Abstract: A power tool includes a tool handle and a tool head. The tool handle includes a housing having a grip portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a motor disposed within the housing and including a drive shaft having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a trigger positioned adjacent the grip portion for selectively activating the motor, and a handle interface. The tool head is selectively coupleable to the tool handle and includes a head interface for coupling with the handle interface of the tool handle, a transmission driven by the drive shaft of the motor when the tool head is coupled to the tool handle, and an output member coupled to the transmission. The output member defines an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A power tool includes a tool handle and a tool head. The tool handle includes a housing having a grip portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a motor disposed within the housing and including a drive shaft having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a trigger positioned adjacent the grip portion for selectively activating the motor, and a handle interface. The tool head is selectively coupleable to the tool handle and includes a head interface for coupling with the handle interface of the tool handle, a transmission driven by the drive shaft of the motor when the tool head is coupled to the tool handle, and an output member coupled to the transmission. The output member defines an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A power tool having a removable head, a motor, a trigger, and a trigger stop movable between first and second positions. In the second position the trigger is unlocked to permit activation of the motor. A linkage is coupled to the trigger stop and is positioned at a first radial distance from the first central axis. A plurality of actuators extend from the head and are positioned at a second radial distance substantially equal to the first radial distance. When the head is coupled to the handle in a first rotational orientation, one of the plurality of actuators engages the linkage to move the trigger stop to the second position, and when the head is coupled to the handle in a second rotational orientation different from the first rotational orientation, another one of the plurality of actuators engages the linkage to move the trigger stop to the second position.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter configured to transmit a power signal within a first power distribution volume and a plurality receivers configured to receive the power signal. The receivers include power harvesters, batteries, light sources and light sensors. The receivers determine whether the received power signal is greater than a power threshold value and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, power the light source, etc. The light source selectively receives power from the battery when the ambient light, detected by the light sensor, is below a light threshold value.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.

Abstract: A power tool having a removable head, a motor, a trigger, and a trigger stop movable between first and second positions. In the second position the trigger is unlocked to permit activation of the motor. A linkage is coupled to the trigger stop and is positioned at a first radial distance from the first central axis. A plurality of actuators extend from the head and are positioned at a second radial distance substantially equal to the first radial distance. When the head is coupled to the handle in a first rotational orientation, one of the plurality of actuators engages the linkage to move the trigger stop to the second position, and when the head is coupled to the handle in a second rotational orientation different from the first rotational orientation, another one of the plurality of actuators engages the linkage to move the trigger stop to the second position.

Abstract: A power tool head is removably connectable to a power tool handle. The power tool head has an output for performing an operation on a work piece, and a housing having an inner surface defining a main cavity for receiving an interface of the power tool handle. The housing has an outer surface generally opposite the inner surface. The power tool head also has a first opening for selectively receiving a drive shaft for transferring rotation of the drive shaft to the output, the opening defining a central axis. The power tool head also has a pin extending substantially parallel to the central axis for depressing a trigger lock button, and a second opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface in a direction generally radial with respect to the central axis for receiving a release member.

Abstract: A power tool head is removably connectable to a power tool handle. The power tool head has an output for performing an operation on a work piece, and a housing having an inner surface defining a main cavity for receiving an interface of the power tool handle. The housing has an outer surface generally opposite the inner surface. The power tool head also has a first opening for selectively receiving a drive shaft for transferring rotation of the drive shaft to the output, the opening defining a central axis. The power tool head also has a pin extending substantially parallel to the central axis for depressing a trigger lock button, and a second opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface in a direction generally radial with respect to the central axis for receiving a release member.

Abstract: A power tool handle is selectively connectable to a power tool head. The power tool handle includes a grip portion defining a longitudinal axis, and a motor housed within the handle and including a drive shaft driven by the motor, the drive shaft mounted for rotation within the handle and defining an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The power tool handle also includes a trigger disposed proximate the grip portion for actuating the motor, and a button movable in a direction defining an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis to a first position when the tool head is coupled to the handle and to a second position when the tool head is removed from the handle. In the first position, the trigger can actuate the motor, and in the second position, the trigger is inhibited from actuating the motor.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.

Abstract: An impact rotary tool is provided that is switchable between an impact mode where the tool delivers an impacting torque on an output tool and a drill mode where the driver delivers a smooth output on an output tool. The impact rotary tool includes an impact mechanism and a hammer block that in the impact mode is movable parallel to the axis of the driver shaft and delivers reciprocating blows to rotate an anvil and in the drill mode substantially constantly engages the anvil. The impact mechanism includes a stopper that does not contact the hammer block in the impact mode and engages the hammer block in the drill mode to maintain the substantially constant contact between the hammer block and the anvil.

Abstract: A power tool handle is selectively connectable to a power tool head. The power tool handle includes a grip portion defining a longitudinal axis, and a motor housed within the handle and including a drive shaft driven by the motor, the drive shaft mounted for rotation within the handle and defining an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The power tool handle also includes a trigger disposed proximate the grip portion for actuating the motor, and a button movable in a direction defining an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis to a first position when the tool head is coupled to the handle and to a second position when the tool head is removed from the handle. In the first position, the trigger can actuate the motor, and in the second position, the trigger is inhibited from actuating the motor.

Abstract: An impact rotary tool is provided that is switchable between an impact mode where the tool delivers an impacting torque on an output tool and a drill mode where the driver delivers a smooth output on an output tool. The impact rotary tool includes an impact mechanism and a hammer block that in the impact mode is movable parallel to the axis of the driver shaft and delivers reciprocating blows to rotate an anvil and in the drill mode substantially constantly engages the anvil. The impact mechanism includes a stopper that does not contact the hammer block in the impact mode and engages the hammer block in the drill mode to maintain the substantially constant contact between the hammer block and the anvil.

Abstract: A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, or a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, or both.