Patents by Inventor William E. Check
William E. Check 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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Patent number: 12749945Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2024Date of Patent: September 29, 2026Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Publication number: 20260081452Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for generating a battery charging signal. A method includes generating an initial waveform having a voltage curve and a current curve, wherein the initial waveform includes a leading edge portion characterized by a leading edge parameter, a body portion characterized by a body parameter, and a rest portion characterized by a rest parameter. By comparing leading edge phase shifts and body phase shifts to leading edge thresholds and body thresholds, an adjusted leading edge, body, and rest parameters may be determined and saved for use in generating subsequent waveforms. A method of charging a battery includes charging a battery using a constant current mode, probing the battery with a probing signal and receiving a response signal from the battery, determining a resonance frequency from the response signal, and constructing a charging waveform based on the resonance frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2025Publication date: March 19, 2026Inventors: John Richard HOWLETT, III, Zhong WANG, William E. CHECK
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Patent number: 12512688Abstract: A system for heating a battery comprising a first switch operably coupled with a power supply. An inductive element, which may be a part of filter, is in operable communication with the first switch and a second switch. The system includes a processor in communication with the switches to execute instructions to control the switches to controllably source current to and from the battery, wherein the sources current to and from the battery may be of arbitrary shapes tuned to harmonics optimized for heat generation.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2022Date of Patent: December 30, 2025Assignee: Iontra IncInventors: John Richard Howlett, III, Daniel A. Konopka, David Kessner, William E. Check
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Publication number: 20250239911Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2025Publication date: July 24, 2025Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Publication number: 20240333009Abstract: Systems, circuits, and methods are disclosed for charging battery cells by generating a shaped charge signal that is shaped as controlled through a signal shaping generator. In one example, one or both of a pair of transistors may be controlled with a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal with a duty cycle. The PWM signal is applied to the gates of the respective transistors to produce a sequence of pulses, which when applied to an inductor, produces a shaped waveform that may be applied to the battery. In an aspect, the duty cycle of the PWM controlling the operation of the transistors correlates to a charge current applied to the battery, such that a higher duty cycle of the PWM control signal results in a higher current applied to charge the battery. The signal shaping generator utilizes a target shape to begin shaping a charge signal for the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2024Publication date: October 3, 2024Inventors: Manoj K. KOUL, Anthony KUSTAS, John Richard HOWLETT, III, William E. CHECK, David KESSNER
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Publication number: 20240204615Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2024Publication date: June 20, 2024Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Publication number: 20240178696Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a battery, which may be performed alone or in combination with charging or discharging a battery. In some implementations, heating involves applying an alternating current waveform, which may be sinusoidal, to a battery. In some implementations, the heating signal is applied at a frequency and/or current with little or no net charge to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2024Publication date: May 30, 2024Inventors: Daniel A. Konopka, John Richard HOWLETT, III, William E. CHECK, Chris MORRONI, Davit KESSNER, Zhong WANG, Ryan WU
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Patent number: 11923752Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Publication number: 20230207916Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a battery, which may be performed alone or in combination with charging or discharging a battery. In some implementations, heating involves applying an alternating current waveform, which may be sinusoidal, to a battery. In some implementations, the heating signal is applied at a frequency and/or current with little or no net charge to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Daniel A. KONOPKA, John Richard Howlett, III, William E. Check, Chris Morroni, David Kessler, Zhong Wang, Ryan Wu
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Publication number: 20220302728Abstract: A system for heating a battery comprising a first switch operably coupled with a power supply. An inductive element, which may be a part of filter, is in operable communication with the first switch and a second switch. The system includes a processor in communication with the switches to execute instructions to control the switches to controllably source current to and from the battery, wherein the sources current to and from the battery may be of arbitrary shapes tuned to harmonics optimized for heat generation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: John Richard HOWLETT III, Daniel A. Konopka, David Kessner, William E. Check
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Publication number: 20210296969Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Patent number: 11031843Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Patent number: 10530220Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Publication number: 20190296608Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
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Publication number: 20180248446Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Patent number: 9960656Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Patent number: 9954417Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Publication number: 20180076688Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Patent number: 9774229Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
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Publication number: 20170271949Abstract: A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl