Abstract: A relatively flat, rectangular, box-shaped, rechargeable, battery pack has a multi-positionable plug with prongs. The plug can be appropriately positioned for recharging the pack by insertion of the plug into either a European-type, deeply recessed receptacle, in a shallow recessed receptacle or in a flush, non-recessed United States-type receptacle. The pack is adapted to interchangeably fit into a pocket or any one of a plurality of pockets in a device in which the pack is to be employed. The prongs on the plug furnish voltage to the device when the pack is in a device pocket and furnish voltage to the pack during recharging. In a discharge mode, the plug is depressed and latched within the battery pack leaving only the prongs external of the battery pack for insertion into the device to be powered. The plug is likewise depressed for recharging in a flush-type receptacle. The pack discharge circuitry is actuated by a mating post in the housing of the device to be powered.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable, cordless scrubber is disclosed which incorporates counter-rotating, scrubbing brushes detachably mounted on counter-rotating, concentric shafts. The scrubber housing is designed to prevent the entry of moisture and provides a pocket with a detachable cover for receiving a battery pack which can be recharged by direct plugging into an ordinary AC household receptacle. Both finger-actuated, handle-mounted switch and brush pressure actuated switch arrangements are provided. Snap-on pads, and the like, may also be employed.

Abstract: A hand-operated, double-action trigger switch is mounted in the handle area of a portable electric tool and comprises a thumb-actuated safety button protruding from the upper portion of the handle and a finger depressable trigger on the lower portion of the handle. The safety button must be pushed by the operator's thumb before the trigger can be depressed. Upon release of the pressure on the trigger, the safety button returns to its original position and effectively places the device in an inoperable or locked position.

Abstract: A cordless electric lawn edger utilizes a flexible strand of nylon monofilament rotated at high speed to effect cutting of grass and weeds. The rotating assembly mounting the strand is substantially conical in order to reduce drag and prevent grass from wrapping around the assembly. The strand is fixedly secured within a detachable and disposable tip member which easily snapfits into a rotatable truncated cone member. The cone member is, in turn, secured to the drive shaft of a DC motor. The edger is provided with both a grip handle and a loop handle arranged for optimum tool balance and handling.

Abstract: A family of cordless electric tools and devices is adapted to use one or more identical rechargeable battery packs and each pack is adapted to interchangeably fit into a pocket or any one of a plurality of pockets in the tool or device in which the pack is employed. The battery pack is positively but releasably retained in the respective pocket of the tool or device with which it is used. A pair of standard AC prongs extend from a flat sidewall of the battery pack which is of a relatively flat, rectangular box-like shape. The prongs are adapted for insertion into a standard AC receptacle for charging the battery pack through rectifier means contained in the pack thus eliminating the need for a separate charger.

Abstract: A cordless electric device has an external side pocket for receiving a battery pack power source. The battery pack includes a pair of standard AC prongs projecting from one flat sidewall. The prongs may be received by a set of openings in the device pocket for powering the tool or may be inserted into an ordinary AC household receptacle for charging the batteries. A spring-loaded switch located on the same pack sidewall has a first normal position for connecting the batteries to a rectifier for charging and a second actuated position for connecting the batteries directly to the prongs for powering the device. The device is provided with a manually operable mechanism for contacting the spring-loaded switch in the pack and thereby switching the pack from a charge to a discharge mode. In a specific embodiment, the actuating mechanism comprises a trigger mounted on a pistol-type soldering gun.

Abstract: An upright cordless grass trimmer incorporated incoporates fixed multi-toothed bottom blade and plural sets of top blades which oscillate over the bottom blade to achieve cutting. The sets of top blades are driven by a motor through a gear and cam mechanism and are synchronized so that one top blade set cuts at a different time in the cycle from the other set to achieve a counterbalancing and load leveling effect. A clutch mechanism absorbs abrupt blade stoppage and shock situations and a rechargeable battery pack is releasably received by an elevated cavity in a shroud which mounts over the motor and drive mechanism. An upright handle and electrical control means are attached to the trimmer which allows the operator to operate the trimmer in an upright position.

Abstract: A power pack unit includes a casing and cover and a transformer subassembly having a molded bobbin of insulating material which receives primary and secondary lugs, a selected primary and a secondary winding configuration, laminations, A.C. terminals, connecting wiring, and a bobbin-mounted switch. This switch is positionable external of the casing for connecting selected primary or secondary taps as required to accommodate to a particular A.C. supply, i.e., 110 or 220 volt A.C., or to provide a selection of A.C. or D.C. output voltages.

Abstract: Pairs of planar cutting blades with angularly related cutting edges such as are used in grass shears, and the like, and which are mechanically actuated to move relative to each other and to cut by a scissors-like action are formed in a manner such that during each cutting action the contacting cutting point between each pair of coacting edges moves at a uniform speed. The improved blade construction finds application in shears, particularly cordless, i.e., battery, grass shears, by more nearly equalizing incremental power requirements; by reducing the maximum input power requirements; and by increasing time of performance between battery recharging at a given forward advancement speed of the shear.