Abstract: To provide the functions of (a) ON-OFF and, selectively, at least two of the functions of (b) speed control; (c) overload cut-out; (d) forward-reverse rotation; (e) RF interference suppression, in a universally applicable structural unit, a switch housing is provided with an ON-OFF switch and a switch operating handle; and operating control circuits and elements respectively arranged to provide the functions (b) to (e) are attached to the housing to form therewith a unitary assembly and possibly protrude from the housing so that, once space is allocated in the tool or appliance for the housing and the additional units, selective operating or control functions can be associated with the switch as required by the specific tool or appliance.

Abstract: To provide for simple assembly of a multiple-function switch unit in modular form to provide (a) a basic ON-OFF function and, selectively, at least one of the functions (b) speed control; (c) overload protection; (d) forward-reverse; (e) RF interference suppression, a basic housing unit is provided in which the ON-OFF switch is enclosed, and operating control units having the respectively selected functions are provided, the switch housing unit and the operating control units being respectively formed with interengaging projection-and-recess arrangements, typically dovetail joints, to assemble and secure the separate control units to the basic switch housing and to attach these units to the switch housing and to each other.

Abstract: In a power tool, particularly a saber saw having a cutting blade, a combination comprises a handheld housing having an upper and a lower portion and an end portion formed with an elongated bore which extends downwardly from the upper portion towards the lower portion. A cutting element is mounted at a lower region of the end portion of the housing. A guide handle has a hand-held head portion mounted at the upper portion of the housing, and an elongated shaft portion received in and mounted for turning movement relative to the elongated bore in either circumferential direction thereof so that the housing can be turned with respect to the handle during cutting for positioning the cutting element in a plurality of different cutting positions. The handle is mounted and de-mounted on the housing with a snap-type action. A locking bolt prevents the handle from being undesirably withdrawn from the bore without authorization.