Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, a grinder may comprise an arbor configured to rotate about a first axis and to support a grinding wheel for rotation therewith, a gear surrounding a first portion of the arbor and having a slip fit with the first portion of arbor, a motor configured to drive rotation of a drive train including the gear, a collar surrounding a second portion of the arbor and having an interference fit with the second portion of the arbor such that the collar is constrained for rotation with the arbor about the first axis, and at least one spring disposed between the gear and the collar and configured to exert a biasing force along the first axis such that one or more resulting friction forces cause the arbor to rotate with the gear when a torque exerted on the gear is less than a threshold torque.

Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, a grinder may comprise an arbor configured to rotate about a first axis and to support a grinding wheel for rotation therewith, a gear surrounding a first portion of the arbor and having a slip fit with the first portion of arbor, a motor configured to drive rotation of a drive train including the gear, a collar surrounding a second portion of the arbor and having an interference fit with the second portion of the arbor such that the collar is constrained for rotation with the arbor about the first axis, and at least one spring disposed between the gear and the collar and configured to exert a biasing force along the first axis such that one or more resulting friction forces cause the arbor to rotate with the gear when a torque exerted on the gear is less than a threshold torque.

Abstract: A rotational energy storage device or spring which includes a roller-cam assembly having a shaft, a ring rotatably disposed about the shaft, and at least one roller disposed between shaft and ring. The roller is configured such that, upon rotating the ring relative to the shaft, the roller interferes with the ring and the shaft to convert and effect storage of mechanical energy created by the relative rotation of the ring and the shaft. Preferably a plurality of spaced rollers are positioned between ring and shaft. A cam geometry which is symmetrical or asymmetrical is provided on the shaft, the ring, the roller, and combinations thereof. A rotational energy storage device having a back-up ring with alternating thin and thick cross-sectional areas is further provided which is indexed to provide regions of low and high stiffness regions against each roller.

Abstract: A torque control shutoff clutch for power tools is provided with a torque recovery camming device which assists in decoupling the applied power of the clutch along with the shutting off of the motor driving the power tool. The clutch permits automatic reset of the device upon release of the throttle trigger and further throttles air flow to the power source just prior to shutoff thereby minimizing operator shutoff torque reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapid interchange of drive head units on a power tool motor unit is provided by forming a flared lip on the first of the two housings to be connected; capturing a coupling nut behind the flare with a split clamp ring; forming a bore on the second housing into which the flared lip and clamp ring of the first housing will fit; forming a positioning stop, within the bore, against which the flared lip of the first housing will be clamped; and providing a coupling device on the second housing to which the coupling nut of the first housing will be coupled to join the two housings.

Abstract: A sealing device for providing a seal between two relatively rotatable bearing components includes an annular ring having a radially inner and a radially outer flange. The flanges extend axially to define an annular channel. An annular wiper element is disposed in the channel so as to axially extend beyond the flanges. The annular ring is positioned axially adjacent to the rotational interface between the two bearing components so that the annular ring rotates with one bearing component and the wiper element is in surface contact with the other bearing component.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool has a one-piece metal tube forming an air motor cylinder and an associated air inlet plenum. Air passages are formed between an inner housing, molded in situ about the motor cylinder tube, and an outer housing separately molded. The inner and outer housings are both formed from a non-metal composite material which contributes to operator comfort by its light weight, thermal insulation, vibration damping, and noise suppressing properties. The tool may be assembled to provide forward exhaust, rearward exhaust, or combined forward and rearward exhaust.

Abstract: The tool has a circular body, and an actuating lever pivotably coupled thereto. The lever, however, has two limbs, joined through a bight, and one of the limbs is fully nested in a recess formed therefor in the body. Consequently, one may grasp the tool about the body, whereat the one limb is nested, without turning the tool on, inadvertently. The other limb extends outwardly from the body, however, and by grasping the tool thereat, and depressing this other limb, the tool is turned on.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a vane motor has a cylindrical rotor body having front and rear shafts extending axially from the front and rear rotor faces, respectively. The rotor is rotatably supported in front and rear bearings and has radial slots extending axially along the rotor body. Radially slidable vanes are provided in each radial slot, and a rear end plate is fixed to the rear face of the rotor body so as to rotate with the rotor and to completely close the slots on the rear face of the rotor. A spacer is provided at the front face of the rotor body to provide clearance for a front end plate which radially circumscribes the front spacer so as to close the radial slots at the front face while still permitting relative rotation between the spacer and the front end plate. The spacer may be integrally formed with the shaft or may be of a separate piece fitting to the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speed controller of the ball cone type having a unique conical head which serves as a face seal valve and further encloses seals and protects the governor against entry of particulate matter.