Black Decker Inc.

Michael C Bowers

Steven J Phillips

Todd A Hagan

Christine H Potter

Rodney D Milbourne

Rouse Roby Bailey, Jr

A power tool with a housing, an electric motor having an output shaft that provides a first output torque, a first gear reduction element driven by the output shaft to provide a second output torque, a second gear reduction element, which can be operated in active and inactive modes, driven by the first gear reduction element to receive the second output torque and to provide a third output torque, a third gear reduction element, which is operable in active and inactive modes, driven by the first gear reduction element to receive the second output torque and to provide a fourth output torque, an output spindle operably driven by the second gear reduction element or the third gear reduction element, and a shift actuator. The shift actuator is employed to position the second and third gear reduction elements to achieve at least three overall speed ratios.

Multispeed power tool transmission

A portable power tool having a relatively compact multi-stage, three-speed transmission and a related method for operating a power tool with a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.

A method for operating a portable power tool having a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.

A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.

A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.

An article having a first structure and a second structure. The first structure includes a structural portion and an overmold portion, which is formed from a resilient material and molded onto the structural portion. The overmold portion is configured to perform an auxiliary function, such as creating a seal portion that is configured to sealing engage the second structure, an isolator portion that is configured to contact the second structure and dampen vibrations that are transmitted thereto and/or an auxiliary gripping surface.

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Littlestown, PA, United States of America

Michael C Bowers