Abstract: A pressing tool includes a motor, a sensor, and a microcontroller coupled to the motor and the sensor. The microcontroller is configured to cause the motor to operate in a first direction, and obtain a motor parameter from the sensor. The microcontroller is further configured to determine an occurrence of a fault condition of the motor when the motor parameter satisfies a threshold. In response to determining the fault condition, the microcontroller is further configured to cause the motor to change from operation in the first direction to operate in a second direction, pause operation of the motor in the second direction, and resume operation of the motor in the first direction.

Abstract: A pressing tool includes a motor, a sensor, and a microcontroller coupled to the motor and the sensor. The microcontroller is configured to cause the motor to operate in a first direction, and obtain a motor parameter from the sensor. The microcontroller is further configured to determine an occurrence of a fault condition of the motor when the motor parameter satisfies a threshold. In response to determining the fault condition, the microcontroller is further configured to cause the motor to change from operation in the first direction to operate in a second direction, pause operation of the motor in the second direction, and resume operation of the motor in the first direction.

Abstract: A power tool including a motor, a first battery pack, a second battery pack, a first switching element coupled between the first battery pack and the motor, a second switching element coupled between the second battery pack and the motor, and controller coupled to the first switching element and the second switching element. The controller includes a first pulse-width modulation (PWM) output coupled to the first switching element and a first PWM signal to selectively close the first switching element. The controller further includes a second PWM output coupled to the second switching element and a second PWM signal to selectively close the second switching element.

Abstract: A power tool including a motor, a first battery pack, a second battery pack, a first switching element coupled between the first battery pack and the motor, a second switching element coupled between the second battery pack and the motor, and controller coupled to the first switching element and the second switching element. The controller includes a first pulse-width modulation (PWM) output coupled to the first switching element and a first PWM signal to selectively close the first switching element. The controller further includes a second PWM output coupled to the second switching element and a second PWM signal to selectively close the second switching element.

Abstract: A direct current fastening device and related control methods. The fastening device is powered by a direct current power source and includes a variety of safety and control features that allow the fastening device to be safety operated without, for example, a mechanical safety linkage or assembly between a trigger and a fastener firing portion (e.g., a nose switch) that prohibits the operation of the fastening device. Rather, the fastening device described herein employs a controller, a variety of switches, and monitoring techniques to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the fastening device. The configuration of the controller, for example, replaces the mechanical linkages and assemblies between the trigger and the fastener firing portion (e.g., a nose switch) that are ubiquitous safety features for such fastening devices.

Abstract: A pneumatic compressor capable of supplying compressed gas to a pneumatic tool. The compressor can be powered alternatively by either a battery or an AC power source. The compressor comprises a permanent magnet DC electric motor and circuitry for converting the AC power source to DC power. The compressor includes a receptacle for accommodating one or more of a plurality of batteries and includes circuitry for using batteries having different voltages. The AC power source may also be used to charge a battery connected to the compressor.

Abstract: A test circuit determines state of an electrical element supplied with alternating current and measures the duration of that state. The test circuit is connected to the element so that current flows to the test circuit when the element is in the state being measured. The test circuit rectifies the alternating current to periodic pulses, which are counted to determine the duration of the current and, thus, the state. The circuit is particularly useful for testing operation of a dishwasher pump motor that is interrupted periodically. The test circuit is connected to auxiliary contacts that open and close in correspondence with the operation of the pump motor.