Abstract: A control system is provided for use in a power tool. The control system includes: a rotational rate sensor having a resonating mass and a controller electrically connected to the rotational rate sensor. The rotational rate sensor detects lateral displacement of the resonating mass and generates a signal indicative of the detected lateral displacement, such that the lateral displacement is directly proportional to a rotational speed at which the power tool rotates about an axis of the rotary shaft. Based on the generated signal, the controller initiates a protective operation to avoid further undesirable rotation of the power tool. The controller may opt to reduce the torque applied to shaft to a non-zero value that enables the operator to regain control of the tool.

Abstract: A power tool generally includes a housing and a motor assembly connected to a transmission assembly. The motor assembly and the transmission assembly are secured against rotation in the housing. A plurality of protrusions extends from a component of the transmission assembly. The power tool further includes an output spindle and a spindle lock assembly that connects the output spindle to the transmission assembly. The spindle lock assembly includes an anvil, an outer ring member and a plurality of roller members. The roller members and the protrusions are disposed between the anvil and the outer ring member. An indicator member extends from the outer ring member. A compliant member connects the outer ring member to an interior portion of the housing. A scale is connected to an exterior portion of the housing, wherein the indicator member moves relative to the scale to indicate a value of torque at the output spindle.

Abstract: A chuck for a drill/driver. The chuck can include an input shaft having a cavity, a chuck actuating shaft and a chuck actuating screw. The chuck actuating shaft can be received in the cavity and can be rotatable about a chuck axis. The chuck actuating shaft can have a threaded aperture. The chuck actuating screw can have a threaded portion that is threadably engaged to the threaded aperture. The jaws can be received in the cavity and can engage the input shaft. The jaws can be coupled to the chuck actuating screw such that rotation of the chuck actuating shaft relative to the chuck actuating screw translates the jaws so that the jaws converge toward or diverge from the chuck axis. The chuck further includes a device coupled to at least one of the chuck actuating screw, the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft for limiting elastic elongation of the chuck actuating screw in an axial direction when the jaws are positioned in a fully opened condition.

Abstract: The fastener tool includes a nosepiece, a nosepiece cover pivotally attached to the nosepiece, a latch pivotally attached to the nosepiece cover, a latch wire pivotally attached to the latch for engaging at least one hook disposed on the nosepiece, wherein the latch wire has a portion extending between the latch and the hook, the portion having at least two bends.

Abstract: A control scheme is provided for a power tool having a rotary shaft. The control scheme includes: monitoring rotational motion of the tool generally about a longitudinal axis of the shaft; detecting a condition of the tool based on the rotational motion of the tool; and controlling torque imparted to the shaft upon detecting the tool condition, where the torque is inversely related to an angular displacement of the tool about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A hammer drill/driver with a motor having an output member, a planetary transmission, a clutch assembly and a clutch bypass. The planetary transmission, which includes a ring gear, receives rotary power from the output member and produces a rotary output. The clutch assembly has a clutch profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and a first pin assembly having a first follower, a first pin member and a first spring that biases the first follower into contact with the clutch profile. The clutch bypass has a bypass profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and second pin assembly having a second follower, a second pin member, a second spring, which biases the second follower away from the bypass profile, and a third spring, which biases the second follower away from the second pin member. A method for operation of a hammer drill/driver is also provided.

Abstract: A contact trip assembly for a power nailer, wherein a contact member includes a curved portion that loops rearwardly towards a handle of the nailer. Also provided is an adjustment assembly including an adjustment plate and a pinion gear, a trigger that is slidably engageable within a housing of the tool, a trigger lock including a ring element, an anti-discharge mechanism including a stop member, and a contact trip lock.

Abstract: A power driver may include a housing, a tool chuck and a power take off mechanism. The tool chuck may have an input shaft mounted for rotation on the housing. The input shaft may support chuck jaws. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. The power take off mechanism may be connected to the tool chuck. The power take off mechanism may be adjustable into a DRILL DRIVE MODE to rotationally drive the input shaft and the chuck actuating shaft together as a unit, and a CHUCK MODE to rotationally drive the chuck actuating shaft relative to the input shaft. The power take off mechanism may be internal of the housing. The power take off mechanism in the CHUCK MODE may rotationally fix the input shaft to the housing.

Abstract: A contact trip assembly for a power nailer, wherein a contact member includes a curved portion that loops rearwardly towards a handle of the nailer. Also provided is an adjustment assembly including an adjustment plate and a pinion gear, a trigger that is slidably engageable within a housing of the tool, a trigger lock including a ring element, an anti-discharge mechanism including a stop member, and a contact trip lock.

Abstract: A control system is provided for use in a power tool. The control system includes: a rotational rate sensor having a resonating mass and a controller electrically connected to the rotational rate sensor. The rotational rate sensor detects lateral displacement of the resonating mass and generates a signal indicative of the detected lateral displacement, such that the lateral displacement is directly proportional to a rotational speed at which the power tool rotates about an axis of the rotary shaft. Based on the generated signal, the controller initiates a protective operation to avoid further undesirable rotation of the power tool. The controller may opt to reduce the torque applied to shaft to a non-zero value that enables the operator to regain control of the tool.

Abstract: A filtration system for a gas powered concrete saw allows the user to inspect and/or determine how much dust is accumulated in the filter. In addition, manual filter cleaners are provided to allow the user to easily clean the filter without needing to open up the tool. In addition, the system is provided to deactivate the tool or notify the user if no filter is being utilized, or the filter is damaged. The system can also provide system lock out in the case of a missing or damaged filter. In addition, automatic methods are also provided to allow cleaning of the filter.

Abstract: A magazine is connectable to the nosepiece of a fastener tool having a driving mechanism for driving a fastener into a workpiece. The magazine defines a fastener channel for storing one or more fasteners, and a pusher channel that receives a pusher assembly for pushing the fasteners towards the nosepiece. The pusher assembly slides along the pusher channel and includes a pusher for contacting the fastener and pushing the fastener towards the nosepiece, and a spring for biasing the pusher towards the fastener channel. The pusher has a camming surface to bypass fasteners inserted into the magazine assembly when the pusher assembly is moved towards the end of the magazine assembly farthest from the nosepiece. The magazine also has a locking mechanism near the end of the magazine assembly farthest from the nosepiece for latching the pusher.

Abstract: A method for assembling an activation arm assembly for a power tool, such as a fastening tool or nailer. The method includes the mounting of various components of the activation arm assembly on pivot pins and positioning of a pair of arm members to load a spring that biases one of the arm members relative to another of the arm members.

Abstract: A fastening tool having a contact trip switch, a trigger switch, a driver, a motor assembly and a controller. The controller is configured to selectively operate the motor assembly in response to inputs received from the contact trip switch and the trigger switch. The controller includes a mode selector switch having a first switch setting, which can permit bump-feed operation of the fastening tool, and a second switch setting, which prohibits bump-feed operation of the fastening tool.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool with a housing with a handle arranged along an axis, a trigger disposed in the housing and configured to operate the hand-held power tool, first and second sets of guide tracks coupled to one of the housing and the trigger and first and second sets of guides coupled to the other. The trigger, which includes a contact surface that is configured to be contacted by a finger of a user of the hand-held power tool, is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The first and second sets of guide tracks guide the first and second sets of guides, respectively, such that movement of the trigger from the extended position to the retracted position causes the contact surface to move in a substantially constant direction having a first directional component and a second directional component, the first directional component being generally perpendicular to the axis of the handle and the second directional component being generally parallel to the axis of the handle.

Abstract: A tool chuck may include an input shaft. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. A chuck actuating screw may be screw coupled to the chuck actuating shaft. A spring may be interposed between the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft. Upon tightening the tool chuck, the spring may be compressed to provide force against the chuck actuating screw.

Abstract: Provided are various embodiments of structures that may utilized in a power driver, particularly in a power driver having an optional reciprocating “hammer” action, for retaining an outer bearing during assembly and/or operation of the power driver. In particular, the disclosed structures provide one or more surfaces, particularly inner peripheral surfaces, that limit outward axial movement of the bearing along the input shaft. These structures may include combinations of surfaces defined by retaining means, an input shaft, biasing means and chuck shields for positioning the outer bearing within the power driver.

Abstract: A power driver may include a motor that rotates upon receiving an input current. A tool chuck may have chuck jaws to hold an accessory. The tool chuck may be coupled to the motor. A power take off mechanism may be connected between the motor and the tool chuck. The power take off mechanism may be adjustable into a CHUCK MODE to one of open and close the chuck jaws while the motor rotates. An electronic clutch may interrupt the input current to the motor if the power take off mechanism is in the CHUCK MODE and if the input current exceeds a trip value.

Abstract: A chuck for a drill/driver. The chuck can include an input shaft having a cavity, a chuck actuating shaft and a chuck actuating screw. The chuck actuating shaft can be received in the cavity and can be rotatable about a chuck axis. The chuck actuating shaft can have a threaded aperture. The chuck actuating screw can have a threaded portion that is threadably engaged to the threaded aperture. The jaws can be received in the cavity and can engage the input shaft. The jaws can be coupled to the chuck actuating screw such that rotation of the chuck actuating shaft relative to the chuck actuating screw translates the jaws so that the jaws converge toward or diverge from the chuck axis. The chuck further includes a device coupled to at least one of the chuck actuating screw, the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft for limiting elastic elongation of the chuck actuating screw in an axial direction when the jaws are positioned in a fully opened condition.

Abstract: A hammer drill/driver with a motor having an output member, a planetary transmission, a clutch assembly and a clutch bypass. The planetary transmission, which includes a ring gear, receives rotary power from the output member and produces a rotary output. The clutch assembly has a clutch profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and a first pin assembly having a first follower, a first pin member and a first spring that biases the first follower into contact with the clutch profile. The clutch bypass has a bypass profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and second pin assembly having a second follower, a second pin member, a third spring, which biases the second follower away from the bypass profile, and a fourth spring, which biases the second follower away from the second pin member. A method for operation of a hammer drill/driver is also provided.