Abstract: A fan comprises a hub, a plurality of fan blades, and a plurality of interface components. Each interface component is configured to mount at the first end of a corresponding fan blade. Each interface component is further configured to simultaneously engage an outer surface of the hub and the first end of the fan blade. For instance, the outer surface of the hub may be curved, and a hub-engaging edge of each interface component may be complementarily curved to provide a substantially continuous fit between the hub-engaging edge of each interface component and the curved outer surface of the hub. Each interface component may further comprise a resilient member configured to resiliently bear against the first end of a corresponding fan blade. In addition, each interface component may further comprise a sleeve configured to extend along a portion of the length of a corresponding fan blade.

Abstract: A fan comprises a hub, a plurality of fan blades, and a plurality of interface components. Each interface component is configured to mount at the first end of a corresponding fan blade. Each interface component is further configured to simultaneously engage an outer surface of the hub and the first end of the fan blade. For instance, the outer surface of the hub may be curved, and a hub-engaging edge of each interface component may be complementarily curved to provide a substantially continuous fit between the hub-engaging edge of each interface component and the curved outer surface of the hub. Each interface component may further comprise a resilient member configured to resiliently bear against the first end of a corresponding fan blade. In addition, each interface component may further comprise a sleeve configured to extend along a portion of the length of a corresponding fan blade.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for the headband of a protective helmet or other headgear is designed to function in high-temperature environments, while still allowing for ready adjustment of the size and fit of the headband. In this regard, the ratchet mechanism includes a rotational element that has a pinion adapted to mate with and engage the respective rack gears of the overlapping rear end portions of the headband, such that rotation of the rotational element causes lateral movement of the overlapping rear end portions with respect to one another. A spring assembly associated with the rotational element engages a ring gear defined by an insert received and retained in the housing so as to resist rotation of the rotational element relative to said housing sections. Since the spring assembly and insert are preferably manufactured from metal, they do not suffer from warping problems, and therefore, the ratchet mechanism continues to function properly even in high-temperature environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powered decapping tool used to remove a cap from a bottle or vial. The powered tool has a vertical housing portion which the user holds to activate the decapping action. The decapping action results form a motor causing a plunger to move downward, thereby initially closing a plurality of jaws and continuing downward to cooperate with the jaws to remove the cap from the bottle or vial. Means may be provided to adjust the starting point of the decapping cycle or the plunger upper limit as well as the finishing point of the decapping cycle or the plunger lower limit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powered crimping tool. In the parent application, referenced above, the tool, having a plurality of crimping jaws, is used to secure a cap onto a bottle or vial. In this application, the tool, having a pair of opposed crimping heads, is used to crimp a solderless terminal, splice, butt connector, or the like, having a wire inserted into a shaft and to be retained therein. The powered tool has a housing portion which the user holds and includes switches for the user to control the plunger and the crimping action. Selected mating crimper heads in the plunger and the crimper housing effectuate the crimping of the selected terminal to retain the wire therein. These mating crimper heads can be changed to accommodate a variety of different size and shape terminals, splices, butt connectors, wires, and the like. Terminals may be insulated or not. Wires may be stranded or solid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powered crimping tool used to secure a cap onto a bottle or vial. The powered tool has a vertical housing portion which the user holds to activate the crimping action. The crimping action results from a motor causing a plunger to move downward, thereby initially closing a plurality of jaws and continuing downward to cooperate with the jaws to secure the cap on the bottle or vial. Means are provided to adjust the starting point of the crimping cycle or the plunger upper limit as well as the finishing point of the crimping cycle or the plunger lower limit.

Abstract: Interlocks are described that prevent the bolt of a bolt lock from being displaced to the unlocked position by the use of impact and inertial of the lock parts, heat and the displacement of the cover plate of the lock housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an advance and release mechanism for strips of a screwdriver assembly that sequentially drives fasteners retained in a holding strip securing a plurality of fasteners in a row. The apparatus has a slide body with a lateral slot and an intersecting vertical bore. The lateral slot has a uniform transverse cross-section configured to slidingly receive the strip. A driver shaft including fastener driving bit means for engaging and driving a lead fastener in succession into said work piece is journalled and longitudinally slidably housed in the bore between an engaged position and a withdrawn position. Advance means are mounted to the body for incrementally forwardly advancing the fasteners of the strip within the lateral slot in succession and for aligning the lead fastener coaxially with the bore.

Abstract: This invention provides a driver attachment for a collated screwstrip in which a slide body is slidable in a housing parallel a longitudinal axis about which drive shaft is rotatable. The slide body has a rear portion and a removable nose portion. The housing and rear portion of the slide body form an integral part effectively permanently assembled and including a screw feed activation mechanism coupled between the housing and rear portion and which translates relative sliding movement and positioning of the rear portion of the slide body relative the housing. The nose portion is removable from the rear portion for ease of replacement with other nose portions adapted for use with the same or different sized screwstrips and/or screws. The nose portion includes a channel to guide a collated screwstrip generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A screw strip is disclosed in which each screw carries a washer on its screw shank between the tip of the screw and a plastic strip carrying a plurality of screws. A screw driving apparatus, and method of use of the strip are also disclosed. The washers and screw heads are of relatively large diameter and adjacent washers overlap each other. The power tools used to install the screws include indexing means which advance successive screws into driving position, and retract the remaining screw strip rearwardly in order to avoid interference between the driving tool, the driven screw and adjacent washers. This configuration permits application of large head screws such as hexagonal head screws carrying large washers by power tool socket drivers and is particularly useful in sheet metal applications. The invention is applicable to any fastener with a threaded shank including bolts and screws.

Abstract: An improved screwdriver in which a replaceable bit is removably secured to a mandrel by the bit being axially slidable in an axial socket in the end of the mandrel. The bit is movable from a position coaxially aligned with the socket to a position out of alignment therefrom, to assist in the engagement and driving of misaligned screws. A resilient split-ring which serves to retain the bit in the socket is carried by and replaceable with the bit. With each new bit a new split-ring is also provided.

Abstract: An improved screwdriver in which a replaceable bit is removable secured to a mandrel by the bit being axially slidable in an axial socket in the end of the mandrel. A resilient split-ring which serves to retain the bit in the socket is carried by and replaceable with the bit. With each new bit a new split-ring is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a mounting frame structure for association with a preformed aperture in a wall and for recessed mounting of a speaker or camera having a housing. The frame structure includes a one-piece, unitary frame body having an open central region for receiving therethrough body portions of the housing. The frame body has a flattened perimeter region and apertures individually located in the perimeter region. The frame structure also includes a shoulder region upstanding rearwardly from and extending substantially about the perimeter region. A mounting flange upstands rearwardly in a perpendicular direction from the perimeter region. The mounting flange has a generally flat shape and at least one aperture therethrough so that the mounting flange abuts and secures to a stud or cross-member of the wall. Optionally, the frame structure is utilized in an assembly with a mounting bracket for the camera or speaker and a cover plate thereover.

Abstract: An ironing board assembly for mounting on a standard door in the home or the like includes a tubular mounting frame, a pivoted ironing board on the frame and, if desired, a swinging cover for enclosing the board and frame when not in use. The frame is supported by at least one hanger bracket adapted to extend over the top of the door. The bracket includes an inverted U-shaped hook and a second hook extending in the opposite direction. A coupler section in between provides a small included angle of approximately 6.degree. between the hooks for pre-biasing the assembly so as to maintain it snug against the door. A bent prong rotatably fixes the second hook to the frame. The ironing board is supported in the horizontal operative position by a U-shaped support brace. One of the pivot pins mounting the brace is flexible and engages a tab with a cam portion forming a detent providing snap action retention when the board is raised. A plastic stop absorbs shock as the board moves to the operative position.

Abstract: An ironing board assembly for mounting on a standard door in the home or the like includes a tubular mounting frame, a pivoted ironing board on the frame and, if desired, a swinging cover for enclosing the board and frame when not in use. The frame is supported by at least one hanger bracket adapted to extend over the top of the door. The bracket includes an inverted U-shaped hook and a second hook extending in the opposite direction. A coupler section in between provides a small included angle of approximately 6.degree. between the hooks for pre-biasing the assembly so as to maintain it snug against the door. A bent prong rotatably fixes the second hook to the frame. The ironing board is supported in the horizontal operative position by a U-shaped support brace. One of the pivot pins mounting the brace is flexible and engages a tab with a cam portion forming a detent providing snap action retention when the board is raised. A plastic stop absorbs shock as the board moves to the operative position.

Abstract: An ironing board assembly for mounting on a standard door in the home or the like includes a tubular mounting frame, a pivoted ironing board on the frame and, if desired, a swinging cover for enclosing the board and frame when not in use. The frame is supported by at least one hanger bracket extending over the top of the door. The bracket includes an inverted U-shaped hook and a second hook extending in the opposite direction. A coupler section in between provides a small included angle of approximately 6.degree. between the hooks for pre-biasing the assembly so as to maintain it snug against the door during movement. A bent prong rotatably fixes the second hook to the frame. The ironing board is supported in the horizontal operative position by a U-shaped support brace. One of the pivot pins mounting the brace is flexible and engages a detent for holding the board in the retracted position.