Log splitter
AssigneeMilwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
InventorsEvan M. Glanzer, Travis S. Mergener, Ian C. Richards, Joseph William Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A powered log splitter may include a support structure configured to support a log. A powered log splitter may include a ram operable to engage and split the log. A powered log splitter may include a hydraulic drive unit configured to actuate the ram. A powered log splitter may include a stand-alone motor unit configured to power the hydraulic drive unit, the stand-alone motor unit comprising a housing, an electric motor located within the housing, and a battery receptacle supported by the housing, the battery receptacle configured to receive a battery pack to supply electrical current to the electric motor.
Claims20
A powered log splitter comprising:
- a support structure configured to support a log;
- a ram operable to engage and split the log;
- a hydraulic drive unit configured to actuate the ram;
- and
- a stand-alone motor unit configured to power the hydraulic drive unit, the stand-alone motor unit comprising
- a housing,
- an electric motor located within the housing, and
- a battery receptacle supported by the housing, the battery receptacle configured to receive a battery pack to supply electrical current to the electric motor.
A method of operating a log splitter including a hydraulic drive unit and a stand-alone motor unit to power the log splitter, the motor unit including an electric motor and a battery pack to supply electrical current to the electric motor, the method comprising:
- providing an actuator to activate the hydraulic drive unit;
- monitoring, with a controller, a sensor signal from a sensor configured to measure a characteristic of the electric motor;
- commanding, in response to the sensor signal exceeding a predetermined value, the electric motor to operate at a first power level;
- and
- commanding, in response to the sensor signal falling below the predetermined value, the electric motor to operate at a second power level.
A method of operating a log splitter including a hydraulic drive unit and a stand-alone motor unit to power the log splitter, the motor unit including a motor and a battery pack to supply electrical current to the electric motor, the method comprising:
- providing an actuator to activate the hydraulic drive unit;
- monitoring, with a controller, a sensor signal from a sensor configured to measure a characteristic of a hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic drive unit;
- commanding, in response to the sensor signal exceeding a predetermined value, the electric motor to operate at a first power level;
- and
- commanding, in response to the sensor signal falling below the predetermined value, the electric motor to operate at a second power level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.