Abstract: A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a lever arm pivotable between a first position whereat a flywheel is spaced apart from a drive mechanism and a second position whereat the flywheel can contact the drive mechanism, a motor operably connected to the flywheel for storing energy in the flywheel, a trigger sensor assembly for generating a trigger signal indicative of the position of a trigger, a work contact element (WCE) sensor for generating a WCE signal indicative of the position of a WCE, a memory including program instructions, and a processor operably connected to the memory for executing the program instructions to (i) energize the motor based upon the WCE signal, and (ii) pivot the lever arm based upon the trigger signal.

Abstract: A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a lever arm pivotable between a first position whereat a flywheel is spaced apart from a drive mechanism and a second position whereat the flywheel can contact the drive mechanism, a lever arm solenoid for pivoting the lever arm between the first position and the second position, a drive mechanism sensor for generating a position signal indicative of the position of the drive mechanism, a timer for generating a timing signal, a memory including program instructions, and a processor operably connected to the memory for executing the program instructions to (i) energize the solenoid to pivot the lever arm to the second position, (ii) de-energize the solenoid based upon the position signal, and (iii) de-energize the solenoid based upon the timing signal.

Abstract: A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a frame, a motor mounted to the frame and including a drive shaft defining a drive shaft axis, a lever arm including a pivot axis parallel with the drive shaft axis, a flywheel rotatably mounted on the lever arm and operably connected to the motor for storing energy received from the motor, a drive mechanism for impacting a fastener, and a solenoid configured to pivot the lever arm between a first position wherein the flywheel is spaced apart from the drive mechanism and a second position wherein the flywheel can contact the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a drive mechanism, a flywheel pivotable between a first flywheel position whereat the flywheel is not in contact with the drive mechanism and a second flywheel position whereat the flywheel contacts the drive mechanism, a motor operably connected to the flywheel, a trigger movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and a WCE assembly movable between a first WCE position and a second WCE position, the WCE assembly configured such that (i) when the trigger is in the first trigger position and the WCE assembly is in the first WCE position, the WCE assembly mechanically engages the trigger to preclude movement of the trigger out of the first position, and (ii) when the WCE assembly is in the second WCE assembly position, the WCE assembly does not mechanically engage the trigger.

Abstract: Embodiments of a driving tool are disclosed that comprise a shank portion, and a working portion, wherein the working portion is configured to drive either a Phillips head fastener or a Robertson head fastener.

Abstract: A circular saw including a motor housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, a motor assembly disposed within the housing, a rotary blade assembly having a predetermined weight mounted to the first end portion of the motor housing, and a battery pack having a predetermined weight disposed on the second end portion of the motor housing. The battery pack and the rotary blade assembly are configured and arranged to be in longitudinal alignment with one another, and the longitudinal alignment of the battery pack with the rotary blade assembly promotes counterbalancing between the predetermined weight of the rotary blade assembly and the predetermined weight of the motor housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a battery charging jobsite audio unit that is particularly useful at construction and other jobsites are disclosed which provides important desirable features and functionality comprise a housing, at least one charger for charging a removable battery pack, an audio unit that includes a speaker system for providing substantially 360° sound, as well as subwoofer, a cord and plug for connecting the unit to a source of AC power, and circuitry for selectively applying power to the audio unit and the charger. The preferred and alternative embodiments also preferably have a unique protective frame structure that is connected to the housing of the unit.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a collapsible folding stand for use with a horizontally oriented object such as a portable table saw that is attached to the stand wherein the stand has a front and a rear portion and is capable of being manipulated between open and closed positions. In the open position, the top frame is horizontally oriented. In the closed position, the stand is generally vertically oriented as is the top frame. To move the rolling stand from its open position to its closed position, the user needs only to lift the handle and the top frame will then move to its generally vertical closed position where the latching mechanism can then be engaged. Because of the mechanism advantage of the folding mechanism, moving between the open and closed positions in either direction requires very little effort by the user. The preferred embodiment has an integrated support leg that can be selectively positioned and locked to provide increased stability and rigidity for the stand.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fixture assembly that is capable of holding work pieces such tiles of various sizes in various positions in a manner which enables freehand cutting. Various embodiments include a main fixture having a working top surface area that includes strategically placed cylindrical openings that are configured to receive easily manipulated tile holding clamps, various dogs that can be removably secured to the fixture in order to place tiles in a desirable position to be held during a cutting operations. The fixture is light weight and is easily transportable to a jobsite and has the capability of storing the clamps, dogs, marking instruments and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an abrading system for a hand power tool including a base with a first end portion and a second end portion and configured to couple with the output shaft of a hand power tool, a flexible substrate having a first extending portion coupled with the first end portion and extending outwardly from the first end portion, a second extending portion coupled with the second end portion and extending outwardly from the second end portion, and a middle portion spaced apart from the base and extending between the first extending portion and the second extending portion, and an abrading material attached to the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A circular saw including a motor housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, a motor assembly disposed within the housing, a rotary blade assembly having a predetermined weight mounted to the first end portion of the motor housing, and a battery pack having a predetermined weight disposed on the second end portion of the motor housing. The battery pack and the rotary blade assembly are configured and arranged to be in longitudinal alignment with one another, and the longitudinal alignment of the battery pack with the rotary blade assembly promotes counterbalancing between the predetermined weight of the rotary blade assembly and the predetermined weight of the motor housing.

Abstract: A hybrid router is disclosed that is capable of operating as a fixed or a plunge router wherein the preferred embodiment thereof comprises a motor assembly that has a housing containing a motor as well as operating handles attached to the housing and operating controls for operating the motor. The motor assembly can be removably installed in either a fixed base assembly or a plunge base assembly. The preferred embodiment has an adjustment knob that is located on the motor assembly that engages depth adjustment mechanisms of either the fixed and plunge base assemblies when the motor assembly is installed in the respective base assemblies.

Abstract: A sensor circuit enables detection of DC offset in a sensor output signal. The sensor circuit includes a sensor that generates a sensor output signal corresponding to a physical signal coupled to an input of the sensor, and a modulator that generates a modulation signal, the modulator being coupled to the sensor to modulate a physical parameter of the sensor and to enable a DC offset to be separated from the sensor output signal. To enable the circuit to measure the DC offset even though the sensor output signal is inversely proportional to the output signal, the circuit includes a feedback circuit configured to generate a feedback signal. The feedback signal is coupled to the input of the sensor to enable the physical parameter of the sensor to be modulated without modulating a portion of the sensor output signal attributable to the physical signal being converted to an electrical signal by the sensor.

Abstract: A support arrangement for a reciprocating tool comprises a first locking surface configured to engage a second locking surface in a locking engagement. The first locking surface is secured to the reciprocating tool. The second locking surface is provided on a support foot assembly. A shaft extends between the first locking surface and the second locking surface. The shaft defines a shaft axis that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the tool axis. An adjustment mechanism is positioned on the shaft. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move upon the shaft and clamp the first locking surface and the second locking surface together. In at least one embodiment, a ratchet arrangement is provided in the adjustment mechanism. The ratchet arrangement limits the extent that the adjustment mechanism may be tightened to clamp the first locking surface to the second locking surface.

Abstract: A rotary tool includes a collet which in one embodiment includes a bit holder defining a shank receiving bore, a transfer member for transferring rotational force from the bit holder to the shank of an accessory, and a centering member positioned within the bit holder and configured to automatically grip the shank when the shank is positioned within the shank receiving bore.

Abstract: A support arrangement for a reciprocating tool comprises a first locking surface adjacent to an adjustable foot guide. The foot guide includes a second locking surface designed to mesh with the first locking surface in a locking engagement. The support arrangement further comprises a lock actuator including a first cam profile. The lock actuator is provided adjacent to a cam plate which includes a second cam profile. The second cam profile is configured to interact with the first cam profile and force the first locking surface toward the second locking surface of the foot guide. The lock actuator is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein a first raised surface of the first cam profile does not engage a second raised surface of the second cam profile in the unlocked position, while the first cam surface does engage the second raised surface in the locked position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the preferred invention comprises a right angle attachment for a power hand tool of the type which has a generally cylindrical elongated housing with a motor contained within the housing or case and the motor having an output shaft that extends from the nose end of the hand tool. The attachment has a housing with a mounting end that fits on the nose end portion of the tool housing, with the housing having an input shaft and an output shaft that are operably coupled together by bevel gears attached to each shaft. A magnet is mounted on the output shaft near an electric circuit located within the housing for producing current that drives the LED's. Since the magnet and the circuit are inside the housing, a lens is provided in the housing adjacent the light producing device for emitting light to the exterior of the housing and toward the tool attached to the distal end.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of a reciprocating drive apparatus are disclosed that comprise a housing, a rotatable drive shaft assembly located in the housing an elongated plunger located in the housing for reciprocating motion, the plunger having a front end portion for attaching a tool thereto, a rotary joint rocker mechanism supported in the housing and operatively connected to the plunger and the drive shaft assembly so that rotation of the drive shaft assembly produces reciprocating motion of the plunger. Another preferred embodiment includes a reciprocating counterweight.