WO2000045998A1 - Driver tool with high energy magnets - Google Patents

Abstract

At least one high energy magnet (12, 14) having an energy product to at least 7.0 X 106 gauss-oersteds is mounted on a non-operative portion of a driving tool, drill housing or other associated item, that defines a tool axis (A). The permanent magnet(s) (12, 14) have north and south poles defining a magnetic axis (Am) and permanent magnet(s) (12, 14) are arranged on the non-operative portions to permit selective placement of a magnetizable element, such as a screwdriver bit, screw or other fastener, etc., at at least one position along the magnetic axis (Am) in proximity to one of the poles to magnetize the magnetizable element. For demagnetization, the magnetizable element is placed in proximity to the other of the poles. To provide access to both poles a hole may be provided in the non-operative portion in proximity to one of the poles that would otherwise not be accessible along the magnetic axis (Am).

Description

DRIVER TOOL WITH HIGH ENERGY MAGNETS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention.

The present invention generally relates to tools, and more specifically to driver tools

such as screwdrivers, power tools and related accessories, which embody high energy

magnetizer and/or demagnetizer permanent magnets for selectively magnetizing and/or

demagnetizing a magnetizable element, such as a driver bit, fastener or the like.

Description of the Prior Art.

It is frequently desirable to magnetize the tips of screwdriver bits, tweezers and the

like to form at a least temporary magnetic pole on the tool which attracts a magnetizable

element. Thus, particularly with precision screwdrivers which tend to be relatively small and

are used to drive relatively small screws, it is frequently advantageous to at least temporarily

magnetize the screwdriver tips of the driver bits to maintain the screwdriver tip blade within

the slot of a head of a screw or a Phillips tip driver within the cross slots formed within the

head of a Phillips head screw. By magnetizing the tip of the driver bit, and mating the tip

within the associated opening in the head of the screw, the screw remains magnetically

attached to the bit tip without the need to physically hold them together. This allows the

screw to be guided through a relatively small bore or channel and moved within confined

spaces. Sometimes the magnetized tip of the driver bit is used to retrieve a metal item, such

as a screw, washer, nail or the like, from an inaccessible place that would otherwise be

difficult to reach with anything but a relatively thin shank of a bit driver. Of course, such attachment of a fastener to the driver bit tip also frees one hand for holding or positioning the

work into which the fastener is to be driven. In some instances, rather than magnetizing the

tip of the driver member bit, the fastener itself is magnetized so that, again, it is attracted to

and remains magnetically attached to the driver bit tip in the same way as if the latter had been magnetized.

Conversely, there are instances in which a magnetized driver bit tip is a disadvantage,

because it undesirably attracts and attaches to itself various magnetizable elements or

components. Under such circumstances, it may be desirable to demagnetize a driver bit tip that had been originally magnetized in order to render same magnetically neutral.

Devices for magnetizing/demagnetizing tools and small parts are well known. These

normally incorporate one or more permanent magnets that create a sufficiently high magnetic

field to magnetize at least a portion of a magnetizable element brought into its field. The

body can be magnetized by bringing it into the magnetic field. While the magnetic properties

of all materials make them respondent in some way to magnetic fields, most materials are diamagnetic or paramagnetic and show almost no response to magnetic fields. However, a

magnetizable element made of a ferromagnetic material readily responds to a magnetic field

and becomes, at least temporarily, magnetized when placed in such a magnetic field.

Most magnetizers/demagnetizers include commercial magnets which are formed of

either Alnico or of ceramic materials. The driver members/fasteners, on the other hand, are

normally made of soft materials which are readily magnetized but more easily lose their

magnetization, such as by being drawn over an iron or steel surface, subjected to

demagnetizing influences such as strong electromagnetic fields or other permanent magnetic

fields, severe mechanical shock or extreme temperature variations.

Since the magnetic field strength "B" at the pole of the magnet is a product of the unit

field strength and the area, it follows that the energy content is proportional to the BH product

of the magnet. The BH product is a quantity of importance for a permanent magnet and is probably the best single "figure of merit" or criterion for judging the quality of the permanent

magnetic material. It is for this reason that conventional magnetizers / demagnetizers have required significant volumes of magnetic material to provide the desired energy content

suitable for magnetizing and demagnetizing parts. However, the required volumes have

rendered it impossible or impractical to incorporate the magnetizers / demagnetizers on

relatively small hand tools. Thus, for example, precision screwdrivers, which are relatively small and have relatively small diameter handles, could not possibly incorporate sufficient

magnetic material to provide desired levels of magnetic fields for magnetizing and

demagnetizing parts. However, the requirement of using separate magnetizer / demagnetizer

units has rendered their use less practical. Thus, unless the user of a precision screwdriver or

any driver tool acquires a separate magnetizer /demagnetizer, one would not normally be

available for use. Additionally, even if such magnetizer /demagnetizer were available, it

would still require a separate component that could be misplaced and not be available when

needed. Of course, there is always the risk that the magnetizer /demagnetizer could become

misplaced or lost, rendering the use of the driver tool less useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and additional objects and advantages in view, as will hereinafter

appear, this invention comprises the devices, combinations and arrangements of parts

hereinafter described by way of example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of

preferred embodiments in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the magnetic fields in the vicinity of two spaced

magnets generally aligned along their magnetic axes, and showing a shank of a driver tool,

such as a screwdriver shank, passed through the space between the magnets, in solid outline,

to magnetize the shank, and also showing, in dashed outline, the same driver shank positioned

adjacent to an opposite the pole, to demagnetize the shank;

Fig. 1 A is generally similar to Fig. 1, but showing a schematic representation of the magnetic fields when the two spaced magnets have their opposing poles facing each other;

Fig. IB is an alternative arrangement of the two spaced magnets in which similar

poles face the same directions and the two magnetic axes are spaced but substantially parallel

to each other;

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of a driver handle illustrating one presently preferred

embodiment of the invention, in which a hole is provided within the driver handle and two

spaced magnets arranged with their magnetic axes generally aligned or co-extensive with the

axis of the driver tool shank and handle and spaced on opposite sides of the hole;

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a variant of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, in

which one of the magnets is recessed inwardly from the free end of the driver handle, and an optional second magnet, shown in phantom outline, and also illustrating different distances

from the upper demagnetizing pole surface to various points along the surface of the handle,

at least one of which is along the magnetic axis;

Fig. 4 is generally similar to Fig. 3, but showing the magnetic axis, along which the

two spaced magnets are aligned, rotated 90°, so that two demagnetizing poles become

accessible and are spaced at two different distances from the surfaces of the handle to

efficiently demagnetize different sized tools;

Fig. 5 is similar to Fig. 4, but showing the hole through which the tool is magnetized

to be spaced from the magnetizing pole;

Fig. 6 is similar to Figs. 3-5, but showing a single magnet embedded within the driver

handle, the exterior surface of the handle being provided with indentations along the magnetic

axis to position and guide the driver tool during both magnetization and demagnetization at

opposite sides of the handle;

Fig. 7 is similar to Fig. 6, but additionally illustrating a series of variably sized holes within the handle spaced from each other and from the demagnetizing pole to accommodate different sizes of driver tools to be demagnetized;

Fig. 8 is generally similar to Fig. 7, but with the magnetic pole rotated 90°, so that the

magnetic axis is generally coextensive or aligned with the tool shank and handle axis, all

Figs. 3-8 showing a horizontal dash line where the end of the handles incorporating the magnetic arrangements in accordance with the invention may be rotatably mounted about the

handle axes as in precision screwdrivers;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention, in which the

permanent magnet is mounted on a remote portion of the handle proximate to the driver

shank, the handle being provided with a suitable notch or cut-out to form a guide surface and provide access to both poles of the magnet for a tool to be magnetized and/or demagnetized;

Fig. 9 A is a cross sectional view of the driver handle illustrated in Fig. 9, taken along

line 9A-9A;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a tool handle having a construction generally similar

to that shown in Fig. 2, and showing a screwdriver shank sweeping past the axially free end of

the driver handle to demagnetize the tool shaft;

Figs. 11 A - 1 IF illustrate a kit of hand-held driving tools in accordance with the

invention, in which the driver members are multi-bit elements interchangeably supportable

with a 4-in-l sleeve receivable within a plurality of handles two of which include magnetizing

/ demagnetizing permanent magnets;

Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of a precision screwdriver for use with

interchangeable driver members and provided with two spaced magnets that can be used to magnetize / demagnetize a driver member before or after same is mounted in the operative

position shown; Fig. 13 A - 13B illustrate another kit of hand-held driving tools in accordance with the

invention, in which the driver members are fixed on the handles, two of which include magnetizing / demagnetizing permanent magnets;

Fig. 14 is similar to Fig. 13A, the upper portion of the handle being in cross section,

and showing further variation of the invention in which the opening or space within the handle for moving a tool driver tip adjacently to an embedded magnet is a longitudinal hole

which is aligned with the axis of the tool handle;

Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of the handle as shown in Fig. 14, taken along line 15

- 15;

Fig. 16 is similar to Fig. 9, but showing the use of a single magnet to one side of the longitudinal hole or cavity and further illustrating a removable cap mounted with the axial

hole;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged side elevation view of the cap shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a portable power drill, illustrating a high energy

magnetizer / demagnetizer attached to a surface of a rear portion of the drill housing, and also

illustrating a Phillips screw magnetically attached to a Phillips driver tip;

Fig. 19 is a side elevational view of the magnetizer / demagnetizer shown in Fig. 18,

also illustrating, in phantom outline, a curved or arcuate mounting member that can be used

with a correspondingly shaped surface of a nonoperative portion of a power driving tool

housing;

Fig. 20 is a rear elevational view of the magnetizer / demagnetizer shown in Fig. 19,

partially broken away to illustrate an adhesive layer provided on the exposure surface of the

flat mounting member;

Fig. 21 is a side elevational view of a portable power drill similar to Fig. 18, partially broken away to illustrate a variant embodiment of the magnetizer / magnetizer which is at

least partially embedded within the nonoperative portion of the drill housing;

Fig. 22 is a side elevational view of a magnetizer / demagnetizer similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 21, which is suitable to be either embedded within a drill housing or

mounted on an exterior surface of such housing;

Fig. 23 is a cross sectional view of the magnetizer / demagnetizer shown in Fig. 22

taken along line 23 - 23;

Fig. 24 is side elevational view of a high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer in

accordance with the present invention which defines a generally semicircular or

hemispherical surface provided with spaced notches which serve as indicia for positioning

variably sized shanks or shafts to be demagnetized;

Fig. 25 is a side elevational view of a handle of a driver tool illustrating a series of

notches or indentations at the proximate or free end of the driver which serve as indicia for

selectively positioning an element to be demagnetized;

Fig. 26 is similar to Fig. 25, but showing an arrangement of the magnet with its

magnetic axis shifted or displaced 90° from the tool axis and the demagnetization indicia are in the form of notches or indentations spaced from each other along the side of the handle;

Fig. 27 is similar to Fig. 24, but showing a series of steps or ridges for defining

different distances from the demagnetizing pole of the magnet;

Fig. 28 is similar to Figs. 25 and 26, in which the indicia in the form of notches or

indentations are formed on the side of a handle proximate to the end in which the driver is

mounted, the magnet also being situated or positioned at that end;

Fig. 29 is similar to Fig. 28, except that the magnetizer / demagnetizer is formed as a

separate assembly which is securely mountable on the proximate or free end of the driver handle;

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the driver handle shown in Fig. 25 and further showing a shank tip in the form of a flat blade screwdriver which is positioned in one of the notches in order to be demagnetized;

Fig. 31 is a side elevational view, partially in longitudinal cross section, of a driver

tool with a permanent magnet on the tool handle to magnetize the driver tip showing one

embodiment of the present invention in which a high energy permanent magnet is efficiently

located on the tool handle on the side of the driver bit within the receiving zone for receiving a portion of the bit driver;

Fig. 32 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 31, illustrating the bit

driver removed from the channel defining the bit driver receiving zone and the action of the

permanent magnet creating a magnetic field within the channel;

Fig. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating the equivalent magnetic circuit for the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 31 ;

Fig. 34 is similar to Fig. 31 but showing another embodiment in which there is further

provided a magnetizable sleeve surrounding the permanent magnet;

Fig. 35 is a cross sectional view of the tool shown in Fig. 34, taken along lines 35 -

35;

Fig. 36 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 34, but illustrating a further

embodiment in which the permanent magnet is in the form of an annular sleeve embedded

with the handle as shown so as to encircle the bit driver during normal use;

Fig. 37 is a cross sectional of the tool shown in Fig. 36, taken along lines 37 - 37;

Fig. 38 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 31, but illustrating another embodiment

in which two permanent magnets are provided on diametrically opposite sides of the bit driver receiving channel;

Fig. 39 is a cross sectional view of the tool shown in Fig. 38, taken along line 39 - 39;

Fig. 40 is a side elevational view of yet a further embodiment of the present invention

in which a plurality of permanent magnets are embedded within the tool handle about the bit receiving channel, the number of such magnets used in this embodiment being six;

Fig. 41 is a cross sectional view of the tool shown in Fig. 40, taken along line 41 - 41 ;

Fig. 42 illustrates the use of the present invention on a bit receiving holder other than

a conventional handle, in which the permanent magnet is in the form of an annulus similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 36 and 37 which surrounds the bit driver in its normal

operating position;

Fig. 43 is a cross sectional of the device shown in Fig. 42, taken along line 43 - 43;

Fig. 44 is similar to Fig. 42, except that a disk or pill magnet is used in combination with a magnetizable sleeve which is placed on the magnetic circuit of the permanent magnet;

Fig. 45 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 44, taken along line 45 -

45;

Fig. 46 is similar to Fig. 44, except that no annular sleeve is used;

Fig. 47 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 46, taken along line 47 -

47;

Figs. 48 A and 48B are cross sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a pilot

hole and driver adapter usable with the invention which includes a drill bit at one end for

drilling a pilot hole in a work and two reversible Phillips driver bits for driving a screw into

the hole formed by the drill;

Fig. 49 is a cross sectional view of the drill driver for reversibly receiving the adapter

shown in Fig. 48 with the drill exposed in a position to drill a pilot hole; Fig. 50 is similar to Fig. 49 but with the adapter reversed to expose one of the drill bits in a position to drive a Phillips screw; and

Fig. 51 illustrates partial magnetization curves for some typical or representative magnetizable materials, illustrating the magnetizing force required to initially saturate the

magnetic materials and, subsequently, to demagnetize such materials.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now specifically to the Figs., in which identical or similar parts are

designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring to Fig. 1 , an arrangement of magnets to be used to achieve the objects of the present invention is generally

designated by the reference numeral 10. The arrangement includes two spaced magnets 12,

14 spaced from each other a distance d₀ such that the magnetic poles of the two magnets are

generally aligned with each other along a magnetic axis A_m. In Fig. 1, the poles facing each

other are the same or similar poles, in the example shown these being south poles "S".

Because similar poles of magnets repel each other, it will be evident that the resulting

magnetic fields surrounding these magnets will be as depicted in Fig. 1, fields FI and F2

being diametrically opposing cross sections of a generally continuous field in the shape of a

torus surrounding the upper magnet 12 and symmetrically arranged about the magnetic axis A_m. Similarly, fields F3 and F4 are cross sectional images of a correspondingly shaped

toroidal field symmetrically arranged about the magnetic axis A_m in relation to the lower

magnet 14. In the presently preferred embodiments, the magnets 12, 14 are "pill" magnets in

the shape of circular cylindrical discs, the axes of symmetry of which coincide along the

magnetic axis A_m. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the specific

shapes of the "cylinders'^* are not critical and discs having configurations other than circular

discs may be used, with different degrees of advantage. The spaced magnets 12, 14 create a region 16 between these magnets in which the upper and lower fields reinforce each other in the region 16 to produce magnetic components

18, 18' that are radially inwardly directed at diametrically opposite sides of the fields, as shown in Fig. 1. It will be evident, therefore, that a tool T inserted into the space 16 will

experience localized fields that are significantly stronger than the fields generated by either

one of the magnets and will be roughly twice the strength of the fields generated by either one

of the magnets. Additionally, while the idealized representation in Fig. 1 suggests that the

magnetic field will be enhanced or magnified only about the peripheries of magnets 12, 14, it

will also be evident that an enhanced field will also be generated throughout the space 16.

With a field configuration as depicted in Fig. 1 , it will be evident that the insertion of

an elongate shank "T" of a driver, such as a screwdriver, drill bit, etc., into the space 16 will

experience field reversals as the shank is introduced radially, in relation to the axis A_m, from

one side of the magnets, through the axis A_m and ultimately out through the diametrically opposite side. In the example illustrated, if a screwdriver is initially inserted from the right-

hand side, as viewed in Fig. 1, the tip portion Tl of the driver shank T will initially

experience the component 18 which is directed toward the left. As that portion Tl of the

shank approaches the magnetic axis A_m (at T2), the magnetic field is relatively neutral, or

virtually nonexistent. When the portion Tl of the tool shank passes towards the left through

the fields FI and F3 it will experience a magnetic component 18' and generally directed

towards the right. At the same time, an upstream portion T3 of the shank, passing through the

fields F2, F4 will experience the component 18 toward the left. If the shank T does not

proceed further towards the right than illustrated in Fig.1 , there will be upstream portions of

the shank, beyond T3, that will not experience the strong magnetic forces created by the magnets 12, 14. As a result of the reversals of the directions of the magnetic fields by the components 18, 18', it will be evident that different portions of the shank T will initially be

magnetized in one direction and be subsequently magnetized in an opposing direction. Such

reversals in magnetization will continue as the shank T moves through the composite field

towards the left when the tool is initially introduced between the magnets, and ultimately

moved towards the right when the tool is withdrawn from the space 16. It will also be evident

that although the tip Tl of the shank T will initially be magnetized when it is introduced into

the space 16 from the right, it will also be the last portion of the shank T to be magnetically

altered as it is the last portion to be withdrawn from the space 16 as the tool shank T is moved

towards the right.

As will be more fully discussed in connection with Fig. 1 1 , since the magnetic

components 18, 18' are extremely strong, the last magnetic component that acts on any

portion of the shank will demagnetize any previously magnetized portion and may, depending

on the parameters, remagnetize that magnetizable portion consistent with the directions of the magnetic components. In Fig. 1 , since the magnetic component 18 is the last component to

be experienced by the tip Tl of the driver shank, the removal of that tip portion from the

space 16 by movement of the shank towards the right will cause the magnetic component 18

to magnetize the tip Tl with a north pole "N". Therefore, the strong magnetic field within the

space 16 will strongly magnetize the tip Tl of the shank T. To demagnetize the tip, when desired or necessary, requires that the tip Tl of the shank be placed within a field in which the

field lines are reversed within the tip portion so that the field lines enter instead of leave the

tip portion. This can be done by swiping or passing the tip portion T' across an opposite pole,

here along the north pole "N" of the upper magnet 12. When the shank T is swiped adjacent

the north pole N, as illustrated in dashed outline at T', and the shank is moved from left to right, it will be evident that the upper part of the field F2 will flow in the desired direction within the tip of the driver to effectively demagnetize that tip, in whole or in part, or

remagnetize it with an opposing polarity. For reasons which will be more fully discussed in

connection with Fig. 1 1, one feature of the present invention consists of the relative spacings

d,, d₂ of the driver shank from the initial magnetizing pole "S"and from the demagnetizing

pole "N", respectively, such that magnetization of the tool will be assured and efficient, while demagnetization will be substantially complete while avoiding remagnetization with an

opposing polarity. As will be evident from the discussion of Fig. 11, the magnetic force

required to magnetize a magnetizable material is significantly greater than the magnetic force

required to demagnetize that material. A feature of the invention, therefore, is the

arrangement of the magnet or magnets in such a way that will position the shank T of the tool

to be magnetized closer to the magnetizing pole face than to the demagnetizing pole face. In

Fig. 1, this can be established by selecting the distance d, to be smaller than the distance d₂.

While the specific distances d, and d₂ are not critical, they should be selected to generally

correspond to the magnetizing and demagnetizing forces required to magnetize and

demagnetize a specific tool shank T, this being a function both of the size of the shank as well

as the specific material from which it is made. The material is important because, as will be

evident from Fig. 11 , different materials exhibit different magnetic properties, requiring

different magnetic intensities or magnetizing forces to produce the same magnitudes of magnetic field or magnetic flux. The dimensions of the material to be magnetized is also

important, because the more volume that the tool shank exhibits, the greater the magnetic

field that will be required since what is instrumental in magnetizing or demagnetizing the

material is not only the absolute intensity of the magnetic field but also the relative density of

the field taken across a given cross sectional area of the tool or magnetizable material. In the case of the shank of a screwdriver, for example, the larger the diameter of the shank, the smaller the relative density of the magnetic field for a given amount of available magnetic

flux. Therefore, in order to magnetize or demagnetize magnetic materials that are not

saturated generally requires magnetic field levels consistent with the geometric dimensions of

the shanks.

In Fig. 1 A, a different field configuration is established in the space 16. By flipping the magnet 14 around by 180°, the positions of the poles "N" and "S" are reversed, so that

opposite poles now face each other across the gap of the space 16. Since the facing poles

now attract, an enlarged field is formed including diametrically opposite sections F5, F6 of a toroidal field symmetrically arranged about the magnetic axis A_m. It will be clear that the

field components that pass through the tool shank T are essentially perpendicular to the shank

instead of being parallel as in Fig. 1. While there will be a number of field reversals as the

shank T passes through the space 16, as viewed in Fig. 1 A, the magnitude and orientations of

the field have less of a magnetizing influence on the tool shank, and the arrangement is less

effective than the arrangement shown in Fig. 1.

In Fig. IB, the two magnets 12, 14 are arranged so that their magnetic axes A_m', A_m"

are parallel but offset from each other. The resulting field is similar in some respects to the

field shown in Fig 1 , in which each magnet generates its own magnetic field, both fields

reinforcing each other in the space 16 through which the tool shank T is passed. However,

the field does not reverse as the shank passes through the space and continues to magnetize the shank in the same sense or polarity both when inserted as well as when withdrawn from

the space 16. While the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 has been found to be most effective, the embodiments shown in Figs. IA and IB may be used with different degrees of advantage.

In Fig. 2, a cross sectional view is shown of one embodiment of the present invention,

in which the spaced magnets 12, 14 are generally aligned with the tool axis A, or axis of the handle 14. In order to provide the equivalent of the space 16 in Fig. 1, a hole 26 is formed in the handle 24 between the magnets 12, 14, such that the tool shank S of a driver tool can be

passed through the hole initially through one side and out through the other side of the hole,

and subsequently withdrawn from that hole to simulate the action described in connection

with Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1, the poles of the magnets 12, 14 facing the hole 26 are both the

same, south poles "S" in the example shown. It should be clear, however, that the poles may be reversed so that the north poles "N" face each other across the hole 26.

While the magnet 16 is embedded deep within the handle 26, proximate to the shank

T, the other magnet 12 is positioned proximate to the free end of the handle 24, an end cap or

cup-shaped cap or cover 28 being provided to enclose or encapsulate and cover the magnet 12

to prevent it from being damaged, as well as serving as a spacer to maintain a desired

demagnetizing spacing d₂. The cap or cover 28 is preferably made of a nonmagnetizable

material, such as aluminum. Other materials, such as plastic, may also be used.

To ensure that the magnetizing fields are substantially greater than the demagnetizing

fields, the distance d, is normally selected to be smaller than the distance d₂, for reasons

aforementioned. If desired, a notch 30 may be formed in the cap or cover 28 to facilitate the positioning or locating of a shank of a driver tool during demagnetization, for consistent

results.

The tool 22 is but one example of the type of tools in connection with which the

present invention may be used. The tool 22 is shown as a "fixed" shank driver, in which the shank T is permanently embedded and fixed within the handle 24. Accordingly, the shank T

of the tool 22 cannot be magnetized as contemplated by the present invention by the magnets

mounted within the handle 24 that supports the same shank. The magnets 12, 14, in this case,

can be used to magnetize the shank or shanks of other driver tools that could be readily inserted into the hole 26. To magnetize the shank T of the tool 22 shown in Fig. 2, therefore, that shank would need to be inserted into a corresponding magnetizer arrangement of another driver tool.

As will also be evident from Figs. 1 and 2, a feature of the invention is that the

magnets are so arranged that the magnetizable element or component to be magnetized can be

positioned, or swiped across the magnetic axis A_m of the magnets both during magnetization and demagnetization. While the magnetizable component is preferably positionable along the

magnetic axis both during magnetization and demagnetization, it will normally suffice if such

component can be positioned or swiped proximate to such magnetic axis. Thus, in Fig. 1, the

tip T" of the magnetizable shank is shown positioned slightly offset from the magnetic axis

A_m. In some instances, such offset in the positioning of the magnetizable portion to be

demagnetized is desirable in order to either increase the magnetic field, in the case of larger

magnetizable objects, or to decrease the demagnetizing field, in the case of smaller

magnetizable objects. As explained in connection with Fig. 1, the field conditions with the

arrangement shown in Fig. 1 generally provides very much reduced magnetic field intensities

along the magnetic axis itself, although the field increases rapidly, slightly "off center." The

notch 30 in Fig. 2 can, therefore, be provided as a guide to the user for purposes of

positioning the magnetized component at a desired location to provide effective

demagnetizing fields. In Fig. 2, as well, the distance d, is less than the distance d₂ to take

advantage of the characteristics of the magnetic fields required for magnetization and

demagnetization of any given magnetizable component.

An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 3 and generally

designated by the reference numeral 32. Here, the prime magnet 12 is embedded within the

handle 24 such that the distance d₂ from the demagnetizing pole face "S" is a distance along the tool and magnetic axes A„ A_m. In the embodiment 32, the second magnet 14', on the

opposite side of the hole 26 from the magnet 12, is shown in dashed outline to illustrate that such secondary magnet is optional, since most of the advantages and benefits of the present

invention can be achieved with the single magnet 12. Referring to Fig. 1, it will be evident

that the use of only a single magnet will provide the same field conditions in the proximity of

such magnet, at the magnetizing and demagnetizing sides thereof, with the exception that the

magnetizing field or components 18, 18' (Fig. 1) will be weaker. However, when the

magnetizing distance d, is maintained relatively small, such decreased magnetic field

intensities may not adversely alter the effectiveness of the design. With appropriate magnets,

there will still be more than an adequate field to magnetize the anticipated magnetizable

elements.

In Figs. 3-8, the dash lines "C" represent horizontal splits in the handles 24 for

allowing the free ends "R" of the handles most remote from the driving tools to be mounted

for rotation about the handle or shank axes A_t, as in precision screwdrivers. It will be evident

that with such precision screwdrivers, the holes 26 and the magnets 12 and/or 14 may be

mounted within the relatively small free ends "R", this being made possible by the subject

designs and the magnetic materials used.

In Fig. 4 the two magnets 12, 14, on opposite sides of the hole 26, are positioned such

that the resulting magnetic axis A_m is shifted or displaced 90° from the tool or handle axis A_t

With such arrangement, the user not only has access to the demagnetizing pole "N" of one of

the magnets 12 but of both demagnetizing poles "N" of the magnets 12, 14, since a magnetizable component can be positioned along or proximate to the magnetic axis A_m of each of such demagnetizing poles. By slightly shifting the position of the hole 26 in relation

to the tool axis A„ two different demagnetizing distances d, and d₂ can be provided on diametrically opposite sides of the handle 24 to accommodate larger and smaller tool shanks or magnetizable components which require greater and lower magnetic fields for demagnetization, respectively.

Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment 34 similar to Fig. 4, in which the optional magnet 14'

is shown in dashed outline. Fig. 5 also illustrates the primary magnet 12 being slightly spaced

from the periphery of the hole 26 by a distance d₃, whereas the magnetic pole faces in the

previous Figs, are shown generally to be coextensive with a point on the circumference or

periphery of the hole 26. By shifting the magnetizing pole "S" away from the periphery of the

hole 26, this is one way to somewhat reduce the strength or level of the magnetizing field

within the hole. Therefore, this permits a designer to control the magnetizing fields within the hole 26 for magnets of a given or predetermined strength or magnetic energy content.

In Fig. 6, an embodiment 36 has a single magnet 40 arranged with its magnetic axis

A_m shifted 90° in relation to the handle or tool axis A, as in Figs. 4 and 5. However, instead

of a hole 26 through which a magnetizable component can be passed to initially magnetize

the component, diametrically opposite indentations or recesses 42, 42' are provided, one

proximate to each of the poles "N" and "S" so that the magnetizing distance d, is, again, less

than the demagnetizing distance d₂. Because the distance d, is greater than in some of the

previously described embodiments, the magnet 40 should be selected to be somewhat larger

or stronger to provide the desired levels of magnetizing fields at the recess 42. Since the

magnet 40 is embedded in the handle 24, suitable identifying indicia may need to be used to identify which of the recesses 42, 42' is to be used for magnetizing and which is to be used for

demagnetizing. For example, the recesses 42, 42' may be color coded or may be of slightly different shapes. Although both of these recesses are shown in Fig. 6 to be generally concave

circular recesses, one of these may be provided with a square or triangular configuration so that the user may readily identify which side is to be used for magnetizing and which side is to be used for demagnetizing the component.

In Fig. 7, an arrangement 44, generally similar to Fig. 6 is provided, in which the

embodiment is provided with a generally smaller magnet 42, whose magnetizing pole "N" is

positioned relatively close to one diametrical side of the handle 24, while a series of holes 46,

48 and 50 are spaced along the magnetic axis, A_m at variable distances d₂, d₃, d₄ and d₅, as

shown in Fig. 7. The holes 46, 50 and 52 decrease in diameter as the holes are further spaced

from the demagnetizing pole "S". This allows larger shanks of driver tools to be

demagnetized at positions closer to the demagnetizing pole "S", since larger shanks have

greater magnetic volumes and require stronger magnetic fields to provide the desired

demagnetizing intensities or magnetic densities for demagnetization. The smallest shanks

may be positioned or swiped at a notch 52 provided on the outside of the handle surface generally aligned with the magnetic axis, while a comparable notch 54 may be provided at the

opposing diametric side proximate to the magnetizing pole face "N". Consistent with the

discussion above, the distance d, is selected to be smaller than any of the distances d₂, d₃, d₄

and d₅ in order to control the demagnetizing fields for any size driver shank in order to ensure

such shank is not remagnetized when demagnetization is desired.

In Fig. 8, a similar arrangement 56 to that shown in Fig. 7 is illustrated in which the

magnetic axis A_m of the magnet 42 in the embodiment 56 is generally aligned with the tool or

handle axis A_t. It will be evident, therefore, that for most applications in which the magnetic

and tool axes are aligned, a hole 26 is preferably used for magnetization, while such magnetizing hole 26 can be avoided when the axes are displaced from each other by 90° as

shown in Figs. 4-7. In Fig. 8, the holes 46 and 48 are equivalent to the corresponding holes

shown in Fig. 7, these being used for demagnetization only, while the hole 26 is used for magnetization.

The embodiment 58 shown in Figs. 9 and 9A includes an annular recess 60 having a general arcuate cross section, as shown, creating at one end of the handle 24 in which the shank T is introduced into the handle with a web or collar 62. By creating an additional cut¬

out or groove 64 both a guide is provided for the shank during demagnetization as well as

access to the demagnetizing pole "S" along the magnetic axis A_m. Again, the magnet 66 is

embedded within the collar 62 such that the distance d, that a magnetizable component can be

positioned relative to the magnetizing pole face "N" is smaller than the distance d₂ that it can be positioned from the demagnetizing pole face "S".

It will be evident, therefore, that there are many possible arrangements of the magnets

in order to practice the present invention. The specific locations of the magnets on the handle

are not critical, and one single magnet or two spaced magnets may be used. However, in

order to effectively practice the present invention, it is required or strongly desirable that the

magnetic materials used have a relatively high energy product and that the magnetizable

components can be positioned at or proximate to the magnetic axes of the magnets.

A feature of the present invention is the provision of magnetic means on the handle

for establishing a magnetizing magnetic field accessible for selective placement of a

magnetizable element within the field, with the magnetic means being formed by a

permanently magnetized material having an energy product sufficiently high so that the size

and volume of the permanent magnet can be made sufficiently small so that it can be mounted

on or embedded within conventionally sized handles, even the generally smaller handles

associated and used with precision screwdrivers. Since the magnetic energy content, or BH product, of a magnetic material is proportional to the volume of the magnet, it has been

determined that in order to use permanent magnets with small volumes to be mountable on driver tool handles, the magnetic properties of the permanent magnet materials must be equal to at least 7.0 X 10⁶ gauss-oersteds. Magnetic flux lines conventionally leave the North Pole

and enter the South Pole, the magnetic flux lines being always closed curves that leave the

North Pole and enter the South Pole and always maintain the same direction. Therefore,

magnetic flux lines generally exhibit the same directions at both Pole surfaces, with the

exception that the flux lines leave from the North Pole and enter into the South Pole. The

placement of a soft magnetizable material proximate to either of the polar surfaces, therefore,

has the same effect on the magnetic domains of the magnetizable material and would tend to

either magnetize or demagnetize the magnetizable material at each of the poles. Since both

poles have the same effect on a magnetizable element, it is generally necessary to have at

least two permanent magnets which are so arranged so as to provide oppositely directed

magnetic fields in order to establish reverse polarizing effects on the magnetizable element.

Thus, if one of the magnetic poles of one of the permanent magnets provides a magnetizing

effect, the other permanent magnet is preferably so arranged so that the placement of the magnetizable element next to one of its poles will have an opposite or demagnetizing effect.

Because conventional magnetic materials that have been used in the past for

magnetizing and demagnetizing have had relatively low energy products BH, they could not

be embedded or mounted on conventional driver tool handles. Even when attempts to do so

have been made, only single bulky and weak magnets could be provided which would

normally serve to magnetize components. However, in accordance with the present invention, two or more magnets can now be easily mounted and/or embedded within

conventional driver tool handles, even the relatively small precision screwdriver handles, to

provide strong magnetizing and demagnetizing fields.

In Fig. 10, a driving tool 68, in the form of a flat blade screwdriver having a handle 70, a fixed tool shank 72 and flat blade tip 72', is shown in proximity to a handle 24 of

another driving tool which is provided with magnetizing/demagnetizing permanent magnets

(only lower magnet 14 being visible through the hole 26) for magnetizing and demagnetizing

a tool shank of another driving tool. Once the shank 72 (and tip 72') is magnetized by

passing same through the hole 26, the tip 72' may be demagnetized by passing the shank 72

(and tip 72') across the cap or cover 28 in proximity to the magnetic axis A_m, as suggested in

Fig. 3. By doing so, as suggested in Fig. 1, a reverse field passes through the tip 72' to

demagnetize the tip. By controlling the distances d,, d₂, as described, re-magnetization of the

tip 72' with opposite polarity can be avoided.

In Figs. 1 1-17, the invention is shown as applied or used in conjunction with kits in

which one or magnetizing / demagnetizing elements are used in conjunction with a plurality of drivers, most of which can be magnetized and/or demagnetized using the limited number

of magnets on at least one of the tools of the kit. In Figs. 11 A - 1 IF, on illustrative kit is

shown in which the tools of the kit employ multi-bit elements interchangeably supportable

within reversible sleeves which can receive such multi-bit elements and which are themselves

receivable within the handle of the kit. In Figs. 1 IA and 1 IB, two multi-bit elements 132,

132' are shown. The element 132 is a dual bit element that includes a hex support shaft 134.

One driver shaft 136 supporting a flat screwdriver blade 138 extends from one axially end of

the hex support shaft 134 while another driver shaft 140 providing a Phillips screwdriver tip

142 extends in the opposite axial direction. Similarly, the dual bit element 132' in Fig. 1 IB is similar to the element 132 in Fig. 1 IA except that the diameters of the driver bit shafts 136'

and 140' are larger than those in Fig. 1 IA, resulting in a larger flat screwdriver blade 138' and

a larger Phillips driving head 142'. Each of the hex support shafts 134 may include a

conventional spring loaded ball detent 146. In Fig. 1 1C a sleeve 148 is shown which has separate open ended channel 150, 152 opening in opposite longitudinal or axial directions and being dimensioned to selectively receive a hex or support shaft 134. The sleeve 148 includes

a conventional ears 154 that protrude beyond the exterior surface of the sleeve 148 and which

are receivable within diametrically opposite slots in a handle 158 of the type shown in Fig. 1 ID. The handle 158 preferably includes conventional ribs 160 or other surface finish to

allow to user to grip the handle and minimize slipping during use of the tool. In Figs. 1 IE

and 1 IF, two handles 158' and 158" are shown which may be similar to the handle 158 shown

in Fig. 1 IB. However, in Fig. 1 IE the handle is shown to be provided with spaced magnets

12, 14, arranged on opposite sides of an opening or space 16, for reasons described above. In

Fig. 1 IF, a single magnet 12 is arranged near the axial end of the handle opposite to axial end

in which the sleeve 148 is received, the single magnet 12 serving as a magnetizing element,

while the magnets 12, 14, in Fig. 1 IE can both magnetize an element when extended or

passed through the space 16 and demagnetized when placed proximate to the axial end of the

handle 158' in the field of the magnet 12. It will be clear, therefore, that with only one handle

158', which permits magnetization and/or demagnetization or one handle 158", which

provides magnetization only, a plurality of multi-bit elements 132, 132', etc., can be

magnetized and/or demagnetized with a limited number of magnets permanently mounted on

one or two handles. In this way, a separate magnetizer / demagnetizer need not be employed,

since the magnets on the handles 158' and 158" can serve the same function.

In Fig. 12, a precision screwdriver 160 is shown, that includes a handle 162 and a

chuck 164 for releasably securing a driver bit shaft 166.

Another driver tool or kit in accordance with the present inventions is shown in Figs.

13A - 13B. This kit includes fixed drivers permanently mounted on their respective handles,

instead of being interchangeable, as with the kit shown in Figs. 1 IA - 1 IF. In Fig. 13A, the screwdriver 174 forming part of the kit is mounted on a handle 158" similar to the handle

shown in Fig. 1 IF, in which a single magnet 12 is mounted at the very end of the handle. Such magnet 12, as indicated, serves primarily to magnetize a driver bit or fastener. The

handle 158" supports a fixed driver shaft 176 bearing a driver tip 178 in the form of a Phillips

head. In Fig. 13B, another tool of the kit includes a handle 158' similar to the handle shown in Fig. 1 IE, which supports a fixed shaft 180, the end of which is a Phillips tip or head 182.

In contrast to the kit shown in Figs. 1 IA - 1 IF, in which the multi-driver bits 132, 132', can

always be removed from an associated shaft or sleeve 148 to be magnetized and/or

demagnetized by magnets 12, 16, the fixed driver shafts in the kit of Figs. 13A - 13B cannot

be removed. In such a kit, it is desirable to have at least two of the handles of the kit

including magnets, so that the fixed shafts attached to the handles which include a magnet can

themselves be magnetized and/or demagnetized using the magnets mounting on another

handle of the kit. While the tip 178 of the screwdriver shown in Fig. 13A can be magnetized

and/or demagnetized by the magnets 12, 14, on the handle 158' in Fig. 13B, it is clear that the

driver tip 182 cannot be so magnetized and demagnetized with the kit shown. The tip 182 can only be magnetized using the magnet 12 on the screwdriver shown in Fig. 13 A. For this

reason, it may be desirable to provide dual magnets 12, 14, as shown in Fig. 13B, on at least

two of the driver handles so that all the driver tips may be magnetized and demagnetized. In

the alternative, the kit may include a second screwdriver which has the same driver tip or

termination as is provided on the tool of the kit which includes the dual magnets, so that

every tip or termination of the kit can be used by magnetizing and demagnetizing the same.

It is clear that while a limited number of screwdrivers in each kit has been illustrated,

numerous additional screwdrivers with various screwdriver tip configurations or terminations

can be provided. In each instance, regardless of the nature of the screwdriver tip, each tip can be magnetized and/or magnetized by relying on the limited number of magnets on the handles of one or two of the handles of the tools of the kit.

It will be evident, therefore, that there are many possible arrangements of the magnets

in order to practice the present invention. The specific locations of the magnets on the handle

are not critical, and one single magnet or two spaced magnets may be used. However, in

order to effectively practice the present invention, it is required or strongly desirable that the

magnetic materials used have a relatively high energy product and that the magnetizable components can be positioned at or proximate to the magnetic axes of the magnets.

While the spaces or openings 16 in the handles have been shown in the prior disclosed

embodiments as being generally transverse to the axis A, of the driver tool and handle thereof,

it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the openings can be arranged or oriented in any

direction. Thus, referring to Fig. 14, a driver 192 handle has an elongate or longitudinal

opening or hole 1 16' is shown which is arranged substantially coextensively with the driver tool axis A, which extends a predetermined distance from the upper or proximate end of the

handle to the interior of the handle. Clearly, the longitudinal or axial length of the hole or space 1 16' should be adequate for insertion of a driver tip so that the remote tip of the driver

shaft passes or extends past the magnet 12, as described in connection with Fig. 1. While the

space or hole 116' may be longer, the maximum length thereof will be a function of a distance

in which the fixed driver shaft 176 is embedded within the handle. Fig. 14 also shows the

optional additional magnet 14 that can be arranged diametrically opposite to the magnet 12 ,

as discussed previously. As best shown in Fig. 15, the magnets 12 and 14 can be placed

adjacent to the hole or space 116' so that the distance d, is either 0, when the driver shaft

inserted within the hole 1 16' has a diameter substantially the same of that of the hole, or the distance d, will be a finite quantity less than the distance d₂ when the driver shaft inserted into the hole is somewhat smaller than the diameter of the hole. With this arrangement, the driver

tools of the kit can be demagnetized by positioning or swiping the magnetized driver shaft in

proximity to the magnetic axis A_m of the magnet 12 or the magnets 12, 14.

In Fig. 16, a further embodiment 194 is illustrated in which the single magnet 12 is

arranged proximate to the longitudinal hole or space 116', as in Fig. 14. However, in

proximity to the free or open end of hole 1 16' there is provided an annular or

circumferentially groove 196 to receive an annular protuberance or bead 198 provided on a

plug 200 attached to a cap 202, shown enlarged in Fig. 17, the diameter of which substantially

corresponds to the diameter of the handle. By making the bead somewhat deformable, the

plug or post 200 can be forced into the hole or space 116' to a position shown in Fig. 16 in

which the bead 198 is received within the annular groove 196. This renders the cap 202

rotatable on the handle. Once mounted on the handle as shown in Fig. 16, the cap covers the

free end of the hole 1 16' and eliminates any sharp edges that might otherwise render the tool difficult or inconvenient to use. When any driver bit of the kit needs to be magnetized, the

cap 202 can simply be removed to render the hole 116' accessible for insertion of the driver

bit shaft. It should also be clear to those skilled in the art that while the openings or spaces

1 16, 1 16' have been shown oriented either in a direction transverse to the tool axis or

coextensive therewith, the hole or space can also assume any angle intermediate between

these two positions which are displaced from each other by 90°. In such case, the magnets

need simply be arranged on or both sides of the hole or space irrespective of its orientation or

inclination.

In Fig. 18 a power driving tool in the form of a portable power drill is generally

illustrated by the reference numeral 320. The drill 320 has a motor/drill housing 322 which defines various exterior surfaces, including side surfaces 322a, top surface 322b and rear or end surface 322c. The drill 320, which is of conventional design, includes a handgrip 324, a

finger guard 326 and a trigger switch 328. At the remote end of the housing 322 there is

provided a chuck 330 which is suitable for gripping and securing the shaft or shank of a

driver bit 332 provided at the remote or free end with a suitable driving tip 334. A Phillips driving tip 334 is shown in Fig. 18 engaged with a Phillips head screw or fastener 336.

In accordance with the present invention, a high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer is

provided on a nonoperative portion of the housing 322 of the power drill, being generally

designated in Fig. 18 by the reference numeral 340. A "non-operative portion" of a power driving tool or the like is defined, for purposes of the present invention, to mean a portion of

the power driving tool or other device which is not critical to the proper functioning or

operation of the driving tool or other device so that the driving tool or other device can

continued to be used in accordance with its intended function notwithstanding the fact that the

magnetizer / demagnetizer is integrally formed thereon or attached thereto. Stated otherwise,

making the magnetizer / demagnetizer integral with or attaching it to the non-operative

portion of the driving tool or other device does not materially affect or diminish its operation

or usefulness.

Referring more specifically to Figs. 19 and 20, the magnetizer / demagnetizer 340

includes a body 342 which defines a mounting axis A At least one permanent magnet 312,

formed of a magnetized material having North and South poles, defines a magnetic axis A_m which, in the embodiment shown, coincides with the mounting axis A. The body 342 is

arranged on the housing as shown to permit selective placement of a magnetizable element,

such as the Phillips head screw or fastener 336, at at least one position along the magnetic

axis A_m at a predetermined distance d₀ from the pole (here, the south pole "S") of the magnet 312 to magnetize the fastener. In the instance where a magnetizable element, such as the driving tip 334, needs to be demagnetized, the body 342 is arranged to facilitate placement of the magnetizable element a selected distance d, from the other of the magnetic poles (here,

the north pole "N"), where the distance d, is greater than the distance d₀ to demagnetize the

element. In this way, a magnetizable element, such as a fastener 336, may be initially

magnetized by the magnetizer 340 on the housing 322 of the power driving tool by

positioning the fastener adjacent to one of the poles "S" mounted on the nonoperative portion

of the driving tool. Since the fastener 336 is normally driven into a surface, where it remains,

it is normally not necessary to demagnetize such fastener. However, if other driving bits or

components need to be demagnetized after being magnetized, they can, as suggested, be demagnetized by placing same adjacent to the other of the poles "N".

In accordance with the above definition of nonoperative portion, the magnetizer /

demagnetizer 340 need not be placed on the rear or end surface 322c as shown. Instead, it

may be attached to any convenient surface of the housing 322, such as along the top surface

322b, the side surface 322a or any other surface which would not interfere with the user's handling or use of the power tool 320.

In Figs. 19 and 20, the magnetizer / demagnetizer 340 is shown to include a

substantially flat mounting member 346 which is provided on an exposed surface thereof 348

with suitable attachment means such as a strip of adhesive or a strip of adhesive tape 350.

The mounting member 346 may also assume a different shape / configuration to facilitate mounting on a non-flat surface, as suggested by the arcuate or curved mounting member 352

shown in phantom outline in Fig. 19. Extending rearwardly from the flat mounting member

346 is a magnet carrier member 354 which may be provided at the proximate end with an

arcuate surface or edge 356. In this embodiment, both the mounting member 346 as well as

the magnet carrier member 354 are formed of substantially flat stock and are arranged perpendicularly to each other, as shown.

The magnet carrier member 354 is provided with a hole 358 sufficiently large to

receive a magnetizable element to be magnetized. At least one permanent magnet 12 is

arranged adjacent to the hole 358 to position a pole of the magnet 12 in proximity to the magnetizable element when passed through the hole. While one permanent magnet 12 may

be used, it is also possible to use two permanent magnets, as suggested by the optional

magnet 14, shown in phantom outline.

While the hole 358 is shown in Fig. 19 to be generally aligned with the mounting axis

A, it should be evident that this hole need not be so aligned and may be moved upwardly or downwardly in relation to the mounting axis without adversely affecting the use or operation

of the magnetizer / demagnetizer. However, where two magnets are used, they are preferably

arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the hole 358 so that their magnetic axes are

substantially aligned or coextensive with each other.

By providing an arcuate surface 356, as shown in Fig. 19, it will be clear that a

magnetized fastener or other component to be demagnetized may be placed at variable

distances from the demagnetizing pole to regulate the level of demagnetization, as is more

fully described in connection with Figs. 27-30. Also, while the magnets are illustrated in Fig.

19 to have facing poles of the same polarities, it is clear from the discussion of Figs. 1, IA

and IB that permanent magnets may be variably arranged, while obtaining many of the

benefits of the present invention with different degrees of advantage. Optimum magnetization is, however, obtained with the embodiment suggested in Fig. 1, in which the

facing poles are of the same polarity.

The body 342 forming the magnetic carrier member 354 is made of a nonmagnetic

material, such as plastic or rubber or other nonmagnetic material. This ensures that the body 342 itself does not interfere or modify or reduce the fields generated by the magnets 12, 14.

The magnets 12, 14 preferably have a "disk" or "pill" shape and are relatively small relative to the dimensions of the body 342, in order to reduce the cost as well as the weight of

the magnetizer / demagnetizer. In Fig. 19 the diameters of the magnets are shown to be less

than the diameter of the hole 358. However, the use of larger magnets would not detract from

the operation, but only the efficiency and cost of use.

Referring to Fig. 21, a variant embodiment of the invention is shown in which a body

342' is at least partially embedded within the rear portion of the housing 322d. In this Fig., the housing is shown to be formed of a metal casing, while the body 342' is formed of a

nonmetallic material, such as plastic or rubber, for reasons aforementioned. Aside from being

embedded within the housing, as opposed to being surface mounted, the magnetizer /

demagnetizer shown in Fig. 21 operates in the same way and provides the same benefits and advantages as the unit 340 shown in Figs. 18-20.

In Fig. 22 a further embodiment of the magnetizer / demagnetizer is shown and

designated by the reference 370. The body 370 is cylindrical in shape with a substantially

uniform circular cross section, the mounting axis A being coextensive with the geometrical

axis of the body. The body 370 is provided a convex surface 356 at one axial end of the

body. The unit 370 may be either surface mounted, by means of a glue strip or other adhesive material 351, or may be embedded, as suggested in Fig. 21, within the body of the housing.

In the embodiments illustrated, the hole 358 is formed within the bodies of the magnetizers /

demagnetizers along a direction transverse to the mounting axis A.

While the magnetic axes A_m of the magnets 12, 14 are shown aligned with the

mounting axis A in Fig. 23, as was the case with the embodiment of Fig. 19, alternate

positions of the magnets 12', 14' are shown in Fig. 23 in which the magnets have been rotated or displaced 90° from the mounting axis A. Clearly, the magnetizer could be used in the same way to magnetize fasteners.

As described in connection with Fig. 2, the notch 30 may serve as a guide to the user.

As such, it serves as an indicia that ensures that demagnetization can be consistently obtained

and repeated if the same sized part or element to be demagnetized is always placed within the

groove or notch 30. A feature of the present invention is the provision of a high energy

magnetizer and selective demagnetizer which is mounted on or integral with a driver tool or

the like which can provide the appropriate indications or guides to a user for demagnetizing variably sized elements or components to be demagnetized. Thus, referring to Fig. 24, a

magnetizer / demagnetizer in accordance with the invention is generally designated by the

reference numeral 430. The magnetizer / demagnetizer 430 can either be integrally formed

with a non-operative portion of the driver tool or the like or can be provided with suitable

means for attaching the same thereto. As shown, the magnetizer / demagnetizer 430 may be

in the form of a hemisphere having a generally planar surface 432 and a generally

hemispherical surface 434. However, for reasons which will become apparent, the specific

configuration of the body forming the magnetizer / demagnetizer 430 is not critical, and

numerous shapes and configurations may be used. Preferably, it is desirable that the surface

432 be of a shape or configuration to enable the magnetizer / demagnetizer 430 to be

immediately and substantially permanently mounted on a driver tool or the like. Likewise,

the hemispherical surface 434 can be modified to any other desired surface as long as there

are formed external surface portions which can be variably spaced from the magnet 12, as

suggested in Fig. 24. In the specific embodiment illustrated, the magnet 12 is embedded within the body of the magnetizer / demagnetizer 430, being positioned adjacently to the

surface 432 so that placement of a shaft or shank S adjacent to the magnet 412, generally along its magnetic axis A_m , will initially magnetize the shaft or shank when placed a distance d₀ from the magnet.

It is important, therefore, that the element to be demagnetized can be placed at any one

of a plurality of selected distances from the magnet 12, each of which is greater than the predetermined or normal distance d₀ used for magnetization.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of indicia on the non-operative

portion of the driving tool or the like for providing an indication of a desired or preferred

position for placement of the magnetizable element S to be demagnetized as a function of the relative size of the portion of the magnetizable element to be demagnetized. Referring to Fig.

24, a series of notches or indentation n, - n₅ are illustrated extending about the arcuate surface

434 variably spaced distances d, - d₅ from the magnet 12. While each of the notches n, - n₅

are shown to be equally sized, it will be clear that these notches can be formed in different

shapes and different sizes, with different degrees of advantages. The notches serve as indicia for reliably and repeatably positioning shafts or shanks of the driving tools or other

magnetizable elements to be demagnetized. Since bulkier elements to be demagnetized,

defining greater volumes of magnetizable material, require stronger demagnetizing fields, a

large magnetizable element S, would normally be placed in notch n,. A smaller magnetizable

element S₂ would normally be positioned in notch n₂, and so on with the smallest

magnetizable element S₅ being placed in notch n₅ at the greatest distance d₅ from the magnet

12. The arrangement of such indicia or notches addresses the reality that if large

magnetizable elements are demagnetized at a distance that is too great from the

demagnetizing pole, the magnetizable element may not be fully demagnetized. Also, a relatively small magnetizable element placed too close to a demagnetizing pole may over-

demagnetize and, therefore, re-magnetize with opposing polarity. The distances d, - d₅ are preferably selected so that a user can reliably and repeatedly substantially or fully

demagnetize the element after it has been magnetized by the magnetizing pole of the magnet

12. The use of the indicia, in the form of notches or indentations, as described, avoids guesswork and insufficient or excessive demagnetization action on the element to be

demagnetized.

As suggested, the indicia in the form or notches or indentations can either be attached

to a non-operative portion of a driver tool or the like or may be integrally formed therewith.

In Fig. 25 notches n, - n₅ are shown in the upper or proximate end of the driver handle 424.

The notches are so distributed that the distances of the notches n₂ and n₄ from the magnet 12 are substantially equal, and the same is true for notches n, and n₅. While there is some

redundancy, this provides the user with added flexibility or versatility in the use of the

demagnetizer. Thus, while the arcuate surface 434 in Fig. 24 is formed in a separate body

that may be attached to a driving tool or the like, the arcuate surface 436 in Fig. 25 is the

actual end surface of the driver handle 424.

In Fig. 25, the magnetic axis A_m of the magnet 12 is generally aligned or coextensive

with the handle or the tool axis. In Fig. 26 the magnetic axis is rotated 90° from the tool axis

A_t. Here, the indicia is in the form of notches or indentations n, - n₄ arranged on the side

surface 438 of the handle 424 to provide the variable or different distances from the magnet

12. In each case, as with the previous embodiments, the resulting demagnetizing distances

are each greater than the magnetizing distance d₀.

In Fig. 27, a magnetizer / demagnetizer 440 is illustrated which is generally similar to

the one shown in Fig. 24, except that instead of a hemispherical surface, the body is in the

form of a series of steps s, - s₄ which can serve as a support or positioning guide for variably

sized shanks of driver tools or other magnetizable elements. The body 440 is also provided with a layer of adhesive or adhesive tape 442 that can be used to secure the body 440 to a driving tool or other device. It is clear that with relation to both Figs. 24 and 27, as many

notches or steps can be provided as are necessary or desirable. The number of steps or

notches or other indicia should generally be a function of the number different sizes of magnetizable elements anticipated to be used in conjunction with the

magnetizer/demagnetizer. Thus, if the magnetizer/demagnetizer is intended to be used, for

example, with a kit of screwdrivers or the like which have a predetermined number of

different sizes of driver shanks or shafts, an equal number of notches or steps can be used.

Therefore, the number of indicia provided is not critical for purposes of the invention.

In Fig. 28, the magnet 12 is positioned at the other or remote end of the handle 424

where the driver shaft or shank is normally attached to the handle. In this instances, the

notches or indentations n, - n₃ are shown provided along the arcuate indentation proximate to

that end so that the different notches are spaced from the magnet 12 along a direction

generally parallel to the magnetic axis of the magnet. This is somewhat different than the

showing in Figs. 24-27, in which the indicia are arranged along a direction generally

transverse to the magnetic axis. In both instances, however, the distances at which the

magnetizable elements are spaced from the demagnetizing poles are different and are selected

to provide appropriate levels of demagnetization.

In Fig. 29, a magnetizing/demagnetizing unit 448 is illustrated which is attached to the

handle 424 by providing a substantially axial bore or hole 446. The body 448 defines an axis generally coextensive with the tool axis and, in this instance, also with the a magnetic axis.

An annular shoulder 448' is provided which contacts the sides of the handle 444 to enhance stability. An axial rod or pin 450 projects from the body 448 dimensioned or configured to be

securely receivable within the bore or hole 446 either by means of friction or any suitable adhesive. Aside from being mounted on the handle 424 and not being integral therewith, the magnetizer / demagnetizer 448 provides the same advantages and benefits provided by the previously described embodiments.

In accordance with the broader aspects of the present invention, any indicia may be

used which serve as a guide to the user as to the accurate or proper placement of a magnetized element to be demagnetized. Thus, while notches, grooves or steps have been described in

connection with the disclosed embodiments, any other forms of indicia may be used. Thus,

for example, holes may be drilled within the handle itself, each of which is intended or

designed to received another sized magnetized shaft or shank or magnetized element. Also,

any suitable printed matter or colored markers may be applied to the surface of the non-

operative portion of the driving tool or other device which defines or establishes

predetermined or preselected distances from the demagnetizing pole of the magnet. Thus, for

example, in place of the notches n, - n₅, suitable lines or markers may be imprinted to the surface 434 to designate where the variable shanks S, - S₅ need to be placed or positioned in

order to position the same variable distances d, - d₅ in order to obtain the desired demagnetization effects. Different colored markers or other symbols may also be used on the

surface or may be recessed along the demagnetizing surface.

In Fig. 30. a tool or shank S of a driving tool T is shown with its driving tip, in the

form of a flat screwdriver blade, positioned in the notch n₃ to illustrate the manner in which

the magnetized portion of the shank S may be demagnetized. A smaller magnetized shaft

might be placed in the notches n,, n₂, on one side, or n₄, n₅, on the other side of the notch n₃.

The magnetizer / demagnetizer of the present invention may be used in conjunction

with any of the aforementioned driving tools or in conjunction with any other related product

used or associated with such driving tools on which a magnetizer /demagnetizer may be convenient or useful.

Referring to Figs. 31 and 32, a driver tool 510a is illustrated that contemplates the use of one or more relatively small, high energy product permanent magnets embedded on the side of a handle 512 in a region proximate to the bit 516 when same is inserted into the

handle during normal use as illustrated in Fig. 31. More specifically, the elongate channel

514 is adapted to longitudinally receive a predetermined length portion of the bit driver, the

handle defining a receiving zone 526 which extends from the open end 514' of the channel

514 and has an axial length at least equal to the predetermined length of the bit driver to be

received within the handle. As illustrated in Fig. 32, the magnet 524 is arranged along the

receiving zone 526 in close proximity to the channel 514 for generating a magnetic field 528

defining a magnetic axis A' which is substantially normal to the handle axis A. However,

when used to magnetize an external magnetizable object, such as an external bit driver or a

screw, the magnet may be mounted beyond the channel 514, as suggested in connection with

the other figures.

The magnetic field 528 extends into the channel 514, so that when the driver bit 516 is

fully inserted into the channel 514, the bit driver becomes part of the magnetic circuit of the

magnet 524 to a least partially shunt the air space for the magnetic field.

Referring to Fig. 33, the magnet 524 generates a magnetic field 528 in the

configuration illustrated in Fig. 32, prior to insertion of the driver bit. This configuration,

with air initially occupying the space within the channel 514 presents a generally high reluctance to the magnetic field, this being represented by 9t_aιr. However, as illustrated in Fig.

31, once the driver bit 516 is inserted into the channel 514, the magnetic fields 528a, 528b now has alternate, parallel paths within which to pass, namely the magnetic material of which

the driver bit is made. A modified magnetic field (not shown) continues to exist representing modified 3t_aιr. In Fig. 33, the reluctances represented by the driver bit portion is designated

9t_28a, 9t_28b. It is clear from the circuit in Fig. 33, that if reluctance of the bit portion is substantially less than the reluctance of the air, which it always is, a considerable part of the

flux will pass through the driver bit and significantly bypass the air path. As best illustrated

in Fig. 31, the magnetic field will re-distribute itself and some of that field will pass through

the operative tip 516c to thereby magnetize the same. As will also be evidenced from Fig. 33,

the greater the strength of the magnet 524 and the less the value of the bit reluctances, the

greater will be the amount of field that passes through the driver bit and the stronger the pole

formed at the exposed operative tip 516c. Therefore, aside from increasing the energy

product of the magnet 524, the desired effect can be enhanced by movement of the magnet

524 forward as much as possible in the direction of the opening 514' of the channel 514 or the front end of the tool handle. The reason for this is that the reluctance of the bit is really a

function of the two parallel paths 528a, 528b within the driver bit itself, the first reluctance

9t_28a being represented by that portion of the bit positioned to one side of the magnet 524 and

the other reluctance 9t_2Sb being represented by that portion of the bit where the pole is

desirably formed. The positioning of the permanent magnet 524, in accordance with the

invention, therefore, is such so as to place the magnet in such a way that the driver bit

effectively couples to the magnetic field and becomes an active element in the magnetic

circuit of the magnet 524 to substantially shunt the field to ensure that at least some but

preferably a substantial amount of flux is passed through the exposed operative tip 516c.

As indicated, one of the important factors in determining the strength of the pole formed at the exposed operative tip 516c is the strength of the magnet 524 itself. As will be

appreciated from Figs. 31 and 32, however, the amount of space available for the magnet in the wall on the side of handle 512 proximate to the channel 514 is quite small. The magnet 524 must, therefore, be in the form of a relatively thin magnet. However, in order to produce the levels of magnetization desired and in order to form effective poles on the driver tips, one

of the features of the present invention is the use of magnets having high magnetic energy

products.

Numerous arrangements of magnets may be used to provide enhanced magnetizing

fields on conventional handles of driver tools. While this is made possible by the use of

permanent magnets which have energy products BH equal to at least 7 X 10⁶ gauss-oersteds,

it is preferred that the magnetic materials used be formed of magnetic materials which have

energy products equal to at least 9 X 10⁶ gauss-oersteds. Such levels of energy products are obtainable with the classes of materials generally known as neodymium iron boron and cobalt

rare earth permanent magnets. Such materials are available, for example, from Polymag, Inc.,

of Bellport, NewYork, and sold under style designations PM70, Poly 10, NDFB30H,

NDFB35, NDFB27; and from Hitachi Magnetics Corporation, Division of Hitachi Metals

International, Ltd., under the style designations Hicorex 900A, 909B, 96A, 96B, 99A and

99B.

Although the magnet 524 in the first embodiment shown in Figs. 31 and 32 is in the

form of a thin pill or disk magnet consistent with the thickness of the wall forming the handle proximate to the channel 514, other arrangements are possible and contemplated by the

present invention. For example, in Figs. 34 and 35, an alternate embodiment 510b is

illustrated in which the magnet 524 of the first embodiment is augmented by an annular sleeve 530 formed of magnetizable material but not being a permanent magnet itself. The

magnet 524 is shown to be in contact, at its outer pole face, with the sleeve 530 so as to

eliminate any air gap and, therefore, minimize the reluctance and enhance the amount of

coupling of the field through the sleeve. Since the sleeve extends axially forwardly in the direction of the exposed part 516b of the driver bit, this will have the effect of still further

reducing the reluctance 9t_28a associated for that portion of the bit driver to the left of the

magnet, as viewed in Fig. 34. This will, for reasons indicated, increase the amount of flux which passes through the operative tip 516c and, therefore, this will strengthen the pole at that

tip.

In Figs. 36 and 37, much of the benefit of the sleeve 530 of Figs. 34 and 35 is obtained

by using a modified magnet 524' in the form of an annular sleeve having a relatively thin

wall, as shown, so that it can be embedded within the tool handle. This magnetic sleeve

524a, although it may render it more difficult to assemble the tool, normally provides a

greater volume of permanent magnetic material, thereby increasing the strength of the field

and the amount of the field coupled to the exposed operative tip 516c.

In Figs. 38 and 39, two disks or pill magnets 524, 524a of the type shown in Figs. 31

and 32 are used to double the strength of the magnetic field, the two magnets being positioned

on diametrically opposite sides of the channel 514 to ensure that the fields produced by each

of the magnets similarly couple to the driver bit.

In Figs. 40 and 41, the arrangement of Figs. 38 and 39 is extended by providing six

permanent magnets 524, 524a, 524b, 524c, 524d, 524e substantially equally angularly spaced

from each other about the tool axis A and on opposite sides of the driver bit or receiving

channel 514. In theory, assuming that all of the pill or disk magnets are the same size, the

strength of the pole formed at the operative driver tip 516c with the embodiment shown in Figs. 40 and 41 should be approximately six times that of the arrangements shown in Figs. 31

and 32 and three times the strength of the arrangement shown in Figs. 38 and 39, barring

saturation problems.

In pilot hole and driver adapter PI having an annular magnet arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 42 and 43, in which a fixed hex shaft 534 and a reversible bit element 536 are illustrated mounted on opposite axial ends of a bit carrying tube 532, one of the axial ends

for receive the reversible element 536 having embedded therein a sleeve magnet 524' of the

type shown in Figs. 36 and 37. The reversible element 536 includes a Phillips driver tip 536a

at one end and a drill bit 536b at the other end for drilling a pilot hole preferably

corresponding to the size of the screw intended to be driven by the driver tip 536a. In this

way, once the adapter PI is secured in a chuck of a drill by gripping on the hex shaft 534a, the

adapter can be conveniently used to first drill a pilot hole with the drill 536b and then the

element 536 can be reversed to drive a screw placed into the pilot hole without removing the

adapter from the chuck. Similar multiple bit supporting adapters are also illustrated in Figs.

44-47 in which some of the other arrangements of the permanent magnets previously

described can also be used. Thus, in Figs. 44 and 45, an annular sleeve 530' is illustrated

which is in contact at one polar face with the pill or disk magnet 524 but which itself is not a

permanent magnet but formed of a magnetizable material. Therefore, the embodiment

illustrated in Figs. 44 and 45 generally correspond to that illustrated in Figs. 34 and 35.

Similarly, the use of a single magnet can also be used in connection with a tubular support

member of the type shown as indicated in Figs. 46 and 47, which corresponds to the tool

embodiment shown in Figs. 31 and 32. Therefore, it will be clear, that the magnets and their

arrangements in accordance with the present invention can either be on the handle of the

driver tool, if the bit drivers are received directly within the handle or on a tube support

structure 532, if such tubes are inserted within a handle, as with the eight-in-one tool.

Whichever structure is used, it is important that one or more magnets be placed as close as

possible to the driver bit and to the accessible operative tip, with minimum air gaps and with permanent magnets which are sufficiently strong to provide the desired result. In Figs. 42-47 the reversible element 536 is shown as being integrally formed. Another embodiment of such a reversible element is shown in Fig. 48 and designated by 536',

in which a cylindrical member 550 is provided with a hollow axial opening 552 having a hex

cross section for receiving a two way reversible screwdriver bit driver 554 dimensioned to be

removably received within the opening 552. The driver 554 has two differently sized Phillips

drivers 554a, 554b. At the other axial end an axial hole 556 is provided for receiving the

shank of a drill bit 558. A set screw 560 maintains the drill bit within the hole 556. As best

shown in Fig. 49, the element 536' is reversibly receivable within an appropriately shaped

bore 562 so that the element may alternately be mounted with the drill bit 558 exposed (Fig. 499) or with one of the screwdriver driving bits 554a, 554b exposed (Fig. 50). The adapter

P2, as shown in Figs. 48-50, may be more readily assembled from existing components.

It will be evident, therefore, that there are many possible arrangements of magnets in

order to practice the present invention. The specific locations of the magnets on the handle

are not critical, and one single magnet or two spaced magnets may be used. However, in

order to effectively practice the present invention, it is required or highly desirable that the

magnetic materials used have a relatively high energy product and that the magnetizable

components can at least be positioned at or proximate to the magnetic axes of the magnets.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision of magnetic means on

the drill housing for establishing a magnetizing magnetic field accessible for selective

placement of a magnetizable element within the field, with the magnetic means being formed

by a permanently magnetized material having an energy product sufficiently high so that the

size and volume of the permanent magnet can be made sufficiently small so that it can be mounted on or embedded within conventionally sized drill housings. Since the magnetic

energy content, or BH product, of a magnetic material is proportional to the volume of the magnet, it has been determined that in order to use permanent magnets with small volumes to be mountable on driver tool handles, the magnetic properties of the permanent magnet

materials must be equal to at least 7.0 X 10⁶ gauss-oersteds. Magnetic flux lines conventionally leave the North Pole and enter the South Pole, the magnetic flux lines being

always closed curves that leave the North Pole and enter the South Pole and always maintain

the same direction. Therefore, magnetic flux lines generally exhibit the same directions at

both Pole surfaces, with the exception that the flux lines leave from the North Pole and enter

into the South Pole. The placement of a soft magnetizable material proximate to either of the polar surfaces, therefore, has the same effect on the magnetic domains of the magnetizable

material and would tend to either magnetize or demagnetize the magnetizable material at each

of the poles. Since both poles have the same effect on a magnetizable element, it is generally

necessary to have at least two permanent magnets which are so arranged so as to provide

oppositely directed magnetic fields in order to establish reverse polarizing effects on the

magnetizable element. Thus, if one of the magnetic poles of one of the permanent magnets

provides a magnetizing effect, the other permanent magnet is preferably so arranged so that

the placement of the magnetizable element next to one of its poles will have an opposite or

demagnetizing effect.

Because conventional magnetic materials that have been used in the past for

magnetizing and demagnetizing have had relatively low energy products BH, they could not be embedded or mounted on conventional driver tool handles. Even when attempts to do so

have been made, only single bulky and weak magnets could be provided which would

normally serve to magnetize components. However, in accordance with the present

invention, two or more magnets can now be easily mounted and/or embedded within conventional portable drill housings to provide strong magnetizing and demagnetizing fields. Referring to Fig. 51 , typical BH curves are illustrated for different magnetizable

materials. In each case, with the magnetizable material initially totally demagnetized, the

curve M illustrates initial magnetization from the origin, such that as the magnetic intensity H is increased, the flux levels within the materials B are correspondingly increased. While

initially such relationship may be relatively linear, magnetic materials saturate at a

predetermined level such that increases in magnetic intensity H do not result in additional

flux being generated. The remaining curves D 1 , D2, D3 and D4 illustrate the demagnetizing

portions of the B-H curves for different magnetizable materials, namely, cunico, 1% carbon

steel, alnico and ceramic magnets. It will be evident that these materials not only have different retentive values B_r (at H = 0) but also require different amounts of reverse

magnetization in order to totally demagnetize these materials or revert these to the totally

demagnetized states in which B = 0. Thus, cunico has a retentive field of 12,000 gauss when

demagnetizing force is removed and requires -12,000 oersteds to totally demagnetize the

material. One-percent carbon steel has a retentive magnetic field of 9,000 gauss when the

magnetic intensity is removed, and requires only -51 oersteds to totally demagnetize such

steel. Alnico has a somewhat lower retentive field of 6600 gauss, while requiring -540

oersteds to demagnetize the alnico, while a typical ceramic magnet has the lowest retentive

field when magnetic intensity is removed, namely 3800 gauss, while a negative intensity of

1700 oersteds is required to demagnetize this material. Therefore, particularly for 1% carbon steel, alnico and ceramic magnets, it will be evident that the reverse magnetic intensities

required to fully demagnetize these materials are relative low and substantially less than the

intensities required to saturate and fully magnetize these materials. It is for this reason that

the distances d, in each of the embodiments illustrated was selected to be less than the

demagnetizing distances d₂. While this invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations and modifications will be effected

within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and as defined in the appended

claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A driving tool having a high energy magnetizer on a non-operative portion of a

housing of the driving tool, which defines a tool axis, comprising at least one permanent

magnet formed of a magnetized material having north and south poles defining a magnetic axis and arranged on said non-operative portion to permit selective placement of a

magnetizable element at at least one position along said magnetic axis in proximity to one of

said poles, said at least one magnet having an energy product equal to at least 7.0 X 10⁶

gauss-oersteds.

2. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises an elongate handle defining a tool axis and being suitably shaped and dimensioned to be

graspable within the hand of a user; a driver member mounted at one axial end of said handle

and defining a driver axis generally co-axially aligned with said tool axis, said at least one

permanent magnet being mounted on said handle to permit selective placement of a

magnetizable element at at least one position along said magnetic axis at a predetermined

distance from one of said poles to magnetize the element and placement of the element a

distance greater than said predetermined distance from the other of said poles to demagnetize

the element, whereby a magnetizable element may be magnetized by positioning same

adjacent to said one of said poles and demagnetized by positioning the magnetizable element

adjacent the other of said poles.

3. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said magnetic axis is

aligned with said driver axis.

4. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said magnetic axis is offset

from said driver axis.

5. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 1, wherein one permanent magnet is provided.

6. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 1, wherein two permanent magnets are provided.

7. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein a hole is provided in said

handle sufficiently large to receive a magnetizable element to be magnetized, a permanent magnet being positioned adjacent to said hole to position a magnetizing pole in proximity to

the magnetizable element when passed through said hole.

8. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 7, wherein said hole is generally

aligned with said tool axis.

9. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 8, wherein said magnetic axis is offset by 90° from said tool axis.

10. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 9, wherein two magnets are arranged

on diametrically opposite sides of said hole and are arranged to form different distances to the

demagnetizing poles at opposite sides of said handle.

1 1. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said handle has an external configuration to form a plurality of selectable demagnetizing distances with the

demagnetizing pole surface.

12. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein a plurality of discrete

receiving elements are provided on said handle for selectively receiving a magnetizable

element at different distances from a demagnetizing pole surface.

13. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 12, wherein said discrete receiving

elements are aligned along a line generally coextensive with said magnetic axis.

14. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 13, wherein said line is generally

coextensive with said tool axis.

15. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 13, wherein said line is generally normal to said tool axis.

16. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 12, wherein said discrete receiving

elements are generally cylindrical cavities which become progressively smaller with increased distances from a demagnetizing pole surface.

17. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 12, wherein said receiving elements are circular cylindrical cavities the diameters of which decrease with increasing distances

from a demagnetizing pole surface.

18. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein a single permanent

magnet is provided with its magnetic axis normal to said tool axis, the magnetizing and

demagnetizing pole surfaces being spaced from lateral sides of said handle which form

surfaces against which the magnetizable element may be abutted.

19. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 18, further comprising at least one

recess in at least one lateral side for positioning the magnetizable element along said magnetic

axis.

20. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein two spaced permanent

magnets are provided with aligned magnetic axes and with pole surfaces facing each other

having the same polarities.

21. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein two spaced permanent

magnets are provided with aligned magnetic axes and with pole surfaces facing each other

having opposite polarities.

22. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein two permanent magnets

are provided having their magnetic axes substantially parallel to each other and with their

pole surfaces of the same polarities facing the same directions along said magnetic axes.

23. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, further comprising spacer means

made of non-magnetizable material for positioning the magnetizable element a distance from the demagnetizing pole a distance greater than from the magnetizing pole.

24. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said handle is provided

with a free proximate end rotatably mounted about said tool axis, and said magnet is mounted

on said rotatably mounted end.

25. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said magnet has said

magnetic axis parallel to and offset from said tool axis, an annular recess being provided on

said handle to form a collar on said handle, said magnet being mounted on said collar.

26. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said non-operative

portion comprises an elongate handle defining a tool axis and being suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of a user; a driver member mounted at one axial

end of said handle and defining a driver axis generally co-axially aligned with said tool axis,

said handle being provided with a generally elongate hole at the other axial end of said handle

sufficiently large to receive a magnetizable element to be magnetized; and at least one

permanent magnet on said handle positioned adjacent to said hole to position a magnetizing pole in proximity to the magnetizable element when passed through said hole, said at least

one magnet being formed of a magnetized material having north and south poles defining a

magnetic axis generally arranged on said handle to permit selective placement of a

magnetizable element at at least one position along said magnetic axis at a predetermined

distance from one of said poles to magnetize the element and placement of the element a

distance greater than said predetermined distance from the other of said poles to demagnetize the element, whereby a magnetizable element may be magnetized by positioning same

adjacent to one of said poles and demagnetized by positioning the magnetizable element adjacent the other of said poles.

27. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 26, wherein said hole is generally aligned with said tool axis.

28. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 27, wherein said magnetic axis is offset by 90° from said tool axis.

29. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 28, wherein two magnets are

arranged on diametrically opposite sides of said hole and are arranged to form different distances to the demagnetizing poles at opposite sides of said handle.

30. A hand-held driving tool as defined in claim 27, wherein said magnetic axis is

generally aligned with said driver axis.

31. A hand-held driving tool kit comprising a plurality of hand-held driving tools at

least one according to claim 1 , each driving tool having an elongate handle defining a tool

axis and being suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of a user and

a driver member mounted at one axial end of said handle and defining a driver axis generally

co-axially aligned with said tool axis, at least one of said driving tools of said kit having at

least one permanent magnet on said handle, said at least one magnet being formed of a

magnetized material having north and south poles defining a magnetic axis generally arranged

on said handle of said at least one driving tool to permit selective placement of a

magnetizable element at at least one position along said magnetic axis at a predetermined

distance from one of said poles to magnetize the element and placement of the element a

distance greater than said predetermined distance from the other of said poles to demagnetize the element, said magnetic axis being either aligned with or offset from said driver axis,

whereby driver members of at least some of the driving tools or a magnetizable element may

be magnetized by positioning same adjacent to one of said poles and demagnetized by positioning the magnetizable element adjacent the other of said poles.

32. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31 , wherein a hole is provided in said handle said at least at least one driving tool sufficiently large to receive a magnetizable

element to be magnetized, a permanent magnet being positioned adjacent to said hole to position a magnetizing pole in proximity to the magnetizable element when passed through

said hole.

33. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 32, wherein said hole is generally

aligned with said tool axis.

34. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31, wherein one permanent

magnet is mounted on one driving tool of said kit to provide both of said north and south

poles, whereby the driver members of said kit can be magnetized and demagnetized by said

one permanent magnet.

35. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31, wherein two permanent

magnets are provided each on another of said at least one driving tool, one of said permanent

magnets being arranged to establish a magnetizing field and the other of said magnets being

arranged to establish a demagnetizing field.

36. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31 , wherein a plurality of driving

tools of said kit are provided with at least one permanent magnet on an associated handle,

whereby at least some of said driver members of said kit can be magnetized or demagnetized

by more than one magnet mounted on more than one of said handles.

37. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31 , wherein a single permanent

magnet is provided with its magnetic axis normal to said tool axis of said least one driving

tool, the magnetizing and demagnetizing pole surfaces being spaced from lateral sides of said

handle of said at least one driving tool which form surfaces against which the magnetizable element may be abutted.

38. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31, wherein two spaced

permanent magnets are provided on said at least one driving tool with aligned magnetic axes

and with pole surfaces facing each other having the same polarities.

39. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31 , wherein two spaced

permanent magnets are provided on said at least one driving tool with aligned magnetic axes

and with pole surfaces facing each other having opposite polarities.

40. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31 , wherein two permanent

magnets are provided on said at least driving tool having their magnetic axes substantially

parallel to each other and with their pole surfaces of the same polarities facing the same directions along said magnetic axes.

41. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31 , further comprising spacer means made of non-magnetizable material on said at least one driving tool for positioning the

magnetizable element a distance from the demagnetizing pole a distance greater than from the

magnetizing pole.

42. A hand-held driving tool kit as defined in claim 31, wherein said handle of said at

least one driving tool is provided with a free proximate end rotatably mounted about said tool

axis, and said magnet is mounted on said rotatably mounted end.

43. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer according to claim 1, wherein said

nonoperative portion forms part of a housing of a power driving tool, comprising a

magnetizer / demagnetizer body on the nonoperative portion of the power driving tool and

defining a mounting axis, said at least one permanent magnet being arranged on said body of

the power driving tool.

44. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 43, wherein the operative portion comprises a portion of said body provided with a hole sufficiently large to

receive a magnetizable element to be magnetized, said at least one permanent magnet being

arranged adjacent to said hole to position said one of said poles in proximity to the magnetizable element when passed through said hole.

45. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 44, wherein said

hole is generally aligned with said mounting axis.

46. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 45, wherein said

magnetic axis is offset by 90° from said mounting axis.

47. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 44, wherein two

magnets are arranged on diametrically opposite sides of said hole.

48. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 45, wherein said

magnetic axis is generally aligned with said mounting axis.

49. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 48, wherein said

body has an external configuration to form a plurality of selectable demagnetizing distances

with the demagnetizing pole surface.

50. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 1, wherein said body

is at least partially embedded in said nonoperative portion of said housing.

51. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 1 , wherein said body

is mounted on an external surface of the nonoperative portion of the housing.

52. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 51 , wherein said

body is attached to said external surface by means of adhesive.

53. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 51, wherein said

body is attached to said external surface by means of adhesive tape.

54. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 1, wherein said body is made of a nonmagnetic material.

55. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 54, wherein said nonmagnetic material is plastic.

56. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 54, wherein said nonmagnetic material is rubber.

57. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 44, wherein the diameter of said hole is greater than the diameter of said at least one magnet.

58. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 44, wherein said

magnetizer / demagnetizer body is cylindrical in shape with a substantially uniform circular

cross section, the mounting axis being coextensive with the geometrical axis of said body.

59. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 58, wherein said

body is provided with a convex surface at one axial end of said body.

60. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 44, wherein said

hole is formed within said body along a direction transverse to said mounting axis.

61. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 1 , wherein said body

has a mounting surface which is curved to enable said body to be mounted on a curved

surface of the nonoperative portion of the housing.

62. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 43, wherein said

body has a mounting surface which is flat or planar to enable said body to be mounted on a substantially flat surface of the nonoperative portion of the housing.

63. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 43, wherein said

body comprises a mounting member having opposing sides and configured to correspond to

the shape of the surface of the nonoperative portion of the housing on which said body is to

be mounted; and a magnet carrier member extending from one side of said mounting member; and attachment means for attaching the other side of said mounting member to the housing.

64. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 63, wherein said attachment means comprises a layer of adhesive tape on said mounting surface.

65. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 63, wherein said

attachment means comprises adhesive tape.

66. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 23, wherein said

mounting and carrier members are arranged in substantially orthogonal planes.

67. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 66, wherein said

carrier member is provided with a hole sufficiently large to receive a magnetizable element to

be magnetized, said at least one permanent magnet being arranged adjacent to said hole to

position said one of said poles in proximity to the magnetizable element when passed through

said hole.

68. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 67, wherein two

magnets are arranged on diametrically opposite sides of said hole.

69. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer according to claim 1, wherein said at least one permanent magnet is arranged on the non-operative portion of the driving tool or the

like to permit selective placement of a magnetizable element at at least one position along

said magnetic axis at a predetermined distance from one of said poles to magnetize the element and placement of the magnetizable element at one of a plurality of selected distances

from the other of said magnetic poles each greater than said predetermined distance to

selectively demagnetize the element; and indicia means on the non-operative portion of the

driving tool or the like for providing an indication of a desired or preferred position for

placement of the magnetizable element to be demagnetized as a function of the relative size of the portion of the magnetizable element to be demagnetized, whereby a magnetizable

element of a given size may be initially magnetized by positioning same adjacent to one of

said poles mounted on the non-operative portion of the driving tool or the like and subsequently substantially or fully demagnetized by positioning the magnetizable element at a

selected distance from the other of said poles as indicated by said indicia means.

70. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, wherein the

non-operative portion comprises a portion of an elongate handle defining a tool axis and

being suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of a user and a driver

member mounted at one axial end of said handle and defining a driver axis generally co-

axially aligned with said tool axis, a hole being provided in said handle sufficiently large to receive a magnetizable element to be magnetized, said permanent magnet being positioned

adjacent to said hole to position said one of said poles in proximity to the magnetizable

element when passed through said hole.

71. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 70, wherein said hole is generally aligned with said tool axis.

72. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 71 , wherein said

magnetic axis is offset by 90° from said tool axis.

73. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 72, wherein two

magnets are arranged on diametrically opposite sides of said hole and are arranged to provide different distances to the demagnetizing poles at opposite sides of said handle.

74. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 71 , wherein said

magnetic axis is generally aligned with said driver axis.

75. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 74, wherein said

handle has an external configuration to form a plurality of selectable demagnetizing distances with the demagnetizing pole surface, said indicia means serving as positioning guides for each of said demagnetizing distances.

76. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 70, wherein a single

permanent magnet is provided with its magnetic axis normal to said tool axis, the

magnetizing and demagnetizing pole surfaces being spaced from lateral sides of said handle

which form surfaces against which the magnetizable element may be placed.

77. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, wherein two

spaced permanent magnets are provided on said non-operative portion with aligned magnetic

axes and with pole surfaces facing each other having the same polarities.

78. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, wherein two spaced permanent magnets are provided on said non-operative portion with aligned magnetic

axes and with pole surfaces facing each other having opposite polarities.

79. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, wherein two

permanent magnets are provided on said non-operative portion and having their magnetic

axes substantially parallel to each other and with their pole surfaces of the same polarities

facing the same directions along said magnetic axes.

80. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, further

comprising spacer means made of non-magnetizable material on said at least one driving tool

for positioning the magnetizable element a distance from the demagnetizing pole a distance

greater than the distance from the magnetizing pole.

81. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, wherein said

non-operative portion defines a surface proximate to said at least one magnet and having

surface portions thereof variably spaced from said at least one magnet, said indicia comprising a plurality of indentations or notches in said surface associated with said surface portions.

82. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 81, wherein said

indentations are arranged along a linear direction in relation to said at least one magnet.

83. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 81, wherein said

indentations are arranged along an arcuate direction in relation to said at least one magnet.

84. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 81, wherein said

non-operative portion is a handle of a driver tool defining a tool axis, said indentations being

provided at a free longitudinal end of said handle.

85. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 85, wherein said

non-operative portion is a handle of a driver tool defining a tool axis, said indentations being provided along a lateral side of said handle along a line substantially parallel to said tool axis.

86. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, wherein the

magnetizer / demagnetizer is integrally formed with the non-operative portion of the driver

tool or the like.

87. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 69, wherein the

magnetizer / demagnetizer is a magnet supporting member having a mounting surface and a

demagnetizing positioning surface bearing said indicia means, and further comprising

attachment means for substantially permanently attaching the magnet supporting member on a

non-operative portion of a driving tool or the like.

88. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 87, wherein said demagnetizing surface is formed of a plurality of steps variably spaced from said other of said

magnetic poles.

89. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 87, wherein said

demagnetizing surface is curved.

90. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 89, wherein said curved surface is cylindrical.

91. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 89, wherein said curved surface is spherical.

92. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 87, wherein said attachments means comprises adhesive on said mounting surface.

93. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 87, wherein said

attachment means comprises a layer of adhesive tape on said mounting surface.

94. A high energy magnetizer / demagnetizer as defined in claim 87, wherein said

attachment means comprises at least a mounting post extending from said mounting surface and a hole in the non-operative portion for securely receiving said mounting post.

95. A driving tool as defined in claim 1, for use with an elongate driver bit made of a

magnetizable metallic material, said non-operative portion comprising an elongate handle

defining a handle axis, said handle having a central elongate channel extending along said

handle axis and open at at least one axial end for longitudinally receiving only a predetermined length portion of the driver bit at one end of the bit driver and the other end of

the bit driver being exposed and defining a driver tip; retaining means for retaining the driver

bit fixed to said handle during normal use of the tool, said handle defining a receiving zone

extending from said open end and having an axial length at least equal to said predetermined

length for receiving said predetermined length portion of the driver bit, said at least one permanent magnet mounted along said receiving zone of said handle along said channel for

generating a magnetic field defining a magnetic axis which is substantially normal to said

handle axis, whereby the driver bit becomes part of the magnetic circuit of said magnet means

and at least some of the magnetic fields passes through the driver bit to at least partially shunt the magnetic field and magnetize the exposed driver tip of the driver bit.

96. A tool as defined in claim 95, wherein said magnet is embedded within said

handle.

97. A tool as defined in claim 95, wherein said magnet means is formed of neodymium iron boron permanent magnetic material.

98. A tool as defined in claim 95, wherein said magnet means comprises at least one

permanent magnet arranged on said handle with one of the polar surfaces generally facing

radially inwardly in the direction of said shaft and the other of the polar surfaces generally

facing radially outwardly in the direction away from said shaft.

99. A tool as defined in claim 98, further comprising a sleeve of magnetizable

material surrounding at least an axial length portion of said handle on which said magnet

means is provided, said sleeve being proximate to said other polar surface of said magnet

means.

100. A tool as defined in claim 99, wherein said sleeve is in contact with said other

polar surface to eliminate any air gap between said sleeve and said other polar surface of said

magnet means.

101. A tool as defined in claim 1 , wherein said magnet comprises a plurality of

permanent magnets substantially uniformly spaced from each other about said handle axis, all

said permanent magnets being arranged to position like magnetic polar surfaces in a common

radial direcctions in relation to said tool axis.

102. A tool as defined in claim 95, wherein said magnet comprises a permanent

magnet in the form of an annular ring.

103. A tool as defined in claim 102, wherein said annular ring is embedded within

said handle.

104. A tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said magnet is arranged substantially at the center of said receiving zone.