Abstract: An improved powder-actuated fastener-driving tool is provided which is characterized by (a) improved gas exhaust passages for venting the hot gases of combustion from the interior of the tool, (b) an improved trigger assembly which is simple and reliable in its operation and adapted to be easily disassembled, and (c) an improved cartridge advance mechanism. The invention also includes an improved pole assembly which is detachably secured to the tool and has a unique remote tool-actuating mechanism.

Abstract: An improved cartridge-holding magazine is provided for powder-actuated fastener driving tools. The magazine is in the form of a flat strip having a series of cartridge-receiving holes and grooves surrounding the holes for receiving an end extension of a chamber-defining portion of a fastener driving tool so as to properly locate the cartridges in the chamber. The grooves define sleeve portions in the strip which cooperate with the surrounding surface of the side wall of the cartridge chamber to prevent the side wall of a cartridge casing from rupturing or fracturing, especially near the rim of the cartridge, when the cartridge is fired, with the result that after ignition the gases expand axially into the chamber to propel the fastener driving striker so as to drive a fastener into a workpiece with maximum utilization of the energy of combustion.

Abstract: Novel method and means for securely attaching a liner of insulation boarding to the mold cap of a two-piece ingot mold, in order that the ingot mold will be capable of producing substantially void-free ingots.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool is disclosed for use in puncturing or hammering applications, particularly cattle stunning and the like.

Abstract: Novel method and means for securely attaching a liner of insulation boarding to the mold cap of a two-piece ingot mold, in order that the ingot mold will be capable of producing substantially void-free ingots.

Abstract: Self-centering fastening tool for quickly and easily fastening wire and paper lath to support members.

Abstract: In a hot top mounting method for mounting hot top insulation boards to the inside upper surface of a metal ingot mold, a plurality of spaced parallel metal straps are first affixed to a surface of each board, and each board is then fastened to the mold inner wall by setting a plurality of headed fasteners through the strap and into the mold wall using an air operated, magazine-type fastener driving tool. The straps are preferably of channel cross-section which then act as guides to locate the tool for the fastening operation. The channel straps when disposed vertically can have a row of spaced apertures in one edge which selectively receive a U-shaped hanger for suspending the board from the mold top edge for the fastening operation, the hanger being removed once fastening is complete. The straps can be disposed in other orientations such as horizontal depending upon the fastening pattern required. The tool is provided with an elongated handle to permit it to be used down in the mold from above the mold.

Abstract: A novel hot top mounting method is disclosed for use in attaching insulation to the upper interior portion of an ingot mold. The mounting method comprises (1) applying a plurality of thin steel mounting straps to the insulation and suspending the insulation in position adjacent to the upper interior surfaces of the mold, and (2) driving fasteners through the mounting straps and into the mold in order to securely fasten the insulation to the mold.

Abstract: A simple and rugged three-way valve is disclosed which may be used as a trigger-operated control valve for portable pneumatic tools. The valve utilizes a novel valve member slidably disposed in a valve chamber for reciprocal movement between two valve seats and is arranged so that it cannot obstruct a side port that is located between the valve seats.

Abstract: An improved driver is provided wherein a pneumatically operated piston is slidably disposed in a cylinder which is adapted to vent to atmosphere through a port positioned adjacent the end wall of the cylinder. A piston cushion, anchored to the interior surface of the cylinder end wall, is configured to provide communication between the port and the air trapped under the piston when the latter makes contact with the cushion, as well as to avoid piston flexing when struck by the piston. The cylinder end wall is removable to provide access to the interior of the cylinder. A hammer, in the form of a shaft, is removably affixed to the piston in a manner that precludes leakage through the piston and extends through the cushion and the cylinder end wall. Sealing means which are accessible from the interior surface of the end wall provide sealing contact between the latter and the hammer.

Abstract: A novel nail clip is provided for use with power actuated drivers. Each clip comprises a plurality of impact fasteners each having a flange intermediate its ends, and a strip consisting of a plurality of serially connected fastener-supporting members each surrounding and supporting the driving or impact end of a separate fastener. The strip is formed to facilitate the shearing off of said fastener-supporting members singly in response to shearing forces produced when each member and the fastener which it supports are impacted by the hammer of a driver tool.

Abstract: A simple and rugged three-way valve is disclosed which may be used as a trigger-operated control valve for portable pneumatic tools. The valve utilizes a novel valve member slidably disposed in a valve chamber for reciprocal movement between two valve seats and is arranged so that it cannot obstruct a side port that is located between the valve seats.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic piston apparatus is provided wherein a movable poppet valve member employs at least one composite member exposed to air pressure which varies dynamically during the operation of the apparatus. Delamination of the composite member and resultant malfunction of the poppet valve are avoided by a novel construction in accordance with the principles of the present invention, which excludes the dynamically varying air pressure from access to the interface between the layers of the separate materials comprising the composite member. The effect achieved by the novel construction is further enhanced by the manner in which the composite member is retained on the poppet valve member. Unwanted movement of the piston conjointly with the motion of the poppet valve member is precluded in the invention by providing an air space therebetween.