Abstract: A thermoplastic product, such as a film, tubing, sheeting, and a profile with a cross-section, is made by a process including extruding a melt-blended mixture comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorocarbon additive through an extruding die. The thermoplastic polymer and the fluorocarbon additive are substantially homogenously distributed in the melt-blended mixture before extrusion. Upon cooling, the extruded product forms into a solid thermoplastic product comprising the thermoplastic polymer and the fluorocarbon additive and having a particular shape. The fluorocarbon additive has a lower surface energy than that of the thermoplastic polymer. As a result, a concentration of the fluorocarbon additive through a cross-section of the solid thermoplastic product is lower in the interior thereof and higher at the surfaces thereof. The solid thermoplastic product has a lubricity surface. The thermoplastic product having lubricity surfaces may be further flexible and/or elastic, or non flexible.

Abstract: A muffler assembly for a pneumatic power tool includes a tube member defining an interior volume. The tube member includes an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment defines a first diameter and includes a closed upper end to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, a lower end, a first portion defining a plurality of vents to enable fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, and a second portion defining a continuous surface to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough. The lower segment defines a second diameter greater than the first diameter and includes an upper end in fluid communication with the lower end of the upper segment, a lower end, a first portion defining a plurality of vents to enable fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, and a second portion defining a continuous surface to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough.

Abstract: A muffler assembly for a pneumatic power tool includes a tube member defining an interior volume. The tube member includes an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment defines a first diameter and includes a closed upper end to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, a lower end, a first portion defining a plurality of vents to enable fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, and a second portion defining a continuous surface to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough. The lower segment defines a second diameter greater than the first diameter and includes an upper end in fluid communication with the lower end of the upper segment, a lower end, a first portion defining a plurality of vents to enable fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough, and a second portion defining a continuous surface to inhibit fluid communication with the interior volume therethrough.

Abstract: An injectable composite material made from a nylon and a para-aramid pulp, methods of manufacturing the injectable composite material, and components useful in tools and air motors made using the injectable composite material.

Abstract: A shock attenuating coupling device is provided for a rotary impact tool for drivingly connecting a hammer mechanism to a drive anvil. The shock attenuating coupling device includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, a drum, a shoe, and a body of resilient material. The first coupling member has a first drive portion. The second coupling member has a second drive portion. The drum is provided proximate the first drive portion and the second drive portion and has a radially inner engagement surface. The shoe is provided within the drum and between the first drive portion and the second drive portion. The shoe has a radially outer surface capable of being expanded in a radially outer direction. The body of resilient material is interposed between the drum and the shoe.

Abstract: A pressure regulating air valve assembly (100) for a pneumatic tool (90) is disclosed that is movable between an open position and a closed position such that the maximum pressure in the tool is limited to a predetermined value. The valve assembly include a fitting (110) with a central aperture (112) and an upper portion (114). A valve plate (130) is disposed in the fitting, and a collar (140) having an aperture (146) is retained in the fitting. A proximal end of a tubular piston (120) extends through the aperture, and a spring (118) biases the piston toward an open position. When the pressure in the hand tool exceeds a predetermined value, the pneumatic force on a distal annular head (126) of the piston urges the piston toward the valve plate (130), closing the valve. The valve plate may include a centering portion (134) and an elastomeric panel (136).

Abstract: A pressure regulating air valve assembly (100) for a pneumatic tool (90) is disclosed that is movable between an open position and a closed position such that the maximum pressure in the tool is limited to a predetermined value. The valve assembly include a fitting (110) with a central aperture (112) and an upper portion (114). A valve plate (130) is disposed in the fitting, and a collar (140) having an aperture (146) is retained in the fitting. A proximal end of a tubular piston (120) extends through the aperture, and a spring (118) biases the piston toward an open position. When the pressure in the hand tool exceeds a predetermined value, the pneumatic force on a distal annular head (126) of the piston urges the piston toward the valve plate (130), closing the valve. The valve plate may include a centering portion (134) and an elastomeric panel (136).

Abstract: A shock attenuating coupling device is provided for a rotary impact tool for drivingly connecting a hammer mechanism to a drive anvil. The shock attenuating coupling device includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, a rolling member and a spring. The first coupling member has a longitudinal drive portion with an input end configured to couple for rotation with a hammer mechanism. The first coupling member also has an output end with a first engagement portion having a first ramped groove. The second coupling member is coaxial with the first coupling member and has an output end configured to couple for rotation with a drive anvil. The second coupling member also has an input end with a second engagement portion having a second ramped groove extending in a direction opposite a direction of the ramped groove. The second engagement portion is configured to cooperate with the first engagement portion. The rolling member is provided between the first ramped groove and the second ramped groove.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool (610) and a muffler assembly (600) therefor, for quieting the operation of the pneumatic tool, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the muffler assembly (600) is slidably disposed within the exhaust passage (616) and includes a tube member (602) having a proximal flange (604), an intermediate tubular portion (606) with apertures (608), and a distal receptacle (620). The tubular portion may include a blocking plate (618) therein. A porous, sound-deadening panel (622) is disposed about the tubular portion, and a diffuser panel (630) is disposed in the distal receptacle. A perforated end cap (624) holds the muffler assembly in place. In operation, the exhaust enters the tube member, is directed transversely through apertures in the tubular portion and through the porous panel, then back into the distal portion of the tube member, through the diffuser panel, and exits through the end cap.

Abstract: A muffler for quieting the operation of a pneumatic tool. In one embodiment the muffler (630) is disposed within a volume defined by a peripheral wall (612) that receives an exhaust stream. An upper plate (631) having several open tubes (632) is disposed in the volume. Each tube is has an intermediate blocking plate (634). A plurality of sound-deadening panels (636) is disposed below the upper plate. The panels have apertures that slidably engage the tubes. A lower plate (650) is disposed below the tubes. The lower plate includes a plurality of apertures (657). One or more diffuser panels (652, 654) is disposed beneath the lower plate. An external exhaust vent (670) closes the volume. In operation, the exhaust enters the volume, is directed through the tubes, then into the sound-deadening panels, back into the tubes, and through the diffuser panels.

Abstract: A mixture comprising a cross-linkable thermosetting resin precursor and a polyfluoroalkylsiloxane curable to form a composition comprising a cross-linked thermoset resin containing the polyfluoroalkylsiloxane in a gradient concentration through a cross-section thereof.

Abstract: A mixture comprising a cross-linkable thermosetting resin and a fluorocarbon additive which is curable to form a thermoset resin composition having a gradient concentration of the fluorocarbon additive through a cross-section thereof.

Abstract: A muffler for quieting the operation of a pneumatic tool. In one embodiment the muffler (630) is disposed within a volume defined by a peripheral wall (612) that receives an exhaust stream. An upper plate (631) having several open tubes (632) is disposed in the volume. Each tube is has an intermediate blocking plate (634). A plurality of sound-deadening panels (636) is disposed below the upper plate. The panels have apertures that slidably engage the tubes. A lower plate (650) is disposed below the tubes. The lower plate includes a plurality of apertures (657). One or more diffuser panels (652, 654) is disposed beneath the lower plate. An external exhaust vent (670) closes the volume. In operation, the exhaust enters the volume, is directed through the tubes, then into the sound-deadening panels, back into the tubes, and through the diffuser panels.

Abstract: A muffler is provided for use in a pneumatic hand tool having a handle with an exhaust passage. The muffler includes an inner tube, an outer tube, an upper plate, and an end cap. The inner tube is located within the outer tube, with one or more openings being provided in each. The upper plate is located near the inner tube and is provided to close off the exhaust passage so that a majority of the exhaust air is directed into the inner tube during use. The end cap attaches to the handle for closing off the exhaust passage, but for one or more exit openings. During use, exhaust air enters the inner tube, flows out its penguins, flows out the outer tube openings, and flows out the exit opening in the end cap. The tortuous path slows the exhaust air and assists in dampening exhaust noise.

Abstract: A composition of matter formed by melt-blending certain thermoplastic polymers and from about 1.0 to about 7.5 wt. % of a fluorocarbon additive, the additive having a lower by surface energy than that of the polymer; the blending resulting in a cooled admixture having a concentration of fluorocarbon additive through a cross-section of the solid composition lower in the interior thereof and higher at the surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A linkage assembly including a crank arm, first and second elongated links, and first and second springs. Ends of the links are adjacent one another and overlap. The first spring is held within this overlapping portion. The second spring is held about an unoverlapped portion of the second link. In a neutral position, the first and second links are balanced in force. In an open position, the first and second links are moved away from one another, causing the second link to be less compressed than the first link. In a back pressure position, the first and second links are moved toward one another, causing the first link to be less compressed than the second link. The first and second springs are held such that they are balanced in the neutral position and provide a restorative force in the open and back pressure positions.

Abstract: A mixture comprising a cross-linkable thermosetting resin precursor and a polyfluoroalkylsiloxane curable to form a composition comprising a cross-linked thermoset resin containing the polyfluoroalkylsiloxane in a gradient concentration through a cross-section thereof.