Abstract: A drive assembly for a chain saw (10) having a brake (42) wherein lugs (102) formed integrally on the brake drum (78) are mechanically connected within opening (72) of adjacent pairs of teeth (70) on the sprocket (22) which drives the saw chain (18) so that upon application of the brake (42) the brake drum (78) and the sprocket (22) stop simultaneously. The drive assembly includes a clutch (94) and a fastener (26) threadedly received on the drive shaft (24) to complete the assembly.

Abstract: An electric saw or other power-operated tool carries a spring-loaded pin for selectively locking the output spindle against rotation and facilitating removal of the blade. The locking pin comprises a bent wire-formed element pivotably retained in the housing. One end of the pin is slidably received within a flanged bearing opening in the stationary guard. When the pin is pivoted by the operator, the end of the pin is received within an aperture in the inner flange washer, the latter forming part of the clamping mechanism for fixedly securing the blade on the spindle.

Abstract: A turbine-driven sander includes a switching system having a double-flap valve adjacent a passageway intermediate the turbine and a source of vacuum. One flap valve is a toggle which is actuated to open or close a bypass aperture, and which is connected to close and open, respectively, the other flap valve, which is mounted in the passageway. When the toggle opens the bypass aperture the turbine stops; conversely, when the toggle closes the bypass aperture, the turbine becomes activated and remains activated until the toggle opens the bypass aperture or the source of vacuum is removed or no longer produces a vacuum. When activated, the turbine vibrates a platen through a direct drive system.

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.

Abstract: A turbine-driven sander includes a nozzle, turbine chamber, and a valve chamber. A flap valve mounted in the valve chamber opens the turbine chamber to a source of vacuum, thereby driving a turbine rotatably mounted in the turbine chamber. This rotation in turn vibrates a platen through a direct-drive system. The platen is supported upon one of the housing members by a pair of platen support members, each member being temporarily connected to a metal plate to form a subassembly. Each platen support member is a molded plastic unit having a cross-member, a pair of snaps for engaging the metal plate, and a pair of flexible posts extending from each end of the cross-member. The support member is attached to a mating recess in the lower surface of a housing member. The flexible posts are attached to a platen.

Abstract: A method of fast charging batteries by means of precise analysis of the profile of the variation with time of a characteristic of the battery which is indicative of the variation in stored chemical energy as the battery is charged. The method specifically comprises analyzing the profile for the occurrence of a particular series of events preferably including one or more inflection points which precisely identify the point in time at which the application of a fast charge rate should be discontinued. Additional methods of analysis provide for termination or control of the charging current upon the occurrence of other events such as limiting values on time, voltage or voltage slope or a negative change in the level of stored energy.Apparatus for performing these methods comprises a suitable power supply and a microcomputer for analyzing the profile and controlling the power supply.