Abstract: A combustion chamber system, for use within a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool, comprises a dual combustion chamber system comprising a pre-combustion chamber and a final combustion chamber. The pre-combustion chamber is characterized by a high aspect ratio and has different obstacles fixedly incorporated therein for selectively retarding and enhancing the rate of burn and the rate of speed of the flame front propagating through the pre-combustion chamber. In addition, an obstacle, having a predetermined solid geometrical configuration is disposed within the final combustion chamber at a position immediately disposed downstream of a port fluidically interconnecting the pre-combustion chamber to the final combustion chamber so as to cause the flame front to diverge and split into multiple components which flow radially outwardly throughout the final combustion chamber.

Abstract: An insert seal for an adapter connectable to a fuel cell which is engageable upon a combustion tool fuel metering valve, the fuel cell having a stem and the metering valve having a nipple, includes a body defining a central passageway and having a first end sealable on the stem and a second end sealable on the nipple, a flange portion affixed to the second end, being in fluid communication with the passageway and having a larger diameter than the body. The fuel cell adapter is configured for connection to the fuel cell and is engageable upon the combustion tool fuel metering valve, has an adapter body with a base configured for engagement upon the fuel cell and a nozzle connected to the base, the adapter body defining a chamber configured for accommodating the stem and the nipple, the insert seal being accommodated in the chamber.

Abstract: A mechanism for generating a flame jet has a volume formed of at least one vertical structure and two opposing horizontal structures. A rotatable fan is located within the volume, and is rotatable in a plane generally parallel to the planes of the horizontal structures. The mechanism also contains means for igniting a combustible gas which is contained within the volume, to propel a flame jet outside of the volume.

Abstract: A new and improved valve assembly for incorporation within a dual combustion chamber system of a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool comprises a single valve mechanism which can operatively control the ingress of atmospheric air into the combustion chambers, the egress of combustion products out from the combustion chambers, and the fluid flows between the first and second combustion chambers attendant VENTING, MIXING, and FIRING stages of an overall combustion cycle. The valve mechanism may comprise either a rotary valve mechanism, a linear-rotary valve mechanism, or a linear valve mechanism.

Abstract: A U-nut type fastener installation tool, for installing individual U-nut fasteners from a vertically stacked, nested, or collated strip or array of such fasteners disposed within a magazine portion of the tool. The vertically nested, stacked, or collated strip is biased toward the dispensing station or position by means of a spring member, and a wedge-shaped member is adapted to be driven between an endmost one of the nested, stacked, or collated fasteners and the remaining fasteners disposed within the nested, stacked, or collated array of fasteners so as to separate the endmost one of the fasteners from the remaining fasteners of the nested, stacked or collated array of fasteners and drive such endmost fastener onto the edge portion of the support plate or panel.

Abstract: A combustion chamber system for use within a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool, and a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool having the combustion chamber system incorporated therein, is disclosed. The combustion chamber system comprises a dual combustion chamber system comprising a pre-combustion chamber and a final combustion chamber. The pre-combustion chamber is characterized a high aspect ratio and has different obstacles fixedly incorporated therein for selectively retarding or enhancing the rate of burn and the rate of speed of the flame front propagating through the pre-combustion chamber.

Abstract: A mechanism for generating a flame jet has a volume formed of at least one vertical structure and two opposing horizontal structures. A rotatable fan is located within the volume, and is rotatable in a plane generally parallel to the planes of the horizontal structures. The mechanism also contains means for igniting a combustible gas which is contained within the volume, to propel a flame jet outside of the volume.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener-driving tool is disclosed wherein not only rapid-fire bump-firing or trigger-firing modes of operation are permitted wherein either one of the trigger member and workpiece contact element components can be depressed before the other one of the trigger member and workpiece contact element components depending upon the particular mode of operation that the operator personnel chooses to employ, however, the tool is also rendered safe for transportation by operator personnel between job sites or work sites in view of the fact that if the workpiece contact element is not depressed, as a result of not being disposed in contact or engagement with a workpiece, within a predetermined period of time subsequent to the performance of the last fastener discharge or firing operation, then the tool is pneumatically disabled and can only be again enabled if the proper sequential activation of the tool is performed wherein the workpiece contact element must be engaged with a workpiece prior to the depress

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener-driving tool is disclosed wherein not only rapid-fire bump-firing or trigger-firing modes of operation are permitted wherein either one of the trigger member and workpiece contact element components can be depressed before the other one of the trigger member and workpiece contact element components depending upon the particular mode of operation that the operator personnel chooses to employ, however, the tool is also rendered safe for transportation by operator personnel between job sites or work sites in view of the fact that if the workpiece contact element is not depressed, as a result of not being disposed in contact or engagement with a workpiece, within a predetermined period of time subsequent to the performance of the last fastener discharge or firing operation, then the tool is pneumatically disabled and can only be again enabled if the proper sequential activation of the tool is performed wherein the workpiece contact element must be engaged with a workpiece prior to the depress

Abstract: A combustion powered tool has a self-contained internal combustion power source constructed and arranged for creating a combustion for driving a driver blade to impact a fastener and drive it into a workpiece. The tool includes a housing constructed and arranged to enclose the power source, a combustion chamber defined at an upper end of the housing and a cylinder disposed be in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. A valve member is disposed to periodically close the combustion chamber. A piston is associated with the driver blade and is configured for reciprocal movement within the cylinder between a start position and a driving position. Also included on the tool is a nosepiece having a workpiece contact element configured for contacting a workpiece. The workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nosepiece, and upon such contact, the movement of the workpiece contact clement causes the valve member to close the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided for a combustion-powered tool having a self-contained internal combustion power source with a combustion chamber, and constructed and arranged for driving a drive blade to impact a fastener and drive it into a workpiece. The tool includes a housing having a main chamber enclosing the power source and having a first end adjacent a nosepiece wherein the fasteners are positioned prior to driving, and a second end opposite the first end and adjacent the combustion chamber. A fuel cell chamber is in communication with the main chamber and has a first chamber end corresponding to the first end of the main chamber and a second chamber end corresponding to the second end of the main chamber.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided for a combustion-powered tool having a self-contained internal combustion power source with a combustion chamber, and constructed and arranged for driving a drive blade to impact a fastener and drive it into a workpiece. The tool includes a housing having a main chamber enclosing the power source and having a first end adjacent a nosepiece wherein the fasteners are positioned prior to driving, and a second end opposite the first end and adjacent the combustion chamber. A fuel cell chamber is in communication with the main chamber and has a first chamber end corresponding to the first end of the main chamber and a second chamber end corresponding to the second end of the main chamber.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided for a combustion-powered tool having a self-contained internal combustion power source with a combustion chamber, and constructed and arranged for driving a drive blade to impact a fastener and drive it into a workpiece. The tool includes a housing having a main chamber enclosing the power source and having a first end adjacent a nosepiece wherein the fasteners are positioned prior to driving, and a second end opposite the first end and adjacent the combustion chamber. A fuel cell chamber is in communication with the main chamber and has a first chamber end corresponding to the first end of the main chamber and a second chamber end corresponding to the second end of the main chamber.

Abstract: A cotton harvester receptacle including a lower basket portion and upper basket portion arranged for elevational movement relative to the lower basket portion the cotton receiving receptacle further includes a hood assembly mounted for generally linear movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between a retracted position and an extended position. In an extended position, the hood assembly is positioned to guide harvested materials exhausted from a discharge end of a cotton conveying duct structure into the receptacle. To facilitate elevational movements of the upper basket portion of the receptacle, a control system moves the upper basket portion of the receptacle and the hood assembly in timed sequential relation relative to each other.

Abstract: A control system for effecting removal of cotton from an elevationally movable basket of a cotton harvester. The control system includes operational circuitry for allowing removal of stored cotton from the basket after the basket is elevated to a discharge position relative to a frame of the harvester. The control system further includes by-pass circuitry for effecting expeditious removal of stored cotton from the basket of the cotton harvester while the basket remains in a lower cotton receiving position relative to the harvester. A control switch is provided to allow the operator to select which circuitry is enabled to effect the discharge of cotton to allow the cotton harvester.

Abstract: A shaft speed signal indicator including a hub, bearing, switch assembly and housing which are mounted as a compact and integral unit to a free end of a revoluble shaft. The signal indicator further includes electric circuitry connected to contacts of the switch assembly for signalling the rotational speed of the revoluble shaft relative to a predetermined revolution rate. The hub carries a plurality of magnets for rotation about a predetermined path and to cause the contacts of the switch assembly to operate at a rate proportional to the movement of the magnets therepast. The housing of the signal indicator maintains the contacts of the switch assembly at a predetermined distance from the magnets and includes an exterior configuration substantially encompassing the hub and shields the end of the revoluble shaft.

Abstract: For use in a combustion-powered, fastener-driving tool having a combustion chamber, a source of a combustible fuel, and a switch that must be closed to enable the tool, a fuel system comprises a fuel injector, which includes a normally closed, solenoid-energized valve between the fuel source and the combustion chamber, and an electronic circuit responsive to the switch for energizing the solenoid to open the valve when the switch is closed and for deenergizing the solenoid after a time interval. A resistive-capacitive network defining the time interval includes a first resistor, a second resistor arranged to be selectively connected in parallel therewith, a thermistor connected in parallel therewith, and a variable resistor connected to the parallel resistors. Another network effects a time delay between closure of the switch and energization of the solenoid. Optionally, another network varies the time interval in response to ambient pressure.

Abstract: In a fastener-driving tool, a primary structure, an intermediate structure, and a secondary structure are separately movable along a tool axis. The primary structure is biased to a tool-disabling position, is movable along the tool axis to a tool-enabling position, and is engaged by an upper end of the intermediate structure. The secondary structure has a lower end to be firmly pressed against a workpiece. A bolt is threadedly adjustable within an axial socket of the intermediate structure. A spring disposed around the bolt shank, between the bolt head and a flange on the secondary structure, biases the intermediate structure in one direction. The bolt head has flat surfaces, one of which is engaged by a tab on another flange of the secondary structure so as to prevent bolt rotation unless the secondary structure is moved against the spring bias, whereupon the bolt can then be rotated.