Abstract: A portable shippable automated calibration system for high torque power tools is disclosed. The system includes a self-contained highly durable and shippable container that may comprise a power source, central processor, visual user interface, mechanical interface for coupling with power tools to be calibrated, communications systems for communicating with a power tool being calibrated and/or with on-site or cloud based data systems. The system may be delivered to sites desiring on-site power tool calibration, tools are calibrated and updated calibration factors are automatically uploaded into the calibrated tool and a calibration certificate is published with the particulars of the calibration completion.

Abstract: Systems and methods form induction rotors by performing isostatic pressing (HIP) to weld clad to a shaft, which allows for scaling the manufacturing of solid steel rotors, as compared to conventional techniques. In examples, the rotors are designed for high-speed motors and may include recessed short circuit rings and/or end rings. An exemplary process molds an alloy powder into cladding such that heretofore unachievable rotor designs are achievable according to systems and methods described herein. In examples, a thin source-layer is introduced to welding zones, thereby enriching and strengthening the resulting joint at welding zones. The source-layer may be introduced by adding an intermediate layer comprising the source material between the materials being welded. The reduced alloy-depletion welding disclosed herein strengthens the welding area joints and provides for the manufacture of component designs, which were previously unachievable due to alloy-depletion weaknesses and environmental constraints.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure provide a centrifugal impeller having a plurality of constant area shrouded channels that inlet or outlet gas when the channel passes stator inlet port or exit port. The stator walls and ports are located closely adjacent the inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) of the impeller channel openings, allowing gas to enter or exit a channel of the impeller as the shrouded channel passes a stator port and allows gas to be contained within a channel of the impeller as the shrouded channel passes a stator wall. Further, the impeller reuses the pressurized gas flow by reinjecting the pressurized gas flow back into the ID of the impeller via a second inlet port and utilizing moving wave compression energy. The combination and sequence centrifugal processes and moving wave processes create a higher stage pressure ratio, at lower gas flow, with high gas flow turndown as compared to a conventional centrifugal compressor with similar dimensions and operating speed.

Abstract: An impact tool has an anti-topping mechanism (“ATM”) adapted to reduce the rotational frictional force between the contact surfaces of the hammer and anvil to prevent topping. If topping still occurs, the ATM quickly breaks the topped condition. The ATM may reduce the rotational frictional torque between the hammer and anvil of an impact mechanism or provide increased the rotational friction acting on the anvil from adjoining elements of the tool thus tending to hold the anvil (by heightened rotational friction) while the hammer can be broken free. ATM mechanisms include hammer and jaw surfaces angled at interface points; stepping either the hammer or anvil jaw surfaces so that only the innermost portions interact; rounding or crowning either or both of the anvil and hammer jaw surfaces so minimal portions of the jaws are ever topped; and software-controlled detection and breaking of a topped condition. In torque-controlled impact tools, these mechanisms decrease the risk of accuracy or repeatability issues.

Abstract: A power tool includes a removable light source that is also rechargeable from electrical power harnessed from the power tool. The light source is easily removable from the power tool and freely arrangeable relative to the workpiece for best lighting, and also usable where no power tool is required or convenient. Electrical contacts on the power tool's housing electrically connect an energy storage device (e.g., capacitor, rechargeable battery, or the like) of the light source to an electrical supply of the power tool. This ensures that the light is charging while attached to the power tool, providing a charged light that workers may remove from the power tool and use as a standalone light source.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven tool (e.g., an impact tool) includes a pneumatically driven motor; an electric generator generating electrical power from movement of the pneumatically driven motor, or an impact mechanism connected thereto; and an on-board light that is powered by the generated electrical power. The pneumatically driven motor is rotated by compressed air or gas and drives an impact mechanism with one or more hammers and an anvil. Impact of the hammer(s) with the anvil, in turn, move an output shaft of the pneumatically driven tool. The electric generator harnesses the rotational movement of the pneumatically driven motor and/or the impact mechanism to electrically power the on-board light.

Abstract: A position sensor includes a plurality of E-shaped ferromagnetic cores arranged to define a circular opening therethrough to receive a shaft. Each E-shaped ferromagnetic core has a plurality of teeth, wherein adjacent E-shaped ferromagnetic cores of the arranged plurality of E-shaped ferromagnetic cores have an overlapping tooth. The position sensor further includes a frame surrounding the arranged plurality of E-shaped ferromagnetic cores, with the E-shaped ferromagnetic cores coupled to the frame.

Abstract: Improved radial pneumatic regulator systems, devices and methods are described herein. Embodiments may comprise regulators with adaptive radial seals to prevent air leakage, provide increased air supply use efficiency, and facilitate more efficient manufacture and assembly of systems. The regulator systems may be used in applications such as for pneumatic power tools.

Abstract: During the process of compressing air, atmospheric air along with water vapor and airborne contaminants are ingested into the air compressor. Many of these compressors utilize oil for lubrication, sealing and cooling. A compressor system utilizes drain valves to remove the condensate that accumulates in the system which are typically located on the compressor, moisture separators, coalescing filters, receivers, dryers, and drip legs. While the drain valves successfully remove the condensate, this condensate is now contaminated with lubricant. The compressor system also includes a filter for the removal of lubricant from the condensed water so that the water can be discharged to sewer. The filter is arranged to house a series of vertically stacked filter cartridges, each cartridge structured to pass fluid flow to the other cartridge. The housing and the cartridges each having registration surfaces to position the filter within the housing and discourage removal of the same.

Abstract: Power tools with housings or hammer cases include a thin wall titanium shell tapering from a smaller forward section to a larger rearward section; with at least the rearward section having a wall with a substantially constant wall thickness and an interface flange that includes an outer perimeter profile that is curvilinear and defines a plurality of outwardly extending detents that provide an interference fit with the wall of the hammer case.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a power tool may comprise an electric motor comprising a rotor configured to rotate about an axis, a stator assembly including at least three windings arranged around the rotor, and at least three lugs affixed to the stator assembly, where each of the lugs is electrically coupled to one or more of the windings. The lugs may all be arranged to one side of a plane that passes through the axis. The power tool may further comprise at least three electrical wires, where each of the electrical wires is removably coupled to one of the lugs, and a control circuit configured to supply electrical power to the windings, via the electrical wires and the lugs, to drive rotation of the rotor about the axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a rotary impact device having an annular exterior surface for use with an impact wrench for providing torque to a fastener. The rotary impact device includes an input member having an input recess for receiving the anvil of the impact wrench, an output member having an output recess for receiving the fastener, and an inertia member. The inertia member is stationary and positioned on the exterior surface of the rotary impact device for increasing the torque applied to the fastener.

Abstract: An attachment retainer having a collar that, when at a collar locked position, has a first surface that is positioned above an open end of a passageway of a spindle to assist in retaining locking members in locking engagement with a driven tool. When in a collar release position, a second surface of the collar is positioned above the open end of the passageway to provide a space to receive a portion of the locking members so that the locking members can be disengaged from the driven tool. A plunger is displaceable to a position beneath another opening of the passageway to assist in retaining locking members in the passageway. A cam surface of a release ring can engage, and facilitate linear displacement of, release members as the release ring is rotated, which can facilitate axial displacement of the collar from the collar locked position to the collar release position.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, a cordless power tool battery may comprise a housing, a power storage unit, a first release button, and a second release button. The housing may have a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall. The first release button may be coupled to the housing and extend along more than half of the first side wall of the housing. The second release button may be coupled to the housing and extend along more than half the second side wall of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems an impact wrench having dynamically tuned drive components, such as an anvil/socket combination, and related methodology for dynamically tuning the drive components in view of inertia displacement, as well as stiffness between coupled components, and with regard to impact timing associated with clearance gaps between the component parts.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of ratchet tools are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ratchet tool may comprise a handle extending along a handle axis and housing a motor, a head coupled to the handle at a first end of the handle, the head supporting an output shaft configured to be driven by the motor to rotate about an output axis, the output axis being substantially perpendicular to the handle axis, a ratchet mechanism coupled between the handle and the output shaft, the ratchet mechanism configured to restrict rotation of the output shaft in a first direction and to allow rotation of the output shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a direction control configured to switch the first direction associated with the ratchet mechanism between a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, the direction control being coupled to the handle and spaced apart from the head along the handle axis.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus having a housing including a portion defining a thermally conductive outer surface, a light source positioned within the housing, and an internal heat sink thermally coupling the light source and the thermally conductive outer surface portion of the housing. The light source may be a solid state device, such as a light emitting diode.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a pump is provided. The diaphragm includes a flexible disc-shaped body having a first surface and an outer edge. The flexible disc-shaped body is made of an elastomer material. The fabric is applied on the first surface of the flexible disc-shaped body. And the fabric is composed of woven aramid based fibers.

Abstract: An exemplary fin-tube construction includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube, and a plurality of fins extending from an outer surface of the inner tube to an inner surface of the outer tube. The outer tube includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion, the inner tube, and the fins are formed at least primarily of a first material. The outer portion is formed at least primarily of a second material.

Abstract: Unique systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses of active magnetic bearing control systems are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a power converter electrically coupled to an active magnetic bearing (AMB) having a plurality of windings, the power converter comprising a DC bus, two capacitors, a first leg, a second leg, and a controller. The capacitors are electrically coupled in series between the positive rail and negative rail, one capacitor being electrically coupled to the other capacitor at a midpoint connection. The first leg comprises a first semiconductor switching device and a first output node. The second leg comprises a second semiconductor switching device and a second output node. The first output node is electrically coupled to the midpoint connection by way of a first AMB winding and the second output node is electrically coupled to the midpoint connection by way of a second AMB winding.