Fluid powered cutting tool

Abstract

A balanced essentially vibration-free hand-grippable fluid powered reciprocating blade cutting tool intended primarily for cutting poultry, fish and meat for processing. The tool includes a hollow handle which functions as a motor housing. Fittings are provided for connecting the housing to a source of fluid under pressure and for exhausting fluid from the housing. A reciprocable cutting blade extends forwardly from the handle. A fluid actuated motor within the handle housing includes a pair of aligned piston assemblies of approximately equal weight. The pistons are reciprocable in opposite directions. The cutting blade is secured to one of these pistons. A control valve and fluid flow passages within the housing and associated with the fluid inlet fitting permits fluid to be directed alternately to the inner and outer sides of the pistons for causing the pistons to alternately move toward one another and away from one another. A manually operable trigger controls the flow of fluid into the housing. The angle of the cutting blade relative to the handle is variable to further reduce fatigue and other problems associated with rotation of the wrist, which is a contributing cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.