Abstract: A folding ladder comprising multiple ladder sections pivotally joined together to permit the ladder to be articulated into and locked in a variety of configurations. Each ladder section includes a pair of side rails and a plurality of spaced rungs. The ladder end sections are identical and interchangeable. The ladder middle sections are identical and interchangeable. All side rails are reinforced by steel rods. The ladder sections are hinged together at their ends along one side of the ladder by master-type pivots and are hinged together at their ends along the opposite side of the ladder by slave-type pivots. Master pivots may be adjusted to a first position allowing the ladder sections to be moved with a denting action and to a second position locking the ladder sections together in a selected position. Slave pivots follow the action of the master pivots, allowing all ladder adjustments to be made from one side.

Abstract: A folding ladder comprising multiple ladder sections pivotally joined together to permit the ladder to be articulated into and locked in a variety of configurations. Each ladder section includes a pair of side rails and a plurality of spaced rungs. The ladder end sections are identical and interchangeable. The ladder middle sections are identical and interchangeable. All side rails are reinforced by steel rods. The ladder sections are hinged together at their ends along one side of the ladder by master-type pivots and are hinged together at their ends along the opposite side of the ladder by slave-type pivots. Master pivots may be adjusted to a first position allowing the ladder sections to be moved with a detenting action and to a second position locking the ladder sections together in a selected position. Slave pivots follow the action of the master pivots, allowing all ladder adjustments to be made from one side.

Abstract: A multistation charging system is provided for charging batteries within a plurality of cordless tools, appliances or the like, each of which has at least one rechargeable battery therein. A plurality of modules, which act as charging stations, are arranged substantially adjacent to one another. Normally closed pairs of conductive contacts are provided in each of the modules. The electrical pairs of contacts in the modules are connected in a series circuit arrangement with each other. On one of the modules, electrical connection is provided to a single current regulated solid-state charging device which produces charging current pulses. The device may alternatively be in the one module. Each of the modules removably supports a respective tool or appliance and each tool or appliance has means for electrically connecting the respective battery therein within the series circuit arrangement and in series therewith only one wall outlet or a.c. power connection is required.

Abstract: A charger for batteries includes a a charging station, which includes a housing. A casing end having an open portion through which batteries to be charged are to be inserted is provided. A constant tension spring within the casing urges the batteries outwardly of the casing. A lid is provided adjacent to the open end of the casing, the lid being movably, pivotably supported on the casing. A stop member is provided on the housing, the stop preventing the lid from being moved to its completely open position when the casing is supported on the housing. A latch arrangement retains the lid in a closed orientation. The batteries in the casing are retained therein by a portion of the lid whenever the lid is pivoted away from its completely open position. Contact means are provided between the housing and casing to provide a path for charging current. A multiple of charging stations can be provided, the multiple stations being electrically and mechanically connected.

Abstract: A multi-station charging system is provided for charging batteries within a plurality of cordless tools, appliances or the like, each of which has at least one rechargeable battery therein. A plurality of modules, which act as charging stations, are arranged substantially adjacent to one another. Normally closed pairs of conductive contacts are provided in each of the modules. The electrical pairs of contacts in the modules are connected in a series circuit arrangement with each other. On one of the modules, electrical connection is provided to a single current regulated solid-state charging device which produces charging current pulses. The device may alternatively be in the one module. Each of the modules removably supports a respective tool or appliance and each tool or appliance has means for electrically connecting the respective battery therein within the series circuit arrangement and in series therewith only one wall outlet or a.c. power connection is required.

Abstract: A battery-operated device having a passive charging mode and an active discharging mode is combined with a support, which supports the device in its charging mode. The support is integral with a plate which is to be positioned on a wall. The plate may be a replacement cover plate which may be substituted for a cover plate of a conventional A.C. wall outlet. The device includes a short power cord having a plug at its distal end. A D.C. current pulse producing circuit, preferably a solid state integrated circuit is housed within the plug. The D.C. current pulse producing circuit is especially useful as a battery-charging circuit.

Abstract: A charger for batteries includes a housing having an open portion through which batteries to be charged are to be inserted. A constant tension spring within the housing urges the batteries outwardly of the housing. A cover is provided adjacent to the open portion of the housing, the cover being movably, pivotably supported on the housing. A pair of spaced-apart contact prongs are provided, at least one of which is carried by the movable cover, thereby preventing electrical connection to the prongs wherever the cover is moved away from the open portion of the housing. A latch arrangement retains the cover in a closed orientation. The batteries in the housing are retained therein by a portion of the latch whenever the cover is pivoted away from the open portion of the housing. One of the contact prongs is carried by the cover and moves therewith. A solid-state charging circuit within the housing is connected to the other one of the contact prongs.

Abstract: A bi-directional, self-tightening chuck for releasably gripping a tool bit such as a twist drill or the like includes a bit receiving nosepiece having a conical, internal opening formed therein. A control sleeve is rotatably mounted, through a thrust bearing, on the nosepiece and is adjustably connected to a chuck body to enable adjustment of the axial position of the nosepiece relative to the chuck body. Tapered gripping elements, which may take the form of cone-like gripping rollers or wedge-like jaws, are located in the internal opening of the nosepiece and are adapted to forcibly grip the stem portion of the tool bit in response to a hand-tightening adjustment of the control sleeve on the chuck body and further adapted to self-tighten in response to an axially directed thrust force applied to the gripping elements by a torque-responsive cam assembly.