CA1101621A - Electrically operated fish scaler having electrical isolation - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A hand-held, electrically operated fish scaler includes a motor driven descaling tool which defines teeth having scraping edges especially arranged with respect to one another and to the axis of the descaling tool. The descaling tool includes a shank which is removably secured to the motor for rotation about the axis of the shank, and a member secured to the shank for defining the teeth and the scraping edges. In one embodiment the teeth are arranged with respect to one another to provide a periphery of an oval shape along at least a portion of the axis. In another embodiment the member in-cludes a head for providing the teeth and the scraping edges, and a connector securing the head to the shank. The connector is disposed at least partially within a passageway in the head and is non-rotatably secured within the passageway. Either the head or the connector is electrically nonconductive to provide electrical isolation from the shank.

Description

Z~ , ELECTRICALLY OPERATED FISH SCALER HAVING
ELECTRICAL ISOLATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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; This invention relates generally to power operated, rotary fish scalers, and more particularly relates to such fish scalers particularly adapted for portable, hand-held usage and constructed for battery operation.
The descaling of fish has been a nuisance for about as long as there have been fisherman. It is thus not surprising that many methods for facilitating the descaling of fish have been proposed.
Various proposals have suggested descaling methods using motor driven rotary heads ~hich manually remove the scales by abrasion or scraping. These methods have included use of a tool which would provide elongate edges formed by ridyes radially extending from a tubular member. The member was to be rotated a~ speeds approximately 1200 to 1400 r.p.m. to cause the edges to scrape against the scales of the fish.
Other proposed methods have included use of a descaling ;

tool which provided circumferential rows of cutting teeth about the rotary axis of the tool. The tool was adapted to be inserted into an electric drill for effecting rotation of the teeth about the axis and against the fish.
Still another proposed method suggested use of a cylin-; drical head having holes radially drilled throu~h the member for providing the scraping edges. The head was to be inserted into an electric drill for rotation of the edges against the fish.
The methods and devices hereto~ore proposed by the prior art have generally not been adapted for high volume, .

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~ ' economical production. Electrically operated drills usually are relatively low speed, high torque motors which are not only relatively expensive, but also are relatively heavy, tending to be awkward and tiresome to the operator during use. Furthermore, use of other than battery operated drills poses a safety problem due to the wet environment in which the tool was to be utilized. It is believed that the use of electric drills and the like for rotating the descaling tools has resulted from a lack of recognition of the prior art that the descaling tool could be coupled to the source ; of rotary power using a speed reducer, thereby allowing a relatively high speed, low torque motor to rotate the tool at lesser speeds.
- Known prior art descaling tools also have been suggested which use cylindrically arranged teeth or ridges equidistantly positioned from an axis of rotation. The teeth of these tools define circles when rotated during operation. Although such a design provides a relatively large surface area for engaging the scales of the fish, it has been at the sacrifice of re-quiring a source of proportionately greater horsepower. Fur-thermore, such a cylindrical design, unless the diameter of the cylinder is sufficiently small, appears to offer little facillty for scrapin~ the scales out of relativaely inacces-- sible regions on the fish, such as near the fins and on the underbody.
Still further, the known prior art devices appear not to have address themselves to the problem of flying scales during the removal process. Occasionally the removed scales annoyingly fly into the person of the user. One proposal a6~L
has suggested controlling the distance to which the removed scales are scattered by controlling the rotational speed of the descaling tool. This solution, however, appears not to be entirely satisfactory from preventin~ scales ~rom flying into the person of the user.
The methods and devices heretofore proposed by the prior art have generally not been adapted for high volume, econom-ical production. Furthermore, use of other than battery operated motors for operating prior art fish scalers poses a safety problem due to the lack of electrical isolation between the rotary members and the motor when used in a wet environ-ment.

SUMMAF<Y OF THE INVENTION
, The above noted and other drawbacks of the prior art are overcome by the present invention. A tool is provided which defines teeth having cutting edges especially arranged with respect to one another. By providing the descaling tool with teeth having scraping edges arranged to provide a periphery of an oval shape along the axis of the descaling too, less horsepower is required during operation of the fish scaler.
The tool includes a connector and a head, whereby the con-nector is disposed in the head for coupling the head to the drive motor. Either the head or the connector is electric-ally non-conductive to provide electrical isolation from the motor.
Thus broadly, the invention contemplates a descalincg tool for mounting on a rotatable shaft of a motorized fish scaler which comprises a head having a plurality of tccth Eor cngagin(J

and removing fish scales, with the head defining a connection cavity generally along an axis of -the head, and a connec-tor disposed at least partially within the connection cavity for , 6Z~
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coupling the head to the rotatable shaf-t. One of the head or the connector is fashioned out of an electrically non-conductive material so that the head is electrically isolated from the shaft.

According to one feature of the invention, the hand-held, electricaliy operated fish sca~er includes an electrical source of power for providing rotary motion and a descaling tool rotated for engaging the scales of the fish. The descaling tool includes a shank removably secured to the source for rotation about the axis of the shank. The descaling tool also includes a head secured to the shank. The head provides rows ;~
of teeth disposed circumferentially of the axis such that the teeth define scraping edges, arranged with respect to one another and to the axis, to provide an oval shaped periphery along at least a portion of the axis. The oval periphery of the scraping edges enables efficient descaling on generally less accessible surface regions of the fish, such as around the fins and underbody.
According to another aspect of the invention, each of the teeth is defined by a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls. To provide either a negative or a positive rake, the front walls of the teeth lie in non-radial planes with respect to the axis, thereby providing control over the degree of abrasion per revolution of the descaling tool.
Accrding to another embodiment, the head is secured to the shank by a connector. The head defines a connection cavity ~enerally along an axis of the head, and the connector is disposed at least partially in the connection cavity.

Either the head or the connector is fashioned out of an elec-trically nonconductive material so that the head is electric-ally isolated from the shaft.
Either the head or the connector is preferably metallic.
When the head is metallic, the connector is an electrically ~0~i2~

nonconductive material. When the connector is metallic, the head is preferably an electrically nonconductive material.
The connector preferably defines a shaft receiving pass-age and includes a device for securing the shaft within the passage. The device may take the form of a snap ring, or a set screw, or the shaft and the surfaces of the passage may be threaded such that the shaft is screwed into the passage.
According to other features of the invention, a housing is provided for the motor. The housing defines an opening for receiving the shank of the head. A bearing structure is provided within the opening for supporting the shank and for providing a seal between the housing and the shank. Further, a substantially transparent shield is secured to the housing and disposed overlying the head for deflecting scales during operation of the fish scaler. As a feature which prevents inadvertent activation of the motor, a manually actuable motor energizing switch is counter-sunk into the housing.
According to still another feature of the invention, the head is comprised of a material which provides a hardened edge surface. Preferably the hardened edge surface is of anodized aluminum. Such a material not only provides relatively long life to the scraping edges, but provides a descaling tool of relatively light weight.
It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hand-held, rotary fish scaler which is particularly adapted for high volume and economical manufacture, yet which provides efficient and safe descaling of fish.

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Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the description of a pre-ferred embodiment in conjunction with a set of drawings;
wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of operation of a ro~ary, hand-held fish scaler according to oné embodiment of the in-, vention;
Figure 2 is a side view of a descaling tool utilized in the fish scaler of Figure l;
Figures 3 and 4 are cross sectional end views of two embodiments of the descaling tool shown in Figure 2;
Figures 5-7 are cross sectional edge views of the scrap-ing edges providing teeth on the descaling tool of Figure 2;
Figures 8, 9 and 11 are alternative embodiments of the descaling tool, Fig. 11 appearing with Fig. 8; ~-Figure 10 is a cut away, partial schematic,view of opera~
tion of a fish scaler according to an embodiment of the inven-tion;
Figures 12, 14, and 17 illustrate partial cross sectional views embodiments of a fish scaling head and a motorized drive therefore; :~
Figures 13, lS, and 1~ illustrate cross sectional views ~-of the-heads shown in Figures 12, 1~, and 17 respectively;
Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of a locking mecha-nism used on the motorized drive of Figure 14; and Figure 19 is a partial cross sectional view of another fish scaling head.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
; Referring now to Figures 1 and 10, a fish scaler 10 is shown during operation for removing scales from a fish 12.
The fish scaler 10 includes an electrical source of power 14 and a descaling tool 16 coupled to the source of power 14 for rotary movement. The descaling tool 16 defines teeth which provide cutting or scraping edges. According to an out-standing feature of the invention the teeth are especially arranged with respect to one another such that the cutting or scraping edges provide a periphery of an oval shape along at least a portion of the descaling tool. The oval shape facili-tates removing scales in otherwise relatively inaccessible -~
regions on the fish such as regions 18 around the fins, regions 20 on the underside of the fish. The schematic illus-trations in phanton outline in Figure 10 show various opera-tional orientations of the tool 16.
The source of power 14 preferably includes a high speed motor 21 which is supported within a housing 22. The motor 21 is a relatively high speed, low torque motor commercially available from General Electric and Toastmaster Division of McGraw-Edison. It develops torque in the range of 1/2-2 inch pounds and is rated at 850 milliamps at a pre-loaded speed of approximately 4500 RPM. It finds other uses of a less than ; heavy duty nature such as in electric knives.
A power extension cord 23 is provided for operating the motor 21 and for charging rechargeable batteries (not shown in Figures 1 and 10) which also excites the motor 21 during operation of the fish scaler.
A switch 24 is provided for coupling the rechargeable batteries to the motor 21. The switch 24 is counter-sunk into 8~
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the housing 22 as a feature for preventing inadvertent actua-tion of the motor 21 when the fish scaler 10 is placed to rest on a supporting surface with the switch 24 adjacent the sup-porting surface; i.e., upside down.
The housing 22 defines an opening 25 into which the descaling tool 16 is inserted for communication with the motor.
Annular structure 26 (Fig. 10) is inserted within the opening 25 and includes a bushing 26b for providing bearing support to the descaling tool 16 and a retainer 26a ~or providing a water tight seal between the housing 22 and the descaling tool 16. Because the descaling tool is cantilevered from the hous-ing 22, a considerable transversed force on the shank at the opening 25 may be developed due to the moment art existing during opertion of the fish scaler. The structure 26 minimizes the effects of the moment arm. Preferably the bushing 26b is made of Teflon.
As another feature of the invention, a speed reducer 28 is ~as schematically illustrated) positioned within the motor housing 22. It couples the descaling tool 16 to the motor for reducing the rotational speed of the descaling tool 16 to a value less than the rotational speed of the motor. The speed reducer 28 may take the form of a gear reduction assembly of any suitable arrangement. As shown the speed reducer 28 includes a set of gears 29a-29d, wherein a relatively small drive gear 29b coupled to the armature of the motor 21 drives a relatively large gear 29a. The gear 29a is on a shaft in common with a relatively small gear 29c which drives a rela-tively larger gear 29d. The gear 29d is coupled to the de-~- scaling tool 16.

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The speed reducer 28 is a feature of the invention which allows a relatively light weight, high speed motor to be uti-lized for rotating the descaling tool 16 at the desired, suf-ficiently low speedO In the preferred embodiment, the speed reducer 28, the speed at which the motor is driven, and the dimensions of the tool 16 are selected such that the cutting or scraping edges of the descaling tool 16 rotate within a range of 3600 - 4800 inches per minute. For the nominal speed of 4200 Inches per second and a tool 16 diameter of 7/8", the reducer 28 is selected to rotate the tool 16 at approximately 1500 RPM. Although the invention suitably operates at speeds ou~side the stated range, this range is preferred.
Because it allows use of a high RPM, low torque motor ; the speed reducer 28 also is a safety proving feature. Low RPM, high torque motors draw relatively high, oftentimes dangerous, amounts of electrical current. By obviating the need for such a high torque motor the reducer 28 eliminates the otherwise risk of harm to the user.
As another feature of the invention, a shield 30 is secured to the housing 22 and extends therefrom in an over-lying, spaced relationship with the descaling tool 16. The shield 30 is positioned for deflecting scales removed from the fish 12 and for preventing the removed scales from flying into the person of the user. The shield 30 is spaced a suf-~ ficient distance from the descaling tool 16 to assure that -~ removed scales do not become clogged between the shield and the tool 16. The shield 30 is preferably comprised of a clear plastic material, but any such substantially transparent material which will allow viewing of the tool 16 and yet de-flect the removed scales will suffice.
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Referring now to Figure 2, the descaling tool 16 includes a teeth defining member 40 and a shank 42. The shank 42 is integrally secured to the member 40 and is adapted for posi-tioning within the bearing and sealing structure 26 for com-munication with the speed reducer 28. The member 40 and the shank 42 are symmetrical about an axis 44. The member 40 defines circumferential rows 46 of teeth 48 having edges ~0 ~see Figures 3-7) about the axis 44 such that upon rotation of ~he tool 16 the rotating edges 50 define circles centered on the axis 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the descaling tool at the longest radii is appro~imately

3/4 - 7/8 inches.
According to an outstanding feature of the invention, the circles corresponding to adjacent rows 46 are of different radii along at least a portion of the axis 44. Such cirlces of differing radii provide an outer periphery of cutting or scraping edges in an oval shape along at least a portion of the axis 44. Figure ll shows one embodiment whereby the oval portion is only along the end of the descaling tool 16 while Figures 2 and 8 show embodiments wherein the entire length along the axis 44 of the member 40 is oval.
As can be seen in Figure 2, adjacent ones of the rows 46 are separated by spaces 52 which allow for the scales of the fish to be scattered without becoming clogged.
Preferably the member 40 is formed by a grinding process - which cuts the circumferential spaces 52 into an oval shaped stock material of the proper dimensions to ~orm an inner sup-port structure 54. Although the inner support structure may be hollow, it preferably is a solid.

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The cutting process which forms the spaces 52 may be selected to provide spaces configured according to Figures 5-7.
In Figure 5 the cutting is such to provide each of the teeth 48 with substantially parallel side walls 56. In Figure 6 the cutting provides each of the teeth 48 with non-parallel side walls, providing a trapezoidal shaped tooth having side walls 56 generally equal in length. Figure 7 shows a tooth formed by the cutting process such that one of the side walls 56 is generally perpendicular to the axis 44, and the other of the side walls 56 is transverse to the axis 44.
The tooth configuration shown in Figure 6 is the pre-ferred embodiment, having its cutting edges 50 arranged in an oval shape and having non~parallel side walls 56 formed of generally equal lengths. This design minimizes the horsepower drawn from the motor 21 by reducing the area of the surface contact of the edges 50 with the fish, and at the same time provides an increased space 52 for allowing passage of the removed scales.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, after the spaces 52 have been formed, longitudinal slots 58 are ground trans-versely of the spaces 52, thereby forming the teeth 48. The radial elevation of the edges 50 (i.e., the dimensions of the teeth 48) and the dimensions of the support structure 54 are selected according to the ~PM of the motor 21 and to the specifications of the speed reducer 28. Preferably the sur-face speed of the center-most row 46 is within the range of 3600-4800 inches per minute, and the dimensions of the de-scaling tool 16 and the RPM characteristics of the motor and speed reducer are chosen accordingly.

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Figures 3 and 4 show cross sectional views down the axis ~4 of the descaling tool 16. In these embodiments, the cutting process which formed the longitudinal slots 58 is such that the front walls 60 which are formed are not lying along a radius of the axis 44. The front walls 60 lie in planes parallel to radial planes.
The embodiment of Figure 3 shows the front walls 60, when perpendicular to the fish, lying to the left of verticle on the top of the tool 16. The amount that the front wall 60 is off vertical is denoted in Figure 3 as Dim. A. This con-figuration defines a positive rake and is advantageous when using relatively heavy descaling tools in a mass, high volume process. With this embodiment, less scraping is achieved with the same amount of utilized horsepower than in the embodiment shown in Figure 4.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the cutting process which formed the slots 58 is such that the front walls 60, when perpendicular to the fish, are to the right of verticle on the top of the tool 16. The amount that the front wall 60 is off vertical is denoted in Figure 4 as Dim. B. This con-figuration defines a negative rake and is advantageous when ;~
using lighter weight descaling tools, wherein more bite per revolution is achieved. Although this embodiment requires more horsepower drawn from the motor 21 for a given bite, the lightweight and easily maneuverable tool allows the amount of drag placed on the cutting tool via the moment arm to be easily controlled to not overwork the motor.
Although either the positive or the negative rake, oreven a zero rake configuration is operable, the negative rake , ;62iL

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is preferred for the type of fish scaling operation depicted in Figure 1. Figure 9 indicates that a non-oval tool 16 hav-ing a positive or a negative rake may also be utilized accord-ing to the invention.
Referring now to Figure 8, another embodiment of the descaling tool 16 is shown, In this embodiment, the cutting process which forms the spaces 52 is such that the circumfer-ential rows 46 of teeth are spiralled, The rows 46 are spiralled in one direction at one end of the tool 16 and are spiralled in the other direction at the other end of the tool 16. This opposed spiral configuration causes passage of the removed scales along the axis 44, providing an effec~
tive sweeping motion for clearing the scales. The rake of this embodiment may be either positive or negative as above explained.
Referring now to Figore 11, still another embodiment of the descaling tool 16 i5 shown. In this embodiment the slots 58 are formed by the cutting process in planes which are not coextensive with the axis 44. For example, the slots 58 may describe a sine wave or a square wave type configuration, or they may describe a sawtooth type wave configuration as shown.
; In Figure 11 the configuration consists of a cutting which provides rows of edges formed by the slots 58 increasing in elevation as the extreme end of the tool 16 is approached.
The inverse of this configuration, with the increase in ele-~`, vation increasing toward the shank 42, is also suitable according to this aspect of the invention.
One of the above-described embodiments of the descaling ~ tool or head 16 is shown in Figures 12, 14 and 17. The :` `' ;~ ' ' ' :

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particular head 16 illustrated in Figures 12, 14 and 17 is understood to be merely exemplary, as any of the type pre-viously described would be utilized according to the present ; invention.
The head 16 shown in Figures 12, 14 and 17 is depicted in combination with the above-described source of power.
According to an outstanding feature of the present invention, the head 16 is coupled to, and is rotated by, the source of power and is designed to provide electrical isolation from the motor within the source. ~his is accomplished by the particular construction of the head 16, as opposed to modifi-cation of the source.
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the shank 42, ; which has earlier been referred to as part of the head 16, isshown as part of the source of power and is rotated thereby.
The head 16 is secured to the shank 42 and rotates with the shank 42. The connection between the head 16 and the shank 42 is an outstanding feature of the invention which achieves the desired electrical isolation.
In Figure 12, the head 16 is manufactured from metal , such as alluminum. It has a passage machined therein at one -~
end of the head along a major access.
An insert 116 is secured within the passage. The insert 116 has provisions for securely receiving the shank 42 such that rotation of the shank 42 effects rotation of the head 16.
; The insert 116 may be removably secured within the passage for allowing replacement of the insert without replacing the head, if desired.
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As shown in Figure 13, the insert 116 and the passage of the head 16 each define a relatively flat region to prevent rotation of the insert 116 inside the passage of the head 16.
In the embodiment depicted in Figures 12 and 13, the head 16 is metallic and the insert 116 is non-conductive, such as nylon, plastic, or Teflon. The insert 116 has a passage 118 therein for receiving the shank 42, and internal walls of the passage 118 are threaded. The end of the shank 42 is also threaded, and when the shank 42 is threaded into the insert 116r the head 16 is secured for rotation by the source. The threading of the insert 116 and the shank 42 is either left-handed or right-handed such that the head 16 tightens on the shank 42 during rotation.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 14-16, the head 16 is metallic and ~he insert 116 is non-conductive, as described with respect to the embodiment of Figure 12. However, rather than employ a screw type securing mechanism for attaching the head 16 to the shank 42, the embodiment of Figure 14 utilizes a snap-on connection.
The insert 116 in Figure 14 defines its shank receiving passage 118 which is especially adapted to the configuration of the shank 42. The passage 118 has one extreme region ~to the left as viewed in Figure 12) which is generally circular except for a flat region 122. This prevents the shank 42 ; from rotatably slipping within the passage 118.
Except for a snap ring defining groove 124, the remainder of the passage 118 is generally circular in shape.
The shank 42 of the Figure 14 embodiment is designed compatibly with the passage 118 of the Figure 14 embodiment.

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It has an extreme end 126 which defines a flat region for engaging with the region 122 for preventing the shank 42 from slipping within the passagae 118. The shank 42 also defines a generally cylindrical region which has a snap ring mechanism thereon. The snap ring is loosely disposed within a groove in the shank 42 and springly extends outwardly. The snap ring 128, when the shank 42 is inserted within the passage 118, is ~-compressed and fits into the snap ring groove 124 for securing the head 16 on the shank 42.
For removal of the shank 42 from the passage 118, the snap ring 128 may be compressed through holes in the side walls of the head 16 and the insert 116 (not shown).
Still another embodiment of the head 16 is shown in Figures 17 and 18. In this embodiment, the insert 116 extends cantilever from the head 16. The passagae 118 is generally circular except for its flat region 122. In the region which extends beyond the head 16 and overlying the region 122, a threaded hole 130 is disposed for receiving a set screw (not ~-shown in Figure 17).
The shank 42 in the Figure 17 embodiment has a flat por-tion 126 coinciding with the flat portion 122 of the passage 118. The set screw which screws into the hole 130 tightens onto the portion 126 for securing the insert 116 to the shank -`~ 42.
Referring now to Figure 19, another embodiment of the head 16 is shown. This embodiment is identical to the embodi-ment of Figure 14 except the electrically non-conductive and the electrically conductive materials are interchanged. More specifically, the head 16 is comprised of an electrically :
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non-conductive material such as nylon, plastic, or Teflon, and the insert 116 is metallized.
In a similar manner, the heads 16 depicted in Figures 12 and 17 could also be of a non-conductive material with the corresponding insert 116 being conductive.
It will thus be appreciated that all the heads 16 shown in Figures 12 through 19 provide electrical isolation of the head 16 from the source and specifically from the shank 42.
Various connecting mechanisms for securing the head 16 to the shank 42 are possible by employing the insert 116 at least partially within the head as above described.
It will thus further be appreciated that an improved, hand-held, powered fish scaler has been described. Efficient operation is achieved by a tool which is also economically manufactured and safe to use.
Although rather specific embodiments have been shown, it is understood that they have been by way of example only Various modifications to the structures shown and to the operating perameters described will be apparent to those of -ordinary skill in the art without departing from either the :
; spirit or scope oi the inventi~n.

Claims (18)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A descaling tool for mounting on a rotatable shaft of a motorized fish scaler, comprising:
(a) a head having a plurality of teeth for engaging and removing fish scales, said head defining a connection cavity generally along an axis of the head;
(b) a connector disposed at least partially within said connection cavity for coupling said head to said rotatable shaft, one of said head or said connector being fashioned out of an elec-trically nonconductive material so that the head is electrically isolated from said shaft.

2. The descaling tool according to claim 1 wherein said connector is removably disposed in said cavity for selective replacement thereof.

3. The descaling tool according to claim 1 wherein the surfaces of said connector and the surfaces of said connector cavity are configured to provide interlocking engagement whereby the head and the connector will not slip during rotation of said stem.

4. The descaling tool according to claim 1 wherein said connector is metallic and said head is an electrically non-conductive material.

5. The descaling tool according to claim 1 wherein said head is metallic and said connector is an electrically non-conductive material.

6. The descaling tool according to claim 1 wherein said connector includes a shaft receiving passage and further comprises means for securing said shaft within said passage.

7. The descaling tool according to claim 6 wherein said securing means includes a snap ring, and wherein said shaft receiving passage includes surface portions which define a snap ring groove for receiving said snap ring.

8. The descaling tool according to claim 6 wherein said securing means includes a set screw for engagement with said shaft.

9. The descaling tool according to claim 6 wherein said shaft is threaded and said securing means comprises threads fashioned within said passage for engaging the threads of said shaft.

10. An electrically operated fish scaler adapted for portable applications, comprising:
(a) a controllably actuated electric motor;
(b) a head having a plurality of teeth for engaging and removing fish scales, said head defining a connection cavity generally along an axis of the head;
(c) a shaft coupled to said motor for rotation; and (d) a connector disposed at least partially in said connection cavity for coupling said head to said rotatable shaft, one of said head or said connector being fashioned out of an electrically nonconductive material so that the head is electrically isolated from said shaft and from said motor.

11. The fish scaler according to Claim 10, and further including means coupling said descaling tool and said motor for effecting a slower rotational rate of the descaling tool than that of the motor.

12. The fish scaler according to Claim 1, Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein adjacent teeth disposed along said axis are positioned at different radial elevations.

13. The fish scaler according to Claim 10, and further including:
a housing for the motor which provides an opening for receiving said shank; and annular structure secured to the housing and disposed within said opening for providing bearing support to said shank and for maintaining a seal between the housing and the shank.

14. The fish scaler according to Claim 10 and further including means coupled to said descaling tool for changing the rotational rate of the descaling tool from that of the rate of the motor by a factor of three.

15. The fish scaler according to Claim 13 and including a switch counter-sunk into said housing for coupling electrical energization to the motor.

16. A hand-held, electrically operated fish scaler comprising:
(a) an electric motor for providing rotary motion, the motor being configured for hand-held operations;
(b) a housing for said motor;
(c) a descaling tool as defined in Claim 1, rotated by said motor;
(d) said head providing rows of teeth circumferential of said axis to thereby provide rows of cutting edges;
(e) one of said rows disposed substantially at the end of the teeth defining member opposite the shank, adjacent rows of edges at different radii from said axis to provide an oval periphery of cutting edges, adjacent teeth in the rows separated by longitudinal slots and adjacent rows separated by transverse grooves having groove bottoms shaped substantially in said oval configuration, the adjacent grooves having their respective bottoms at different radii from said axis; and (f) each said tooth being defined by a front wall, a rear wall, an upper surface, and a pair of side walls, said front walls of the teeth lying in non-radial planes with respect to said axis, thereby providing either negative or positive rake.

17. The fish scaler according to claim 16 and including annular structure secured to the housing and disposed within said opening for providing bearing support to said shank and for main-taining a seal between the housing and the shank.

18. The fish scaler according to claim 16 and including a sub-stantially transparent shield fixedly disposed with respect to the source of power and adjacent said descaling tool for deflect-ing scales during operation of the fish scaler.