Abstract: A generally T-shaped clip is fit into notches formed in the field shell of a permanent magnet D.C. motor. The clip has a passageway formed through its top surface for receiving a screw or the like to secure the field shell to a surrounding tool housing. The notches have a top portion with an elongated portion that has a concave inner side to abut the outer surface of the field shell and retain the clip in the notches. The clip has a bottom portion that is bent so that it contacts the screw to prevent it from turning and loosening.

Abstract: A power tool is provided having a housing with a handle for an operator, a rare earth permanent magnet motor oriented within the housing having a rotary output portion operatively driving an implement. The motor has a relatively high horsepower output for its size enabling the location of the motor relative to the implement and the handle to be functionally and ergonomically optimized.

Abstract: A combination flywheel, fan and pulley assembly is provided having a three piece construction, namely a central hub, at least one metal disk, and a stamped sheet metal centrifugal fan. The central hub is provided with a first circumferential surface for supporting at least one metal disk and a centrifugal fan. The hub is further provided with a bore extending at least partially through the central hub to enable the hub to be mounted on the motor shaft. The centrifugal fan has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radial extending blades which project axially from a generally flat face. The fan and at least one disk are securely mounted to the hub providing an integral unit. The construction method enables a wide variety of flywheel weights and hub geometries to be simply fabricated with minimal expense and production delay.

Abstract: A router includes a motor housing having first and second clam shell halves forming an air inlet and a stator forming an air outlet, the housing having a central axis therethrough. An electric motor having a rotary armature, an armature shaft and a stationary member is fixed with respect to the housing. An axial fan is fixed to the armature shaft and positioned between the rotary armature and the stator for drawing air across the armature and stationary member. The fan has a plurality of radially extending fan blades tilted with respect to the central axis for forcing air in a substantially helical path. The stator includes a plurality of radially extending stator blades oppositely tilted with respect to the fan blades and the central axis for receiving air moving in a helical path from the fan blades. The stator blades are configured to cause air to swirl in a predictable manner when leaving the housing.

Abstract: A random orbit sander having a speed limiter includes a bearing upon which a platen is rotatably mounted. The speed limiter includes a braking member formed of a non-magnetic, electrically conductive material fixed relative to the platen of the sander. The spin limiter also includes at least one magnet supported by a housing of the sander and being disposed adjacent the braking member. A magnetic field formed by the at least one magnet intersects the braking member wherein relative movement between the at least one magnet and the braking member results in the generation of an eddy current force which inhibits rotation of the platen.

Abstract: A self-propelled, battery-powered lawn mower is provided having an onboard battery and two electric motors, a blade motor for rotating a grass cutting blade and a drive motor for propelling the lawn mower along a grass surface to be cut. The blade motor is provided with a switch for regulating the operation of the blade motor and the drive motor is provided with a speed control enabling the speed of the drive motor to be controlled independently of the speed of the blade motor.

Abstract: System and method for selecting a rotational direction of a permanent magnet DC motor, the system including multiple relays and a control switch electrically interconnected so as to provide an open circuit to the motor when the motor is off. In one embodiment, the system includes first and second relays each including switch contacts and a coil for switching voltage to the motor. The system also includes a third relay including switch contacts and a coil for switching voltage to the motor, a control switch having multiple switch positions for selecting the rotational direction of the motor. The control switch, the motor and the relays are electrically interconnected such that a first control switch position provides a first voltage to the motor, a second control switch position provides a second voltage to the motor, the second voltage being opposite in polarity to the first voltage, and a third control switch position provides the open circuit to the motor.

Abstract: A motor field assembly and method for constructing a permanent magnet motor wherein the shell is formed of relatively thick flat sheet stock as two rectangular portions and an elongated connecting portion. The rectangular portions are rolled into semi-cylindrical shapes and the connecting portion is bent at two places so that the two rectangular portions are in opposed parallel relationship to form a unitary cylindrical motor housing shell with a pair of diametrically opposed seams, the connecting portion forming an end wall of the motor housing. Annular permanent magnet segments are provided and mounted to the interior of the shell in spaced equiangular relation with a central portion of each segment of a pair of diametrically opposed segments spanning a respective seam.

Abstract: A motor field assembly and method for constructing a permanent magnet motor wherein the shell is formed of relatively thick flat sheet stock as two rectangular portions and an elongated connecting portion. The rectangular portions are rolled into semi-cylindrical shapes and the connecting portion is bent at two places so that the two rectangular portions are in opposed parallel relationship to form a unitary cylindrical motor housing shell with a pair of diametrically opposed seams, the connecting portion forming an end wall of the motor housing. Annular permanent magnet segments are provided and mounted to the interior of the shell in spaced equiangular relation with a central portion of each segment of a pair of diametrically opposed segments spanning a respective seam.

Abstract: Brush tube assembly comprising a generally cylindrical brush tube having a pair of longitudinally extending slots and a brush and follower assembly slidable within said bore with said follower comprising a pair of outwardly extending spring legs provided with tabs engaged within said slots, and a compression spring confined behind said follower.