Abstract: A power tool system includes a first power tool having a first power tool rated voltage, a second power tool having a second power tool rated voltage that is different from the first power tool rated voltage, and a first battery pack coupleable to the first power tool and to the second power tool. The first battery pack is switchable between a first configuration having a first battery pack rated voltage that corresponds to the first power tool rated voltage such that the first battery pack enables operation of the first power tool, and a second configuration having a convertible battery pack rated voltage that corresponds to the second power tool rated voltage such that the battery pack enables operation of the second power tool.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, an output member that rotates about a longitudinal axis, and a motor drivably connected to the output member. A rotational motion sensor is arranged in the housing and operable to detect a user input that includes a rotational motion of the housing in a desired rotational direction about the longitudinal axis of the output member. A controller is configured to receive a first input indicative of a user-desired rotational motion of the output member, and a second input, from the rotational motion sensor, indicative of an actual rotational motion of the power tool. The controller determines a user-desired rotational direction of the output member about the axis from the first input, determines an actual rotational direction of the housing about the axis from the second input, and causes the motor to drive the output member to simulate ratcheting movement in the user-desired rotational direction.

Abstract: A power tool has a housing, an output member coupled to the housing, and a motor, rotational motion sensor, timer, and control circuit in the housing. The timer is initiated, and the rotational motion sensor monitors rotational motion of the housing about an axis. The control circuit determines the direction of the rotational motion of the housing, whether the direction is different from a previous direction of rotational motion of the housing, and whether a value for the timer exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the direction is different from the previous direction and the timer value is less than the predetermined threshold, the control circuit initiates a protective action for the power tool. The control circuit also drives the motor to cause the output member to rotate in a direction that corresponds to the detected rotational motion of the housing.

Abstract: A portable power supply includes a housing, and power circuitry providing an output AC waveform having a first positive voltage step level, a second higher positive voltage step level, a third lower positive voltage step level, a fourth negative voltage step level, a fifth higher negative voltage step level, and a sixth lower negative voltage step level.

Abstract: A portable power supply apparatus is provided having reduced impedance losses. The portable power supply apparatus is comprised of: a portable housing; a battery system residing in the housing; and an inverter circuit residing in the housing. The battery system generates a direct current (DC) voltage having a magnitude greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired alternating current (AC) voltage. The inverter circuit receives the DC voltage directly from the battery system, converts the DC voltage to an AC output voltage and outputs the AC output voltage to one or more outlets exposed on an exterior surface of the portable housing.

Abstract: A screwdriving tool that includes a driving tool (driver), a sensor, a sensor target and a contact trip assembly that is coupled to the driving tool and has a nose element. The driver has a housing, a motor and an output member that is driven by the motor. One of the nose element and the output member is axially movable and biased by a spring into an extended position. The sensor and sensor target are configured to cooperate to permit the sensor to provide a sensor signal that is indicative of movement of the one of the nose element and the output member. The motor is controllable in a first operational mode and at least one rotational direction based in part on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A table saw guard assembly for guarding a blade on a table saw is provided. The table saw guard assembly includes a support structure and a hood assembly including at least one of a front curtain, first side curtain, second side curtain and top curtain, wherein each of said curtains are independently moveable and/or removable from the hood assembly. Furthermore, a table saw guard assembly is provided including a quick release mechanism for connecting the hood assembly to the support structure.

Abstract: A table saw guard assembly for guarding a blade on a table saw is provided. The table saw guard assembly includes a support structure and a hood assembly including at least one of a front curtain, first side curtain, second side curtain and top curtain, wherein each of said curtains are independently moveable and/or removable from the hood assembly. Furthermore, a table saw guard assembly is provided including a quick release mechanism for connecting the hood assembly to the support structure.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, an output member that rotates about a longitudinal axis, and a motor drivably connected to the output member. A rotational motion sensor is arranged in the housing and operable to detect a user input that includes a rotational motion of the housing in a desired rotational direction about the longitudinal axis of the output member. A controller is configured to receive a first input indicative of a user-desired rotational motion of the output member, and a second input, from the rotational motion sensor, indicative of an actual rotational motion of the power tool. The controller determines a user-desired rotational direction of the output member about the axis from the first input, determines an actual rotational direction of the housing about the axis from the second input, and causes the motor to drive the output member to simulate ratcheting movement in the user-desired rotational direction.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the voltage of each of a plurality of cells of a battery pack is provided. The method may include monitoring a voltage potential for each of a plurality of cells in a battery pack utilizing a single channel of battery control unit within the battery pack. If, during discharge of the battery, e.g., the battery is being used to power a hand tool, the voltage potential of any cell is determined by the battery control unit to be below a predetermined minimum voltage, the battery control unit discontinues a current flow from battery pack to the tool.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating a charge cycle for a battery pack left in a battery charger. The battery pack includes a battery control unit which is operable to place the battery pack in a sleep mode after a predefined period of inactivity. The battery charger in turn is operable to deliver a charging signal to the battery pack in response to the battery pack entering a sleep mode.

Abstract: A fastening device that drives one or more fasteners into a workpiece generally includes a tool housing and a multistage solenoid contained in the tool housing. The multistage solenoid includes an armature member that travels through at least a first stage, a second stage, and a sense coil disposed therebetween. A driver blade assembly includes a blade member connected to the armature member. The driver blade assembly is operable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. A control module determines a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage and the second stage based on a signal from the sense coil. The control module adjusts a force imparted on the armature by at least one of the first stage, the second stage, and a combination thereof based on the signal from the sense coil.

Abstract: An electrical combination including a power tool, charger and an adapter separate from and connectable between the battery and the tool housing or battery charger to support the battery on the tool housing or the battery charger, the adapter having adapter leads for electrically coupling the battery to the power tool or the battery charger, the adapter having a mechanical lockout for allowing an electrical coupling between the adapter and the power tool while preventing an electrical coupling between the adapter and the battery charger.

Abstract: A fastening device that drives one or more fasteners into a workpiece generally includes a tool housing and a multistage solenoid contained in the tool housing. The multistage solenoid includes an armature member that travels through at least a first stage, a second stage, and a sense coil disposed therebetween. A driver blade assembly includes a blade member connected to the armature member. The driver blade assembly is operable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. A control module determines a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage and the second stage based on a signal from the sense coil. The control module adjusts a force imparted on the armature by at least one of the first stage, the second stage, and a combination thereof based on the signal from the sense coil.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the voltage of each of a plurality of cells of a battery pack is provided. The method may include monitoring a voltage potential for each of a plurality of cells in a battery pack utilizing a single channel of battery control unit within the battery pack. If, during discharge of the battery, e.g., the battery is being used to power a hand tool, the voltage potential of any cell is determined by the battery control unit to be below a predetermined minimum voltage, the battery control unit discontinues a current flow from battery pack to the tool. Additionally, during charging of the battery pack, if a voltage differential between any one of the cells and any other one of the cells is determined to be above a predetermined maximum differential, the battery control unit reduces the voltage potential stored in the cell having the higher voltage potential.

Abstract: A fastening device that drives one or more fasteners into a workpiece generally includes a tool housing and a multistage solenoid contained in the tool housing. The multistage solenoid includes an armature member that travels through at least a first stage, a second stage, and a sense coil disposed therebetween. A driver blade assembly includes a blade member connected to the armature member. The driver blade assembly is operable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. A control module determines a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage and the second stage based on a signal from the sense coil. The trigger assembly is connected to the control module and partially contained within the housing. The trigger assembly is operable to activate a driver sequence that moves the driver blade between the retracted condition and the extended condition.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for operating a power tool. The method includes: monitoring rotational motion of the power tool about an axis using a rotational motion sensor disposed in the power tool; determining a direction of the rotational motion about the axis; and driving the output member in a direction defined by the detected rotational motion of the tool, where the output member is driven by a motor residing in the power tool. Thus, the output member is drive clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is clockwise about the axis and the output member is drive counter-clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is counter-clockwise about the axis.

Abstract: A fastening device that drives one or more fasteners into a workpiece generally includes a tool housing and a multistage solenoid contained in the tool housing. The multistage solenoid includes an armature member that travels through at least a first stage, a second stage, and a sense coil disposed therebetween. A driver blade assembly includes a blade member connected to the armature member. The driver blade assembly is operable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. A control module determines a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage and the second stage based on a signal from the sense coil. The trigger assembly is connected to the control module and partially contained within the housing. The trigger assembly is operable to activate a driver sequence that moves the driver blade between the retracted condition and the extended condition.

Abstract: A screwdriving tool that includes a driving tool (driver), a sensor, a sensor target and a contact trip assembly that is coupled to the driving tool and has a nose element. The driver has a housing, a motor and an output member that is driven by the motor. One of the nose element and the output member is axially movable and biased by a spring into an extended position. The sensor and sensor target are configured to cooperate to permit the sensor to provide a sensor signal that is indicative of movement of the one of the nose element and the output member. The motor is controllable in a first operational mode and at least one rotational direction based in part on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A flashlight in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes an ID module for generating an ID signal indicative of a power mode of the flashlight. In an aspect, the flashlight mates with a removable battery pack that regulates at least one of an output voltage and output current in accordance with the ID signal. In an aspect, the flashlight includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the ID module is mounted. In an aspect, the flashlight includes a soft-start module and a bulb, wherein the soft start module increases power to the bulb at a controlled rate when the flashlight is turned on. In an aspect, the flashlight includes a lamp housing having a lens retained by a bezel. The lens includes an axially extending peripheral edge. In an aspect, the flashlight includes a main housing having a lamp housing. A mounting mechanism and mating features are adapted to selectively couple and decouple the main housing and the lamp housing.