Battery pack for use with a power tool and a non-motorized sensing tool

• US 8,251,157 B2
• Filed: 03/06/2009
• Issued: 08/28/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Gray, Rick, Fry, Paul, Jones, Mike N., Schneider, Scott, Sanoner, Hugues Marie R. F.
• Primary Examiner(s): LOW, LINDSAY M
• Application Number:
  US12/399,835
• Publication Number:
  US 20090229842A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,271 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 173/29
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/02 Construction of casings, bodies or handles B25F5/006, B25F5/008 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0096 for measuring wires, electrical contacts or electronic systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/04 Housings; Supporting members; Arrangements of terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/0408 Test fixtures or contact fields; Connectors or connecting adaptors; Test clips; Test sockets G01R1/067 takes precedence; mass production testing systems G01R31/59; testing of connections G01R31/66; for testing printed circuit boards G01R31/2808
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/20 Modifications of basic electric elements for use in electric measuring instruments; Structural combinations of such elements with such instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/22 Tong testers acting as secondary windings of current transformers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/58 Testing of lines, cables or conductors testing of electric windings G01R31/72
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/488 Cells or batteries combined with indicating means for external visualization of the condition, e.g. by change of colour or of light density
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/213 adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic H01M50/209, H01M50/216 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A system includes a power tool having a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism. The motor is operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element. The system also includes a non-motorized sensing tool having a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The sensing element is operable to detect an external characteristic and output a signal to the circuit board. The circuit board is operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form. The system further includes a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool. The battery pack is operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and is operable to power the circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a housing, at least one lithium-ion battery cell positioned within the housing, a terminal extending through the housing and electrically coupled to the battery cell, and a latch mechanism coupled to and supported by the housing,

wherein, when the battery pack is coupled to the power tool, the latch mechanism engages the housing of the power tool to secure the battery pack to the power tool such that a portion of the battery pack housing remains exposed, and

wherein, when the battery pack is coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, the latch mechanism engages the housing of the non-motorized sensing tool to secure the battery pack to the non-motorized sensing tool such that the portion of the battery pack housing remains exposed.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a display electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and wherein the display receives the conditioned signal from the printed circuit board and displays an image indicative of the characteristic external to the sensing tool.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool is a menu-driven device having a plurality of settings, and wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a selector to adjust at least one of the plurality of settings.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a visual inspection device and the sensing element includes an image sensor, and wherein the image sensor is operable to transmit image data of a remote object to the printed circuit board.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a wall scanner and the sensing element includes a stud sensor and a D-coil sensor, wherein the stud sensor is operable to detect a stud behind a surface and transmit a first signal indicative of the stud to the printed circuit board, and wherein the D-coil sensor is operable to detect a metallic object behind the surface and transmit a second signal indicative of the metallic object to the printed circuit board.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a thermometer and the sensing element includes an infrared temperature sensor, and wherein the infrared temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured temperature to the printed circuit board.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a clamp meter and the sensing element includes a current clamp, and wherein the current clamp is operable to measure electrical current in an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured electrical current to the printed circuit board.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes a drill.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes a reciprocating saw.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes a circular saw.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes a pipe cutter and a cutting wheel.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes an impact driver.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a low voltage monitor.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a state-of-charge monitor.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes a low voltage monitor.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes a state-of-charge monitor.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensing tool includes a low voltage monitor.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensing tool includes a state-of-charge monitor.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool communicatively connects to the battery pack via a communications terminal.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensing tool communicatively connects to the battery pack via a communications terminal.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool includes a plurality of LEDs for providing status indications to a user.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensing tool includes a plurality of LEDs for providing status indications to a user.

23. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a housing, at least one lithium-ion battery cell positioned within the housing, a terminal extending through the housing and electrically coupled to the battery cell, and a latch mechanism coupled to and supported by the housing,

wherein, when the battery pack is coupled to the power tool, the latch mechanism engages the first housing to secure the battery pack to the power tool such that a portion of the battery pack housing remains exposed, and

wherein, when the battery pack is coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, the latch mechanism engages the second housing to secure the battery pack to the non-motorized sensing tool such that the portion of the battery pack housing remains exposed.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first housing of the power tool includes a first grip defining the first opening and the second housing of the non-motorized sensing tool includes a second grip defining the second opening, wherein the battery pack defines a portion of the first grip when positioned in the first opening of the power tool, and wherein the battery pack defines a portion of the second grip when positioned in the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a visual inspection device and the sensing element includes an image sensor, and wherein the image sensor is operable to transmit image data of a remote object to the printed circuit board.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a wall scanner and the sensing element includes a stud sensor and a D-coil sensor, wherein the stud sensor is operable to detect a stud behind a surface and transmit a first signal indicative of the stud to the printed circuit board, and wherein the D-coil sensor is operable to detect a metallic object behind the surface and transmit a second signal indicative of the metallic object to the printed circuit board.

27. The system of claim 23, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a thermometer and the sensing element includes an infrared temperature sensor, and wherein the infrared temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured temperature to the printed circuit board.

28. The system of claim 23, wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a clamp meter and the sensing element includes a current clamp, and wherein the current clamp is operable to measure electrical current in an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured electrical current to the printed circuit board.

29. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes a drill.

30. The system of claim 23, wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a low voltage monitor.

31. The system of claim 23, wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a state-of-charge monitor.

32. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes a reciprocating saw.

33. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes a circular saw.

34. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes a pipe cutter.

35. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes an impact driver.

36. The system of claim 23, wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a low voltage monitor.

37. The system of claim 23, wherein the rechargeable battery pack includes a state-of-charge monitor.

38. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes a low voltage monitor.

39. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes a state-of-charge monitor.

40. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensing tool includes a low voltage monitor.

41. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensing tool includes a state-of-charge monitor.

42. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool communicatively connects to the battery pack via a communications terminal.

43. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensing tool communicatively connects to the battery pack via a communications terminal.

44. The system of claim 23, wherein the power tool includes a plurality of LEDs for providing status indications to a user.

45. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensing tool includes a plurality of LEDs for providing status indications to a user.

46. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a display electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and wherein the display receives the conditioned signal from the printed circuit board and displays an image indicative of the characteristic external to the sensing tool.

47. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool is a menu-driven device having a plurality of settings, and wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a selector to adjust at least one of the plurality of settings.

48. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a visual inspection device and the sensing element includes an image sensor, and wherein the image sensor is operable to transmit image data of a remote object to the printed circuit board.

49. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a wall scanner and the sensing element includes a stud sensor and a D-coil sensor, wherein the stud sensor is operable to detect a stud behind a surface and transmit a first signal indicative of the stud to the printed circuit board, and wherein the D-coil sensor is operable to detect a metallic object behind the surface and transmit a second signal indicative of the metallic object to the printed circuit board.

50. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a thermometer and the sensing element includes an infrared temperature sensor, and wherein the infrared temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured temperature to the printed circuit board.

51. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a clamp meter and the sensing element includes a current clamp, and wherein the current clamp is operable to measure electrical current in an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured electrical current to the printed circuit board.

52. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the power tool includes a drill.

53. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the power tool includes a reciprocating saw.

54. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool, wherein the power tool includes a circular saw.

55. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the power tool includes a pipe cutter and a cutting wheel.

56. A system comprising:

a power tool including a housing, a motor, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the motor, and an output element mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the housing defining an opening, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism and the output element, the output element producing an output force when driven by the drive mechanism;

a non-motorized sensing tool including a housing, a printed circuit board and a sensing element electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the housing defining an opening that is similarly shaped and sized relative to the opening defined in the housing of the power tool, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack operable to power the motor to drive the drive mechanism and the output element when connected to the power tool, and operable to power the printed circuit board and the sensing element when connected to the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool, and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, at least a portion of the battery pack being positioned within the opening of the power tool to connect to the power tool and alternatively being positioned within the opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to connect to the non-motorized sensing tool,

wherein the power tool includes an impact driver.

57. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a visual inspection device and the sensing element includes an image sensor, and wherein the image sensor is operable to transmit image data of a remote object to the printed circuit board.

58. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a wall scanner and the sensing element includes a stud sensor and a D-coil sensor, wherein the stud sensor is operable to detect a stud behind a surface and transmit a first signal indicative of the stud to the printed circuit board, and wherein the D-coil sensor is operable to detect a metallic object behind the surface and transmit a second signal indicative of the metallic object to the printed circuit board.

59. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a thermometer and the sensing element includes an infrared temperature sensor, and wherein the infrared temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured temperature to the printed circuit board.

60. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the non-motorized sensing tool includes a clamp meter and the sensing element includes a current clamp, and wherein the current clamp is operable to measure electrical current in an object and transmit a signal indicative of the measured electrical current to the printed circuit board.

61. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the power tool includes a drill.

62. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the power tool includes a reciprocating saw.

63. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the power tool includes a circular saw.

64. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the power tool includes a pipe cutter.

65. A system comprising:

a power tool including

a first housing defining a first opening,

a motor positioned substantially within the first housing,

a drive mechanism positioned substantially within the first housing and mechanically coupled to the motor, the motor operable to drive the drive mechanism, and

a first battery terminal supported by the first housing and positioned within the first opening;

a non-motorized sensing tool including

a second housing defining a second opening, the second opening being similarly shaped and sized relative to the first opening,

a printed circuit board positioned substantially within the second housing,

a sensing element positioned substantially within the second housing and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the sensing element operable to detect a characteristic external to the sensing tool and output a signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board operable to condition the signal into a human-comprehensible form, and

a second battery terminal supported by the second housing and positioned within the second opening; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably and independently coupled to the power tool and the non-motorized sensing tool, the battery pack configured to communicatively connect to the power tool when coupled to the power tool and communicatively connect to the non-motorized sensing tool when coupled to the non-motorized sensing tool, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the first opening of the power tool to engage the first battery terminal and substantially enclose the first opening, the portion of the battery pack being insertable into the second opening of the non-motorized sensing tool to engage the second battery terminal and substantially enclose the second opening, the first battery terminal and the second battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the first opening and the second opening, respectively,

wherein the power tool includes an impact driver.