Abstract: A vacuum dust extraction apparatus for a percussive air tool contains and extracts workplace dust created by the impacting action of the air tool's implement. The apparatus includes a clamshell adapter constructed as two halves that are oppositely disposed about the air tool's retainer, and joined to enclose the retainer, and a tubular dust bellows fastened to the outboard end of the joined clamshell halves. The clamshell adaptor includes an integral exhaust port, and an industrial vacuum coupled to the exhaust port via a flexible suction/vacuum hose creates suction in the bellows for extracting airborne dust created by percussive action of the implement on a workpiece. Suction loss through the clamshell adaptor is minimized by a sealing element that bridges a gap between the interior periphery of the clamshell adaptor and the exterior periphery of the air tool's retainer.

Abstract: A spindle locking apparatus for power tools having a spindle mounted for rotation within a tubular housing. The locking apparatus includes a locking sleeve disposed between the spindle and its tubular housing, a locking collar surrounding the tubular housing radially outboard of the locking sleeve, and a set of drive pins mechanically coupling the locking collar to the locking sleeve through axial slots in the tubular collar. The inner periphery of the locking sleeve is shaped to lockingly engage a flat-sided portion of the spindle, and a spring element biases the locking sleeve away from the flat-sided portion of the spindle to unlock the spindle. The locking collar is axially shiftable against the spring bias as permitted by the slots in the tubular housing to bring the locking sleeve into locking engagement with the flat-sided portion of the spindle to prevent spindle rotation.

Abstract: A dust containment apparatus includes a tubular snorkel and dust bellows surrounding the implement of an air too, and a retention assembly housed within the snorkel that frictionally engages the implement to resist movement of the snorkel and bellows with respect to the implement. The retention assembly includes a set of friction members surrounding the radial periphery of the implement, and at least one resilient band that biases the friction members radially inward into pressing engagement with the implement. Preferably, the snorkel and friction members are constructed of non-magnetic material, and the friction members include permanent magnets that are magnetically attracted to the implement to augment the radially inward biasing of the resilient band.

Abstract: A spindle locking apparatus for power tools having a spindle mounted for rotation within a tubular housing. The locking apparatus includes a locking sleeve disposed between the spindle and its tubular housing, a locking collar surrounding the tubular housing radially outboard of the locking sleeve, and a set of drive pins mechanically coupling the locking collar to the locking sleeve through axial slots in the tubular collar. The inner periphery of the locking sleeve is shaped to lockingly engage a flat-sided portion of the spindle, and a spring element biases the locking sleeve away from the flat-sided portion of the spindle to unlock the spindle. The locking collar is axially shiftable against the spring bias as permitted by the slots in the tubular housing to bring the locking sleeve into locking engagement with the flat-sided portion of the spindle to prevent spindle rotation.

Abstract: A vacuum dust extraction apparatus for a percussive air tool contains and extracts workplace dust created by the impacting action of the air tool's implement. The apparatus includes a clamshell adapter constructed as two halves that are oppositely disposed about the air tool's retainer, and joined to enclose the retainer, and a tubular dust bellows fastened to the outboard end of the joined clamshell halves. The clamshell adaptor includes an integral exhaust port, and an industrial vacuum coupled to the exhaust port via a flexible suction/vacuum hose creates suction in the bellows for extracting airborne dust created by percussive action of the implement on a workpiece. Suction loss through the clamshell adaptor is minimized by a sealing element that bridges a gap between the interior periphery of the clamshell adaptor and the exterior periphery of the air tool's retainer.

Abstract: A dust containment apparatus includes a tubular snorkel and dust bellows surrounding the implement of an air too, and a retention assembly housed within the snorkel that frictionally engages the implement to resist movement of the snorkel and bellows with respect to the implement. The retention assembly includes a set of friction members surrounding the radial periphery of the implement, and at least one resilient band that biases the friction members radially inward into pressing engagement with the implement. Preferably, the snorkel and friction members are constructed of non-magnetic material, and the friction members include permanent magnets that are magnetically attracted to the implement to augment the radially inward biasing of the resilient band.