Abstract: Hand tools which have an ergonomic using a palm handle and finger handle designs which achieve mechanical efficiency and ease of use. The ergonomic handle is compatible with the muscle movements of an operator using a hand tool reducing muscle strain and pain. Optionally, the palm and finger handles can have ergonomically designed cushions. In an embodiment, the finger handle can have a finger set which has a forward finger flange, a tail finger flange and a pinky grip. The ergonomic handle can also use a relief washer system to achieve a smooth low frictional resistance cutting stroke.

Abstract: A torque wrench includes a solenoid driven release mechanism and a transceiver for wirelessly transmitting and receiving parameter set.

Abstract: A pair of pliers includes an upper structure, a lower structure including a lower handle, an over center linkage, and a lock member. The lock member is movable between a locking configuration and a release configuration. When the lock member is in the locking configuration, it prevents pivoting movement of the lower handle from a closed configuration and retains jaws of the pliers in a closed position. When the lock member is in the release configuration, it enables the lower handle to be moved away from the closed configuration and allows the jaws to move to an open position. Movement of the lock member from the locking configuration to the release configuration requires sequential movement of the lock member in a first direction and then in a second direction. The second direction is different than the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rule assembly having a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, an elongated blade wound on the reel and extendable through an opening in the housing, and an end hook member attached to the elongated blade. A hook portion extends downwardly below a bottom surface of the housing when the blade is in a fully retracted position. The housing has an opening having an upper portion disposed above the blade, and a flexible cover overhanging the opening to inhibit or prevent penetration of debris therein. The cover is flexed by the end hook member upon impact by force (e.g., when dropped) and permits movement of the end hook member into the opening to reduce deformation of the end hook member. Optionally, a grip cover made of elastomeric material is provided on the housing and the cover is part of the grip cover.

Abstract: A hand tool which can be a multibit fastener driver with an in-handle bit storage system. A fastener driver which can have bit storage system which can have a bypass angle which provide an exit path for a bit being removed from storage which is free of intersection with obstacles and achieves efficient removal of bits from bit storage chambers. A bit storage system which can have one or more bit retainers and/or one or more bit grips which reversibly maintain a bit in storage when the fastener driver is in any orientation. Methods, means and processes for effective and efficient bit storage and release of bits for use by an operator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a railroad track tool apparatus. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to perform an operation to the rail of the railroad track, a clamp assembly, and a coupling. The clamp assembly is moveable between a clamped position and an unclamped position to removably couple the tool with the rail. The clamp assembly is moveable along the rail. The coupling is configured to couple the tool to the clamp assembly. The coupling comprises a pivot, a linkage assembly comprising an arm coupled to the pivot, and a head coupled to the linkage assembly. The coupling is configured such that the tool is moveable between an inner side and an outer side of the rail, rotatable toward and away from the inner side or the outer side of the rail, and rotatable toward and away from an underside of the rail.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a clamp. In one embodiment, the clamp includes a bar, and a first jaw, movable along the bar and positioned on a first side of the bar. The clamp also includes a second jaw positioned on the bar on a second side of the bar, opposite the first side. The clamp also includes an actuator for moving the first jaw toward the second jaw for clamping one or more workpieces, and the actuator includes one or more drive plates operatively coupled to the bar when the first jaw is in a driving mode.

Abstract: A composite level and a method to manufacture the composite level are provided. A composite level can have three layers of material. A first layer comprises a glass-mat material, a second layer comprises carbon fiber, and a third layer comprises a glass fabric material. A composite level can also have only two layers of material. At least one bubble vial is mounted on the level body. The method to manufacture the carbon fiber composite level comprises a pultrusion process wherein a fiber glass material and carbon fiber are saturated with resin and molded into a final shape.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a vending machine includes an auger disposed in a cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: Packaging for a ratchet tool is disclosed. The packaging comprises a display structure, a ratchet retaining portion and a securement portion. The display structure may be arranged to be mounted for display. The ratchet portion retaining structure may be configured to engage a ratchet portion of the tool in a manner that prevents rotation of the ratchet portion. The securement portion may be configured to secure the tool to the display structure to prevent removal of the tool from the display package, while permitting movement of a handle portion of the tool relative to the ratchet portion while the ratchet portion is fixed from movement by the retaining structure.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade holder assembly, a pair of resilient blade wiper members, and a spreader. The blade holder assembly is constructed and arranged to hold a blade at a position of use wherein the blade projects through an opening at a front end of the handle. The pair of resilient blade wiper members are biased towards one another and constructed and arranged to remove debris from side surfaces of the blade, which debris would otherwise be brought into an interior space of the handle when the blade is retracted into the front end of the handle through the opening. The spreader is constructed and arranged to spread the resilient blade wiper members apart to facilitate removal of the blade from the handle when the blade is in a blade change position.

Abstract: An automatic door system includes a door controller having a plurality of door operation modes. A door driver mechanism is electrically coupled to the door controller, and operatively coupled to a door. A door system user interface is communicatively coupled to the door controller. The door system user interface has a processor unit configured to store a plurality of door operation schedules, with each door operation schedule having an execution date, an execution time, and a door operation mode of the plurality of door operation modes. The processor unit is configured to execute program instructions to: monitor a current date and time; select as an active operation schedule the door operation schedule having the execution date and the execution time that corresponds to the current date and the current time, and select at the door controller the door operation mode corresponding to that of the active operation schedule.