Abstract: A control panel for a portable electric generator. The control panel includes three distinct zones having logically organized switches and outlets. The first zone includes those switches used most frequently. The second zone includes a plurality of 120 VAC electrical outlets and at least one 120/240 VAC outlet. The 120 VAC outlets are separated from the 120/240 VAC outlet by a horizontally arranged, rocker style voltage selector switch for selecting either 120/240 VAC or 120 VAC operation. A third zone includes an auto throttle control for controlling an engine of the generator. The placement and organization of the switches and electrical outlets within clearly defined zones reduces the possibility of the operator unintentionally selecting the wrong outlet for use or unintentionally selecting the wrong switch.

Abstract: A magazine is connectable to the nosepiece of a fastener tool having a driving mechanism for driving a fastener into a workpiece. The magazine defines a fastener channel for storing one or more fasteners, and a pusher channel that receives a pusher assembly for pushing the fasteners towards the nosepiece. The pusher assembly slides along the pusher channel and includes a pusher for contacting the fastener and pushing the fastener towards the nosepiece, and a spring for biasing the pusher towards the fastener channel. The pusher has a camming surface to bypass fasteners inserted into the magazine assembly when the pusher assembly is moved towards the end of the magazine assembly farthest from the nosepiece. The magazine also has a locking mechanism near the end of the magazine assembly farthest from the nosepiece for latching the pusher.

Abstract: A portable air compressor assembly includes a tubular frame having a pair of parallelogram shaped side sections. A support plate is connected between the side sections and horizontally positioned in a compressor normal operating position. A plurality of operating components connect to the support plate. A fluid pressure tank is supported perpendicular to the side sections and forward of the operating components. The frame envelopes the operating components' outer perimeter and angularly extends to a stop point rearward of the operating components. When tipped rearward to the stop point, the compressor assembly returns by gravity to the compressor normal operating position. An instrument and connector panel including an engine on/off switch is mounted in a protected position. Wheels and structural feet are removable and a handle is retractable and removable for shipping.

Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. In each embodiment, the battery pack and the power tool have complementary rails and grooves 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. In one embodiment, a keying feature cooperates with a mating keying feature to further align the terminals of the battery pack to the terminals of the power tool. In a second embodiment, the battery pack includes two sets of blade terminals, with each set including a positive blade terminal and a negative blade terminal.