Miser light for cordless battery operated hand tools
US6206538A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25F5/021
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a means to selectively, by single finger pressure of one hand on the operating switch of a cordless battery operated hand tool, turn the illumination of the work area on when required by the operator of the tool, then, by further finger pressure on the operating switch, turn the tool motor on and/or turn the light source off, and by releasing finger pressure on the operating switch, turn both illumination and the tool motor off. Thus battery discharge is controlled by one-handed single finger pressure on the operating switch of the tool, and is automatically terminated when the tool is not in use, conserving battery charge. The gist of the invention is the adaptation of a "Make-Before-Break" switch to the operating switch of the tool, which is usually configured as a spring return trigger operated "On/Off" switch housed in a pistol style grip for hand tools. The invention is, however, easily adapted to and may be readily incorporated on or in other types of tool operating switches, such as, but not limited to, toggle switches, push button switches, multiple pole switches, plunger switches, knife switches and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.