Abstract: A brushless DC power tool motor comprises an integrated planetary gear set with a drive drain well suited to create thrust for use in powered caulking dispensers. Disclosed embodiments may comprise a shaft disposed through the center of the motor. The shaft has an acme thread on the exterior with two flats ground on it on opposing sides used to keep the motor shaft from turning. The motor windings are driven with a 12 power transistor control board allowing the motor to be driven in delta or Y configuration, with a “low speed, high torque” mode and a “high speed low torque” mode. The motor controller may determine the mode for the required torque and speed being demanded by the operator.

Abstract: A dripless caulking gun comprises a low friction bushing to enhance a dripless function by allowing the rod to retract more smoothly during the “dripless” phase of operation. The bushing may be changed to accommodate either a round rod or a hex shaped rod. Novel bushing designs allow rotation of the round rods but constrain the rotation of the hex shaped rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: A caulking gun for dispensing caulking material from a standard caulk tube. The gun is fabricated in three basic parts; a trigger assembly, a trigger housing and a barrel cage for holding the tube. The facing portions of the barrel cage and trigger housing is provided with a mating configuration which enables the gun to be easily assembled for use and easily disassembled for storage in a toolbox. A novel drip/no drip feature is provided wherein a cam actuator conveniently positioned on the trigger housing enables an operator to select between no drip operation or drip type operation when caulking material and application requirements warrant such. A thumb release mechanism is provided on the rear of the trigger housing so the operator can release the driving rod for insertion of another tube of caulk when the unit has been placed in the drip position.

Abstract: A caulking gun for dispensing caulking material from a standard caulk tube. The gun is fabricated in three basic parts; a trigger assembly, a trigger housing and a barrel cage for holding the tube. The facing portions of the barrel cage and trigger housing is provided with a mating configuration which enables the gun to be easily assembled for use and easily disassembled for storage in a toolbox. A novel drip/no drip feature is provided wherein a cam actuator conveniently positioned on the trigger housing enables an operator to select between no drip operation or drip type operation when caulking material and application requirements warrant such. A thumb release mechanism is provided on the rear of the trigger housing so the operator can release the driving rod for insertion of another tube of caulk when the unit has been placed in the drip position.

Abstract: A caulking gun for dispensing caulking material from a standard caulk tube. The gun is fabricated in three basic parts; a trigger assembly, a trigger housing and a barrel cage for holding the tube. The facing portions of the barrel cage and trigger housing is provided with a mating configuration which enables the gun to be easily assembled for use and easily disassembled for storage in a toolbox. A novel drip/no drip feature is provided wherein a cam actuator conveniently positioned on the trigger housing enables an operator to select between no drip operation or drip type operation when caulking material and application requirements warrant such. A thumb release mechanism is provided on the rear of the trigger housing so the operator can release the driving rod for insertion of another tube of caulk when the unit has been placed in the drip position.

Abstract: A device for mixing light is disclosed. A mixer body has an aperture that preferably extends entirely therethrough. Light from multiple sources may be introduced on one side of the aperture and removed from the mixer on an opposite side thereof. Multiple reflections of the light between a surface of the body of the mixer that defines the aperture and surfaces of the body that define an exterior of the body promote the mixing of the light. One or more surfaces of the body may be roughened to further promote mixing of the light, for instance all exterior surface of the mixer body except the light entry which is preferably smooth. Another option that may be used alone or in combination with the noted roughening features is the inclusion of a plurality of reflective particles (e.g., metallic) embedded within the mixer body, bubbles embedded within the mixer body, or both. The device is particularly suited for applications where space constraints are an issue.