Abstract: A method of setting the clearance of a tapered roller bearing assembly of the type having a housing with an access opening, and in which housing is positioned an input shaft engaging a worm or gears for driving an output gear engaging an output shaft mounted on a bearing assembly for transmitting power. The method includes the steps of first tightening a removable cover in the housing to a point in contact with the bearing assembly and having a predetermined torque value, and thereafter backing the cover away from the bearing assembly by a distance calculated by the following formula: End play setting angle in degrees=(360 degrees)×(Clearance constant)×(Desired bearing clearance in inches)/(Thread pitch in inches). This method achieves a correct clearance setting defined by the end play setting angle in degrees where the cover is rotated by the number of degrees in the end play setting angle to reduce the predetermined torque value.

Abstract: Tools providing automatic, smooth shifting between random orbital and rotary motion by simply increasing or decreasing force applied are taught. Exemplar is a finishing tool switchable between grinding rotary action and random orbital sanding action without powering down and without any mechanical manipulation, made possible by having a clutch mechanism affixed directly to the spindle assembly, which also eliminates the need to dissemble the tool in order to change a backup pad, saving time and money. Direct relationship between the clutch and spindle eliminates need for a specialty pad allowing for use of a variety of backup pads, reducing the cost of replacement backup pads and increasing the functionality of the dual-function tool. An additional feature is that the drive head surface is circular and large enough to encompass the device's circular clutch plate, which means that the available friction surface area of the clutch plate is efficiently utilized.

Abstract: A lever longer than wide and bent across its length producing an angle of <180° between an upper surface of a longer first and a shorter second lever end to control the throttle switch of a hand-held tool by hand-rocking the lever about its vertex to exert pressure on or release pressure from the switch, the lever designed to support a user's fingers and palm while using the tool. Attachment tabs extend downwards from opposing sides of the first end adjacent the vertex, each tab having an aperture for accepting an attachment pin so to pivotally engage the lever within pin receiving apertures of the tool to rotate the lever both toward and away from the actuator switch, the second end extending over an exhaust-outlet or air-intake of the hand-held power tool to protect the user's hand from coming into contact with the tool's exhaust-outlet or air-intake.

Abstract: A molded tool casing of at least two sections for air-tightly encasing a tool is taught. A seal is inserted into a groove molded into the sealing perimeter of one section. A protruding ridge is molded into the sealing perimeter of a second section that is to be joined to the first casing section is adapted for compressing the seal into the groove providing for an air-tight seal for the two joined sections. The casing sections are contoured to provide air-tightly sealable inner-casing compartments for receiving and encasing tool components. Opposing joining perimeters of the air-tightly sealable compartments are adapted with the grooves and protruding ridges, respectively. The tool casing houses a tool, such as a pneumatic tool, such as a central or self-generating vacuum pneumatic tool, or a non-vacuum tool. The tool casing is molded to have a firm inner layer coated by an outer pliant overmolded layer.

Abstract: Tools providing automatic, smooth shifting between random orbital and rotary motion by simply increasing or decreasing force applied are taught. Exemplar is a finishing tool switchable between grinding rotary action and random orbital sanding action without powering down and without any mechanical manipulation, made possible by having a clutch mechanism affixed directly to the spindle assembly, which also eliminates the need to dissemble the tool in order to change a backup pad, saving time and money. Direct relationship between the clutch and spindle eliminates need for a specialty pad allowing for use of a variety of backup pads, reducing the cost of replacement backup pads and increasing the functionality of the dual-function tool. An additional feature is that the drive head surface is circular and large enough to encompass the device's circular clutch plate, which means that the available friction surface area of the clutch plate is efficiently utilized.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for two-stage supercharging of process air for a fuel cell, in one of the two charging stages, supercharging taking place by means of a displacement machine. In the other charging stage, supercharging is performed by means of a combined expansion and compression machine. Energy is recovered from the exhaust gas of a fuel cell by means of the combined expansion and compression machine.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for two-stage supercharging of process air for a fuel cell, in one of the two charging stages, supercharging taking place by means of a displacement machine. In the other charging stage, supercharging is performed by means of a combined expansion and compression machine. Energy is recovered from the exhaust gas of a fuel cell by means of the combined expansion and compression machine.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for two-stage supercharging of process air for a fuel cell, in one of the two charging stages, supercharging taking place by means of a displacement machine. In the other charging stage, supercharging is performed by means of a combined expansion and compression machine. Energy is recovered from the exhaust gas of a fuel cell by means of the combined expansion and compression machine.