Abstract: A trigger retention mechanism for a device that includes a depressible trigger and a bushing releasably coupled to a housing by a releasable fastener, such as an E-clip. The retention mechanism can also include O-rings to provide an air-tight seal between the bushing and the housing. To replace the retention mechanism, a user need only release the fastener and pull the bushing outwardly from its position within the housing, rather than replacing the entire handle or trigger assembly.

Abstract: Mechanisms for reducing power output of a power tool by restricting airflow into the motor of the tool. The power regulator can be implemented in only one of the rotational directions, for example, the forward (or clockwise) direction, and can be independent of the forward/reverse mechanism to avoid a user becoming confused as to the source of tactile feedback. By limiting air input to the motor, rather than bleeding out motor output, the mechanisms prevent wasted power output. Also, the power regulation mechanism can be located near the motor to more effectively restrict airflow.

Abstract: A trigger retention mechanism for a device that includes a depressible trigger and a bushing releasably coupled to a housing by a releasable fastener, such as an E-clip. The retention mechanism can also include O-rings to provide an air-tight seal between the bushing and the housing. To replace the retention mechanism, a user need only release the fastener and pull the bushing outwardly from its position within the housing, rather than replacing the entire handle or trigger assembly.

Abstract: Mechanisms for reducing power output of a power tool by restricting airflow into the motor of the tool. The power regulator can be implemented in only one of the rotational directions, for example, the forward (or clockwise) direction, and can be independent of the forward/reverse mechanism to avoid a user becoming confused as to the source of tactile feedback. By limiting air input to the motor, rather than bleeding out motor output, the mechanisms prevent wasted power output. Also, the power regulation mechanism can be located near the motor to more effectively restrict airflow.

Abstract: A tool that includes an interchangeable drive head and a split gear body for transmitting torque to the drive head. The compact nature of the split gear body allows for an automatic power means, for example, an electric or air motor, to supply torque through the split gear body into the interchangeable drive head. Further, the interchangeable drive head includes a gear that is positioned around a receiving portion for receiving a head of a workpiece, so that the interchangeable drive head itself is part of the gear assembly. The above structure allows for a compact design while still allowing for an automatic power means to transmit the torque to the workpiece.

Abstract: A tool that includes an interchangeable drive head and a split gear body for transmitting torque to the drive head. The compact nature of the split gear body allows for an automatic power means, for example, an electric or air motor, to supply torque through the split gear body into the interchangeable drive head. Further, the interchangeable drive head includes a gear that is positioned around a receiving portion for receiving a head of a workpiece, so that the interchangeable drive head itself is part of the gear assembly. The above structure allows for a compact design while still allowing for an automatic power means to transmit the torque to the workpiece.

Abstract: A housing for a pneumatic tool includes a head portion, a middle portion, and a handle portion. A sleeve is disposed over the middle portion of a pneumatic tool with a rear portion of the sleeve spaced from the outer surface of the housing. A grip made of pliant material, preferably rubber or a synthetic rubber compound encloses the handle portion. The grip includes a front lip, and a rear flange. Once fully inserted on the handle, the sleeve and the external surface of the housing cooperate to retain the front lip therebetween, preventing the front lip from peeling off the handle portion. An adaptor engages an air inlet at a distal end of the handle portion. The adaptor can include a washer engageable with the air inlet for limiting the depth of insertion of the adaptor in the air inlet and for inhibiting rearward movement of the grip.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool has a housing with an external surface and defining a plurality of cavities therein to hold components of the pneumatic tool. The housing defines a motor cavity wherein a pneumatic motor is disposed. Two spaced-apart vents extend from the motor cavity to the external surface of the housing, and a muffler is mounted adjacent to one vent. A tubular sleeve, which includes a radially extended discharge portion from which exhaust may escape, is mounted on the external surface of the housing and cooperates with it to define an annular exhaust passageway. The sleeve is rotatable between muffled and unmuffled positions wherein the discharge portion is respectively adjacent to the one vent or the other.