Abstract: Scroll saws produce an accumulation of sawdust or other debris removed from a workpiece during operation of the saw. This debris can block the operator's view of the cutting path of the saw. An improved device and method for removing accumulated debris from the cutting path of a saw blade is disclosed. A bellows is described, comprising a bellows section having an accordion-like structure and a flexible stem having a passage through which air may pass. The bellows may be manufactured as a single piece using a blow molding process to achieve greater structural integrity. A scroll saw having a bellows for removing debris and a protective cover for use with the bellows is also described.

Abstract: A three-wheel pivot-caster assembly that provides mobility for a power tool is described. The pivot-caster assembly includes a first frame assembly with two wheels and a second frame assembly that has a caster assembly which includes a swivel wheel. The first and second frame assemblies may be adjusted to accommodate power tools of various sizes. Additionally, a "stopping" mechanism is provided to maintain the swivel caster in its set position when the power tool is lifted. A straight line action clamp mechanism with locking feature prevents accidental actuation of the swivel caster when the tool is lifted or used over an uneven surface.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment assembly for a scroll saw wherein the scroll saw includes a base, a table, a table bevel lock knob, a table bevel plate, an upper arm and a lower arm-blade. The vacuum attachment includes a bracket having first and second ends. The first end of the bracket has an opening for receiving the table bevel lock knob. The second end of the bracket has an opening of predetermined size and is oriented so that the opening is located under the scroll saw table near the lower arm-blade assembly. The vacuum attachment assembly also includes an elbow that is connected to the opening of the second end of the bracket. A hose is connected to the elbow and oriented to collect and divert saw dust away from the table of the scroll saw.

Abstract: A motor housing for a variable speed scroll saw or other operating tool is disclosed. The motor housing includes a motor as well as a printed circuit board mounted in the motor housing adjacent the motor. A switch is attached to the printed circuit board and extends outside of the motor housing. The switch is also attached to the motor housing. A switch lock-out is operably associated with the housing for disabling the switch until the switch lock-out is disengaged. Preferably, the switch lock-out is a releasable locking mechanism such as a padlock.

Abstract: A scroll saw blade holder having a blade support mounted on at least one scroll saw arm. A blade holder frame is pivotally attached to the support and is formed in a generally V-shape for receiving a complementary V-shaped wedge. A first space between a first side of the wedge and the holder allows for the insertion of a scroll saw blade in line with the scroll saw arm and a second space between the wedge and a second side of the holder allows for the insertion of a blade at a 90.degree. angle to the scroll saw arm. A thumb screw inserted through a hole in the wedge and engaging a threaded hole in the holder urges the wedge into the holder, thereby pinching the blade in either of the aforementioned useful positions.

Abstract: A self-aligning quick pick-off rip fence for use in a table saw is disclosed. The rip fence holds a workpiece relative to a rotatable saw blade extending through an upper surface of the table saw for longitudinal or rip cutting along the length of the workpiece. The rip fence includes a fence head slidably mounted to a front rail that is attached to the table saw. A fence channel is mounted to the fence head at a first end and extends across the upper surface of the table saw in generally parallel alignment with a plane extending through a rotatable saw blade and terminates in a second end. A self-aligning bearing is attached to the second end of the fence channel and is slidably mounted relative to a rear rail attached to the table saw. A handle assembly is mounted to the first end of the fence channel and is interconnected to the self-aligning bearing for engaging and disengaging same in locked and unlocked relationship to the rear rail.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing a flechette load, a series of operative steps are carried out to produce a matrix-supported load of flechettes held in a desired array. First, a load of flechettes are mounted by a die end cap in a desired array in which at least the trailing end portions thereof are exposed and disposed in closely spaced side-by-side relation. Next, the die end cap is assembled to a die body such that at least the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes are placed in the mold cavity of the assembled die. A mixture of expandable thermoplastic beads and, preferably, a bond weakening agent is also placed in the mold cavity with the mixture surrounding the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes therein. Finally, the mixture is heated so as to produce in the mold cavity directly on and about the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes a matrix in the form of a solid foam body of a thermoplastic foam material.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing a flechette load, a series of operative steps are carried out to produce a matrix-supported load of flechettes held in a desired array. First, a load of flechettes are mounted by a die end cap in a desired array in which at least the trailing end portions thereof are exposed and disposed in closely spaced side-by-side relation. Next, the die end cap is assembled to a die body such that at least the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes are placed in the mold cavity of the assembled die. A mixture of expandable thermoplastic beads and, preferably, a bond weakening agent is also placed in the mold cavity with the mixture surrounding the exposed trailing end portions of the fletchettes therein. Finally, the mixture is heated so as to produce in the mold cavity directly on and about the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes a matrix in the form of a solid foam body of a thermoplastic foam material.

Abstract: An industrial shotshell has a load, such as an iron slug, assembled with a press-fitted, wad column-containing outer cup and housed with the cup in its shell. The outer cup encloses a wad column and, when pressed fitted onto a larger diameter rearward portion of the slug, seals the gases and supports the wad column during slug setback. A concavity formed in the interior of the base end of the outer cup provides empty space into which the wad column can compress during slug setback. The outer cup holds the wad column to the slug and remains attached thereto during flight, adding a degree of drag stabilization for improved accuracy of the slug and helping to stabilize the slug by changing its center of gravity. An obturating cup is formed integral at the rearward exterior of the base end of the outer cup.