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).

  • Publication number: 20260081452
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2025
    Publication date: March 19, 2026
    Inventors: John Richard HOWLETT, III, Zhong WANG, William E. CHECK
  • Patent number: 12512688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2025
    Assignee: Iontra Inc
    Inventors: John Richard Howlett, III, Daniel A. Konopka, David Kessner, William E. Check
  • Publication number: 20250239911
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: July 24, 2025
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Publication number: 20240333009
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Manoj K. KOUL, Anthony KUSTAS, John Richard HOWLETT, III, William E. CHECK, David KESSNER
  • Publication number: 20240204615
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Publication number: 20240178696
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel A. Konopka, John Richard HOWLETT, III, William E. CHECK, Chris MORRONI, Davit KESSNER, Zhong WANG, Ryan WU
  • Patent number: 11923752
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Publication number: 20230207916
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel A. KONOPKA, John Richard Howlett, III, William E. Check, Chris Morroni, David Kessler, Zhong Wang, Ryan Wu
  • Publication number: 20220302728
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: John Richard HOWLETT III, Daniel A. Konopka, David Kessner, William E. Check
  • Publication number: 20210296969
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Patent number: 11031843
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Patent number: 10530220
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Publication number: 20190296608
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl, John W. Thiele, Todd C. Hunkins
  • Publication number: 20180248446
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Patent number: 9960656
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Patent number: 9954417
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Publication number: 20180076688
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Patent number: 9774229
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Publication number: 20170271949
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Publication number: 20160359392
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Michael Kolden, William E. Check, Matthew P. Wycklendt, Andrew T. Beyerl