Abstract: An apparatus for punching knock-outs out of light gauge steel framing studs used in building construction to form holes of sufficient size to allow building wiring and piping to extend therethrough includes a compact hand held frame (12) having a generally C-shaped frame portion (14). The C-shaped frame portion has spaced apart ends (16, 18) located along a working axis (20) for receiving a stud (30) therebetween. A punch and die assembly (24) includes a punch (26) and a die (28) mounted opposite each other at the ends of the C-shaped frame portion. An actuatable driving mechanism (36) mounted to the frame is operable to drive the punch and dic assembly over a working stroke range between a deactuated position (52) and an actuated position (54). In the actuated position, the punch extends into the die by punching through the stud to produce a knock-out (342).

Abstract: A line trimmer head (10) includes a line feed configuration which facilitates reloading the head (10) with new line without requiring removal of the spool (24) from the housing. Line (18) is sequentially fed first into the housing through a peripheral opening (20) in the housing, through a guide channel (84, 86) in the spool, and then out of the housing beyond a lower flange (26) of the spool through an opening in the hub (98) of the spool. Finally, the line is fed into a small opening in a spool flange (94) to secure the line with respect to the spool. Rotation of the spool then 46 causes the line to be drawn into the housing through the peripheral opening and wrapped around the spool. The spool provides separate storage compartments (38, 40) for different lines. Additional payout of line is provided when a bump knob is bumped on the ground surface.

Abstract: A blower nozzle (30) and a vacuum nozzle (40) extending in parallel with each other are connected to a main body (10) housing therein a fan (19) and a motor (20). The main body (10) is provided with a dust bag (50). In a vacuum mode, air is directly sucked from the vacuum nozzle and is introduced into the dust bag by the rotation of the fan. In a blower mode, the air similarly sucked from the vacuum nozzle is directed toward the blower nozzle.

Abstract: A disc sander having a scroll type vane pump embodied in a shroud enclosing the back side of a sanding disc. The inlet ports of the pump are coupled by a manifold to a location adjacent to the front face of the sanding disc at a location where the sanding dust and debris are generated. A tortious serpentine path is provided about the periphery of the pump housing which reduces pump noise and increases pump efficiency. The fins of the vane pump are provided on the back side of the sanding disc.

Abstract: A line trimmer head assembly having a central hub and a body including an annular disc extending circumferentially radially outward from the central hub to removably receive the length of a uniform cross-section line. The disc member is provided with a pair of openings on the disc periphery through which a fixed line length is threaded. The interior portion of the disc is provided with at least two retainer clips having a hook shaped member with an incline ramp surface for cooperating with the portion of the line extending between the two openings. The line is held in place by tension which causes the line to travel down the ramp surface.

Abstract: A motor assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner utilizes a clam-shell type housing having a plurality of shell components that cooperate with each other to define a fan cavity and a motor cavity adjacent to the fan cavity. The housing has a fan cavity inlet and a fan cavity outlet. A field is received in the motor cavity. An armature assembly includes an armature shaft extending through the field and extending into the fan cavity. A pair of brushes are mounted to the housing in the motor cavity, and contact a commutator. A fan blade is disposed in the fan cavity and secured to the armature shaft for rotation together therewith. The fan blade rotates with the armature shaft during motor operation to cause airflow from the fan cavity inlet to the fan cavity outlet.

Abstract: A hand-held blower mechanism includes an elongated housing having an inlet and outlet, and having a nozzle portion at the outlet. A motor is positioned within the housing along a central drive axis which intersects the inlet and the outlet. A centrifugal fan is positioned within the housing adjacent the inlet and is driven by the motor about the drive axis. A reservoir is removably secured to the nozzle portion with a tube in fluid communication with the outlet to facilitate spraying of fluid from the reservoir as air is blown through the outlet by the fan. Various attachments are provided.

Abstract: An orbital tool includes a housing, a motor, and an eccentric drive member rotatably driven by the motor shaft. A working member has an input portion engaging an output portion of the eccentric drive member. An annular pivot control member includes an annular central hub cooperating with the working member, an annular flange attached to the housing, and a web extending between the flange and the central hub. The pivot control member controls pivotal movement of the working member relative to the housing. The web enables the working member input portion to orbit about the drive axis as the eccentric drive member is rotated by the motor shaft.

Abstract: A hand held circular saw for a portable circular saw 10 in which a viewing cutout 34 is provided through the housing 12 between an electric motor 14 and a blade guard support member 19. A transparent chip shield 32 is attached to the housing 12 and is pivotable between an operating position covering the viewing aperture and a raised cleaning position. In the preferred embodiment, notch engaging bosses 48 provided on the chip shield engage notches 50 in the housing 12 to snap lock the chip shield in the operating position.