Patents by Inventor Walter J. Taylor

Walter J. Taylor 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: 8408438
    Abstract: An adjustable depth-of-drive assembly for use with a fastener-driving tool upper probe includes a workpiece contact element carried on the upper probe and having a contact end and an adjustment end, a stop configured for being secured to the upper probe and being moveable between an adjusting position in which the workpiece contact element is movable relative to the upper probe, and a locked position wherein the adjustment end is secured against movement relative to the upper probe, a biasing element associated with the stop and configured for urging the stop and the adjustment end into a selected locked position relative to the upper probe with a biasing force, and at least one camming element carried on the stop for selective camming engagement between the upper probe and the stop by means of a user's manual force to urge the stop into the adjusting position against the biasing element force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Walter J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8302831
    Abstract: A fuel cell is provided and is constructed and arranged for use with a combustion tool including a cylinder head frame. The fuel cell includes an outer shell having a closed lower end and an open upper end, and a closure crimped over the upper end and defining an opening for accommodating a reciprocating valve stem. An adapter frictionally engages the closure and includes a flange configured for suspending the fuel cell in the fuel cell chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Taylor, Maureen L. Shea
  • Publication number: 20120211541
    Abstract: An adjustable depth-of-drive assembly for use with a fastener-driving tool upper probe includes a workpiece contact element carried on the upper probe and having a contact end and an adjustment end, a stop configured for being secured to the upper probe and being moveable between an adjusting position in which the workpiece contact element is movable relative to the upper probe, and a locked position wherein the adjustment end is secured against movement relative to the upper probe, a biasing element associated with the stop and configured for urging the stop and the adjustment end into a selected locked position relative to the upper probe with a biasing force, and at least one camming element carried on the stop for selective camming engagement between the upper probe and the stop by means of a user's manual force to urge the stop into the adjusting position against the biasing element force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Walter J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8042718
    Abstract: A combustion nailer includes a tool housing, a combustion source disposed at least partially in the housing and including a valve sleeve reciprocating relative to a cylinder head along a tool axis between a rest position and a pre-firing position, a fuel cell chamber in the housing in operational proximity to the combustion source and dimensioned for accommodating a fuel cell, at least one pivot point associated with the fuel cell chamber transverse to the tool axis for facilitating movement of the fuel cell between a non-activated position and an activated position, and at least one actuator pivotable about the pivot point and engaging the valve sleeve at a point closer to the tool axis than to the fuel cell chamber such that movement of the valve sleeve from the rest position to the pre-firing position causes movement of the fuel cell from the non-activated position to the activated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Taylor, Barry Walthall, J. Westley Schwartzenberger, James A. Purpura
  • Publication number: 20110248063
    Abstract: A fuel cell is provided and is constructed and arranged for use with a combustion tool including a cylinder head frame. The fuel cell includes an outer shell having a closed lower end and an open upper end, and a closure crimped over the upper end and defining an opening for accommodating a reciprocating valve stem. An adapter frictionally engages the closure and includes a flange configured for suspending the fuel cell in the fuel cell chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Walter J. Taylor, Maureen L. Shea
  • Publication number: 20110095064
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a spark initiator configured to initiate spark events, and a fuel level monitoring system configured for monitoring the fuel level in the fuel cell and indicating the monitored fuel level to a user. Included in the fuel level monitoring system is a programmable control unit configured to control the spark initiator and to count the spark events initiated by the spark initiator, to compare a number of spark events with at least two predetermined ranges of spark events, and to determine the fuel level in the fuel cell based on the determinations. An indicator controlled by the programmable control unit is supplied for providing the user with an indication of the fuel level in the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Walter J. Taylor, J. Westley Schwartzenberger, Daniel J. Birk, Joseph R. Dicello, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110049212
    Abstract: A combustion nailer includes a tool housing, a combustion source disposed at least partially in the housing and including a valve sleeve reciprocating relative to a cylinder head along a tool axis between a rest position and a pre-firing position, a fuel cell chamber in the housing in operational proximity to the combustion source and dimensioned for accommodating a fuel cell, at least one pivot point associated with the fuel cell chamber transverse to the tool axis for facilitating movement of the fuel cell between a non-activated position and an activated position, and at least one actuator pivotable about the pivot point and engaging the valve sleeve at a point closer to the tool axis than to the fuel cell chamber such that movement of the valve sleeve from the rest position to the pre-firing position causes movement of the fuel cell from the non-activated position to the activated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Walter J. Taylor, Barry Walthall, J. Westley Schwartzenberger, James A. Purpura
  • Patent number: 7654429
    Abstract: A combustion nailer is configured for use with a fuel cell having an internal metering valve and a reciprocating, biased main stem. The nailer includes a tool housing defining a fuel cell chamber constructed and arranged for receiving the fuel cell, a fuel cell actuator assembly configured for actuating the fuel cell in the chamber to emit a measured dose of fuel during tool operation, and a fuel delivery apparatus associated with the actuator assembly for receiving the emitted dose of fuel and providing it to a combustion chamber. The fuel delivery apparatus is configured for preventing actuation of the main stem by the actuator assembly upon the fuel cell being adapter-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Maureen L. Shea, Eric S. Gibson, Walter J. Taylor, Chris H. Porth
  • Patent number: 7591236
    Abstract: A combustion nailer configured for reducing intake of contaminated air during operation, includes a combustion engine having a cylinder with a piston reciprocating between a prefiring position and a fully extended position, and at least one air port in the cylinder below the fully extended position. The at least one air port is provided with a venting check valve configured so that the discharge volume from the cylinder out the at least one air port is greater than the inflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Larry M. Moeller, Yury Shkolnikov, Walter J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7584723
    Abstract: A combustion tool has a combustion-powered power source including a cylinder encircling a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade, and having at least one air port located at a bumper end of said power source located below the piston. At least one air intake is in fluid communication with the power source and is provided with an associated air filter. At least one air passageway is provided in fluid communication with the at least one air port and in operational relationship with the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Yury Shkolnikov, Walter J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7478740
    Abstract: A combustion nailer is configured for use with a fuel cell having an internal metering valve and a reciprocating, biased main stem. The nailer includes a tool housing defining a fuel cell chamber constructed and arranged for receiving the fuel cell, a fuel cell actuator assembly configured for actuating the fuel cell in the chamber to emit a measured dose of fuel during tool operation, and a fuel delivery apparatus associated with the actuator assembly for receiving the emitted dose of fuel and providing it to a combustion chamber. The fuel delivery apparatus is configured for preventing actuation of the main stem by the actuator assembly upon the fuel cell being adapter-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Maureen L. Shea, Eric S. Gibson, Walter J. Taylor, Chris H. Porth
  • Publication number: 20090001120
    Abstract: A combustion nailer is configured for use with a fuel cell having an internal metering valve and a reciprocating, biased main stem. The nailer includes a tool housing defining a fuel cell chamber constructed and arranged for receiving the fuel cell, a fuel cell actuator assembly configured for actuating the fuel cell in the chamber to emit a measured dose of fuel during tool operation, and a fuel delivery apparatus associated with the actuator assembly for receiving the emitted dose of fuel and providing it to a combustion chamber. The fuel delivery apparatus is configured for preventing actuation of the main stem by the actuator assembly upon the fuel cell being adapter-free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Maureen L. Shea, Eric S. Gibson, Walter J. Taylor, Chris H. Porth
  • Publication number: 20080169326
    Abstract: A combustion nailer configured for reducing intake of contaminated air during operation, includes a combustion engine having a cylinder with a piston reciprocating between a prefiring position and a fully extended position, and at least one air port in the cylinder below the fully extended position. The at least one air port is provided with a venting check valve configured so that the discharge volume from the cylinder out the at least one air port is greater than the inflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Larry M. Moeller, Yury Shkolnikov, Walter J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080000451
    Abstract: A combustion nailer is configured for use with a fuel cell having an internal metering valve and a reciprocating, biased main stem. The nailer includes a tool housing defining a fuel cell chamber constructed and arranged for receiving the fuel cell, a fuel cell actuator assembly configured for actuating the fuel cell in the chamber to emit a measured dose of fuel during tool operation, and a fuel delivery apparatus associated with the actuator assembly for receiving the emitted dose of fuel and providing it to a combustion chamber. The fuel delivery apparatus is configured for preventing actuation of the main stem by the actuator assembly upon the fuel cell being adapter-free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Maureen L. Shea, Eric S. Gibson, Walter J. Taylor, Chris H. Porth
  • Patent number: 7314155
    Abstract: A modular magazine assembly in a fastener-driving tool having a nosepiece includes a first magazine housing portion secured to the tool and at least partially defining a chamber for fasteners. An extension portion is configured for releasable attachment to the first magazine housing portion. Upon assembly of the extension portion, a resulting large capacity magazine is defined and dimensioned to accommodate at least two fastener strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Larry M. Moeller, Walter J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7314025
    Abstract: A combustion tool has a housing with an air intake end and an opposite bumper end, a combustion-powered power source in the housing including a cylinder encircling a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade, and having at least one air port located at the bumper end below the piston. At least one air intake is located adjacent the air intake end and is provided with an air filter. At least one air passageway is provided in fluid communication with the at least one air port and in operational relationship with the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Yury Shkolnikov, Walter J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7306052
    Abstract: A multi-position hook assembly includes a hook and a holding block. The hook includes a free leg and a mounting leg joined by a top span. In addition, the holding block is configured for rotatably receiving the mounting leg of the hook and for releasably locking the hook in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mariam Vahabi-Nejad, Walter J. Taylor, Maureen L. Shea, Barry C. Walthall
  • Patent number: 7296719
    Abstract: A combustion tool for use with a fuel cell having a fuel metering valve is provided. The fuel metering valve of the fuel cell emits a prescribed volume of fuel from a fuel metering chamber through a valve stem. The tool includes a fuel cell chamber configured for receiving the fuel cell. A solenoid actuator is in operational relationship to the fuel cell chamber. The solenoid actuator is configured for pushing the fuel cell against a biasing force associated with the fuel cell. When the biasing force is overcome, the fuel cell emits fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Taylor, Larry M. Moeller
  • Patent number: 7055729
    Abstract: An adjustable depth of drive assembly for use with a fastener-driving tool includes a workpiece contact element having a contact end and an adjustment end, at least one stop configured for being secured to the tool and being normally moveable between an adjusting position in which the workpiece contact element is movable relative to the tool, and a locked position where the adjustment end is secured from movement relative to the tool, and at least one biasing element associated with the stop and configured for urging the stop and the adjustment end into a selected locked position relative to the tool without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Taylor, Maureen L. Shea, William J. Heinzen, James A. Purpura, Barry C. Walthall
  • Patent number: 7051686
    Abstract: A variable volume metering chamber and valve assembly for a combustion-powered tool includes a housing defining a metering chamber having an internal volume and including an inlet and an outlet, and a plunger configured for reciprocal movement relative to the chamber for adjusting the internal volume of the metering chamber. The plunger is preferably adjustable by the user to alter the volume of fuel retained in the metering chamber. In the housing, a first valve controls control fluid flow through the inlet, a second valve controls fluid flow through the outlet, and an actuator assembly, connected to the valves, is sequentially operable from a first position, in which the first valve is open and the second valve is closed, to a second position, in which the first and second valves are both closed, and a third position, in which the first valve is closed and the second valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Illinios Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Yury Shkolnikov, Tony Deieso, Walter J. Taylor