Abstract: A relay controller for connecting a power source includes at least one relay having at least two contacts. The relay controller includes a processing device operable to selectively switch the relay contacts, and a feedback circuit adapted to identify an actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is configured to recognize a fault contact condition of a disparity between an expected state of the relay contacts and the actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is also configured to responsively communicate information relating to the relay fault condition.

Abstract: A relay controller for connecting a power source includes at least one relay having at least two contacts. The relay controller includes a processing device operable to selectively switch the relay contacts, and a feedback circuit adapted to identify an actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is configured to recognize a fault contact condition of a disparity between an expected state of the relay contacts and the actual state of the relay contacts. The processing device is also configured to responsively communicate information relating to the relay fault condition.

Abstract: A switched reluctance motor having a rotor and a stator is disclosed. The stator has a plurality of peripherally spaced stator poles, each being defined by an inner curvilinear face, which is generally aligned with the curvilinear faces of adjacent stator poles in a circumferential path. A plurality of stator inserts are also provided that are disposed between adjacently spaced stator poles. Each stator insert has a curvilinear face that is generally aligned in the same circumferential path with the curvilinear faces of adjacently spaced stator poles to reduce siren noise. Each stator insert is also constructed to include at least one pocket opposite its curvilinear face for receiving a magnet to facilitate positioning of the rotor relative to the stator poles. Each stator insert is further provided with oppositely extending arms for receiving and mounting a pre-wound stator coil or “wound-in-place” coils.

Abstract: A portable electric tool vacuum cleaner control to permit use of a vacuum cleaner independent of and in conjunction with a portable electric tool is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner control includes a motor control circuit and a motor for operating the vacuum cleaner. An electrical outlet is provided on the vacuum cleaner, which is connected to the vacuum cleaner motor control circuit, to enable a portable electric tool to be plugged into the vacuum cleaner electrical outlet. A three position on/off/automatic switch is provided on the vacuum cleaner for operating the vacuum cleaner motor control circuit to enable independent operation of the vacuum cleaner or joint operation of the portable electric tool in conjunction with the vacuum cleaner, as desired.

Abstract: An oscillating belt sander or spindle sander is disclosed. The sander includes a motor shaft that extends upwardly through a worktable that supports a workpiece. The motor shaft supports a belt sander or spindle sander sanding surface. A combined motor and mechanical drive transmits rotational and reciprocating motion to the motor shaft which includes input and output motor shaft ends. The motor operates to impart rotational motion through the output motor shaft end while the mechanical drive is connected to the input motor shaft end and also imparts reciprocating motion through the output motor shaft end. The output motor shaft end facilitates interchangeable mounting of a spindle sander sleeve or a sanding belt. Thus, the sander is readily adaptable for conversion to a belt sander or spindle sander, as may be desired.

Abstract: A filter condition sensor and indicator is disclosed. A filter condition sensor and indicator that responds to the presence of a predetermined collection of material in a filter operatively positioned in an output air flow path. A small by-pass air flow path is connected to the output air flow path and is separate from the filter. A heated thermistor is positioned in the by-pass air flow path. Electrically connected in series with the heated thermistor is an indicator light that illuminates when the resistance in the circuit is decreased due to predetermined cooling of the heated thermistor. In this way, a predetermined collection of material in the filter increases the flow of air in the small by-pass air flow path for cooling the heated thermistor and for lowering the resistance in the circuit to illuminated the indicator light.

Abstract: A combined motor and mechanical drive that is used with an oscillating spindle sander is disclosed. The oscillating spindle sander has a worktable for supporting a workpiece. A spindle extends upwardly through the worktable and has a sanding surface. An electrical motor is supported by the worktable and includes a shaft for imparting rotational motion to the spindle. The mechanical drive is contained within a housing that is supported by the motor and is connected to the motor shaft for imparting reciprocal or axial motion in addition to rotary motion to the spindle. The mechanical drive includes a speed reducer that is coaxial with the motor shaft. The speed reducer drives a cam follower that engages a cam in the housing for imparting reciprocal motion to the spindle at a rate much less than the rotational speed imparted to the motor shaft by the motor. The speed reducer includes a cycloidal gear that engages a complementary ring gear provided in the housing.

Abstract: A variable speed direct drive drill press/router is disclosed. The drill press/router includes a housing supported above a horizontal bed which contains a generally vertically extending spindle that is rotatably mounted within and partially extends below the housing. A manually engageable or motor driven driver axially moves the spindle predetermined distances toward and away from the horizontal bed. For driving the spindle, a switched reluctance motor is mounted at the upper end of the housing for rotary driving engagement at a desired range of predetermined speeds throughout the entire range of axial movement of the spindle. The lower end of the spindle is capable of interchangeably receiving a workpiece rotating tool such as a drill or router for drilling or routing a workpiece.