Abstract: A laser level includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably mounted to the housing and a laser diode assembly disposed on the pendulum. A gimbal assembly is employed for pivotably mounting the pendulum to the housing. The gimbal assembly includes a frame connected to the housing, a first pair of bearings disposed on the frame, an axle extending through the first pair of bearings, a body disposed on the axle and pivotably supporting the pendulum, and a second pair of bearings disposed between the body and the pendulum. The first pair of bearings is disposed on one side of the second pair of bearings.

Abstract: A laser level includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably mounted to the housing and a laser diode assembly disposed on the pendulum. A gimbal assembly is employed for pivotably mounting the pendulum to the housing. The gimbal assembly includes a frame connected to the housing, a first pair of bearings disposed on the frame, an axle extending through the first pair of bearings, a body disposed on the axle and pivotably supporting the pendulum, and a second pair of bearings disposed between the body and the pendulum. The first pair of bearings is disposed on one side of the second pair of bearings.

Abstract: A battery powered circular saw includes a rechargeable battery removably attached to the housing and an adjustable shoe pivotally attached to a guard assembly for controlling a depth of cut. A locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the adjustable shoe and the housing includes a depth of cut strap disposed adjacent a first sidewall of the housing. A lever is disposed adjacent a second sidewall of the housing. A tightening element interconnects the depth of cut strap and the lever. The battery powered circular saw additionally includes a handle extending from the housing. The handle is disposed substantially parallel to a direction of cut and oriented horizontally above the housing. The rechargeable battery pack includes a pair of laterally spaced apart guide rails which cooperate with the pair of longitudinally extending grooves to permit sliding movement of the rechargeable battery pack in a direction parallel to the direction of cut.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.