Abstract: A rotating power tool assembly includes a rotating power base and a modular drive head. The rotating power base may be configured to rotate a spindle, and the modular drive head may be configured to be detachably coupled to the rotating power base. The modular drive head may comprise a torque control clutch, a working tip, and a torque value indicia. The torque control clutch may be non-adjustably structured to implement a torque limiting slip event that prevents the working tip from further rotation, despite continued rotation of the spindle, in response to the working tip being subjected to torque in excess of a discrete torque value. The torque value indicia may be externally visible and may comprise a visible characteristic that correlates to the discrete torque value.

Abstract: A saw blade holder may include a first guard member which may include a first groove configured to receive a first portion of an edge of a saw blade, a second guard member which may include a second groove configured to receive a second portion of the edge of the saw blade, a hinge that may be configured to couple the first guard member to the second guard member such that the first guard member may rotate relative to the second guard member to transition the saw blade holder between an open position and a closed position, and a locking member that may be affixed to one of the first guard member or the second guard member, the locking member may be configured to move into a locked position to secure the first guard member to the second guard member when the saw blade holder is in the closed position.

Abstract: A rotating power tool assembly includes a rotating power base and a modular drive head. The rotating power base may be configured to rotate a spindle, and the modular drive head may be configured to be detachably coupled to the rotating power base. The modular drive head may comprise a torque control clutch, a working tip, and a torque value indicia. The torque control clutch may be non-adjustably structured to implement a torque limiting slip event that prevents the working tip from further rotation, despite continued rotation of the spindle, in response to the working tip being subjected to torque in excess of a discrete torque value. The torque value indicia may be externally visible and may comprise a visible characteristic that correlates to the discrete torque value.

Abstract: A saw blade holder may include a first guard member which may include a first groove configured to receive a first portion of an edge of a saw blade, a second guard member which may include a second groove configured to receive a second portion of the edge of the saw blade, a hinge that may be configured to couple the first guard member to the second guard member such that the first guard member may rotate relative to the second guard member to transition the saw blade holder between an open position and a closed position, and a locking member that may be affixed to one of the first guard member or the second guard member, the locking member may be configured to move into a locked position to secure the first guard member to the second guard member when the saw blade holder is in the closed position.

Abstract: An example cordless portable power drill is provided. The drill may include a drill chassis, and a spindle mounted to the drill chassis. The spindle may be configured to drive a working bit. The drill may also include an exit port configured to direct a flow of a substance towards the working bit and an electric motor mounted to the drill chassis and operably configured to rotate the spindle. The drill may also include a pump mounted to the drill chassis. The pump may be fluidly coupled to the exit port, and the pump may be configured to pressurize the substance for output via the exit port to cool the working bit or remove debris created by the working bit through interaction with a workpiece.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than 3/4 as tall and 1/2 as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: A hinge for a folding ladder including a hinge latch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position disposed within a hinge latch cavity. The hinge latch includes a first locking portion protruding therefrom, an elongated slot formed configured to slidingly receive a hinge shaft, a first opening configured to receive a first biasing member, and a second opening configured to receive a locking member. Rotational movement of one hinge casing relative to another hinge casing is prevented by engagement of the first locking portion and locking member with a respective one of the first opening and second opening.

Abstract: A support frame for a folding ladder, a folding ladder positioning system, and a method for installing a folding ladder, are disclosed and pertain to folding ladders disposable within an opening, such as openings in a ceiling of a house, to provide temporary access between one floor or space and another floor or space. In one aspect, a support frame includes a plurality of separable support frame plates collectively configured to circumscribe the opening and a plurality of connection sites are disposed at opposing ends of each of the plurality of separable support frame plates to facilitate connection of each support frame plate to adjacent support frame plates. The connection sites include, for example, mating locking connectors or a plurality of matching through-holes, which permit insertion of a fastening means therethrough.

Abstract: A stowable or foldable ladder is configured for installation in an opening between one floor or space and another floor or space. An upper ladder section includes a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section left ladder rail to the lower ladder section left ladder rail and rotatably connecting the upper ladder section right ladder rail to the lower ladder section right ladder rail, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper pair of ladder rails and the lower pair of ladder rails. The steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A folding ladder is configured for installation in an opening to provide access between one floor or space and another floor or space. The folding ladder includes, in one aspect, an upper ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section ladder rails to the lower ladder section ladder rails, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper and lower ladder rails. The plurality of steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position. At least one step disposed between the upper ladder rails and at least one step disposed between the lower ladder rails are linked by at least one linkage member so that each of the noted steps rotates between a retracted position and a deployed position upon rotational movement of the upper ladder section relative to the lower ladder section between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A toilet has a pump to deliver selected quantities of water from a reservoir to a toilet bowl so as to effect a water savings. In one aspect, both the motor and pump are positioned in the reservoir to deliver water to both the rim and bowl portions. In another aspect, there are conduits connected between the basin, the rim and controls which are provided to deliver water to the rim and bowl either independently, simultaneously or in selective sequences. In alternative embodiments, a refill tube is connected to an intake conduit and the rim of the bowl to effect a water seal, a fail safe valve is connected to the supply conduit, a receptacle with a cleaning fluid and a pump is connected to the bowl and there are at least two receptacles for receiving waste.

Abstract: A plumbing nozzle is disclosed that discharges a hollow cylinder of water. In a preferred form, the cylinder flows along a horizontal axis as the water is discharged from the nozzle. The nozzle has a core member with an angled wall surface which directs water against an inner wall surface of the nozzle. The inner wall encloses upon itself and has an outwardly diverging wall surface. The nozzle is particularly useful in conjunction with a bathing fixture with recirculating water.

Abstract: A toilet has a pump to deliver selected quantities of water from a reservoir to a toilet bowl so as to effect a water savings. In one aspect, both the motor and pump are positioned in the reservoir to deliver water to both the rim and bowl portions. In another aspect, there are conduits connected between the basin, the rim and controls which are provided to deliver water to the rim and bowl either independently, simultaneously or in selective sequences. In alternative embodiments, a refill tube is connected to an intake conduit and the rim of the bowl to effect a water seal, a fail safe valve is connected to the supply conduit, a receptacle with a cleaning fluid and a pump is connected to the bowl and there are at least two receptacles for receiving waste.

Abstract: A fluid valve has a housing formed by first and second halves which combine at mating surfaces to form a cavity with an inlet in the first half and an outlet in the second half. The mating surface of each half includes a notch extending between an outer edge of mating surface and the cavity, and includes an annular recess around the cavity. A pad is formed on each mating surface between the cavity and the annular recess, and has a groove that forms a bushing when the first and second units are connected. A butterfly valve member is located within the cavity and is mounted on a valve stem. The valve stem has an end that rides in the bushing and a portion that passes through the notches in the housing halves. An annular seal fits within the recesses to prevent fluid leakage between the two housing halves and also seals around the valve stem portion. In addition the butterfly valve member engages the seal in a closed state of the valve.

Abstract: A whirlpool tub has a first set of nozzles located to direct water against the back of a bather and a second set of nozzles to direct water against the bather's neck. A controller has different modes of operation in which water is emitted by either one or both sets of nozzles. Separate mechanisms are provided to direct a pulse of water sequentially through different nozzles in each set. This action produces a progression of pulsating water jets that create a massaging effect on the bather's skin. A pillow is placed about the second set of nozzles. A sensor is provided to detect when the pillow is removed and disable water flow through the second set of nozzles.

Abstract: A toilet has a pump to deliver selected quantities of water from a reservoir to a toilet bowl so as to effect a water savings. In one aspect, both the motor and pump are positioned in the reservoir to deliver water to both the rim and bowl portions. In another aspect, there are conduits connected between the basin, the rim and controls which are provided to deliver water to the rim and bowl either independently, simultaneously or in selective sequences. In alternative embodiments, a refill tube is connected to an intake conduit and the rim of the bowl to effect a water seal, a fail safe valve is connected to the supply conduit, a receptacle with a cleaning fluid and a pump is connected to the bowl and there are at least two receptacles for receiving waste.