Abstract: A control module is included in a battery charger that is adapted to charge a plurality of battery packs of different types or a power tool that is adapted to be powered by at least one of the battery packs. The control module includes a remote sensing module that communicates remotely with one of the battery packs. The control module also includes a battery pack connection module that determines that the one of the battery packs is in electrical communication with at least one of the battery charger and the power tool. The control module also includes a battery pack identification (ID) module that determines a first type of the battery pack based on remote sensing module signals. The control module also includes a charge control module that determines at least one of a charge setting and a discharge setting for the battery pack based on the first type.

Abstract: A power tool includes an output shaft configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, a motor drivably connected to the output shaft to impart rotary motions thereto, and a rotational motion sensor spatially separated from the output shaft and operable to determine the user-imparted rotational motion of the power tool with respect to the longitudinal axis. A controller is electrically connected to the rotational motion sensor and the motor. The controller determines angular velocity of the power tool about the axis, rotational displacement of the power tool about the axis, and/or a direction of the rotational displacement using input from the rotational motion sensor. The controller then controls the motor according to the angular velocity, the rotational displacement, and/or the direction of the rotational displacement.

Abstract: A power tool includes an output shaft configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, a motor drivably connected to the output shaft to impart rotary motions thereto, and a rotational motion sensor spatially separated from the output shaft and operable to determine the user-imparted rotational motion of the power tool with respect to the longitudinal axis. A controller is electrically connected to the rotational motion sensor and the motor. The controller determines angular velocity of the power tool about the axis, rotational displacement of the power tool about the axis, and/or a direction of the rotational displacement using input from the rotational motion sensor. The controller then controls the motor according to the angular velocity, the rotational displacement, and/or the direction of the rotational displacement.

Abstract: A power tool system component has a microprocessor, a one wire communication terminal connecting the microprocessor to an external device, and a flash memory storing: (a) an application program governing operation of an application mode during which the power tool system component is operated; and (b) a boot loader program governing operation of a boot loader mode during which at least part of the application program can be updated. The microprocessor accesses the flash memory and implements the boot loader program and the application program by setting up and observing a temporal window during which one or more predetermined conditions must be met for the boot loader mode to be entered. The predetermined conditions include successful completion of a calibration process that includes sending a calibration byte to the external device according to a format predetermined to allow the external device to adjust its baud rate for sending and receiving information.

Abstract: A power tool system component has a microprocessor, a one wire communication terminal connecting the microprocessor to an external device, and a flash memory storing: (a) an application program governing operation of an application mode during which the power tool system component is operated; and (b) a boot loader program governing operation of a boot loader mode during which at least part of the application program can be updated. The microprocessor accesses the flash memory and implements the boot loader program and the application program by setting up and observing a temporal window during which one or more predetermined conditions must be met for the boot loader mode to be entered. The predetermined conditions include successful completion of a calibration process that includes sending a calibration byte to the external device according to a format predetermined to allow the external device to adjust its baud rate for sending and receiving information.

Abstract: A control module is included in a battery charger that is adapted to charge a plurality of battery packs of different types or a power tool that is adapted to be powered by at least one of the battery packs. The control module includes a remote sensing module that communicates remotely with one of the battery packs. The control module also includes a battery pack connection module that determines that the one of the battery packs is in electrical communication with at least one of the battery charger and the power tool. The control module also includes a battery pack identification (ID) module that determines a first type of the battery pack based on remote sensing module signals. The control module also includes a charge control module that determines at least one of a charge setting and a discharge setting for the battery pack based on the first type.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a smart battery having a smart battery and an electronic device. Both the device and the smart battery generate encrypted random strings using key material based by A/D noise bits as a seed value. A pseudo random number is generated from the A/D noise that is transmitted to both the electronic device and the smart battery. The pseudo random number is used by both devices as a key index to select one of a plurality of keys stored in separate key libraries. The keys, or key material, is used to execute an encryption algorithm. The two encryption data streams are then compared to authenticate the smart battery.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a system to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: A system of cordless outdoor power tools includes a plurality of hand-held cordless outdoor power tools, with each outdoor power tool including a housing and a motor assembly with a motor. The system may include and at least one battery pack removably attachable to one or more of the outdoor power tools. The at least one battery pack, when attached to a given tool, provides a nominal output voltage of approximately 28 volts or greater to the motor of the tool. One or more of the outdoor power tools with attached battery pack has a power output to weight ratio of 70 watts per pound (W/lb) or greater.

Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, high temperature gases created in a battery pack by the battery cells during a charging or discharging operation can be routed into a housing of one of an attached power tool or charger to reduce the temperature of the gases, prior to venting the gases externally. In an example, a battery pack has at least one vent hole for relieving pressure and a movable device covering the vent hole and configured to expose the vent hole upon a pressure set-point within the pack housing being exceeded. In another example, the pack housing includes a thin-walled section designed to break if pressure within the pack housing exceeds a given pressure setpoint. In a further example, the pack housing includes a baffle having an S-shaped cross-section for providing a vent path for gases and for preventing external fluids from entering the pack housing.

Abstract: A cordless power tool system for improved power output includes a plurality of hand-held cordless power tools, where each power tool includes a tool housing, motor assembly, transmission/gear assembly and removable battery pack. The battery pack provides a nominal output voltage of approximately 25 volts or greater to a DC motor of the motor assembly. Each of the hand-held cordless power tools of the system has a power output to weight ratio of 70 watts per pound (W/lb) or greater.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a system to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising a current source for providing current to the battery, a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery, and a memory connected to the controller for storing information about the battery. The memory may also store information about the charging apparatus. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory, such as E2PROM. Also disclosed are a battery having a memory for storing information, a power tool having a memory for storing information about the tool, and a reading apparatus for reading the information stored in the memory of the charger, battery and/or power tool.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising a current source for providing current to the battery, a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery, and a memory connected to the controller for storing information about the battery. The memory may also store information about the charging apparatus. Preferably, the memory is a nonvolatile memory, such as E2PROM. Also disclosed are a battery having a memory for storing information, a power tool having a memory for storing information about the tool, and a reading apparatus for reading the information stored in the memory of the charger, battery and/or power tool.

Abstract: A power tool accessory identification system includes a power tool which has a motor, an output spindle actuatable by the motor, and a tool holder connected to the spindle and configured to hold an accessory therein. The power tool includes an accessory reader to decoding an identification device on the accessory. In a method of controlling the power tool with an accessory operatively coupled thereto, the accessory is inserted in the tool and a communication interface between the accessory and tool is read. An accessory identification is decoded via an accessory reader of the tool. A tool setting for the power tool is accessed based on the decoded accessory identification.

Abstract: A glue gun assembly has a base and a glue gun for application of an adhesive. The glue gun is removably supported by the base. The glue gun has a heating apparatus that can be heated to heat adhesive which flows out of the glue gun. The glue gun also has a temperature indicator that is movable, between positions, depending on the temperature of the heating apparatus. This indicates the temperature of the heating apparatus to the user. The base includes a support member that positions the glue gun such that an exit end of the glue gun is disposed higher than a receiving end of the glue gun. Accordingly, this reduces dripping of glue from the exit end of the glue gun.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.

Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack and the power tool can have complementary grooves and rails or L-shaped surfaces that aid in aligning the positive and negative blade terminals of the battery pack to the positive and negative tool terminals, respectively, of the power tool.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: An ergonomically efficient cordless power tool system having desired power-to-weight ratios may be configured by reducing weight in one or more constituent weight groups of a given cordless power tool system, while maintaining or improving the total power output of the tool system. An example cordless power tool system may be configured to output a maximum power of at least 475 watts, and have a maximum power output to weight ratio of at least 70 watts per pound (W/lb).