Abstract: A shock-absorbing claw hammer includes a handle, a claw and a striking head. Vibrations and shock in the handle and head, as well as recoil, caused by the striking head striking an object are at least partially reduced by shock-absorbing means.

Abstract: An improved design for a switched reluctance motor is disclosed that keeps the motor cool during operation and thereby improves the performance and reliability of the motor. The improved design employs three centrifugal fans mounted to the motor shaft, which are used to create two independent airflow paths, one of which cools the electronic components of the motor. The improved design also divides the functions performed by a single printed circuit board into two circuit boards, an upper circuit board and a lower circuit board. Another feature of the improved design includes locating the position/speed sensing encoder immediately below one of the centrifugal cooling fans. The disclosed construction provides for increased dissipation of heat that is generated by the motor and its electronic components. In this configuration, the printed circuit boards and other electronic components are located in such a manner that air can be circulated in a path to remove heat from these components.

Abstract: A switch and speed control assembly for use in a wet/dry utility vacuum or blower is disclosed. The switch and speed control assembly provides a single rotary control actuator for turning the vacuum or blower on and off, for infinitely varying the speed of the motor, and for providing a momentary boost control. The switch and speed control assembly includes a thumb wheel fitted to the shaft of a voltage varying potentiometer, a snap action switch in operable relation to the exterior edge of the thumb wheel, and a compression spring contained beneath the thumb wheel. As the thumb wheel is rotated in an increasing "on" direction, the contacts of the snap action switch are closed, allowing electric current to flow to the motor of the wet/dry utility vacuum or blower. The voltage levels in the motor, and correspondingly the speed of the motor, are controlled by varying the potentiometer voltage through rotation applied to the thumb wheel.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum appliance having a non-cylindrical collection canister is disclosed. In one embodiment, the collection canister has substantially cylindrical ends and substantially flatter sides. A collection canister lid is adapted to engage the canister around a top perimeter thereof, supporting the canister such that the lid cooperates with the canister to resist the collapse of the canister when subjected to vacuum forces resulting from operation of the vacuum.

Abstract: A caster foot assembly for use with an appliance such as a wet/dry vacuum is disclosed. The caster foot assembly comprises a body; at least one vacuum accessory securing post in the body; and a caster receptacle in the body, wherein the securing post and the caster receptacle vertically overlap within the body to lower the center of gravity of the appliance. Furthermore, a portion of the top surface of the securing post is angled to facilitate the securing of accessories to the caster foot assembly.