Abstract: An energy source monitoring system evaluates the state of an energy source and responsively controls a power tool or other device. The energy source may be a power tool battery pack that includes multiple individual battery packs connected in series. The energy source monitoring system may be incorporated into a power tool, screwdriver, flashlight, audio and/or video player, or any other device. The energy source monitoring system intelligently exercises control over the power applied to the device. In one implementation, the energy source monitoring system detects when voltages in the energy source have fallen below a cutoff level, yet allows the device to continue running until the operator finishes the current device operation.

Abstract: An energy source monitoring system evaluates the state of an energy source and responsively controls a power tool or other device. The energy source may be a power tool battery pack that includes multiple individual battery packs connected in series. The energy source monitoring system may be incorporated into a power tool, screwdriver, flashlight, audio and/or video player, or any other device. The energy source monitoring system intelligently exercises control over the power applied to the device. In one implementation, the energy source monitoring system detects when voltages in the energy source have fallen below a cutoff level, yet allows the device to continue running until the operator finishes the current device operation.

Abstract: An energy source monitoring system evaluates the state of an energy source and responsively controls a power tool or other device. The energy source may be, for example, a power tool battery pack that includes multiple individual battery packs connected in series. The energy source monitoring system may be incorporated into a power tool, screwdriver, flashlight, audio and/or video player, or any other device. The energy source monitoring system intelligently exercises control over the power applied to the device (e.g., to the motor in the device). In one implementation, the energy source monitoring system detects when voltages in the energy source have fallen below a cutoff level, yet allows the device to continue running until the operator finishes the current device operation (e.g. a miter saw cut, or playback of a song).

Abstract: An energy source monitoring system evaluates the state of an energy source and responsively controls a power tool or other device. The energy source may be, for example, a power tool battery pack that includes multiple individual battery packs connected in series. The energy source monitoring system may be incorporated into a power tool, screwdriver, flashlight, audio and/or video player, or any other device. The energy source monitoring system intelligently exercises control over the power applied to the device (e.g., to the motor in the device). In one implementation, the energy source monitoring system detects when voltages in the energy source have fallen below a cutoff level, yet allows the device to continue running until the operator finishes the current device operation (e.g. a miter saw cut, or playback of a song).

Abstract: A battery ejection mechanism for ejecting a battery housing removably attached to an electrical device housing. The mechanism includes at least one ejection member having a button and an arm. The arm is adapted to transfer a force applied on the button to the electrical device housing to assist in the removal of the battery pack from the electrical device housing. Button motion may also be used to cause retraction of latches mounted on the battery housing.

Abstract: A battery ejection mechanism for ejecting a battery housing removably attached to an electrical device housing. The mechanism includes at least two ejection members, each having a button and an arm. The arms are adapted to transfer a force applied on the buttons to the electrical device housing to provide a pushing force for ejection of the battery pack from the electrical device housing. Force on the buttons also causes associated latches on the battery pack to move to their release position.

Abstract: A battery ejection mechanism for ejecting a battery housing removably attached to an electrical device housing. The mechanism includes at least one ejection member having a button and an arm. The arm is adapted to transfer a force applied on the button to the electrical device housing to provide a pushing force for ejection of the battery pack from the electrical device housing. Force on the button also causes a latch on the battery pack to move to its release position.

Abstract: A battery ejection mechanism for ejecting a battery housing removably attached to an electrical device housing. The mechanism includes at least one ejection member having a button and an arm. The arm is adapted to transfer a force applied on the button to the electrical device housing to assist in the removal of the battery pack from the electrical device housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of powering a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a motor, a voltage stabilizing circuit, and a light source. The motor includes a field assembly and an armature assembly. The field assembly includes an intermediate tap on a field winding that forms a variable field winding power source. The stabilizing circuit connects to the intermediate tap and includes a voltage regulator having an output that is connected to a light source to be stabilized.

Abstract: A portable hand-held apparatus for punching light gauge steel framing studs used in building construction to form holes of sufficient size to allow building wiring and piping to extend therethrough includes a control circuit connected to a limit switch and a main switch, and an output connected to a driving mechanism. The control circuit is configured to selectively operate the driving mechanism in response to assertion of the main switch by the user to drive the punch and die assembly from the deactuated position, over the working cycle, through the actuated position to form the punched hole, and continue to drive the punch and die assembly to the deactuated position to complete the cycle and assert the limit switch. The control circuit halts operation of the driving mechanism in response to assertion of the limit switch.

Abstract: A power cord set for use in any one of a number of a plurality of different electric tools is provided in order to minimize inventory costs. A power cords set is made up of an electric cord, an electric plug and a strain relief connector assembly having a flexible body with a non-cylindrical section for attachment to a tool housing and at least two electrical connectors which in turn are electrically connected to the tool's electric powered implement.