Abstract: A battery tester engages a power tool battery and includes a housing having a cavity for receiving a stem of the power tool battery. The battery tester has a plurality of electrically conductive contacts disposed in the cavity and is configured to engage corresponding battery electrodes on the stem. A processor is mounted within the housing and communicates with the battery through the electrically conductive contacts. The processor measures a voltage level of the battery, and a loading circuit electrically loads the battery during measuring. One or more indicators are controlled by the processor. The processor activates the loading circuit for a predetermined period of time to measure a voltage level of the battery while under load, and then activates the indicators to provide a visual indication of remaining battery life. The battery tester is a stand-alone device where housing does not have a motor or a battery charger.

Abstract: A cylinder-crankcase is disclosed that includes a cylinder block having a cylinder head for receiving a spark plug. The cylinder-crankcase also includes a crankcase and a crank arm for supporting a crankshaft. The cylinder block, cylinder head, crankcase and crank arm are a single, monolithic piece.

Abstract: A laser module for use with a rotating blade-type cutting device, such as a miter saw. The laser module includes a housing rotating in unison with the saw blade, a laser generator positioned within the housing so as to emit a laser beam therefrom, a flexure bracket having a connector portion connected to the housing and a support portion supporting the laser generator, and an adjuster extending through the housing and engaging the flexure bracket. The adjuster is movable with respect to the housing to adjust the direction of the laser beam between periods of operation of the cutting device.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission that changes the output speed of a power tool in response to an increase in torque. The transmission includes a first transmission portion, a second transmission portion, and an annular connector. The annular connector may move via a spring and a control mechanism between a first position and a second position to vary the power tool output between a first and a second speed.

Abstract: A lock formed from a body and a projection that is inserted into the aperture in the spindle to rotatably connect a sanding pad to the housing. The lock may include an arm rotatably mounted to the body that is movable between a first position wherein the arm can be manipulated to rotate the body with respect to the spindle and a second position where the arm is contained within the body.

Abstract: An energy source monitoring system evaluates the state of an energy source and responsively controls a power tool or other device. The energy source may be a power tool battery pack that includes multiple individual battery packs connected in series. The energy source monitoring system may be incorporated into a power tool, screwdriver, flashlight, audio and/or video player, or any other device. The energy source monitoring system intelligently exercises control over the power applied to the device. In one implementation, the energy source monitoring system detects when voltages in the energy source have fallen below a cutoff level, yet allows the device to continue running until the operator finishes the current device operation.

Abstract: A screw guide and a method of driving a screw into a work surface utilizing a driving tool and a screw guide. The screw guide having a body configured to be coupled with a rotating clamp of the rotary tool, the body defining a chamber for receiving a screw, and a support member coupled with the body and configured to maintain the screw in an orientation substantially parallel with the axis of the rotating clamp.

Abstract: A chuck is provided with a body, a plurality of jaws and an adjustment ring. The adjustment ring is threadably engaged with the jaws. When the adjustment ring is rotated in one direction, the jaws tighten by moving closer to each other. When the adjustment ring is rotated in the opposite direction, the jaws loosen by moving away from each other. An impact member is also provided for engagement with the adjustment ring. When the drive shaft of the power tool is rotated, the adjustment ring impacts against the impact member. As a result, the adjustment ring and the body of the chuck rotate relative to each other causing the jaws of the chuck to loosen or tighten depending on the direction the drive shaft is rotating.

Abstract: A chuck is provided with a body, a plurality of jaws and an adjustment ring. The adjustment ring is threadably engaged with the jaws. When the adjustment ring is rotated in one direction, the jaws tighten by moving closer to each other. When the adjustment ring is rotated in the opposite direction, the jaws loosen by moving away from each other. An impact member is also provided for engagement with the adjustment ring. When the drive shaft of the power tool is rotated, the adjustment ring impacts against the impact member. As a result, the adjustment ring and the body of the chuck rotate relative to each other causing the jaws of the chuck to loosen or tighten depending on the direction the drive shaft is rotating.

Abstract: A hand operated router having a base, with a portion that is transparent. Disposed within the base is at least one light emitting source, where the light emitting source is designed to partially emit light towards a workpiece. The light emitting source may be battery operated or may receive power from the same source as the router.

Abstract: A hood assembly for converting a surface planer between at least two operative modes for expelling chips removed from a workpiece being planed is provided. The hood assembly includes a manifold that is releasably attachable to the carriage assembly. The hood assembly also includes a hood door that is actuatable between at least two operative positions relative to the manifold, thereby providing at least two operative modes for expelling chips from the planer.

Abstract: A bag for carrying tools and a multitude of accessories is disclosed. The bag includes an open top, a fabric bottom panel, two spaced, rigid, fabric covered end panels, and two spaced fabric side panels as well as two carrying straps and a handle. At least one tool mat for storing small tools and accessories extends from the bottom of the tool bag and attaches to one of the panels for versatile and organized tool storage.

Abstract: An impact rotary tool is provided that is switchable between an impact mode where the tool delivers an impacting torque on an output tool and a drill mode where the driver delivers a smooth output on an output tool. The impact rotary tool includes an impact mechanism and a hammer block that in the impact mode is movable parallel to the axis of the driver shaft and delivers reciprocating blows to rotate an anvil and in the drill mode substantially constantly engages the anvil. The impact mechanism includes a stopper that does not contact the hammer block in the impact mode and engages the hammer block in the drill mode to maintain the substantially constant contact between the hammer block and the anvil.

Abstract: A table saw such as a chop saw, a miter saw, compound miter saw or a sliding compound miter saw that is provided with a laser arbor alignment system. An opaque shield or transparent shield having an opaque mask blocks the laser beam from being projected into a range of normal operator eye positions. One or more openings in the shield or opaque mask provide a sight line on a workpiece initially. As the saw is moved into engagement with the workpiece, the shield is pivoted away from the workpiece and a solid laser line is projected on the workpiece.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine is provided with a fuel injector. The two-stroke internal combustion engine may have at least one transfer passage, an air channel, and a fuel injector. The transfer passage is between a crankcase and a combustion chamber of the engine. The air channel is in gaseous communication with a top portion of the transfer channel. The fuel injector is in gaseous communication with the air channel and injects fuel into the air channel. The two-stroke engine may be used on hand-held, lawn and garden equipment.

Abstract: A grip assembly for one of a clutch cap for a clutch mechanism, a rear sleeve or front sleeve for a chuck assembly having a chuck mechanism with a plurality of adjustable jaws. The grip assembly includes an inner sleeve having open top and an open bottom opposite the top and defining a longitudinal axis with a peripheral wall disposed between the first end and the second end and an elastomeric grip comprising a plurality of spaced apart ribs extending generally circumferentially about an outer surface of the front sleeve. An optional a cover can encircle the inner sleeve and have a plurality of spaced apart apertures to receive respective ribs.

Abstract: A laser leveling device having a suction mounting arrangement includes a housing and a mounting seal extending from the lower portion of the housing. The mounting seal cooperates with an attachment surface to define a suction mounting area therebetween. The suction mounting arrangement cooperates with the mounting seal to maintain the vacuum pressure seal in the suction mounting area. A laser light source mounted within the housing in a planar relationship relative to the attachment surface includes at least one diode projecting an alignment beam through an opening in the housing to denote a reference plane along the attachment surface.