Abstract: A hand-held powered multi-tool integrates a rotary driver, a capacitive stud finder and a level detection device into a single tool housing. The tool housing includes a head portion that houses a motor, a hand grip portion that protrudes from a rear end of the head portion, and a guard portion. The guard portion is generally U-shaped and joined to a forward-facing edge of the hand grip portion. The stud finder is integrated into a base of the guide portion, while the level detection device is integrated into a leg of the guard portion.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly may be used with a rotary power tool to provide a reliable and stable connection between the rotary tool and a tool accessory. The mandrel assembly provides a quick-connect/quick-release connection between the tool output shaft and the accessory via a clamping action. In particular, the mandrel assembly is movable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the accessory may clamped between a clamping element formed on one end of the mandrel and a collar which surrounds the mandrel. In the second configuration, the accessory may be loaded onto or detached from the mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A cut-off saw includes at least one cooling air path through the interior space of the saw housing. The path enters the saw housing via a housing rear inlet opening and/or a housing side inlet opening. Upon exiting the saw housing via a housing side outlet opening and/or a housing front outlet opening, the exhausted air forms an air curtain that moves dust away from the front end of the saw.

Abstract: A power tool is advantageously configured to provide a rotating motion, an oscillating motion, and a reciprocating motion. The power tool includes at least one motor, which is operable to drive these three different motions at the same time. The power tool includes a rotating member, which is configured to output a rotating motion. The rotating member is configured to attach to and detach from a rotating accessory. The power tool includes an oscillating member, which is configured to output an oscillating motion. The oscillating member is configured to attach to and detach from an oscillating accessory. The power tool includes a pin, which is configured to output a reciprocating motion. The pin is configured to provide the reciprocating motion to a reciprocating accessory. The power tool is configured to provide a connected accessory with the corresponding motion during operation.

Abstract: A power tool apparatus includes at least a power tool, a table, a bevel adjustment assembly, and a bevel stop. The table includes a work surface and a panel portion. The panel portion has an exterior surface. The bevel adjustment assembly is configured to move to various positions along a pathway of the panel portion. The tool is configured to move to various bevel angles as the bevel adjustment assembly moves to the various positions. The bevel stop is disposed on the exterior surface. The bevel stop includes a stopper that is configured to move to a blocking position in which the stopper obstructs a first section of the pathway to stop the bevel adjustment assembly from moving beyond a first position of the pathway along a first direction such that the saw blade is bounded at a first bevel angle corresponding to the first position.

Abstract: An improvement for a power tool having a motor-driven working tool for performing an operation on a workpiece includes a material sensor positioned to sense the workpiece prior to operation by the working tool. The material sensor is configured to determine a material property of the workpiece and to generate a signal in response thereto. A processor coupled between the material sensor and the motor is configured to control the motor in response to the signal generated by the material sensor.

Abstract: An accessory for a power tool includes a mounting interface for detachably mounting the accessory to a clamping device of the power tool. The mounting interface is configured to permit the accessory to be used with a wide variety of clamping devices, regardless of manufacturer. The accessory includes a mounting portion having a spindle slot configured to accommodate a drive spindle of the tool and pin openings that are arranged around the spindle slot. The pin openings are configured to receive pins which are arranged around a spindle of an oscillating power tool. The spindle slot includes first linear portion, a second linear portion and a curved portion that is disposed between, and connects, the first linear portion to the second linear portion. The spindle slot is configured to contact the spindle of an oscillating power tool at a first location of the spindle slot.

Abstract: An accessory for a power tool includes a mounting interface for detachably mounting the accessory to a clamping device of the power tool. The mounting interface is configured to permit the accessory to be used with a wide variety of clamping devices, regardless of manufacturer. The accessory includes a mounting portion having a spindle slot configured to accommodate a drive spindle of the tool and pin openings that are arranged around the spindle slot. The pin openings are configured to receive pins which are arranged around a spindle of an oscillating power tool. When viewed in a cross section that is perpendicular to the first clamping face, at least a portion of opposed surfaces of at least one pin opening are non-parallel.

Abstract: An accessory includes an attachment member, a fastener, a locking member, and an eccentric member. The attachment member has a central axis, which is perpendicular to a first surface of the attachment member. The fastener is connected to at least the attachment member. The locking member is movable into at least (a) a locked position in which the locking member is engaged with the attachment member such that the attachment member is configured to rotate about the central axis, and (b) an unlocked position in which the locking member is disengaged from the attachment member such that the attachment member is configured to rotate about an eccentric axis. The eccentric axis is offset from the central axis. The eccentric member includes a first slot that receives the locking member, a second slot that receives the driving shaft, and a third slot that receives the fastener. The second slot of the eccentric member is structured to align with the central axis of the attachment member.

Abstract: A flexible light assembly includes an elongated light transmissible jacket, the jacket including an internal vacancy. The assembly includes a substrate disposed in the internal vacancy. The substrate supports light emitters on a first surface thereof, and includes a reinforcing layer that is fixed to a surface the substrate opposite the first surface. The jacket may also include reinforcing fibers. The flexible light assembly is sufficiently flexible to permit bending such that the flexible light assembly can assume a radius of curvature in a range of 1.3 centimeters to 10.2 centimeters.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a switch guard that prevents inadvertent pressing by a user of the direction-control switch of a handheld power tool. On each side of the housing of the tool, a pair of protrusions extend from the housing, one just to the front of the switch and one just to the rear. Whether the power tool is being operated right- or left-handed, the protrusions prevent a user's thumb or forefinger from inadvertently pressing the direction-control switch while the tool is in operation.

Abstract: An improved detector device for locating studs and other objects behind a substrate (such as a wall) uses one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) in combination with a photochromic compound to mark the locations on the substrate behind which objects are located.