Patents by Inventor William Rigdon
William Rigdon 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: 12348072Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to charging a battery pack by determining a battery pack identification (ID) value from a battery pack identification (ID) component of the battery pack, applying a sinusoidal AC excitation signal to a set of battery cells of the battery pack, calculating an impedance value of the battery pack based on the sinusoidal AC excitation signal, comparing the impedance value of the battery pack to a set of reference impedance values associated with the battery pack ID value, and selecting a charging scheme based on a comparison of the impedance value of the battery pack to the set of reference impedance values associated with the battery pack ID value. The battery pack is charged using the charging scheme.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2022Date of Patent: July 1, 2025Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: William Rigdon, Lisa M. King, Bhanuprasad V. Gorti, Brian K. Wohltmann, Hussein M. Nosair, Michael Muilwyk
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Publication number: 20250210743Abstract: Heating a battery pack for a power tool may be required to accelerate a charging time, especially in cold environments. Not all battery packs of a set of battery packs will heat at the same rate because of differences due to physical (e.g., mass) and electrical (e.g., AC resistance) differences. The disclosed approach includes determining an amplitude of an AC heating current based on characteristics of the battery pack attached to a charger so that all the battery packs in the set of battery packs may be heated at roughly the same rate regardless of their individual characteristics. The disclosure describes how this approach may be implemented in a variety of different charging scenarios.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2023Publication date: June 26, 2025Inventors: Michael Muilwyk, William Rigdon, Bhanuprasad V. Gorti
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Patent number: 12060259Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2023Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: Worthington Cylinders CorporationInventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Jr., Derek Marchanti, Gary Hill
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Patent number: 11970385Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Worthington Cylinders CorporationInventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Jr., Derek Marchanti, Gary Hill
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Patent number: 11936228Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a battery charger for charging a connected battery pack. The battery charger is capable of determining an impedance characteristic value of the battery pack and adjusting a charging scheme, including an initial and/or subsequent charging rates for the battery pack based on the determined impedance characteristic value. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of charging a battery pack. The method includes determining an impedance characteristic value of the battery pack and adjusting a charging scheme, including an initial and/or subsequent charging rates for the battery pack based on the determined impedance characteristic value.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: William Rigdon, Lisa M. King, Bhanuprasad V. Gorti, Brian K. Wohltmann, Hussein M. Nosair, Michael Muilwyk
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Publication number: 20240083738Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: WILLIAM RIGDON, DANIEL J. WHITE, MATTHEW J. VELDERMAN, JR., DEREK MARCHANTI, GARY HILL
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Patent number: 11858801Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Worthington Cylinders CorporationInventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Jr., Derek Marchanti, Gary Hill
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Publication number: 20230312329Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: WILLIAM RIGDON, DANIEL J. WHITE, MATTHEW J. VELDERMAN, JR., DEREK MARCHANTI, GARY HILL
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Publication number: 20230198277Abstract: A device includes an AC impedance circuit to apply an AC excitation signal to a set of battery cells of a battery pack. The device includes a controller to determine a battery pack identification (ID) value from a battery pack identification (ID) circuit of the battery pack, calculate an impedance value of the battery pack based on the AC excitation signal, identify a maximum charging rate to charge the battery pack using the battery pack ID value of the battery pack and the impedance value of the battery pack, where the battery pack is one of at least two battery packs having a same battery pack ID value with different maximum charging rates, and set a charging rate to charge the battery pack using the maximum charging rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: William Rigdon, Lisa M. King
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Publication number: 20230098078Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to charging a battery pack by determining a battery pack identification (ID) value from a battery pack identification (ID) component of the battery pack, applying a sinusoidal AC excitation signal to a set of battery cells of the battery pack, calculating an impedance value of the battery pack based on the sinusoidal AC excitation signal, comparing the impedance value of the battery pack to a set of reference impedance values associated with the battery pack ID value, and selecting a charging scheme based on a comparison of the impedance value of the battery pack to the set of reference impedance values associated with the battery pack ID value. The battery pack is charged using the charging scheme.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: William Rigdon, Lisa M. King, Bhanuprasad V. Gorti, Brian K. Wohltmann, Hussein M. Nosair, Michael Muilwyk
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Patent number: 11466815Abstract: A combustion powered tool uses a fuel canister with a refillable hydrogen storage vessel containing metal hydride. The fuel canister includes a valve assembly with at least one valve to release hydrogen fuel gas. The valve assembly is removable from the refillable hydrogen storage vessel. A coupling device includes a first coupler attached to the refillable hydrogen storage vessel and a second coupler attached to the valve assembly. An outlet adapter is attached to the valve assembly to supply hydrogen fuel gas to the power tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Gary Hill, Anthony Romano, Derek Marchanti, Matthew J. Velderman, Jr., Andrew Seman
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Patent number: 11215490Abstract: A handheld combustion powered fastening tool may include a driving system that drives fasteners into workpieces in response to combustion of fuel by the driving system. A fuel delivery system may supply fuel to the driving system. The fuel delivery system may include a fuel canister storing liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrocarbons such as propane, and a fuel metering valve supplying a previously set amount, or volume, of fuel from the fuel canister to the driving system for combustion.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: William Rigdon, Gary Hill, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Derek Marchanti
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Publication number: 20210391741Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a battery charger for charging a connected battery pack. The battery charger is capable of determining an impedance characteristic value of the battery pack and adjusting a charging scheme, including an initial and/or subsequent charging rates for the battery pack based on the determined impedance characteristic value. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of charging a battery pack. The method includes determining an impedance characteristic value of the battery pack and adjusting a charging scheme, including an initial and/or subsequent charging rates for the battery pack based on the determined impedance characteristic value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: William RIGDON, Lisa M. KING, Bhanuprasad V. GORTI, Brian K. WOHLTMANN, Hussein M. NOSAIR, Michael MUILWYK
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Publication number: 20210070604Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: WILLIAM RIGDON, DANIEL J. WHITE, MATTHEW J. VELDERMAN, DEREK MARCHANTI, GARY HILL
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Patent number: 10889487Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS CORPORATIONInventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Jr., Derek Marchanti, Gary Hill
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Publication number: 20200124458Abstract: A handheld combustion powered fastening tool may include a driving system that drives fasteners into workpieces in response to combustion of fuel by the driving system. A fuel delivery system may supply fuel to the driving system. The fuel delivery system may include a fuel canister storing liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrocarbons such as propane, and a fuel metering valve supplying a previously set amount, or volume, of fuel from the fuel canister to the driving system for combustion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: William Rigdon, Gary Hill, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Derek Marchanti
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Patent number: 10618152Abstract: A handheld combustion powered fastening tool may include a driving system that drives fasteners into workpieces in response to combustion of fuel by the driving system. A fuel delivery system may supply fuel to the driving system. The fuel delivery system may include a fuel canister storing liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrocarbons such as propane, and all direction valve, supplying fuel from the fuel canister to the driving system for combustion. The valve may supply fuel to the driving system in a multiplicity of orientations of the valve/canister/tool, allowing the tool to be operable in a plurality of different orientations, including an upright orientation and an inverted orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Derek Marchanti, Gary Hill
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Patent number: 10557738Abstract: A handheld combustion powered fastening tool may include a driving system that drives fasteners into workpieces in response to combustion of fuel by the driving system. A fuel delivery system may supply fuel to the driving system. The fuel delivery system may include a fuel canister storing liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrocarbons such as propane, and a fuel metering valve supplying a previously set amount, or volume, of fuel from the fuel canister to the driving system for combustion.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: William Rigdon, Gary Hill, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Derek Marchanti
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Publication number: 20190107254Abstract: A fuel canister for use with a combustion powered tool including a refillable hydrogen storage vessel containing metal hydride, a valve assembly including at least one valve to release hydrogen fuel gas, the valve assembly being removably coupled to the refillable hydrogen storage vessel, a coupling device, the coupling device including a first coupler attached to the refillable hydrogen storage vessel and a second coupler attached to the valve assembly, and an outlet adapter attached to the valve assembly to supply hydrogen fuel gas to the power tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Gary Hill, Anthony Romano, Derek Marchanti, Matthew J. Velderman, JR., Andrew Seman
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Publication number: 20190077651Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, JR., Derek Marchanti, Gary Hill