Abstract: A battery release mechanism for releasably securing a battery to a power tool is disclosed. The battery release mechanism includes a battery receiving portion integral with a handle portion of the power tool and an attachment portion integral with the battery. The attachment portion is configured to engage the battery receiving portion. The battery release mechanism also includes a closure member that is operable with and transversely disposed within the battery receiving portion. The closure member is configured to secure the battery within the battery receiving portion when the closure member is in a “lock” position. The closure member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is disposed through a side wall of the tool housing and defines a push button for selectively moving the closure member from the “lock” position to a “release” position. When the closure member is in the “release” position, the battery can be removed from the power tool.

Abstract: A power tool, such as a drill/driver or a reciprocating saw, can be provided with a belt clip which attaches to the tool at multiple positions to adapt to the user's preference. The belt clip can be side-mounted to a drill/driver to facilitate holstering of the drill/driver and to reduce the profile of the drill/driver.

Abstract: An air compressor assembly can include a support structure with a compressor mechanism, at least one fluid tank, a pair of wheels, and a handle attached thereto. The air compressor assembly can be configured with the compressor mechanism having a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one fluid tank so as to provide a relatively narrow assembly and to facilitate servicing and/or maintenance of the assembly. Furthermore, the wheels and handle can be configured so that the assembly can be relatively easily located in a balanced transport position. Additionally, an accessory support plate can be attached to the top of the assembly to serve as a dolly.

Abstract: A fastening tool that includes a driver housing, a magazine assembly and a trigger assembly. The driver housing is configured to house a driver assembly and includes a handle that can be grasped by a user to manipulate the fastening tool. The magazine assembly is coupled to the driver housing and configured to hold a plurality of fasteners and sequentially dispense the fasteners. The trigger assembly has a valve assembly and a trigger. The valve assembly is coupled to the driver housing and configured to control operation of the driver assembly. The trigger is pivotally coupled to the driver housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The trigger is a multi-sided enclosure that cooperates with the driver housing to enclose the trigger valve. A method for fabricating a fastening tool is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing convenient control of a power tool electrical system. A switch assembly includes a first actuator and a second actuator, which is disposed remotely from the switch and first actuator. The second actuator is connected via a coupling device, such that user manipulation of either the first or second actuator is capable of controlling electricity flowing to the motor. Including a second actuator may permit the user to retain greater control over the tool when turning the power on or off. In additional exemplary aspects, a coupling device included in the switch assembly is configured and arranged so as to prevent inadvertent damage to the power tool such as by accidental engagement of a shaft lock while the motor is operating.

Abstract: An air filtration unit for use in a work environment includes a housing disposed with an air filtration system and light source. The housing includes a handle and corner caps to prevent damage and provide stability. The air filtration system draws air into the housing, via a blower, through a first and second inlet gate, the air is at least partially filtered by a first and second filter assembly, which provide a two stage filtering, and then the at least partially filtered air is blown through an exhaust conduit back out into the work environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing convenient grasping of a router adjacent base/motor housing includes a base for supporting a motor housing for driving a working tool. A generally L-shaped handle including a connecting member and grasping member is connected to the base for permitting a user to comfortably manipulate the power tool adjacent the motor housing. In further aspect, a removable a generally L-shaped handle includes a channel extending through the handle for directing dust and debris away from the working tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing convenient control of a power tool electrical system. A switch assembly includes a first actuator and a second actuator, which is disposed remotely from the switch and first actuator. The second actuator is connected via a coupling device, such that user manipulation of either the first or second actuator is capable of controlling electricity flowing to the motor. Including a second actuator may permit the user to retain greater control over the tool when turning the power on or off. In additional exemplary aspects, a coupling device included in the switch assembly is configured and arranged so as to prevent inadvertent damage to the power tool such as by accidental engagement of a shaft lock while the motor is operating.

Abstract: A power tool control system includes a non-contact measurement and alignment device operative with the power tool and enabled to establish various readings, such as power tool settings. A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with the non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a carrying case housing, a docking station at least partially contained by the housing, and a fuel cell system at least partially contained by and electrically coupled with the docking station. The carrying case housing is configured for transporting a cordless tool and includes a handle member for transporting the housing. The docking station is configured for physically and electrically coupling a removable battery. The fuel cell system produces and provides electrical energy for charging a removable battery coupled with the docking station.

Abstract: A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device. In operation with a power tool, the graphical user interface provides a user with selectable control over the power tool through the computation and display of multiple power tool settings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a router including a motor housing for at least partially enclosing a motor, a base having a sleeve for receiving the motor housing therein. The base is constructed to at least partially support the motor housing on a workpiece. The router additionally includes an electrical switch disposed substantially in a quadrant, defined by a first axis extending through generally opposing handles, and a second axis, extending normal to the first axis, and generally bisecting the motor housing, of the motor housing. Preferably, the electrical switch is disposed in the range of 30° (thirty degrees) to 60° (sixty degrees) from the second axis and particularly at approximately 45° (forty-five degrees) to allow for comfortable grasping of the motor housing/base, easy repeatable switch manipulation, and the like.

Abstract: An air compressor includes a frame connected with an air tank connected with a compressor assembly. The frame is further connected with a handle which is connected with a basket for the storing of accessories used with the air compressor. The basket is configured in relation to the dimensions of the handle to limit its visual impact when viewed by a user of the air compressor.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed router assembly includes a base assembly coupled with a motor casing including a grip assembly which provides an overall narrower profile to the router assembly. The grip assembly may relieves stress on the muscles and allows the operator to more securely grasp the router with one hand thus decreasing fatigue levels as compared to those routers which require both hands of the operator to be engaged for control over the router.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered rotary tool includes a linear forward and reverse switch assembly for alternatively setting the air motor of the tool to rotate the drive assembly of the tool in either of the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. The switch assembly slides linearly along an axis generally perpendicular to the drive assembly between a first position for setting the air motor to rotate the drive assembly in the clockwise direction and a second position for setting the air motor to rotate the drive assembly in the counterclockwise direction. The switch assembly is positioned adjacent to the trigger so that the switch assembly can be slid between the first position and the second position by the index finger and thumb of the hand of the user gripping the handle portion without releasing the handle portion.

Abstract: A power tool control system connected with a drill press provides a system for determining operational settings for the drill press and/or structural factors of a workpiece to be operated upon by the drill press. For instance, the power tool control system may establish a visual indication of the axis of operation of the drill press upon a workpiece and/or determine the thickness, structural composition, and/or moisture content of a workpiece. The determined axis of operation and/or structural factor is utilized to determine the operational settings of the power tool.

Abstract: A work light for a power tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the work light includes a generally cylindrical housing constructed for receiving a light source. The housing includes a pin generally transverse to the housing and unitary with such housing. Further, an electrical coupling is configured to provide electricity to the light source from a power tool electrical source and is integrated with the electrical source. Additionally, a bracket including a flange with a plurality of apertures for receiving a series of fasteners for mounting the bracket to an external surface of the power tool is included. The bracket defines a recessed structure for receiving the pin and includes a pair of recesses spaced apart to retain a first end of the pin and a second end of the pin. The pin included within the housing permits linear positioning of the housing along an axis generally perpendicular to the pin.

Abstract: A power tool control system includes a first and a second laser source which emit a first and second laser beam to provide information (readings) on the settings of a power tool to which the laser sources are attached. The first and second laser sources are communicatively coupled with a graphical user interface which enables user control over and display of the information gathered from the first and second laser sources. In operation with a power tool, the graphical user interface of the power tool control system provides a user with selectable control over the power tool through the computation and display of multiple power tool settings.

Abstract: A power tool control system allows a user to operate a power tool through a graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device. The graphical user interface correlates user engageable selectors with a logically related menu of power tool setting options displayed on a display screen in a high quality and easily readable format. The non-contact measurement and alignment device uses one or more lasers to determine power tool settings and establish proper alignment based on user needs. The power tool control system further enables stud detection and visual indication of stud location.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable air compressor assembly including a tool carrier. In an embodiment, the portable air compressor assembly includes an air tank for storing compressed air and a compressor for supplying compressed air to the air tank. Further, a frame is coupled to the air tank and compressor providing an area for which the air tank and compressor may be mounted. In such embodiment, a pair of wheels are pivotally mounted to the frame allowing for inclined transportation of the air compressor assembly. In an embodiment, the tool carrier assembly includes a pan support coupled to the frame for providing a support surface for an air compressor accessory and work material. In addition, a tool support is coupled to the pan support for providing an additional support surface for the air compressor accessory and work material. The tool support includes at least one strap.