Snap-On Inc.

Richard D Bothmann

Brian C King

Raymond E Kinsley

Ray Kinsley

John R Williams

Paul W Griffin

Dennis A Nowak

Benjamin E Kohls

Inserts disposed in a housing of a pneumatically or hydraulically powered tool having a motor adapted to rotate a drive lug in either of first and second rotational directions. The insert is composed of a material resistive to creep and/or stress relaxation. The insert contacts fasteners applying a clamping force to the tool and remove the housing from the load path of the clamping force, thereby reducing the possibility of fluid leaks.

Insert for a power tool housing

The present invention relates broadly to a flow diverter disposed in a plenum area of a motor cylinder chamber (also referred to as kidney ports). The flow diverter acts as a barrier between a main inlet to the motor and an inlet to the cylinder chamber, and directs air or fluid to vane lifter ports of the motor before the air or fluid flows to the inlet to the cylinder chamber. In addition, the flow diverter can serve to regulate air or fluid flowing into the cylinder chamber to control power of the tool. The flow diverter allows for numerous options of where the main inlet to the motor can be positioned and provides a means of regulating the air or fluid flowing into the cylinder chamber.

Flow path diverter for pneumatic tool

Pneumatic impact wrench

A reversing mechanism for a pneumatically or hydraulically powered tool having a rotor adapted to selectively rotate in either one of first and second rotational directions. The reversing mechanism allows a user to actuate a button that rotates a valve to direct air flow through the tool. By pressing the button, the button will move a base laterally, and in doing so, rotates the valve. Rotating the valve distributes fluid to cause the rotor to rotate in a selected rotational direction.

Reversing mechanism for a power tool

A mechanism for causing axial movement of a device, such as a pin, by rotating a knob in a rotational direction. The knob includes cam surfaces that, when rotated, axially adjust the device by bending an elastic frame so a portion of the frame moves toward the desired axial direction. The frame can be disposed in a substantially flush or otherwise compact manner to improve the aesthetic appearance of the mechanism and allow for a more compact and cost-effective knob.

Rotatable control device with axial translation

A button retention mechanism that removably retains a button within a device while allowing easy replacement of a depressible or switchable button. The mechanism includes a retention member coupled to the button on a first end and removably coupled to a body at an opposing second end through a snap-fit or interference-fit. Such a structure allows for insertion and removal of the button without disassembling the device, and provides structural stability of the button.

Control button retention mechanism

A tool, such as a pneumatic tool, having a first and second housing portions coupled together. The first housing portion including an upper portion adapted to receive power and transmission components and a handle portion including a recess adapted to receive a trigger assembly. A reinforcement member is disposed in the recess with a first side facing in a first direction away from the recess and towards the second housing portion, and a protrusion extending from the first side in the first direction. The protrusion engages the second housing portion and strengthens the handle portion to allow the handle portion to withstand forces resulting from the tool being dropped on a hard surface.

Growing community of inventors

Grayslake, IL, United States of America

Richard D Bothmann