Abstract: A hybrid power-generator system includes an engine, an electric generator, first and second rectifiers, first and second DC-DC voltage converters, a DC bus, an inverter, and one or more controllers. The system provides a unique method of joining two power sources such that the relative proportion utilized can be changed to any value seamlessly, such as to avoid daily and/or seasonal variations in utility charges. Since the AC output portion of the circuit is independent of the utility grid, power can be supplied at variable frequencies to motor loads with significant positive impacts in load efficiency. Power increases required by the load(s) that occur rapidly can utilize the electrical grid to assist for the brief transient, allowing the engine, which is maintained at a fixed and wide-open-throttle position, to continue operation and in a more gradual process to resume its blend target for power generation.

Abstract: A power tool having a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a power cord connected to the motor, and a cord protector operably engaging the power cord. The cord protector comprising at least one elastically-deformable biasing member engaging the power cord and exerting a biasing force upon the power cord in response to a load being applied to the power cord and recovering to an initial position in response to removal of the load.

Abstract: A method for fastening two or more steel framing members together with a fastener. The fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).

Abstract: The table saw disclosed herein includes a table, a saw assembly pivotally attached to the table, the saw assembly comprising an arbor movable relative to the table, a bevel shaft operatively connected to the saw assembly for pivoting the saw assembly, and a height shaft operatively connected to the saw assembly for moving the arbor relative to the table, wherein distance between the height shaft and the table is larger than distance between the bevel shaft and the table.

Abstract: A power driver may include a housing, a tool chuck and a power take off mechanism. The tool chuck may have an input shaft mounted for rotation on the housing. The input shaft may support chuck jaws. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. The power take off mechanism may be connected to the tool chuck. The power take off mechanism may be adjustable into a DRILL DRIVE MODE to rotationally drive the input shaft and the chuck actuating shaft together as a unit, and a CHUCK MODE to rotationally drive the chuck actuating shaft relative to the input shaft. The power take off mechanism may be internal of the housing. The power take off mechanism in the CHUCK MODE may rotationally fix the input shaft to the housing.

Abstract: A table saw including a base, a main table supported by the base, first and second rails attached to the table, a sliding table fixedly attached to the rails and sliding along the longitudinal axis of the rails and a cross-cut table slidably movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. The cross-cut table may be adjusted to ensure movement parallel to a blade protruding from the main table. An improved miter gauge assembly is also disclosed. An improved fence assembly is further disclosed herein. In addition, a table saw having an improved panel and leg construction is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A tool chuck may include an input shaft. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. A chuck actuating screw may be screw coupled to the chuck actuating shaft. A spring may be interposed between the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft. Upon tightening the tool chuck, the spring may be compressed to provide force against the chuck actuating screw.

Abstract: A chop saw having a base assembly, a saw assembly pivotally attached to the base assembly for movement between an upper position and a lower position, the saw assembly including a motor, a blade driven by the motor, an upper blade guard covering an upper part of the blade, and a laser assembly disposed on the saw assembly. The laser assembly may include a housing attached to the saw assembly, a rail supported by the housing, a body slidingly disposed on the rail, a holder pivotally attached to the body, a laser diode pivotally disposed on the body for emitting a laser beam along a first path, and a line lens disposed in the first path for converting the laser beam into a laser plane projected towards the base assembly.

Abstract: Provided are various embodiments of structures that may utilized in a power driver, particularly in a power driver having an optional reciprocating “hammer” action, for retaining an outer bearing during assembly and/or operation of the power driver. In particular, the disclosed structures provide one or more surfaces, particularly inner peripheral surfaces, that limit outward axial movement of the bearing along the input shaft. These structures may include combinations of surfaces defined by retaining means, an input shaft, biasing means and chuck shields for positioning the outer bearing within the power driver.

Abstract: A chuck for a drill/driver. The chuck can include an input shaft having a cavity, a chuck actuating shaft and a chuck actuating screw. The chuck actuating shaft can be received in the cavity and can be rotatable about a chuck axis. The chuck actuating shaft can have a threaded aperture. The chuck actuating screw can have a threaded portion that is threadably engaged to the threaded aperture. The jaws can be received in the cavity and can engage the input shaft. The jaws can be coupled to the chuck actuating screw such that rotation of the chuck actuating shaft relative to the chuck actuating screw translates the jaws so that the jaws converge toward or diverge from the chuck axis. The chuck further includes a device coupled to at least one of the chuck actuating screw, the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft for limiting elastic elongation of the chuck actuating screw in an axial direction when the jaws are positioned in a fully opened condition.

Abstract: A power driver may include a motor that rotates upon receiving an input current. A tool chuck may have chuck jaws to hold an accessory. The tool chuck may be coupled to the motor. A power take off mechanism may be connected between the motor and the tool chuck. The power take off mechanism may be adjustable into a CHUCK MODE to one of open and close the chuck jaws while the motor rotates. An electronic clutch may interrupt the input current to the motor if the power take off mechanism is in the CHUCK MODE and if the input current exceeds a trip value.

Abstract: A hammer drill/driver with a motor having an output member, a planetary transmission, a clutch assembly and a clutch bypass. The planetary transmission, which includes a ring gear, receives rotary power from the output member and produces a rotary output. The clutch assembly has a clutch profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and a first pin assembly having a first follower, a first pin member and a first spring that biases the first follower into contact with the clutch profile. The clutch bypass has a bypass profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and second pin assembly having a second follower, a second pin member, a third spring, which biases the second follower away from the bypass profile, and a fourth spring, which biases the second follower away from the second pin member. A method for operation of a hammer drill/driver is also provided.

Abstract: A drill is provided with a chuck that is capable of being tightened or loosened by operation of the drill. The chuck includes a shift mechanism that interacts with the multi-speed transmission of the drill to ensure that the transmission is shifted into a desired gear ratio whenever the chuck is shifted from a drill mode to a chuck mode.

Abstract: A automated chuck is provided with at least three user selectable operating modes, thereby enabling different functions to be performed during tightening and loosening of the chuck. In one exemplary implementation, the different user selectable operating modes of the chuck may be used to actuate a motor direction switch of the drill.

Abstract: A self-tightening chuck mechanism is disclosed. The chuck mechanism has a jaw mechanism with a jaw elements which are slidably disposed within corresponding channels defined in a rotatable body. A threaded socket member, which is configured to be rotated in first or second directions relative to the jaw elements is rotatably disposed about and engaged with the jaw elements. An impact assembly is configured to interface with the threaded body to apply anti-rotational forces to the socket member to prevent rotation of the socket member to close the jaws when rotated in a first direction and open the jaws when rotated in a second direction. The thrust bearing is configured to apply a first set of forces to socket member when the socket member is relatively rotated in the first direction and a second set of forces when the socket member is rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: A tool bit stop located on an inner surface of a clamping jaw of a drill chuck. The tool bit stop is located a distance from a jaw gripping surface of the clamping jaw. The tool bit stop is adapted to provide a surface to register an end of a tool bit in a consistent location relative to the jaw gripping surface. The tool bit stop is shaped to allow advancement and retraction of the clamping jaws without interference from the tool bit stop.

Abstract: An adjustable rip fence for a machine tool has a fence which is movable with respect to the cutting tool due to a rack and pinion. The rail assembly supporting the fence include a pair of stationary rails which are secure to the machine tool. A movable rail telescopically engages each stationary rail and the movement of each rail is accomplished by the rotation of a pair of pinion gears each of which engages a respective rack on the movable rails. The simultaneous rotation of the pinion gears is the result of both pinion gears being secured to a common pinion shaft which is rotatably secured to the machine tool. The telescoping nature of the rails allows for adjustment of the fence beyond the working surface of the machine tool.

Abstract: A table saw including a base, a main table supported by the base, first and second rails attached to the table, a sliding table fixedly attached to the rails and sliding along the longitudinal axis of the rails and a cross-cut table slidably movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. The cross-cut table may be adjusted to ensure movement parallel to a blade protruding from the main table. An improved miter gauge assembly is also disclosed. An improved fence assembly is further disclosed herein. In addition, a table saw having an improved panel and leg construction is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A power tool with a base assembly, and a table supported by the base assembly, where the table has a workpiece supporting surface. A saw assembly is pivotably supported by the table via a trunnion assembly. The table includes a post having a first curved surface having a first radius. The trunnion has a first surface contacting the first curved surface. The trunnion is movable along the first curved surface. The first radius is larger than the distance between the first surface and the workpiece supporting surface.