Abstract: An energy-efficient and compact multi-port battery charger. The battery charger includes, among other things, a power supply module, a battery charger control module or controller, a power switching module, one or more power control safety modules, a plurality of battery charger switches, and a plurality of indicators. The controller, the power switching module, the power control safety modules, and the battery charger switches work in conjunction with each other to control the operation of the battery charger. The controller is configured to execute a charging control process which detects the insertion of a battery pack into a charging port, selects a charging port for charging, controls the power output from the power switching module, and controls the illumination or display of the indicators. The power switching module uses control signals from the controller to switch the power received from the power supply module such that a charging current is applied to a single charging port.

Abstract: A battery pack including a support frame. The support frame includes a plurality of recesses for receiving a plurality of battery cells, a first vent, a second vent, a first peripheral support section, a second peripheral support section, and an air passage. The first vent is located on a first distal end of the support frame, the second vent is located on a second distal end of the support frame, and the air passage is located between the first vent and the second vent. The first and second peripheral support sections space apart and securely hold the plurality of battery cells within the battery pack.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor supported in the housing, a chuck assembly having a chuck body rotatable about a central axis in response to torque received from the motor, and a plurality of jaws supported in the chuck body. Each of the jaws includes a front portion operable to grasp a tool element and a rear portion positioned outside the chuck body. The power tool also includes a hammer mechanism operable to impart movement to the chuck assembly, in a direction parallel to the central axis, during rotation of the chuck assembly about the central axis.

Abstract: A power tool includes an electric motor, a motor housing in which the electric motor is at least partially positioned, a blade drivably coupled to the motor for rotation about a first axis, and a blade housing in which the blade is at least partially positioned. The blade and the blade housing are pivotably coupled to the motor housing about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A transmission assembly is powered by an electric motor and includes a transmission having an outer ring gear, a connector moveable relative to the outer ring gear between a first position, in which the connector is rotatable with the transmission in response to torque received from the motor, and a second position, in which the connector and the outer ring gear are non-rotatable, and a control mechanism operable to detect the operating current of the motor and compare the operating current to a threshold current. The control mechanism is operable to move the connector from the first position to the second position in response to the motor operating current exceeding the threshold current.

Abstract: A fastener guide includes a shaft having a first end for transferring torque to a fastener and a second end for receiving a torque from an external source, the shaft including a threaded portion and an axial groove extending axially along the threaded portion. The fastener guide also includes a sleeve slidable axially with respect to the shaft, the sleeve having a first end proximate the first end of the shaft and a second end proximate the second end of the shaft, and a depth-adjustment ring having a threaded inner surface for engaging the threaded portion of the sleeve and a detent ring for selectively engaging the axial groove.

Abstract: An air compressor includes a compressor unit having a motor with a motor housing, a pump operably coupled to the motor and having a pump housing formed as a single piece with a portion of the motor housing, and a first tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air from the pump when operated by the motor. The air compressor also includes a tank unit removably coupled to the compressor unit in a stacked arrangement. The tank unit includes a second tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air from the pump when operated by the motor.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal.

Abstract: A battery tester engages a power tool battery and includes a housing having a cavity for receiving a stem of the power tool battery. The battery tester has a plurality of electrically conductive contacts disposed in the cavity and is configured to engage corresponding battery electrodes on the stem. A processor is mounted within the housing and communicates with the battery through the electrically conductive contacts. The processor measures a voltage level of the battery, and a loading circuit electrically loads the battery during measuring. One or more indicators are controlled by the processor. The processor activates the loading circuit for a predetermined period of time to measure a voltage level of the battery while under load, and then activates the indicators to provide a visual indication of remaining battery life. The battery tester is a stand-alone device where housing does not have a motor or a battery charger.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a power tool comprises a first transmission path comprising a high speed transmission path and a second transmission path comprising a low speed transmission path. Driven gears of each transmission path are permanently driven during operation of the transmission. A controller is provided for engaging or disengaging the high speed transmission path in response to monitored operating current of an electric motor providing a driving torque to an input of the transmission. When disengaged, a driven gear of the high speed transmission path continues to be driven, but the driven gear is disengaged from an output of the transmission. Consequently, under these circumstances, the low speed transmission path is the ‘active’ transmission path providing a low speed, high torque drive to the transmission output.

Abstract: A rotation output device including a lock mechanism for automatically locking an output shaft without inertia or a need to pivot the output shaft by the operator after the input shaft stops rotating. The rotation output device includes an output gear for inputting a rotation driving force; a lock ring restricted from rotating; output rings for rotating integrally with the spindle; a click spring for rotating the output rings with respect to the output gear; float gears which are held by the output ring to be urged radially outward and are fixedly engageable with the lock ring; and central pin insertion through-holes and side pin insertion through-holes provided in the output rings for releasing the float gears radially outward and fixedly engaging the float gears with the lock ring. The click spring relatively rotates the output rings by the stoppage of the rotation driving of the output gear.

Abstract: An air compressor assembly is disclosed. The air compressor assembly includes a substantially curved frame including a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion, a fluid tank carried by the lower frame portion, a compressor mechanism carried by the lower frame portion, and a storage bin including an engagement mechanism releasably coupled to the upper frame portion.

Abstract: An impact rotary tool is provided that is switchable between an impact mode where the tool delivers an impacting torque on an output tool and a drill mode where the driver delivers a smooth output on an output tool. The impact rotary tool includes an impact mechanism and a hammer block that in the impact mode is movable parallel to the axis of the driver shaft and delivers reciprocating blows to rotate an anvil and in the drill mode substantially constantly engages the anvil. The impact mechanism includes a stopper that does not contact the hammer block in the impact mode and engages the hammer block in the drill mode to maintain the substantially constant contact between the hammer block and the anvil.