Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.

Abstract: A magazine assembly for a fastening tool. The magazine assembly slides on guide posts that are formed into the nose assembly of the fastening tool and is clamped to the fastening tool via a magazine clamp assembly that requires no tools to operate. The magazine clamp assembly may be partially released to permit the magazine assembly to be partially withdrawn from the nose assembly so that the nose assembly may be maintained without the complete removal of the magazine assembly. The construction of the nose assembly is such that when the magazine assembly is placed in a partially withdrawn state, a portion of the nose assembly mechanically inhibits actuation of the fastening tool trigger system.

Abstract: A drill (10) has a housing (12) with a motor (14) which includes an output pinion (104) which defines an axis (102). A power source (16) is coupled with the motor (14). An activation device (44) energizes and deenergizes the motor (14). As the motor (14) is activated, an output (18), which is coupled with the motor (14) is driven. The output (18) defines an output axis (156) which is substantially perpendicular to the motor axis (102). A transmission (20) is coupled between the motor (14) and the output (18). The transmission (20) changes speed and torque of the output (18) between at least two different settings.

Abstract: A magazine assembly for a fastening tool. The magazine assembly includes a feed mechanism having a fastener follower that includes a cam device. The feed mechanism also includes a cam follower which is employed to engage the cam device so that fasteners may be loaded into the magazine assembly. The cam follower alternately engages and disengages the cam device in response to movement of the fastener follower relative to the cam device. The magazine assembly also includes a clamp assembly for coupling the magazine assembly to the body of a fastening tool.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.

Abstract: A magazine assembly for a fastening tool. The magazine assembly slides on guide posts that are formed into the nose assembly of the fastening tool and is clamped to the fastening tool via a magazine clamp assembly that requires no tools to operate. The magazine clamp assembly may be partially released to permit the magazine assembly to be partially withdrawn from the nose assembly so that the nose assembly may be maintained without the complete removal of the magazine assembly. The construction of the nose assembly is such that when the magazine assembly is placed in a partially withdrawn state, a portion of the nose assembly mechanically inhibits actuation of the fastening tool trigger system.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastening tool assembly that employs an engine having a sliding sleeve arrangement to control the supply of air to and exhaust from the pneumatic engine. The sliding sleeve arrangement eliminates the need for a conventional main valve and thereby reduces the overall weight and length of the pneumatic fastening tool relative to those tools that employ a conventional engine configuration.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.

Abstract: An article having a first structure and a second structure. The first structure includes a structural portion and an overmold portion, which is formed from a resilient material and molded onto the structural portion. The overmold portion is configured to perform an auxiliary function, such as creating a seal portion that is configured to sealing engage the second structure, an isolator portion that is configured to contact the second structure and dampen vibrations that are transmitted thereto and/or an auxiliary gripping surface.

Abstract: A drill (10) has a housing (12) with a motor (14) which includes an output pinion (104) which defines an axis (102). A power source (16) is coupled with the motor (14). An activation device (44) energizes and deenergizes the motor (14). As the motor (14) is activated, an output (18), which is coupled with the motor (14) is driven. The output (18) defines an output axis (156) which is substantially perpendicular to the motor axis (102). A transmission (20) is coupled between the motor (14) and the output (18). The transmission (20) changes speed and torque of the output (18) between at least two different settings.

Abstract: A drill (10) has a housing (12) with a motor (14) which includes an output pinion (104) which defines an axis (102). A power source (16) is coupled with the motor (14). An activation device (44) energizes and de-energizes the motor (14). As the motor (14) is activated, an output (18), which is coupled with the motor (14) is driven. The output (18) defines an output axis (156) which is substantially perpendicular to the motor axis (102). A transmission (20) is coupled between the motor (14) and the output (18). The transmission (20) changes speed and torque of the output (18) between at least two different settings.

Abstract: A drill (10) has a housing (12) with a motor (14) which includes an output pinion (104) which defines an axis (102). A power source (16) is coupled with the motor (14). An activation device (44) energizes and deenergizes the motor (14). As the motor (14) is activated, an output (18), which is coupled with the motor (14) is driven. The output (18) defines an output axis (156) which is substantially perpendicular to the motor axis (102). A transmission (20) is coupled between the motor (14) and the output (18). The transmission (20) changes speed and torque of the output (18) between at least two different settings.

Abstract: A production assembly tool for securing fasteners to a workpiece such as an automobile body. The production assembly tool of the present invention includes a housing which encases a motor, a transmission, a clutch mechanism and a control module. The control module controls the running and braking of the motor and prevents both over and under securing of a fastener caused by falsely detected tool clutch conditions. An improved clutch sensor switch is operatively associated with the control module for detecting clutch disengagement. The clutch mechanism is designed to drive the fastener until the clutch sensor switch detects clutch disengagement and signals the control circuit to stop drive and start braking. The production assembly tool further includes a system for ensuring accurate placement of the power tool motor in the power tool housing subsequent to motor servicing or repair.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes provision for snap-on attachment of a power brush to a rigid dust bowl thereof. Cooperating electrical contacts in the power brush and the dust bowl connect a brush motor in the power brush for concerted operation with a vacuum cleaner motor in the cordless vacuum cleaner. Cooperating latch members in the dust bowl and the power brush enable snapping the two elements together and facilitate their separation. Clam-shell construction is utilized to accept parts of the latch members and a contact retainer supporting both electrical contacts for application of power from the cordless vacuum cleaner to the power brush. An integrated base provides means for retaining both the vacuum cleaner and the power brush attachment.

Abstract: A cordless vacuum cleaner includes provision for snap-on attachment of a power brush to a rigid dust bowl thereof. Cooperating electrical contacts in the power brush and the dust bowl connect a brush motor in the power brush for concerted operation with a vacuum cleaner motor in the cordless vacuum cleaner. Cooperating latch members in the dust bowl and the power brush enable snapping the two elements together and facilitate their separation. Clam-shell construction is utilized to accept parts of the latch members and a contact retainer suppporting both electrical contacts for application of power from the cordless vacuum cleaner to the power brush. An integrated base provides means for retaining both the cordless vacuum cleaner and the power brush attachment.