Abstract: A component-based utility supply apparatus includes a wall mounting bracket, a utility distribution unit mounted to the wall mounting bracket and an equipment management rail. The wall mounting bracket includes a longitudinally extending wall mounting flange and at least one longitudinally extending supporting flange. The utility distribution unit can comprise a fluid (gas) manifold, or a power distribution assembly, or both the gas manifold and the power distribution assembly may be coupled together with the wall mounting bracket and equipment rail to provide a combined power and gas utility configuration. The utility supply apparatus further comprises integrated lighting devices and light transmissive lens panel for supplying light along at least a portion of the utility supply apparatus.

Abstract: A component-based utility supply apparatus includes a wall-mounting bracket, a utility distribution unit mounted to the wall mounting bracket and an equipment management rail. The wall mounting bracket includes a longitudinally extending wall mounting flange and a support bracket having an upper supporting flange and a lower supporting flange that are interconnected via a rear wall extending therebetween, the rear wall being attached to the mounting bracket. The utility distribution unit can comprise a fluid (gas) manifold, or a power distribution assembly, or both the gas manifold and the power distribution assembly may be coupled together with the wall mounting bracket and equipment rail to provide a combined power and gas utility configuration. The utility supply apparatus further comprises integrated lighting devices and light transmissive lens panel for supplying light along at least a portion of the utility supply apparatus.

Abstract: A component-based utility supply apparatus includes a wall mounting bracket, a utility distribution unit mounted to the wall mounting bracket and an equipment management rail. The wall mounting bracket includes a longitudinally extending wall mounting flange and at least one longitudinally extending supporting flange. The utility distribution unit can comprise a fluid (gas) manifold, or a power distribution assembly, or both the gas manifold and the power distribution assembly may be coupled together with the wall mounting bracket and equipment rail to provide a combined power and gas utility configuration. The utility supply apparatus further comprises integrated lighting devices and light transmissive lens panel for supplying light along at least a portion of the utility supply apparatus.

Abstract: A component-based utility supply apparatus includes a wall-mounting bracket, a utility distribution unit mounted to the wall mounting bracket and an equipment management rail. The wall mounting bracket includes a longitudinally extending wall mounting flange and a support bracket having an upper supporting flange and a lower supporting flange that are interconnected via a rear wall extending therebetween, the rear wall being attached to the mounting bracket. The utility distribution unit can comprise a fluid (gas) manifold, or a power distribution assembly, or both the gas manifold and the power distribution assembly may be coupled together with the wall mounting bracket and equipment rail to provide a combined power and gas utility configuration. The utility supply apparatus further comprises integrated lighting devices and light transmissive lens panel for supplying light along at least a portion of the utility supply apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable tool station which includes a subframe, a table portion rotatably attached to the subframe, wherein the table portion includes an upper surface defining a work support plane, a tool mounted to the table portion, and a fence fixed to the subframe and extending above the work support plane, wherein the fence includes a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side constitutes a workpiece guide surface, and defines a workpiece guide area which includes all points which are closer to the first side than the second side. All portions of the subframe located within the workpiece guide area are located below the work support plane.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: An improved portable wood planing machine for the surface planing of wooden planks or boards is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the planing machine includes a carriage assembly locking mechanism for locking the carriage assembly relative to a plurality of vertical support columns to thereby vertically fix the carriage assembly. In one form, the carriage assembly locking mechanism includes a plurality of levers which cooperate to engage the support columns of the carriage assembly. The exemplary embodiment further includes a depth stop adjustment mechanism which allows the operator to accurately select a minimum workpiece depth from one or more predetermined depths and a material removal indicator assembly operable for enabling the user of the planing machine to accurately determine the amount of material to be removed during each pass of the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved portable wood planing machine for the surface planing of wooden planks or boards is provided. The machine has a switched reluctance motor. In an exemplary embodiment, the planing machine includes a carriage assembly locking mechanism for locking the carriage assembly relative to a plurality of vertical support columns to thereby vertically fix the carriage assembly. In one form, the carriage assembly locking mechanism includes a plurality of levers which cooperate to engage the support columns of the carriage assembly. The exemplary embodiment further includes a depth stop adjustment mechanism which allows the operator to accurately select a minimum workpiece depth from one or more predetermined depths and a material removal indicator assembly operable for enabling the user of the planing machine to accurately determine the amount of material to be removed during each pass of the workpiece.

Abstract: A yoke for mounting a saw blade to a reciprocating saw, the yoke adapted to be received by a mounting support on the reciprocating saw. The yoke includes first and second arms and a region connecting the first and second arms, the first and second arms having ends for receiving the end of a saw blade. The first and second arms and the connecting region are hollow and are formed of a composite material.

Abstract: A scroll saw having a yoke for mounting a saw blade thereto, the yoke adapted to be received by a mounting support on the reciprocating saw. The yoke includes first and second arms and a region connecting the first and second arms, the first and second arms having ends for receiving the end of a saw blade. The first and second arms and the connecting region are formed of a composite material.

Abstract: An adjustable tool station is disclosed which includes a subframe, a table portion rotatably attached to the subframe, wherein the table portion includes an upper surface defining a work support plane, a tool mounted to the table portion, and a fence fixed to the subframe and extending above the work support plane, wherein the fence includes a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side constitutes a workpiece guide surface, and defines a workpiece guide area which includes all points which are closer to the first side than the second side. All portions of the subframe located within the workpiece guide area are located below the work support plane. Additionally, the subframe includes a wear ring which is fixed to the base portion between the table portion and the base portion, the wear ring having at least three arcuate wear zones.

Abstract: An improved portable wood planing machine for the surface planing of wooden planks or boards is provided. The machine has a switched reluctance motor. In an exemplary embodiment, the planing machine includes a carriage assembly locking mechanism for locking the carriage assembly relative to a plurality of vertical support columns to thereby vertically fix the carriage assembly. In one form, the carriage assembly locking mechanism includes a plurality of levers which cooperate to engage the support columns of the carriage assembly. The exemplary embodiment further includes a depth stop adjustment mechanism which allows the operator to accurately select a minimum workpiece depth from one or more predetermined depths and a material removal indicator assembly operable for enabling the user of the planing machine to accurately determine the amount of material to be removed during each pass of the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved portable wood planing machine for the surface planing of wooden planks or boards is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the planing machine includes a carriage assembly locking mechanism for locking the carriage assembly relative to a plurality of vertical support columns to thereby vertically fix the carriage assembly. In one form, the carriage assembly locking mechanism includes a plurality of levers which cooperate to engage the support columns of the carriage assembly. The exemplary embodiment further includes a depth stop adjustment mechanism which allows the operator to accurately select a minimum workpiece depth from one or more predetermined depths and a material removal indicator assembly operable for enabling the user of the planing machine to accurately determine the amount of material to be removed during each pass of the workpiece.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: An improved portable wood planing machine for the surface of wooden planks or boards is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the planing machine includes a carriage assembly locking mechanism for locking the carriage assembly relative to a plurality of vertical support columns to thereby vertically fix the carriage assembly. In one form, the carriage assembly locking mechanism includes a plurality of levers which cooperate to engage the support columns of the carriage assembly. The exemplary embodiment further includes a depth stop adjustment mechanism which allows the operator to accurately select a minimum workpiece depth from one or more predetermined depths and a material removal indicator assembly operable for enabling the user of the planing machine to accurately determine the amount of material to be removed during each pass of the workpiece.

Abstract: A restraining mechanism of an adjustable work table is disclosed for releasably restraining movement of a movable member of the table relative to a stationary member of the table. The restraining mechanism includes a clamping portion connected to one of the movable and stationary members, and a spring portion connected to the clamping portion for forcing the clamping means against the other of the movable and stationary members and thereby restraining movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an object which includes at least two leg members attached to and capable of folding under an object-supporting surface. The leg members are pivotally attached to the object-supporting surface at pivot axes offset from one another relative to the object-supporting surface so that the leg members may fold under the object-supporting surface without interfering with one another. The apparatus includes diagonal supports, attached from the leg members to the object-supporting surface, which are designed to fold with the leg members. The apparatus may also include side rails defining the object-supporting surface. The side rails are configured to releasably attach to a specially configured base portion on an object such as a miter saw.