585
    Abstract: An electrical combination including a driver drill capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, a circular saw capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, and a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to the driver drill and to the circular saw, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells each having a lithium-based chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow, Karl F. Schuecher
  • Battery pack
    Patent number: 8471532
    Abstract: A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack includes a housing, a cell supported by the housing, a circuit supported by a flexible circuit board. The circuit is operable to control a function of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool
    Patent number: 8450971
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • Method and system for battery protection
    Patent number: 8436584
    Abstract: A battery pack. The battery pack includes a housing, a plurality of terminals, a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, and a controller. The plurality of terminals electrically connect to an electrical device. The electrical device is able to support the battery pack. Each of the plurality of battery cells are individually tapped and have an individual state of charge. The plurality of terminals includes a sense terminal. The controller is operable to monitor a characteristic of each of the plurality of battery cells and to communicate the monitored characteristic of each of the plurality of battery cells to the electrical device via the sense terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow, Jonathan Z. Zick, Jeffrey M. Brozek, Karl F. Scheucher
  • LITHIUM-BASED BATTERY PACK FOR A HAND HELD POWER TOOL
    Publication number: 20120301764
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • MICROPERFORATED POLYMERIC FILM AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20120244314
    Abstract: Described herein are microperforated polymeric films comprising: opposed first and second surfaces separated by a first certain distance (40a); and a plurality of channels perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, wherein a first opening (20a-c) of a channel intersects the first surface and a second opening (22a-c) of the channel intersects the second surface; wherein the diameter of the first opening is larger than the diameter of the second opening and the second openings on the second surface are spaced apart by a second certain distance (50a); wherein the ratio of the first certain distance to the second certain distance is at least 0.25; and further wherein the second surface has an open area of at least 10%. Also described are methods of making and using such microperforated polymeric films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: John B. Scheibner, Brent R. Hansen, Todd W. Johnson, Stephen C.P. Joseph, David F. Slama
  • Lithium-based battery pack for a high current draw, hand held power tool
    Patent number: 8269459
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • BATTERY PACK
    Publication number: 20120194136
    Abstract: An electrical combination including a driver drill capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, a circular saw capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, and a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to the driver drill and to the circular saw, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells each having a lithium-based chemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow, Karl F. Schuecher
  • Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool
    Patent number: 8207702
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasglow
  • PLIERS
    Publication number: 20120111156
    Abstract: A pliers includes a first member having a first head, a first handle, and a first grip. The first grip is positioned on the first handle such that an end portion of the first handle opposite the first head is exposed. The pliers also includes a second member pivotally coupled to the first member. The second member has a second head, a second handle, and a second grip. The second grip is positioned on the second handle such that an end portion of the second handle opposite the second head is exposed. Each grip includes a slot that facilitates sliding the grips onto the first and second handles over the end portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeBaker, Scott R. Fischer, Daniel H. Schneider, Todd W. Johnson, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Battery pack
    Patent number: 8154249
    Abstract: An electrical combination including a driver drill capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, a circular saw capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, and a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to the driver drill and to the circular saw, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells each having a lithium-based chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow, Karl F. Schuecher
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARGING MULTI-CELL LITHIUM-BASED BATTERIES
    Publication number: 20120001596
    Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Gary D. Meyer, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Kevin L. Glasgow, Todd W. Johnson, Karl F. Scheucher
  • LITHIUM-BASED BATTERY PACK FOR A HAND HELD POWER TOOL
    Publication number: 20110297411
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • Method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries
    Patent number: 8018198
    Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Meyer, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Kevin L. Glasgow, Todd W. Johnson, Karl F. Scheucher
  • BATTERY PACK
    Publication number: 20110215767
    Abstract: A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack includes a housing, a cell supported by the housing, a circuit supported by a flexible circuit board. The circuit is operable to control a function of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • LITHIUM-BASED BATTERY PACK FOR A HAND HELD POWER TOOL
    Publication number: 20110214896
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • Lithium-based battery pack for a high current draw, hand held power tool
    Patent number: 7999510
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasglow
  • Method and system for battery protection employing over-discharge control
    Patent number: 7952326
    Abstract: A method and system for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack configured to be interfaced with a power tool includes a housing, a cell, a controller, and a circuit. The circuit is operable to enable the controller to operate when the voltage supplied by the cell to the controller is below an operating voltage threshold of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
  • LITHIUM-BASED BATTERY PACK FOR A HAND HELD POWER TOOL
    Publication number: 20110114350
    Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasglow