Abstract: A muffler assembly for a pneumatic power tool includes a tube member defining an interior volume. The tube member includes an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment defines a first diameter and includes a closed upper end to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, a lower end, a first portion defining a plurality of vents to enable fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, and a second portion defining a continuous surface to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough. The lower segment defines a second diameter greater than the first diameter and includes an upper end in fluid communication with the lower end of the upper segment, a lower end, a first portion defining a plurality of vents to enable fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, and a second portion defining a continuous surface to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough.

Abstract: An injectable composite material made from a nylon and a para-aramid pulp, methods of manufacturing the injectable composite material, and components useful in tools and air motors made using the injectable composite material.

Abstract: A shock attenuating coupling device is provided for a rotary impact tool for drivingly connecting a hammer mechanism to a drive anvil. The shock attenuating coupling device includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, a drum, a shoe, and a body of resilient material. The first coupling member has a first drive portion. The second coupling member has a second drive portion. The drum is provided proximate the first drive portion and the second drive portion and has a radially inner engagement surface. The shoe is provided within the drum and between the first drive portion and the second drive portion. The shoe has a radially outer surface capable of being expanded in a radially outer direction. The body of resilient material is interposed between the drum and the shoe.

Abstract: A pressure regulating air valve assembly (100) for a pneumatic tool (90) is disclosed that is movable between an open position and a closed position such that the maximum pressure in the tool is limited to a predetermined value. The valve assembly include a fitting (110) with a central aperture (112) and an upper portion (114). A valve plate (130) is disposed in the fitting, and a collar (140) having an aperture (146) is retained in the fitting. A proximal end of a tubular piston (120) extends through the aperture, and a spring (118) biases the piston toward an open position. When the pressure in the hand tool exceeds a predetermined value, the pneumatic force on a distal annular head (126) of the piston urges the piston toward the valve plate (130), closing the valve. The valve plate may include a centering portion (134) and an elastomeric panel (136).

Abstract: A pneumatic tool (610) and a muffler assembly (600) therefor, for quieting the operation of the pneumatic tool, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the muffler assembly (600) is slidably disposed within the exhaust passage (616) and includes a tube member (602) having a proximal flange (604), an intermediate tubular portion (606) with apertures (608), and a distal receptacle (620). The tubular portion may include a blocking plate (618) therein. A porous, sound-deadening panel (622) is disposed about the tubular portion, and a diffuser panel (630) is disposed in the distal receptacle. A perforated end cap (624) holds the muffler assembly in place. In operation, the exhaust enters the tube member, is directed transversely through apertures in the tubular portion and through the porous panel, then back into the distal portion of the tube member, through the diffuser panel, and exits through the end cap.

Abstract: A muffler for quieting the operation of a pneumatic tool. In one embodiment the muffler (630) is disposed within a volume defined by a peripheral wall (612) that receives an exhaust stream. An upper plate (631) having several open tubes (632) is disposed in the volume. Each tube is has an intermediate blocking plate (634). A plurality of sound-deadening panels (636) is disposed below the upper plate. The panels have apertures that slidably engage the tubes. A lower plate (650) is disposed below the tubes. The lower plate includes a plurality of apertures (657). One or more diffuser panels (652, 654) is disposed beneath the lower plate. An external exhaust vent (670) closes the volume. In operation, the exhaust enters the volume, is directed through the tubes, then into the sound-deadening panels, back into the tubes, and through the diffuser panels.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool (610) and a muffler assembly (600) therefor, for quieting the operation of the pneumatic tool, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the muffler assembly (600) is slidably disposed within the exhaust passage (616) and includes a tube member (602) having a proximal flange (604), an intermediate tubular portion (606) with apertures (608), and a distal receptacle (620). The tubular portion may include a blocking plate (618) therein. A porous, sound-deadening panel (622) is disposed about the tubular portion, and a diffuser panel (630) is disposed in the distal receptacle. A perforated end cap (624) holds the muffler assembly in place. In operation, the exhaust enters the tube member, is directed transversely through apertures in the tubular portion and through the porous panel, then back into the distal portion of the tube member, through the diffuser panel, and exits through the end cap.