Handheld, battery-powered, intelligent nibber/sander and polishing tools

Abstract

Intelligent, hand-held, battery-operated, random-orbital nibber sander and polisher tools are adapted for removing defects in painted surfaces. Both tools are substantially the same size, with the exception of the head of the tool, wherein different pad sizes, RPM and orbital patterns are provided for the distinct sanding and polishing operations. Multiple operational features ensure accurate, reliable and repeatable sanding and polishing operations, with capabilities for identifying operator error. The inventive tools may include trigger time/RPM setting and indication, leveling, network communications, calibration downloading, and internal battery life monitoring with a charge-remaining indicator.

1 . A tool for removing defect in painted surfaces, comprising:
 an elongated, portable, hand-held housing having upper and lower surfaces between proximal and distal ends defining a longitudinal axis;   wherein the distal end of the housing includes a motor rotatable about an axis forming a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing;   wherein the motor drives a mechanism operative to rotate a backing pad with a random-orbital pattern;   a rechargeable battery contained within the housing providing electrical power to the motor;   a manually operated trigger extending from the lower surface of the housing to operate the tool;   a user interface disposed on the upper surface of the housing, the user interface at least including a visual indicator and a manually operated control; and   electronic circuitry contained within the housing enabling a user to perform the following functions:   (a) set the speed of the backing pad using the manually operated control; and   (b) activate the visual indicator if a predetermined trigger time has been reached.   
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the backing pad is less than 2 inches in diameter and the tool functions as a nibber. 
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the backing pad is greater than 2 inches in diameter and the tool functions as a polisher. 
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the manually operated control is an UP/DOWN control enabling a user to incrementally increase and decrease the speed of the tool. 
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface further includes a display indicating the speed to which the tool is set. 
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the manually operated control enables a user to incrementally increase and decrease the predetermined trigger time. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the tool further includes a level. 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 1 , further including a surface inspection light on the distal end of the tool. 
     
     
         9 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the non-zero angle is substantially 90 degrees. 
     
     
         10 . The tool of  claim 1 , further including an interface enabling the tool to receive operational or calibration parameters. 
     
     
         11 . The tool of  claim 1 , further including a wireless interface enabling the tool to deliver operational parameters or performance characteristics to a remote database. 
     
     
         12 . The tool of  claim 1 , further including a wireless interface enabling the tool to a hub, router or server enabling remote monitoring or control of the tool. 
     
     
         13 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the hub, router or server is in communication with a plurality of tools operated by different users.