Abstract: A reversing mechanism for a pneumatically or hydraulically powered tool having a rotor adapted to rotate in either of first and second rotational directions. The reversing mechanism allows a user to actuate a button and rotate a valve to direct air flow through the tool. By pressing the button, the button will move a base laterally, and in doing so, rotates the valve. Rotating the valve then aligns a barrier of the valve in a direction tangential to the selected rotational direction of the tool, better directing forced air or fluid and more efficiently distributing the air or fluid in the selected rotational direction.

Abstract: An electronics module with a housing shaped to conform to the internal shape of a power tool handle. The housing can be made of a metal or a high density polymer to stabilize the handle and enclose electronics within the handle. The module can further include a potting compound provided within openings of the handle to dampen vibrations and resist impact during events that are likely to cause failure at the handle.

Abstract: A tool, such as a pneumatic tool, having a first and second housing portions coupled together. The first housing portion including an upper portion adapted to receive power and transmission components and a handle portion including a recess adapted to receive a trigger assembly. A reinforcement member is disposed in the recess with a first side facing in a first direction away from the recess and towards the second housing portion, and a protrusion extending from the first side in the first direction. The protrusion engages the second housing portion and strengthens the handle portion to allow the handle portion to withstand forces resulting from the tool being dropped on a hard surface.

Abstract: A seal integrated into a groove of a button. The seal includes a cross-section with a peak surrounded by a valley on each side of the peak. The valleys both extend below the outer surface of the midsection of the button and the peak extends above the outer surface. This structure allows for easier compression of the seal while performing the sealing function.

Abstract: A tool, such as a pneumatic tool, having a first and second housing portions coupled together. The first housing portion including an upper portion adapted to receive power and transmission components and a handle portion including a recess adapted to receive a trigger assembly. A reinforcement member is disposed in the recess with a first side facing in a first direction away from the recess and towards the second housing portion, and a protrusion extending from the first side in the first direction. The protrusion engages the second housing portion and strengthens the handle portion to allow the handle portion to withstand forces resulting from the tool being dropped on a hard surface.

Abstract: A reversing mechanism for a pneumatically or hydraulically powered tool having a rotor adapted to rotate in either of first and second rotational directions. The reversing mechanism allows a user to actuate a button and rotate a valve to direct air flow through the tool. By pressing the button, the button will move a base laterally, and in doing so, rotates the valve. Rotating the valve then aligns a barrier of the valve in a direction tangential to the selected rotational direction of the tool, better directing forced air or fluid and more efficiently distributing the air or fluid in the selected rotational direction.

Abstract: A seal integrated into a groove of a button. The seal includes a cross-section with a peak surrounded by a valley on each side of the peak. The valleys both extend below the outer surface of the midsection of the button and the peak extends above the outer surface. This structure allows for easier compression of the seal while performing the sealing function.

Abstract: A handle for controlling a power tool by configuring the handle in either a straight or T-shaped position. In the straight position, the handle design serves as a rotational safety control that allows a user to control the rotational reaction of the tool by placing the user's hand in a position that is perpendicular to the main body of the tool. In the T-shaped configuration, the user can apply rotational force and longitudinal force more easily because the hand position is tangent to the tool base. A fastener couples a base of the handle to a band that grips the power tool and facilitates the user control.

Abstract: A handle for controlling a power tool by configuring the handle in either a straight or T-shaped position. In the straight position, the handle design serves as a rotational safety control that allows a user to control the rotational reaction of the tool by placing the user's hand in a position that is perpendicular to the main body of the tool. In the T-shaped configuration, the user can apply rotational force and longitudinal force more easily because the hand position is tangent to the tool base. A fastener couples a base of the handle to a band that grips the power tool and facilitates the user control.

Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate on different operating voltages and a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages for charging the power tools. Each receiver is configured to engage and charge only the one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of that receiver.

Abstract: A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.

Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate at different voltages, a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages and means for selectively engaging each receiver with only one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of the receiver to charge the one or more power tool. The selective engagement means being in the form of a plurality of terminal block. Each terminal block may be secured to a respective one of the power tools. Each terminal block may include a rib and each receiver may define a slot to receivingly engage one of the ribs. The rib of each terminal block may be disposed at a different location than the ribs of the other terminal blocks, and the slot of each receiver may be positioned at a different location than the slots of the other receivers.

Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate at different voltages, a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages and means for selectively engaging each receiver with only one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of the receiver to charge the one or more power tool. The selective engagement means being in the form of a plurality of terminal block. Each terminal block may be secured to a respective one of the power tools. Each terminal block may include a rib and each receiver may define a slot to receivingly engage one of the ribs. The rib of each terminal block may be disposed at a different location than the ribs of the other terminal blocks, and the slot of each receiver may be positioned at a different location than the slots of the other receivers.

Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate on different operating voltages and a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages for charging the power tools. Each receiver is configured to engage and charge only the one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of that receiver.

Abstract: A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.

Abstract: An impact mechanism, such as an impact wrench is provided and includes a motor, a shaft rotatable about an axis and coupled to the motor and having a first shaft groove with first and second axial ends and a hammer disposed about the shaft and having a first hammer groove. A ball is disposed in the first hammer groove and in the first shaft groove and couples the hammer to the shaft for relative axial and rotatable movement, with the ball moveable along the grooves. The wrench also includes a rotatable anvil for coupling to a load, a bias member resiliently biasing the hammer axially into engagement with the anvil and stop structure disposed along the shaft for engagement with the hammer to limit axial movement of the hammer away from the anvil so as to prevent the ball from contacting the second axial end of the first shaft groove.

Abstract: An impact mechanism, such as an impact wrench is provided and includes a motor, a shaft rotatable about an axis and coupled to the motor and having a first shaft groove with first and second axial ends and a hammer disposed about the shaft and having a first hammer groove. A ball is disposed in the first hammer groove and in the first shaft groove and couples the hammer to the shaft for relative axial and rotatable movement, with the ball moveable along the grooves. The wrench also includes a rotatable anvil for coupling to a load, a bias member resiliently biasing the hammer axially into engagement with the anvil and stop structure disposed along the shaft for engagement with the hammer to limit axial movement of the hammer away from the anvil so as to prevent the ball from contacting the second axial end of the first shaft groove.