Abstract: A battery powered circular saw is provided with a novel motor housing and handle assembly having a rearwardly extending primary handle inclined 15° to 40° relative to a rearwardly longitudinally extending tubular housing member. A battery pack is attached to the rear end of the primary handle and is provided with an elongated projection which extends into the elongate tubular housing.

Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The system further includes a battery pack charger and a converter for converting AC electricity to DC electricity. A battery pack interface block is captured between clam shell halves of a battery pack housing and includes a plurality of male blade terminals. The male blade terminals are received within recessed female terminals of a tool terminal block and similarly received by recessed female terminals of the charger. The tool terminal block further includes a pair of male terminals which engage recessed female terminals of the converter.

Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The system further includes a battery pack charger and a converter for converting AC electricity to DC electricity. A battery pack interface block is captured between clam shell halves of a battery pack housing and includes a plurality of male blade terminals. The male blade terminals are received within recessed female terminals of a tool terminal block and similarly received by recessed female terminals of the charger. The tool terminal block further includes a pair of male terminals which engage recessed female terminals of the converter.

Abstract: A system of cordless power tools includes a cordless power tool adapted to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack. The system further includes a battery pack charger and a converter for converting AC electricity to DC electricity. A battery pack interface block is captured between clam shell halves of a battery pack housing and includes a plurality of male blade terminals. The male blade terminals are received within recessed female terminals of a tool terminal block and similarly received by recessed female terminals of the charger. The tool terminal block further includes a pair of male terminals which engage recessed female terminals of the converter.

Abstract: A battery powered circular saw is provided with a novel motor housing and handle assembly having a rearwardly extending primary handle inclined 15° to 40° relative to a rearwardly longitudinally extending tubular housing member. A battery pack is attached to the rear end of the primary handle and is provided with an elongated projection which extends into the elongate tubular housing.

Abstract: A battery powered circular saw is provided with a novel motor housing and handle assembly having a rearwardly extending primary handle inclined 15.degree. to 40.degree. relative to a rearwardly longitudinally extending tubular housing member. A battery pack is attached to the rear end of the primary handle and is provided with an elongated projection which extends into the elongate tubular housing.

Abstract: A hand held circular saw for a portable circular saw 10 in which a viewing cutout 34 is provided through the housing 12 between an electric motor 14 and a blade guard support member 19. A transparent chip shield 32 is attached to the housing 12 and is pivotable between an operating position covering the viewing aperture and a raised cleaning position. In the preferred embodiment, notch engaging bosses 48 provided on the chip shield engage notches 50 in the housing 12 to snap lock the chip shield in the operating position.

Abstract: A power tool is provided which includes a shaft rotatably driven by the motor and an axial lining in the central bore of the working element. A counterweight assembly is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith. A post on the counterweight assembly is insertable in the axial lining. A detent is mounted to the post and includes arcuate cam surfaces. The detent is movable between (1) an extended position relative to the post, and (2) a depressed position relative to the post wherein the axial lining engages the cam surfaces and allows the post to be inserted in the axial lining. A circumferential groove on the axial lining is capable of capturing the detent in the extended position to provide for substantially fail-safe operation of the tool with the post inserted in the axial lining.

Abstract: A power tool is provided which includes a shaft rotatably driven by the motor and an axial lining in the central bore of the working element. A counterweight assembly is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith. A post on the counterweight assembly is insertable in the axial lining. A detent is mounted to the post and includes arcuate cam surfaces. The detent is movable between (1) an extended position relative to the post, and (2) a depressed position relative to the post wherein the axial lining engages the cam surfaces and allows the post to be inserted in the axial lining. A circumferential groove on the axial lining is capable of capturing the detent in the extended position to provide for substantially fail-safe operation of the tool with the post inserted in the axial lining.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a portable electric power tool which can be selectively oriented in one of three states being a Locked-off, an On, and a Locked-on state. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger having a first latch portion and an actuator for actuating a switch for energizing a motor, a lock button having a second latch portion, a latch return spring, and a lock button return spring. The trigger is shiftable longitudinally between a Trigger-off and a Trigger-on position, while the lock button is shiftable transversely between a Button-off and a Button-on position. When the trigger mechanism is in the Locked-off state, the lock button is in the Button-off position preventing the trigger from moving from the Trigger-off position. When the trigger mechanism is in the On state, the lock button has been shifted to the Button-on position so that the trigger is shiftable to the Trigger-on position thereby actuating the switch.

Abstract: A combination woodworking tool is disclosed. The combination woodworking tool includes a frame having a horizontal bed for supporting workpieces. A rigid column is supported by the frame in proximity to and extends vertically upwardly beyond the horizontal bed. A powerhead is mounted to an upper end of the column in overlying relationship to the horizontal bed, the powerhead being vertically adjustable for movement toward and away from the horizontal bed. The powerhead further includes a motor and spindle which extends below a lower end of the powerhead. The spindle is adapted to interchangeably receive a chuck for use with a drill or a collet for use with a router. The powerhead is adjustably and rotatably mounted relative to the column for positioning the spindle in predetermined vertical, angular or horizontal positions relative to the horizontal bed for vertical, angular or horizontal drilling or routing.

Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed for use with a firearm scope. The lens apparatus includes first and second polarized lenses that move relative to each other. When differently colored lens materials are used and when moved relative to each other, the color seen through the two polarized lenses changes. In affixing the first and second polarized lenses to the firearm scope, first and second connection assemblies are utilized. The two connection assemblies have first and second latch release members, respectively. The two latch release members are located on the right and left sides of a scope when a user is in the normal shooting position. Upon actuation of the latch release member, pivotal movement of the polarized lenses, relative to the firearm scope lenses occurs. Each of the two connection assemblies includes a sleeve member and a cap lid. The sleeve member is flexible to surround portions of the firearm scope and is made of a material different from the cap lid material.