Abstract: A switch lockout mechanism for a power tool includes a handle housing for gripping by a power tool operator. The handle housing is generally elongated in a direction corresponding to the gripping axis of a power tool operator. A switch is attached to the housing and is actuatable between an “on” position and an “off” position. A locking member is rotatably or pivotally attached to the housing. The locking member is rotatable about an axis that generally extends in the same direction as the handle housing in an elongated direction. The locking member has a first rotatable position wherein the switch is locked in its “off” position, and a second rotatable position wherein the switch is actuated to its “on” position. An actuating member allows a tool operator to move the locking member between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A viewing window for covering an aperture in a hand-held circular saw includes an optically transmissive member adapted to be coupled with the guard. The member is movable between a closed position, wherein the member substantially covers the aperture, and the open position, wherein the member at least partially uncovers the aperture, to allow the cleaning of the member. A structure is provided for biasing the member to the closed position.

Abstract: A switch lockout mechanism for a power tool includes a handle housing for gripping by a power tool operator. The handle housing is generally elongated in a direction corresponding to the gripping axis of a power tool operator. A switch is attached to the housing and is actuatable between an “on” position and an “off” position. A locking member is rotatably or pivotally attached to the housing. The locking member is rotatable about an axis that generally extends in the same direction as the handle housing in an elongated direction. The locking member has a first rotatable position wherein the switch is locked in its “off” position, and a second rotatable position wherein the switch is actuated to its “on” position. An actuating member allows a tool operator to move the locking member between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A viewing window for covering an aperture in a hand-held circular saw includes an optically transmissive member adapted to be coupled with the guard. The member is movable between a closed position, wherein the member substantially covers the aperture, and the open position, wherein the member at least partially uncovers the aperture, to allow the cleaning of the member. A structure is provided for biasing the member to the closed position.

Abstract: A switch lockout mechanism for a power tool includes a handle housing for gripping by a power tool operator. The handle housing is generally elongated in a direction corresponding to the gripping axis of a power tool operator. A switch is attached to the housing and is actuatable between an “on” position and an “off” position. A locking member is rotatably or pivotally attached to the housing. The locking member is rotatable about an axis that generally extends in the same direction as the handle housing in an elongated direction. The locking member has a first rotatable position wherein the switch is locked in its “off” position, and a second rotatable position wherein the switch is actuated to its “on” position. An actuating member allows a tool operator to move the locking member between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A viewing window for covering an aperture in a hand-held circular saw includes an optically transmissive member adapted to be coupled with the guard. The member is movable between a closed position, wherein the member substantially covers the aperture, and the open position, wherein the member at least partially uncovers the aperture, to allow the cleaning of the member. A structure is provided for biasing the member to the closed position.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a power tool that generates dust includes a housing surrounding a portion of the power tool, an outlet section of the housing for accommodating the flow of dust away from the power tool and a conduit that is coupled with the outlet section to direct the flow of dust from the housing. During operation of the power tool, the conduit is rigidly coupled with the outlet section in an advanced position in which rotational movement of the conduit relative to the outlet section is impeded. The direction of dust flow out of the conduit may be selectively adjusted by transferring the assembly to a retracted position in which rotational movement of the conduit relative to the outlet section is substantially unimpeded. The outlet section and conduit may be tapered so that the advanced position is obtained through a friction fit.

Abstract: A switch lockout mechanism for a power tool includes a handle housing for gripping by a power tool operator. The handle housing is generally elongated in a direction corresponding to the gripping axis of a power tool operator. A switch is attached to the housing and is actuatable between an "on" position and an "off" position. A locking member is rotatably or pivotally attached to the housing. The locking member is rotatable about an axis that generally extends in the same direction as the handle housing in an elongated direction. The locking member has a first rotatable position wherein the switch is locked in its "off" position, and a second rotatable position wherein the switch is actuated to its "on" position. An actuating member allows a tool operator to move the locking member between its first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting deflection of the armature shaft 38, 38', 103 of an electrically powered tool, such as a hand held saw 10 or drill 91. In saw 10, the armature shaft 38, 38'extends as a cantilever from the motor 14 and has a geared connection 58, 60 to an arbor 44 for driving the saw blade 18. An arrangement for limiting the deflection of the armature shaft 38, 38' comprises a pilot member 72, 84 and a socket 68, 82 associated, respectively, with one and the other of the armature shaft and a motor housing supported wall. The socket 68, 82 is larger in cross-section than that of the pilot member 72, 84 and limits transverse deflection of the armature shaft 38, 38' away from its axis of rotation A. If the saw 10 stalls in the material being cut, force is transmitted from the geared connection 58, 60 to the armature shaft 38, 38'.

Abstract: A window assembly is provided for use on a hand-held circular saw. The window assembly has a transparent member that is attached to an upper guard of the saw in a covering relationship with an aperture provided in the upper guard. A projecting rib is provided that is coupled to and which extends outwardly from the guard adjacent the forward edge of the transparent member. The projecting rib substantially prevents light emanating forwardly of the saw from reflecting off of the member.

Abstract: A high speed thrust bearing assembly is provided for use on a hand-held circular saw. The thrust bearing assembly is held in place within a plastic housing which has a through hole therethrough. The plastic housing further has a first counterbore which is larger than the through hole, and a second counterbore which is larger than the first counterbore. A high speed thrust plate is placed within the plastic housing. The thrust plate has a flange section and a bearing section. The bearing section has an indentation therein. The thrust plate is placed within the plastic housing so that the bearing section is disposed through the through hole of the plastic housing with the flange section being held within the first counterbore. A sleeve bearing is thereafter placed within the second counterbore and surrounds a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft has a terminal end with a cylindrical projection thereon which matingly fits within the indentation of the bearing section in the thrust plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting deflection of the armature shaft 38, 38', 103 of an electrically powered tool, such as a hand held saw 10 or drill 91. In saw 10, the armature shaft 38, 38' extends as a cantilever from the motor 14 and has a geared connection 58, 60 to an arbor 44 for driving the saw blade 18. An arrangement for limiting the deflection of the armature shaft 38, 38' comprises a pilot member 72, 84 and a socket 68, 82 associated, respectively, with one and the other of the armature shaft and a motor housing supported wall. The socket 68, 82 is larger in cross-section than that of the pilot member 72, 84 and limits transverse deflection of the armature shaft 38, 38' away from its axis of rotation A. If the saw 10 stalls in the material being cut, force is transmitted from the geared connection 58, 60 to the armature shaft 38, 38'.

Abstract: A viewing window for covering an aperture in a hand-held circular saw includes an optically transmissive member adapted to be coupled with the guard. The member is movable between a closed position, wherein the member substantially covers the aperture, and the open position, wherein the member at least partially uncovers the aperture, to allow the cleaning of the member. A structure is provided for biasing the member to the closed position.

Abstract: In the compact transmission of a hand-held reciprocating power saw, conversion of rotary to reciprocating motion is through a speed reducing bevel gear set (crown wheel and pinion) closely coupled by an eccentric drive pin in the crown wheel to a reciprocating saw blade carrier bar. A guide or bearing plate extending between the crown wheel and the saw blade carrier bar does double duty, guiding and supporting the saw blade carrier bar on one side and, on its opposite side, providing a thrust surface for the crown wheel. The crown wheel engages the guide plate through a thrust ring about equal in diameter to the diameter of the crown wheel. In this way, the shallow crown wheel may be positioned, supported and stabilized entirely by two simple bearings--a large diameter plain thrust bearing of essentially no radial capacity and a short radial bearing subject to virtually no bending or thrust loads.

Abstract: A receptacle (74) in the shoe (12) of a circular saw (14) holds an accessory tool (10) which combines the functions of blade wrench and square. The base (18) of the L-shaped tool (10) is bent to provide an offset bearing surface (52) to facilitate its use as a square. The base (18) also includes a hexagonal wrench opening (46) sized to fit the saw blade retaining nut (48). An interrupted longitudinal groove (26) in the "upright" portion (16) of the L helps guide the tool (10) into the receptacle (74) and hold it there.

Abstract: In the compact transmission of a hand-held reciprocating power saw, conversion of rotary to reciprocating motion is through a speed reducing bevel gear set (crown wheel and pinion) closely coupled by an eccentric drive pin in the crown wheel to a reciprocating saw blade carrier bar. A guide or bearing plate extending between the crown wheel and the saw blade carrier bar does double duty, guiding and supporting the saw blade carrier bar on one side and, on its opposite side, providing a thrust surface for the crown wheel. The crown wheel engages the guide plate through a thrust ring about equal in diameter to the diameter of the crown wheel. In this way, the shallow crown wheel may be positioned, supported and stabilized entirely by two simple bearings--a large diameter plain thrust bearing of essentially no radial capacity and a short radial bearing subject to virtually no bending or thrust loads.

Abstract: In a unitary bifurcated brush holder for a small electric motor, a pair of coplanar terminal tabs, each axially spaced and laterally offset from the brush holder sleeve, extend axially of the motor for direct plug-in engagement, in assembly operation, with terminals at the commutator end of a stator assembly. The brush holder is made from a single sheet metal stamping. The terminal tabs are carried at the end of a support arm extending from a wall of the brush holder sleeve. In assembly, the brush holder is mounted in an insulator which includes support bosses for engaging and augmenting the support of the rear end of the terminal tabs.

Abstract: A double-insulated portable electric tool has a housing with a pistol-grip switch handle portion and a switch cover portion removably secured to the switch handle portion forwardly thereof. An electric switch is mounted on the back of the cover and is provided with an actuating member. A trigger is mounted on the front of the cover and is coupled to the switch actuating member. The switch is accessible only upon removal of the switch cover from the switch handle; and even unauthorized removal of the trigger will not render the switch accessible. As a result, the switch may be replaced easily without an inadvertent interference with the double-insulating feature of the tool.