Abstract: A power tool includes a motor, a housing forming a handle, and a power switch disposed within the handle operatively associated with the motor. The power switch is movable between “on” and “off” positions via a trigger. The trigger is pivotable about a first axis. A lock-out link is pivotably attached to the housing. The lock-out link is movable between a first position contacting the power switch for preventing movement of the power switch to the “on” position, and a second position not contacting the power switch, allowing movement of the power switch to the “on” position. The lock-out link pivots between the first and second positions about a second axis non-parallel to the first axis. In addition, a first button is disposed on the housing for moving the lock-out link between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The charging method includes the steps of charging a battery pack, sensing voltage of the battery pack, calculating voltage change rate, detecting a first inflection point based on the voltage change rate so long as a voltage step is not detected, detecting a second inflection point based on the voltage change rate so long as a voltage step is not detected, and reducing current sent to the battery pack when both first and second inflection points have been detected.

Abstract: A tradesworker's radio has a weather and impact resistant features to enable a tradesworker to use the radio under adverse working conditions, such as construction or other work sites. Louvered grills covering moisture resistant loudspeakers are angled downward to protect the speakers from direct splash in case the radio is left outdoors in a heavy downpour. A layer of felt-like material is interspersed between the louvered grills and the loudspeaker cones to offer improved moisture resistance. A non-telescoping antenna of the rubber covered spring type material folds neatly into recess when not in use. The controls include waterproof pushbuttons for on/off, volume adjustment, a weather channel, AM/FM selection and tuning. Elastomeric blocks are bonded to the interior of the housing and the blocks have bonded threaded studs, which are used to shock mount the radio circuit board to the inside of the housing. This circuit board is treated with a conformal coating to improve its moisture resistance.

Abstract: The miter saw has a base, a table rotatably attached to the base, a support housing connected to the table, a rail slidably connected to the support housing, and a saw assembly pivotally attached to the rail and movable between a front position and a rear position. The saw assembly has a trunnion disposed on the rail, a pivot arm pivotally attached to the trunnion, an upper blade guard connected to the pivot arm, a motor attached to the upper blade guard, and a blade driven by the motor. The miter saw also has a carrying handle provided on the rail.

Abstract: A chop saw including a base, a rotatable table rotatably disposed on said base, and a saw unit pivotably connected to the table. The saw unit includes a blade, a motor for driving the blade, and a housing for covering the motor. The saw unit is movable downwardly towards the table in order to cuttingly engage a workpiece. In addition, the chop saw includes a battery connected to said motor. Preferably, the battery is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base, a table, a support housing connected to the table, at least one rail slidably connected to the support housing, a trunnion disposed on the at least one rail, a saw assembly pivotally attached to the trunnion and movable between a front position and a rear position, the saw assembly comprising a motor and a blade driven by the motor, and a return mechanism disposed on one of the trunnion and the support housing for returning the saw assembly to the rear position. The return mechanism may include a spool, a cable disposed on the spool, and a spring for biasing the spool to a first rotational position, the cable being connected to the other of the trunnion and the support housing.

Abstract: An improved portable work bench includes a structural body, and a platform disposed on and frictionally contacting the structural body. In addition, the platform includes an override mechanism for allowing horizontal movement of the platform along the structural body. Further, the portable work bench may include a plurality of legs for supporting the structural body. The structural body may be tubular and preferably has a trapezoidal cross-section. Such work bench can be used by disposing the platform on the structural body, so that the platform frictionally contacts the structural body. Then the user can mechanically override the static friction between the platform and the structural body and move the platform horizontally along the structural body.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes identifying battery capacity, determining sampling interval length according to the battery capacity, and implementing the determined sampling interval length. Also disclosed herein is a method for charging batteries comprising identifying battery capacity, determining current-on period length in duty cycle according to the battery capacity, and implementing the determined current-on period length. Further, disclosed herein is a battery charging apparatus comprising a charger for charging first and second batteries, where the first battery comprises a microprocessor. The charger further comprises at least one terminal for receiving a battery identification signal, so that the charger can distinguish between the first and second batteries.

Abstract: An improved portable work bench includes a beam, legs for supporting the beam, and at least one bracket having first and second surfaces for contacting respective first and second sides of the beam, wherein the second surface is movable between a first position contacting the second side of the beam, and a second position not contacting the second side of the beam. A spring biases the second surface towards the first position.

Abstract: An improved dust collector is proposed. The dust collector comprises an upper duct, and a flexible lower flap connected to the upper dust duct, wherein the lower flap is resilient. Preferably, the upper duct has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, whereas the bottom of the duct is open. The lower flap is disposed in the open portion of the inlet. Furthermore, the upper duct inlet and outlet may have corresponding centerlines, whereas the centerline of the upper duct outlet may be offset from the centerline of the upper duct inlet by a predetermined number of degrees, e.g., about 15°. In addition, the dust collector may further include a wire for maintaining the lower flap in an open position.