Abstract: When connecting two elements that are moveable with respect to one another, someamount of clearance, i.e., spacing between the elements, is included to minimize friction between the elements. The present invention is directed to setting the clearance within a desired range, regardless of manufacturing tolerances of the two elements. In particular, the present invention is directed to power cutting tools wherein it is necessary to set the clearance between one or more reciprocating blades and a blade support member.

Abstract: When connecting two elements that are moveable with respect to one another, some amount of clearance, i.e., spacing between the elements, is included to minimize friction between the elements. The present invention is directed to setting the clearance within a desired range, regardless of manufacturing tolerances of the two elements. In particular, the present invention is directed to power cutting tools wherein it is necessary to set the clearance between one or more reciprocating blades and a blade support member.

Abstract: A trimming tool includes a selectable blade attachment for effecting a conversion between a string trimming mode and a blade trimming mode without requiring disassembly of the unit. The assembly includes a locking mechanism selectively engageable with a pivoting trimming blade that pivots between a retracted position and an extended position by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is reciprocated between the locked position and the unlocked position based on a rotation direction of the motor. The locking mechanism itself may also be reciprocated by centrifugal force. A spool lock, which is also positioned by centrifugal force, disables automatic string feeding in the blade trimming mode. The trimming tool may also be provided with a blower function incorporating a blower attachment readily attachable as a trimming guard of the trimming tool or a blower assembly integrated into the tool components.

Abstract: A trimming tool includes a selectable blade attachment for effecting a conversion between a string trimming mode and a blade trimming mode without requiring disassembly of the unit. The assembly includes a locking mechanism (46) selectively engageable with a pivoting trimming blade (40) that pivots between a retracted position and an extended position by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is reciprocated between the locked position and the unlocked position based on a rotation direction of the motor. The locking mechanism itself may also be reciprocated by centrifugal force. A spool lock, which is also positioned by centrifugal force, disables automatic string feeding in the blade trimming mode. The trimming tool may also be provided with a blower function incorporating a blower attachment readily attachable as a trimming guard of the trimming tool, or a blower assembly integrated into the tool components.

Abstract: A power cord retaining device for a portable AC powered tool. A retaining member holds the power cord plug engaged with a mating AC power jack in the housing of the power tool. The retaining member slides in a slot within the housing of the power tool from an unlocked position to a locked position. In the locked position the power cord plug is held in place engaged with the mating power jack in the housing of the power tool. A release member having a biasing element locks the retaining member in place until it is manually unlocked by the user thereby permitting the retaining member to be moved slidably away from the power jack to permit removal of the plug from the power jack. An alternative embodiment incorporates a flexible release member which is biased into engagement with the retaining member, which therefore does not require a separate biasing element.

Abstract: When connecting two elements that are moveable with respect to one another, some amount of clearance, i.e., spacing between the elements, is included to minimize friction between the elements. The present invention is directed to setting the clearance within a desired range, regardless of manufacturing tolerances of the two elements. In particular, the present invention is directed to power cutting tools wherein it is necessary to set the clearance between one or more reciprocating blades and a blade support member.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter having a mulching blade system including a cutting blade and an independent vortex inducing blade. The cutting blade performs no vortex inducing function but rather only operates to cut vegetation. The vortex inducing blade is designed strictly to provide vortices at the outer ends thereof, and does not perform any cutting function. The vortices operate to even more effectively suspend vegetation trimmings within a volute cutting chamber of a deck of the vegetation cutter such that the trimmings can be cut several times by the cutting blade before being deposited back into the vegetation over which the cutter is traversing.

Abstract: A trimming tool includes a selectable blade attachment for effecting a conversion between a string trimming mode and a blade trimming mode without requiring disassembly of the unit. The assembly includes a locking mechanism (46) selectively engageable with a pivoting trimming blade (40) that pivots between a retracted position and an extended position by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is reciprocated between the locked position and the unlocked position based on a rotation direction of the motor. The locking mechanism itself may also be reciprocated by centrifugal force. A spool lock, which is also positioned by centrifugal force, disables automatic string feeding in the blade trimming mode. The trimming tool may also be provided with a blower function incorporating a blower attachment readily attachable as a trimming guard of the trimming tool, or a blower assembly integrated into the tool components.

Abstract: A fan retention system for a blower/vacuum securely retains the fan and creates an insulating barrier to prevent the operator from touching the functionally insulated armature shaft. A nut having interlocking ramps for interlocking with interconnecting portions on an abutting fan surface is provided. The interconnecting portions of the fan may be either ramps or recesses. Furthermore, the nut has a closed end for insulating the armature shaft from the operator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a power brush which projects dirt particles directly into a specially formed and located vacuum nozzle in such a manner that low air consumption can be used. The vacuum nozzle has an inlet extending along the full axial length of the power brush. Inclined grooming brushes may be provided to eliminate wheel tracks. The front wall forwardly of the power brush may be modified to provide front edge cleaning. A cordless upright vacuum cleaner may advantageously be provided having a cleaning performance comparable with that of mains powered upright cleaners.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a power brush which projects dirt particles directly into a specially formed and located vacuum nozzle in such a manner that low air consumption can be used. The vacuum nozzle has an inlet extending along the full axial length of the power brush. Inclined grooming brushes may be provided to eliminate wheel tracks. The front wall forwardly of the power brush may be modified to provide front edge cleaning. A cordless upright vacuum cleaner may advantageously be provided having a cleaning performance comparable with that of mains powered upright cleaners.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a power brush which projects dirt particles directly into a specially formed and located vacuum nozzle in such a manner that low air consumption can be used. The vacuum nozzle has an inlet extending along the full axial length of the power brush. Inclined grooming brushes may be provided to eliminate wheel tracks. The front wall forwardly of the power brush may be modified to provide front edge cleaning. A cordless upright vacuum cleaner may advantageously be provided having a cleaning performance comparable with that of mains powered upright cleaners.

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 tachometer generator of the inductive pickup variety is disclosed, particularly adapted to be mounted in close proximity with a rotating multipole permanent magnet structure. The coil produces a voltage output proportional to the rate of change and magnitude of the magnetic flux of the rotating magnet. In accordance with this invention, an inductive pickup is disclosed having a core piece which acts as a conduction path for the magnetic field of the rotating magnet and further acts as a means for mounting the inductive pickup within the associated structure. Lead wires are imbedded within the bobbin and form protruding central conductors which act as posts to which each end of the coil wires are electrically and mechanically attached. The lead wires and core piece components are insert molded such that they are loaded into an injection molding die prior to the introduction of plastic material in a molten state which forms the bobbin component.

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.

Abstract: A variable speed trigger switch particularly adapted for use with electric power tools such as drills. The trigger switch features clam shell construction and a single vertically disposed circuit board thereby facilitating assembly and resulting in a low cost and compact unit. Wire connections are kept to a minimum through use of the circuit board in accordance with this invention having power contact resistance and wire terminal connectors formed directly on the board. The trigger switch includes a locking feature enabling the trigger switch to be locked at a desired position and further provides an adjustable detent which can be felt by the user during trigger retraction. The electronics package of the trigger switch employs an electronic motor speed control circuit which provides a combination of open loop and closed loop motor control.

Abstract: A variable speed trigger switch particularly adapted for use with electric power tools such as drills. The trigger switch features clam shell construction and a single vertically disposed circuit board thereby facilitating assembly and resulting in a low cost and compact unit. Wire connections are kept to a minimum through use of the circuit board in accordance with this invention having power contact resistance and wire terminal connectors formed directly on the board. The trigger switch includes a locking feature enabling the trigger switch to be locked at a desired position and further provides an adjustable detent which can be felt by the user during trigger retraction. The electronics package of the trigger switch employs an electronic motor speed control circuit which provides a combination of open loop and closed loop motor control.

Abstract: A variable speed trigger switch particularly adapted for use with electric power tools such as drills. The trigger switch features clam shell construction and a single vertically disposed circuit board thereby facilitating assembly and resulting in a low cost and compact unit. Wire connections are kept to a minimum through use of the circuit board in accordance with this invention having power contact resistance and wire terminal connectors formed directly on the board. The trigger switch includes a locking feature enabling the trigger switch to be locked at a desired position and further provides an adjustable detent which can be felt by the user during trigger retraction. The electronics package of the trigger switch employs an electronic motor speed control circuit which provides a combination of open loop and closed loop motor control.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner tool is removably mounted on the elongated wand of a conventional vacuum cleaner. The tool includes a head or main housing having a forwardly-disposed brush enclosure portion with a lower planar opening formed therein. A brush is rotatably journaled in the brush enclosure portion of the housing and protrudes below the opening therein. An air turbine is rotatably journaled in the housing and is drivingly connected to the brush. The axis of the housing is coincident with the axis of the wand, and both are arranged at 45 degrees with respect to the planar opening for the brush. In one position, the planar opening is in a horizontal plane. The mounting means between the housing and the wand includes a swivel member. This swivel member enables the housing to be rotated 180 degrees with respect to the wand. When so rotated, the planar opening for the brush is in a vertical plane.