Hand Tool (e.g., Knife, Drill) Patents (Class 362/119)
  • Patent number: 12157239
    Abstract: A folding knife is provided with a power storage device that can be charged and recharged by a charge component that wirelessly receives power from a remote source. In some embodiments, the folding knife can have a device that consumes energy such as a light, a camera, a microphone, an audio speaker, etc. The power storage device and the charge component can be positioned in a scale of the handle where the substantially planar shapes of the scale, the power storage device, and the charge component are oriented in a common direction. In some embodiments, the cavities, recesses, and channels in the first scale that house these components and linking wires are strategically positioned to leave a reinforcing area that provides strength and stiffness to the handle. Various features are also described herein that improve safety of the charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: SPYDERCO, INC.
    Inventors: Louis Sal Glesser, Eric Glesser
  • Patent number: 12157208
    Abstract: An impact tool includes a housing having a motor housing portion and an impact housing portion. The impact housing portion has a front end defining a front end plane. An electric motor is supported in the motor housing, a battery pack is supported by the housing for providing power to the motor, and a drive assembly is supported by the impact housing portion. The drive assembly includes an anvil extending from the front end of the front housing portion with an end defining an anvil end plane. The drive assembly also includes a hammer rotationally and axially movable relative to the anvil for imparting the consecutive rotational impacts upon the anvil, and a spring for biasing the hammer in an axial direction toward the anvil. A distance between the front end plane and the anvil end plane is greater than or equal to 6 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Kubale, Evan Brown, Andrew J. Weber, Jacob P. Schneider
  • Patent number: 12098839
    Abstract: A power tool having a handle extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the handle is configured to house a motor. A ratchet head is connected to a first end of the handle. The ratchet head supports an output shaft having a drive square or bit that is driven by the motor. The ratchet wrench includes an application-targeted lighting system disposed around a periphery of the handle that illuminates the ratchet head and a workpiece below the output shaft. The application-targeted lighting system may include an array of Chip-On-Board LED lights. The application-targeted lighting system illuminates the workspace in applications where socket extenders and/or deep sockets are used with the ratchet wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Valanzola, Joshua O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 12042922
    Abstract: The invention refers to a hand-held power tool (10), comprising a tool housing (12) having two housing shells (60, 62), a working element (30) protruding from the tool housing (12) and designed to perform a working movement (34) during an intended use of the power tool (10), and a motor (28) located inside the tool housing (12) and designed to drive the working element (30) to perform the working movement (34) during the intended use of the power tool (10). The power tool (10) has an elongated light emitting device (56) designed to emit light along its longitudinal extension (58) in a direction (86; 96) perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (58). The power tool (10) comprises an elongated holding arrangement (200) made of a transparent material, having an internal space (202) for receiving and surrounding the elongated light emitting device (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventor: Guido Valentini
  • Patent number: 11951596
    Abstract: A rotary impact tool includes a motor housing, an electric motor supported in the motor housing, and a drive assembly for converting a continuous torque input from the motor to consecutive rotational impacts upon a workpiece. The drive assembly includes an anvil including an anvil lug and a hammer that is both rotationally and axially movable relative to the anvil. The hammer includes a hammer lug for imparting the consecutive rotational impacts upon the anvil lug. The rotary impact tool further comprises a printed circuit board assembly including a sensor that is configured to detect rotation of the anvil. The printed circuit board assembly is spaced from the anvil to define an axial gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jacob P. Schneider, Evan Brown, Benjamin J. Farley, Nathan P. Sievers, Braden A. Roberts, John S. Dev, IV
  • Patent number: 11772224
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing having a motor housing portion and a handle portion coupled thereto, an arbor supported by the housing, a working element attachable to the arbor for movement therewith, a motor positioned within the motor housing portion and configured to drive the arbor, a first lighting element positioned proximate an end of the handle portion, and a second lighting element positioned on the motor housing portion. The first lighting element is configured to illuminate a workpiece behind the working element and the second lighting element is configured to illuminate the workpiece in front of the working element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
    Inventors: Ronald C. McCurry, Adam Gathers, Kyle B. Yeomans, Brian D. Mertel, M. Grayson Jacoway, Brandon L. Hicks, Jesse J. Jerabek, Nicholas S. Norton
  • Patent number: 11623337
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor, a power output member, a transmission assembly, and a light source device. The power output member extends substantially along an axis and is connected to an operating accessory, and the operating accessory is provided with a working portion. The light source device includes a light guide plate, a light-emitting element, and a circuit board. The light guide plate is formed with a light exit surface for emitting light and a first light incident surface and a second light incident surface for guiding light into the light guide plate. The circuit board is used for installing the light-emitting element. A maximum distance L between the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface along a left-and-right direction is greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 7 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rui Xu, Fengshan Zhang, Xiaoyong Wang
  • Patent number: 11464382
    Abstract: Proposed in the present disclosure is a dust scanner allowing various foreign substances existing on a floor to be clearly identified in a field of view of a cleaner user, the dust scanner including: a plurality of LED lighting components; a transmissive body including a parabolic surface having a vertical cross-section convex toward an outside, formed to be transparent, and configured to transmit light beams emitted from the LED lighting components located at an inside thereof to an outside; and blocking plates each closing and sealing a top end and a bottom end between the LED lighting components and the transmissive body, wherein each of the LED lighting components is disposed at a focal point of the parabolic surface, whereby the light beams transmitted to the parabolic surface are projected in parallel to a floor without spreading up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Jung Hui Kim
  • Patent number: 11440174
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool, in particular an angle grinder, includes a drive unit, a machine housing, and a user interface unit. The machine housing surrounds the drive unit. The drive unit is configured to transmit a motion to an output unit. The user interface unit is configured to operate the hand-held power tool, and is either (i) positioned on an inner element of the hand-held power tool, in particular a flat outer surface of the inner element, or (ii) connected to the inner element, in particular the flat outer surface of the inner element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Trick, Elmar Feder, Manfred Lutz, Peter Stierle, Thomas Schomisch
  • Patent number: 11408568
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a convertible light device comprising a housing, a battery pack coupled to the housing, and an elongate flexible light source detachably coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the battery pack, where the elongate flexible light source comprises a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the convertible light device is configured to convert between a rope mode and a lantern mode. In the rope mode, the elongate flexible light source may be configured to extend from the housing and couple to an external anchor. In the lantern mode, the elongate flexible light source may be configured to wrap around the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: GOOD BISON
    Inventors: Arthur Chao-Chung Wu, Jarret Weis, David Burns
  • Patent number: 11407091
    Abstract: A power tool includes a motor disposed in a motor housing, a handle extending downward from the motor housing, a main switch provided on the handle and configured to switch the motor ON and OFF, and a state-changing operation part located on a lower portion of the motor housing or on an upper-end portion of the handle. The state-changing operation part is located upward of the main switch and is configured to effect a change of a rotational state of the motor, other than a direction of rotation of the motor, or an illumination level of a light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryunosuke Kumagai, Akira Tomonaga, Kazuya Arakawa
  • Patent number: 11258236
    Abstract: A fish stick includes a light emitting component, such as a lighted tip, near the leading end of the fish stick. The lighted tip includes a curved lens that directs some light around an attachment piece at the end of the fish stick and generally in the forward direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fish stick. The fish stick may be made of a phosphorescent material and stored in a lit container with an LED and reflective surfaces. The fish stick may be made of multiple rods that are threadably engaged with each other and include a spring biasing element that increases the coefficient of friction between the threads of the rods. The fish stick may also be made of multiple rods that are threadably engaged with each other via collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron M. Williams, Caleb C. Adams
  • Patent number: 11166740
    Abstract: A tweezer assembly includes a housing, an optically-transmissive shaft, and a flexible arm. A lamp is disposed within the housing and adjacent the opening in the housing. A battery provides electrical power to the lamp. The shaft has external threads that match the internal threads of the opening in the housing. The flexible arm includes an arched section and a clamp disposed at its proximal end. The clamp has opposing jaws that flex outward to snap in place around opposing sides of a recessed section in the shaft. The clamp thereby secures the flexible arm to the shaft such that the distal end of the arched section is disposed proximate to but not contacting the distal end of shaft. When a pressing force is applied to the arched section, the distal end of the flexible arm is operable to move into contact with the distal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel R. Schumaier, Karlee D. Harrison, George B. Waites, Jr., Samuel C. Scudder
  • Patent number: 10966808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light-curing device, comprising a plurality of individual LED chips, each associated to a reflector, which LED chips are in particular each separately controllable and are arranged about a common central axis, in particular in each case at the same distance, and comprising reflection elements of the reflectors which adjoin one another, wherein the distance of the reflectors from one another is in each case substantially less, in particular less than a fifth, of the reflectors' diameter. The reflection elements (14, 16, 18, 20) are arranged like a clover leaf and are part of a common reflector body (10) which separates the reflection elements (14-20) from one another by means of dividing walls (30, 32, 34, 36), and the reflector body (10) has externally on the reflection elements (14-20) reinforcing walls (40) which—in relation to each cone (14, 16, 18, 20)—lie opposite the central axis (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Bruno Senn, Markus Pauler
  • Patent number: 10865949
    Abstract: A multi-purpose, hand-held flashlight has an elongated body with a front body portion having a bottle opener and a front engaging structure. The elongated body also includes a rear body portion with a rear engaging structure that is cooperatively dimensioned to interact with the front engaging structure to releasably couple the front body portion to the rear body portion. The rear body portion includes a second substantially cone shaped extent that includes a recessed cutting element. A lighting element assembly is disposed within the elongated body and includes a lighting element printed circuit board coupled to an emitter assembly, a power source, and a switch. The switch is configured to change the operational mode of the emitter assembly. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the second extent of the rear body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: PROMIER PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Cody Duane Grandadam
  • Patent number: 10816147
    Abstract: A cordless light attachment for a tool includes a housing that has a proximal end and a distal end, and an interior cavity that extends from the proximal end to the distal end, forming an opening extending through the housing from the proximal end to the distal end. The device receives therein a tool and removably attaches to the tool. The device has at least one light source powered by a cordless power source arranged on or within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: PATHY MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventor: Vinod V. Pathy
  • Patent number: 10767822
    Abstract: Various examples related to automatic light control for illumination of a feature of interest are presented. A lighting system can automatically track a feature of interest, and/or a target positioned in relation to a feature of interest, and position one or more light sources to maintain illumination of the feature of interest. The location of the target, or the feature of interest, can be tracked using images captured by an image capture device and the orientation of one or more light sources can be adjusted to direct beams of light at the feature of interest. The beams of light can produce substantially shadow free illumination of the feature of interest. The controller can automatically calibrate a light source based on identifiable features within a captured image to ensure accurate movement of the light sources when tracking the target or feature of interest in or near real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Munari
  • Patent number: 10767832
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light source module for a vehicle comprising: a plate-like heat sink; substrates provided on both sides of the heat sink, respectively; light emitting devices provided on the substrates, respectively; a hole for transmitting light emitted from the light emitting devices; and a pair of bases coupled to the outside of the substrates, wherein the light emitting device includes a first light emitting device and a second light emitting device which are arranged diagonally, and a blocking member is disposed at a lower end of the second light emitting device. As such, it is possible to increase the heat dissipation efficiency by increasing the contact between the heat sink and the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Soo Ahn, Sang Hyun An, Dong Il Eom, Jae Myeong Noh
  • Patent number: 10632633
    Abstract: A utility knife with a lockable blade is provided. The blade is selectively extended from a housing with a sliding mechanism. The blade is interconnected to a blade carrier that includes a portion configured to lock the blade in a deployed configuration. The blade carrier includes a deflectable portion that is selectively biased by the release button to unlock the blade from the deployed state. Spring force associated with a biasing member interconnected to the blade carrier draws the blade into the housing when the release button is dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Bloch, Houkun Liang
  • Patent number: 10626593
    Abstract: A drain cleaning device includes a power unit and a drum assembly coupled to the power unit for rotation by the power unit. The drum assembly includes a base, a cable received in the base that is configured to be fed from the base and rotated to clean a drain, and a cover releasably coupleable to the base. The drum assembly includes a plurality of taper locks releasably coupling an outer peripheral portion of the cover and an outer peripheral portion of the base. Each of the taper locks is moveable between a locked position in which the cover is retained on the base and an unlocked position in which the cover is removable from the base. Each of the taper locks being biased toward the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Scott M. Rudolph, Jeffrey M. Cowart, Joseph C. Biser
  • Patent number: 10427311
    Abstract: A handheld lighting device is provided with a detachable knife assembly. In one example, the handheld lighting device may include a light source that generates a light beam to illuminate a scene, such as a work area. The knife assembly may be coupled to the lighting device using an attachment mechanism. The lighting device may include a slot that may receive a sleeve of the knife assembly such that the knife assembly may be secured to the lighting device. The lighting device may illuminate the work area such that a user may readily see the area that a knife of the knife assembly may cut. The light source of the lighting device may be activated using a multi-access user control that may be L-shaped and actuated from one or more locations on the user control. Additional features and related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Loc Nguyen, John W. Matthews
  • Patent number: 10131027
    Abstract: A device for determining a penetration depth in a drilled hole which is drilled into a workpiece (W) from a workpiece surface (WO) with a drill of a drilling machine. The device contains at least one light source for projecting a light field is provided onto a workpiece (W) to be processed by the drilling machine. The light source is positioned with respect to the drilling machine in such a way that a center axis (L) of the light source runs at an angle (a) with respect to a central axis (L) of the drilling machine, and at least a first blocking element for partially covering the light source is provided, said blocking element forming a reference on the light field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dominik Bahr, Martin Zacher
  • Patent number: 10125753
    Abstract: An air pump includes a pump body having a base. A hose is coupled to the pump body for conducting air from the pump body. The hose includes a distal end having a coupling attached to the end. The coupling is provided for coupling the hose to an object to be inflated. A magnetic dock member is coupled to the pump body for magnetically receiving the coupling, for maintaining the coupling in a fixed position relative to the pump body during times of non-use of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Aereomind, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Poertner
  • Patent number: 10094545
    Abstract: A power tool includes a working element, a motor, a motor actuator, a housing, a light emitting element, a locking element, and a switch element positioned between the housing and the locking element. The housing supports the motor, the motor actuator, and the light emitting element and movably supports the locking element. The light emitting element illuminates a work area around the working element, and the motor drives the working element when actuated by the motor actuator. The locking element enables operation of the motor actuator when in an unlocked position and prevents operation of the motor actuator when in a locked position. When in the unlocked position, the locking element operates the switch element to activate the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Noel Francis, Brady Groth, Marco Laubach, John DeCicco
  • Patent number: 10066830
    Abstract: An illuminating device that replaceably attaches to a lineman pliers used in a work area and selectively illuminates the work area of the lineman pliers. The lineman pliers include a pair of opposing handles, a pair of opposing jaws, and a pivot. The illuminating device includes a mounting assembly and an illuminating assembly. The mounting assembly replaceably receives the pair of opposing handles of the lineman pliers. The illuminating assembly is integrally attached to the mounting assembly and selectively illuminates the work area of the lineman pliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony Knight
  • Patent number: 10052733
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides hand-held power tool which includes a housing, a motor, and an output spindle. The housing supports a motor having a rotor configured to rotate when the motor is supplied with power. The output spindle protrudes from an output end of the housing, and is functionally coupled to the rotor such that the output spindle rotates in response to a rotation of the rotor. The housing also supports at least one electrical accessory that is connectable to an external power connector located on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Sean C. Ely, Jason Christopher Bartoszek, Thomas S. Dougherty, Kevin Heinrichs, Douglas Fornell Leavitt, Dennis Naksen, Warren A. Seith, Joshua Odell Johnson, Pinhua Xie, Timothy Richard Cooper
  • Patent number: 10040181
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a housing defining a first longitudinal axis and an illuminating assembly mounted to the housing. The illuminating assembly includes lighting elements distributed on the housing around the first longitudinal axis, a circuit board electrically connected to the lighting elements, a main body, and a fixing member. The lighting elements are supported by the circuit board. The main body partially covers the lighting elements and the circuit board. The lighting elements and the main body are fixed to the housing by the main body cooperative with the fixing member. The lighting elements are distributed around the first longitudinal axis so that light of the lighting elements can be emitted from multiple different angles, shadows are avoided in corresponding zones, and therefore the lighting elements can be called shadow-less lighting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Xiangqing Fu, Gan Wei, Fengqin Zhou
  • Patent number: 9956053
    Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical surgical instrument that allows for illumination of the interior of a body cavity during a surgical procedure is provided herein. The surgical instrument may include an elongate tubular member having a distal end for insertion through tissue, the elongate tubular member having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a wall thickness. A longitudinal slot extending from the distal end of the elongate tubular member is formed in the elongate tubular member. The surgical instrument further may include an optical fiber extending within the longitudinal slot toward the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The optical fiber may be affixed within the longitudinal slot by an adhesive. The optical fiber may be positioned such that a distal tip thereof is protected from damage by a distal edge of the elongate tubular member during insertion of the instrument into the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: NOVARTIS AG
    Inventors: Chenguang Diao, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ronald T. Smith, Michael J. Papac
  • Patent number: 9937605
    Abstract: An illumination structure for pliers contains: a first part, a second part, and an illumination device. The first part includes a first clamping jaw, a first handle, and a first rotatable connecting portion between the first clamping jaw and the first handle. The second part includes a second clamping jaw, a second handle, and a second rotatable connecting portion between the second clamping jaw and the second handle, wherein the first rotatable connecting portion of the first part and the second rotatable connecting portion of the second part are rotatably connected together. The first rotatable connecting portion has an accommodation groove configured to house the illumination device, and the accommodation groove has a first opening communicating with the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw and has a second opening communicating with the first handle. The illumination device includes a light emitting element and a control button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Shih Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 9941604
    Abstract: An electric receptacle includes a housing having a front surface including a socket opening, a back surface opposite the front surface, a first outer edge, and a second outer edge. A neutral terminal is at least partially retained in the housing. A phase terminal is at least partially retained in the housing. A first neutral opening faces the first outer edge and is in communication with the neutral terminal. A second neutral opening faces the back surface and is in communication with the neutral terminal. A first phase opening faces the second outer edge and is in communication with the phase terminal. A second phase opening faces the back surface and is in communication with the phase terminal. A mounting strap can be snap-fit to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Sorin Mortun
  • Patent number: 9908454
    Abstract: A strap coiling device includes a housing, a spindle rotatably coupled within the housing, a return spring assembly operatively connected to the spindle within the housing, and a stator releasably engaged with the spindle, wherein a free end of a length of strap is coupled to the spindle and automatically wound around the spindle within the housing in response to disengagement of the spindle from a stator to allow rotation of the spindle caused by the return spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Terry Waters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9722334
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing coupled to an electrical power source, a motor contained in the housing, and a motor control circuit that controls output speed of the motor. A light unit is coupled to the housing to illuminate a work surface. A light unit control circuit controls illumination of the light unit. A switch unit is coupled to the housing and selectively operable to control the operation of the motor control circuit and the light unit control circuit. The light unit control circuit includes a timer configured to cause the light unit to illuminate a first brightness level when the switch unit is actuated, and to remain illuminated at the first brightness level for a predetermined time period after the trigger is actuated. The predetermined time period restarts if the switch unit is not deactivated before the end of the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Sterling, Stephen P. Osborne, Paul S. White, Jeffrey D. Delcamp
  • Patent number: 9651228
    Abstract: A lighting device for a hand tool contains: a base, an illumination unit, and a clamping mechanism. The illumination unit is disposed in the base which includes a lighting orifice and four projections, each two of which are arranged on each of two sides of a bottom end of the base, and between each two projections is defined a V-shaped groove. The clamping mechanism includes a retainer, a connection shaft, and a resilient element, wherein the retainer has a fitting portion, a positioning section, and a controlling section, and wherein the positioning section is placed on the bottom end of the base and is defined among the four projections, the controlling section extends out of one side of the base, and the resilient element is fitted on the connection shaft and has a first end abutting against the base and a second end contacting with the controlling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Shih Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 9572643
    Abstract: An instrument for curing light-curable compounds curable in the mouth of a patient, including a housing including a handle portion and a barrel portion removably secured with respect to the handle portion. A plurality of solid state, light-emitting semiconductor junction elements form an array on a substrate, and collectively emit light having wavelengths within a narrow band of wavelengths suitable for curing a compound. The array of light-emitting elements are positioned proximate to the distal end of the barrel portion, and an elongated heat-conducting element extends from the distal end of the barrel portion toward the proximal end for conducting heat away from the array. A generally clear layer extends on the substrate and over the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor junction elements, and a non-imaging optical focusing device is positioned at the distal end of the barrel portion to collimate the emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph N. Logan, Raymond L. Knox
  • Patent number: 9539691
    Abstract: A hand-power tool includes at least one tool spindle and a drive unit configured to drive the tool spindle at a rotational speed greater than 10,000 min?1. The hand-power tool further includes at least one lighting unit that has at least two lighting mechanisms that are configured to illuminate a work area. The lighting mechanisms are arranged on an axial plane of the tool spindle at an angle of less than 125 degrees relative to each other with respect to the tool spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hirschburger
  • Patent number: 9533408
    Abstract: A power tool for operating on a workpiece, the power tool having a housing and a motor disposed within the housing. A controller is connected to the motor and receives user inputs for turning on the motor and a power tool battery pack is connected to the controller and the motor. At least one light is connected to the controller for illuminating the workpiece. The controller can turn on the light in a predetermined pattern to alert the user to a tool condition, such as the charge level being below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Forster, Bhanuprasad V. Gorti, Samuel G. Woods, Craig A. Schell, Nathan J. Cruise
  • Patent number: 9427162
    Abstract: The shade matching method and device of the subject invention is to be used by dentists and dental professionals to help in determining the correct shade of porcelain crowns, composite fillings and other cosmetically critical dental restorations. Based on the principle of metamerism, the method consists of using a light source for generating a light spectrum in at least two distinct wavelength spectra in sequence under the control of the operator of the light source inclusive of a first wavelength spectrum corresponding to daylight to enable the dentist or dental professional to perform a shade match the way a patient would view their restoration outside of a dental office in a real world environment and then switching to a second wavelength spectrum corresponding to either room light or ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Joshua Friedman
  • Patent number: 9408414
    Abstract: Embodiments provide cigarette rolling and forming devices that include parallel cylinders extending between a pair of support plates, and a looped belt trained therearound. One cylinder is moveable relative to the other via a pair of curvilinear slots, and the device is configured for alternately receiving and compressing loose tobacco into a tobacco rod with the belt. In some devices, a nozzle is provided to allow longitudinal displacement of the formed tobacco rod into a pre-formed cigarette tube, and some devices include a pushing device to effect this longitudinal displacement. In some embodiments, a light source is provided and configured to illuminate a portion of the device, such as the nozzle or the recess between the cylinders. In various embodiments, the device also may include a power source configured to provide power to the light source and an activation member, such as a switch or button, configured to activate the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: David Prevost
  • Patent number: 9368004
    Abstract: An assembly for use with a surgical device includes an enclosure defining a passageway extending from an interior to an exterior thereof and a visual indicator mounted within the interior of the enclosure adjacent the passageway. The visual indicator is configured to emit light. The passageway is partially defined by a concave surface of the enclosure and/or a chamfered portion of the enclosure to facilitate the passage of light emitted by the visual indicator through the passageway and to the exterior of the enclosure to increase the external viewing angle of the light emitted from the visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Thomas Plaven
  • Patent number: 9352458
    Abstract: A power tool having a light for illuminating an area proximate a movable end effector. The light may be mounted in such a way as to transmit light through a rotatable collar on the power tool, through or through a member of a housing of the power tool, or from the moving end effector. The light may be powered by a power source that is used for moving the end effector or from a generator that generates electrical power when the power tool is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Friedman, Stephen P. Osborne, Eva J. Dixon, Eric E. Hatfield, Daniel Krout, Robert Kusmierski, Corey G. Robertson, Jeffrey Delcamp, Daniel Puzio, Robert S. Gehret, Stuart Garber, Joerg Zellerhoff, Joao Norona, Aris Cleanthous, Amanda Miller
  • Patent number: 9328915
    Abstract: A power tool system includes a tool body with a motor having an output member that drives an accessory. The output member defines an output member axis. An end effector is coupled for rotation with the output member relative to the tool body. The end effector is configured to retain the accessory. A light source is disposed on the end effector. A consumable tool, such as a holesaw, is removably attachable to the end effector, and has an illumination opening configured to be substantially aligned with the light source. The holesaw may have a generally cylindrical side wall and a base wall that defines a central opening for receiving an arbor, an aperture spaced radially outward by a first distance for receiving a projection on an arbor and an illumination opening spaced radially a second greater distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Vanko, Tal Gottesman, Michael K. Forster, Daniel Puzio
  • Patent number: 9225275
    Abstract: A power tool including a motor, light unit, and switch unit for selectively connecting the motor and light unit to a power source. A control module includes a controller coupled to a first electronic switch to control power delivery to the motor based on a position of the switch unit, and to a second electronic switch to control power delivery to the light source based on a position of the switch unit. A timer is configured to keep the light unit illuminated for a predetermined amount of time after the switch unit has been activated or deactivated. The control module also includes a boot circuit with a semiconductor switch that continues to deliver power to the controller and to the light unit when the switch unit is deactivated subsequent to being activated, to enable the light unit to remain illuminated after the switch unit has been deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Brian C. Sterling, Stephen P. Osborne, Paul S. White, Michael K. Forster, Jason K. Leh
  • Patent number: 9217561
    Abstract: A compact passively-cooled solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for photocuring applications. The solid state illumination system utilizes LED modules to generate high intensity light output suitable for photocuring. The light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 530 nm and is suitable for photocuring using a wide range of photoinitiators. A touchscreen interface allows programming of spectral output, intensity and duration. Output can be initiated using the touchscreen interface and/or a foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: LUMENCOR, INC.
    Inventors: Claudia B. Jaffe, Steven M. Jaffe, George S. Tylinski
  • Patent number: 9179990
    Abstract: A hand-held light curing apparatus is used with a housing (12), a light source (14), in particular at least one LED, which is connected to a control unit (36), an energy source (20) and at least one energy storage unit in the form of at least one double layer capacitor (26, 28). It is provided that the light source (14) is fed simultaneously by the energy source (20) which is formed as a local energy source such as an accumulator and the double layer capacitor (26, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Oliver Benz, Dario Tommasini
  • Patent number: 9120237
    Abstract: A device for illuminating on or about an axial shaft of a tool and the work area used with the tool. In particular, the device is releasably secured to the axial shaft of the tool and upon contact therewith causes the device to illuminate parallel to the axis of the shaft and work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen J Staines
  • Publication number: 20150136434
    Abstract: A holding fixture can securely fix a work implement, and does not become an obstacle when the work implement is carried or in used. The holding fixture 20 is provided with a flexible wire 21 which is attached in a housing hole 15 and movable in a length direction of the housing hole 15, wherein the housing hole 15 is a thin and long curved hole extending from the battery mounting unit 12 to the grip 11. One end of the wire 21 is separated from the electric torch 10, and a L-shaped hook 22 is anchored to said one end of the wire 21 as a hooking tool for fixing the electric torch 10 by its own weight. The worker pulls the hook 22 (wire 21) out of the housing hole 15 and can use the hook 22 for fixing the electric torch 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshiki AOKI, Masato SAKAI, Shinichi KAKEFUDA, Tetsuo EBATA
  • Patent number: 9033536
    Abstract: A status indicating device for a power nail gun includes a trigger adapted to be disposed on a gun body and having at least one transparent portion, and a light emitting module adapted to be disposed between the gun body and the trigger for emitting light through the transparent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Basso Industry Corporation
    Inventors: Yao-Sheng Shen, Jung-Mao Ho, Sheng-Man Wang, Chang-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 9028088
    Abstract: A power tool includes a tool body having an output member that drives an accessory. An end effector is coupled for rotation with the output member. A light source is disposed on the end effector. A primary coil assembly is configured on the tool body and mounted concentric to the output member. The primary coil assembly includes a primary coil that is electrically connected to a power source of the power tool. A secondary coil assembly is configured on the end effector and mounted concentric to the output member. The secondary coil assembly includes a secondary coil that is electrically connected to the light source. Current flowing through the primary coil creates a magnetic field that causes current to flow through the secondary winding and power the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Vanko, Tal Gottesman, Daniel Puzio, Michael K. Forster, John D. Cox, Joseph P. Kelleher, Stuart Garber, Joerg Zellerhoff, Joao Norona, Robert S. Gehret, Scott Eshleman, Stephen P. Osborne, Brian E. Friedman, Robert A. Usselman, Anatoliy Nosov, Michael C. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9027665
    Abstract: A wireless small motor driver, in which power consumption is decreased by adjusting a gear ratio, the efficiency of an operation is increased due to a high torque, and the safety of a worker at night is ensured using an illumination lamp. The wireless small motor driver includes a driver case inside of which a motor is provided. A driver bit has a predetermined length in a bilateral direction, the driver bit being replaceable, with one or both ends thereof conforming to the shape of a bolt, and has a fixing projection. A socket is coupled to an end portion of the driver case, the driver bit being fastened to the socket. A rotation reduction gear is coupled to the motor, the rotation reduction gear transmitting rotary force to the socket and increasing a torque. A USB and a battery for supplying uniform power to the motor are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Sang-Min Lee, Byoung-Kun Kim
  • Patent number: 9000882
    Abstract: An electronic power apparatus is provided, including a circuit board having a conductive pads and a sense pad coupled to an output signal, and an actuator having a wiper portion accommodating a conductive wiper. The wiper includes a first end arranged to engage the sense pad and a second end arranged to slidably engage at least one of the conductive pads on the circuit board. The conductive pads are arranged in a first row of conductive pads and a second row of conductive pads in parallel with and at a distance to the first row of conductive pads. An alignment of the second row of conductive pads is offset with respect to the first row of conductive pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Velderman, Michael K. Forster