Abstract: This invention provides a bidirectional interactive traffic-control management system. The system comprises a road and traffic network information subsystem, an urban traffic control subsystem and a road-users' route guidance subsystem. The first subsystem forms real-time traffic information of all road sections in the digital urban traffic-control road network. The second subsystem generates a real-time optimal signal timing plan for each intersection based on the real-time traffic information of its connecting road sections. The third subsystem generates a real-time optimal route plan based on the real-time travel information of all road-users, the real-time traffic information of all road sections, and the real-time optimal signal timing plan of each intersection of the road network. It then transmits the optimal route plan into a navigator in a mobile device of a road-user or in an on-board-unit of a moving vehicle or via a roadside unit for transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for increasing construction site safety. The present invention reduces the risk of a construction or similar large vehicle or piece of mobile machinery hitting a construction worker. The system uses low-power wireless beacons embedded in a construction worker's hardhat or otherwise on the construction worker's person. The low-power wireless beacon interacts with sensor modules around the construction site, on construction vehicles, on construction equipment, or any other suitable placement known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. The sensor modules send alert signals to a display accessible to a driver of the vehicle, and/or a foreman on the construction site. While the present invention is discussed herein in the context of construction safety, it should be noted that such a system can be applied to any situation where tracking and alert generation would be beneficial.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a power tool includes a first transmission path comprising a high speed transmission path, a second transmission path comprising a low speed transmission path, a controller for one of engaging and disengaging the high speed transmission path, and a clutch for enabling the low speed transmission path to operate at a lower speed than an output of the transmission assembly when the high speed transmission path is engaged.

Abstract: A transmission assembly is powered by an electric motor and includes a transmission having an outer ring gear, a connector moveable relative to the outer ring gear between a first position, in which the connector is rotatable with the transmission in response to torque received from the motor, and a second position, in which the connector and the outer ring gear are non-rotatable, and a control mechanism operable to detect the operating current of the motor and compare the operating current to a threshold current. The control mechanism is operable to move the connector from the first position to the second position in response to the motor operating current exceeding the threshold current.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a power tool includes a first transmission path comprising a high speed transmission path, a second transmission path comprising a low speed transmission path, a controller for one of engaging and disengaging the high speed transmission path, and a clutch for enabling the low speed transmission path to operate at a lower speed than an output of the transmission assembly when the high speed transmission path is engaged.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a power tool comprises a first transmission path comprising a high speed transmission path and a second transmission path comprising a low speed transmission path. Driven gears of each transmission path are permanently driven during operation of the transmission. A controller is provided for engaging or disengaging the high speed transmission path in response to monitored operating current of an electric motor providing a driving torque to an input of the transmission. When disengaged, a driven gear of the high speed transmission path continues to be driven, but the driven gear is disengaged from an output of the transmission. Consequently, under these circumstances, the low speed transmission path is the ‘active’ transmission path providing a low speed, high torque drive to the transmission output.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a power tool comprises a first transmission path comprising a high speed transmission path and a second transmission path comprising a low speed transmission path. Driven gears of each transmission path are permanently driven during operation of the transmission. A controller is provided for engaging or disengaging the high speed transmission path in response to monitored operating current of an electric motor providing a driving torque to an input of the transmission. When disengaged, a driven gear of the high speed transmission path continues to be driven, but the driven gear is disengaged from an output of the transmission. Consequently, under these circumstances, the low speed transmission path is the ‘active’ transmission path providing a low speed, high torque drive to the transmission output.

Abstract: A transmission assembly is powered by an electric motor and includes a transmission having an outer ring gear, a connector moveable relative to the outer ring gear between a first position, in which the connector is rotatable with the transmission in response to torque received from the motor, and a second position, in which the connector and the outer ring gear are non-rotatable, and a control mechanism operable to detect the operating current of the motor and compare the operating current to a threshold current. The control mechanism is operable to move the connector from the first position to the second position in response to the motor operating current exceeding the threshold current.

Abstract: A storable blade for use with a saw, such as a jigsaw. The blade has stored and operative positions. In the stored position, the blade is disposed in the housing, and in the operative position, the blade is in the cutting position. In either the operative or the stored positions, the saw blade is coupled with the jigsaw.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission that changes the output speed of a power tool in response to an increase in torque. The transmission includes a first transmission portion, a second transmission portion, and an annular connector. The annular connector may move via a spring and a control mechanism between a first position and a second position to vary the power tool output between a first and a second speed.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission that changes the output speed of a power tool in response to an increase in torque. The transmission includes a first transmission portion, a second transmission portion, and an annular connector. The annular connector may move via a spring and a control mechanism between a first position and a second position to vary the power tool output between a first and a second speed.