Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, at least one fan for associated with the power source, at least one temperature sensing device in operational proximity to the power source and a control system operationally associated with the power source and connected to the at least one fan and at least one temperature sensing device for adjusting the length of time for energizing the at least one cooling fan as a function of power source temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device.

Abstract: In a fastener-driving tool with a magazine, a nosepiece, and a driver blade slidably reciprocating relative to the nosepiece for driving fasteners, a mechanism for preventing jamming includes a follower slidably disposed inside the magazine for urging fasteners toward the nosepiece, and having a formation for engaging the driver blade and preventing driver blade reciprocation after the last fastener in the magazine has been driven.

Abstract: A variable volume metering chamber and valve assembly for a combustion-powered tool includes a housing defining a metering chamber having an internal volume and including an inlet and an outlet, and a plunger configured for reciprocal movement relative to the chamber for adjusting the internal volume of the metering chamber. The plunger is preferably adjustable by the user to alter the volume of fuel retained in the metering chamber. In the housing, a first valve controls control fluid flow through the inlet, a second valve controls fluid flow through the outlet, and an actuator assembly, connected to the valves, is sequentially operable from a first position, in which the first valve is open and the second valve is closed, to a second position, in which the first and second valves are both closed, and a third position, in which the first valve is closed and the second valve is open.

Abstract: An adjustable depth of drive device for use on a fastener driving tool. The adjustable depth of drive device includes a thumb post which is mounted to, and extends from a work piece contact element of the tool. Also included is a thumb wheel which is removably attached to the thumb post. A spring member is another part of the adjustable depth of drive device, and it is engagable with the thumb wheel in at least two positions. In a first position, the spring member is frictionally engaged with the thumb wheel to prevent unwanted movement of the thumb wheel relative to the thumb post, and this first position allows for fine adjustments of the position of the work piece contact element. In a second position, the spring member is disengaged from the thumb wheel to permit free rotation of the thumb wheel on the thumb post, which allows for gross adjustments of the position of the work piece contact element.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a combustion-powered fastener driving tool, includes a cylinder body, a reciprocating probe assembly slidably disposed relative to the cylinder body between a first, extended position and a second, retracted position, and at least one shock-absorbing member operationally associated with at least one of the cylinder body and the probe assembly for reducing shock load generated by the tool during combustion and transmitted between the probe assembly and the cylinder body. In another embodiment, a single spring disposed between the probe assembly and the cylinder body is configured for biasing the probe assembly into the first position.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, at least one fan for associated with the power source, at least one temperature sensing device in operational proximity to the power source and a control system operationally associated with the power source and connected to the at least one fan and at least one temperature sensing device for adjusting the length of time for energizing the at least one cooling fan as a function of power source temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a combustion-powered fastener driving tool, includes a cylinder body, a reciprocating probe assembly slidably disposed relative to the cylinder body between a first, extended position and a second, retracted position, and at least one shock-absorbing member operationally associated with at least one of the cylinder body a n d the probe assembly for reducing shock load generated by the tool during combustion and transmitted between the probe assembly and the cylinder body. In another embodiment, a single spring disposed between the probe assembly and the cylinder body is configured for biasing the probe assembly into the first position.

Abstract: A fuel cell adapter system for a combustion tool which includes a housing enclosing a fuel metering valve. The fuel cell is provided with an adapter having a generally cylindrical nozzle and an enlarged base configured for engagement upon the fuel cell. The nozzle has a lobed free end and defines a passageway. A frangible membrane is provided for blocking the passageway. The latch is disposed in the housing for releasably securing the adapter in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve. The latch includes a latch body having at least one locking tang movable between a closed position and an open position, and a release member for moving the locking tang to release the engagement with the adapter and permitting withdrawal of said fuel cell from said tool. A modified latch receives the adapter of the fuel cell in a push-and-twist motion to retain it in position.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a housing defining a cavity for insertion of at least one battery, a battery configured for insertion into the cavity and having at least one battery contact element, a terminal module disposed in the cavity, constructed and arranged for engaging the battery and making an electrical connection therewith, the module including at least one terminal module contact element. At least one of the battery and terminal module contact elements incorporates a precious metal alloy and the other of the contact elements is conductive. The respective contact elements are configured for oxidation-free operation in the range of at least about 100 g's.

Abstract: A tool for driving fasteners into a workpiece includes a fastener supply device removably attachable to the tool and supplying the fasteners to the channel, and a workpiece contact element. There is a first alignment mechanism on the nosepiece and a second alignment mechanism on the workpiece contact element. A threaded adjusting member located on the workpiece contact element and a threadable adjustable mechanism on the nosepiece are configured engage with each other, such that movement of the workpiece contact element due to rotation of the threadable adjustable mechanism causes the first alignment mechanism to engage the second alignment structure. The tool has a sensor held by the housing and a detector within the fastener supply configured to sense the length of the fasteners and communicate the length to the sensor.

Abstract: An arm member is provided for protection of a power source and for facilitating storage of a power tool. In a closed position, the arm member is configured for partially encircling a portion of the power source and re-directing an impact directed towards that portion away from the power source. In an open position, the arm member is configured for engaging a projection or structure to enable hanging and/or other storage of the power tool.

Abstract: A lock-out mechanism, for use in conjunction with a combustion-powered fastener-driving tool, is operatively engaged with the tool trigger mechanism so as to be movable between extended and retracted positions. The lock-out mechanism is adapted to engage a wear plate member of the annular sleeve-valve member, which partially defines the combustion chamber of the tool and which is movable between OPENED and CLOSED positions, when the lock-out mechanism is disposed at its extended position, and guide rails are provided upon interior surface portions of the tool handle housing for guiding the movement of the lock-out mechanism as well as for bearing the forces which tend to move the annular sleeve-valve member to its combustion chamber OPENED position. In this manner, such forces do not bear upon the trigger mechanism whereby the tool operator does not become fatigued.

Abstract: A constant volume metering chamber and valve assembly for use with a pressurized fluid supply containing a fluid is described for use in a power fastening tool. The assembly includes a first spring-biased valve and a second spring-biased valve. There is a metering chamber having an inlet and an outlet, so that the first spring-biased valve controls the inlet and the second spring-biased valve controls the outlet. An actuator assembly operates causes the first and second spring-biased valves to move in either a first valve sequence or a second valve sequence. The first valve sequence includes engaging the first spring-biased valve with the inlet, preventing flow of the fluid from the fluid supply into the metering chamber, followed by disengaging the second spring-biased valve from the outlet, allowing flow of the fluid from the metering chamber.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a housing defining a cavity for insertion of at least one battery, a battery configured for insertion into the cavity and having at least one battery contact element, a terminal module disposed in the cavity, constructed and arranged for engaging the battery and making an electrical connection therewith, the module including at least one terminal module contact element. At least one of the battery and terminal module contact elements incorporates a precious metal alloy and the other of the contact elements is conductive. The respective contact elements are configured for oxidation-free operation in the range of at least about 100 g's.

Abstract: An arm member is provided for protection of a power source and for facilitating storage of a power tool. In a closed position, the arm member is configured for partially encircling a portion of the power source and re-directing an impact directed towards that portion away from the power source. In an open position, the arm member is configured for engaging a projection or structure to enable hanging and/or other storage of the power tool.

Abstract: A fuel cell adapter system for a combustion tool which includes a housing enclosing a fuel metering valve. The fuel cell is provided with an adapter having a generally cylindrical nozzle and a base configured for engagement upon the fuel cell. The nozzle has a free end and defines a passageway. A frangible membrane is provided for blocking the passageway. The adapter also has a gripping formation that is configured for engagement with a latch, so that the adapter is accommodated in the housing in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve. The latch is disposed in the housing for releasably securing the adapter in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve. The latch includes a latch body having at least one locking tang movable between a closed position and an open position, and a release member for moving the locking tang to release said engagement with the adapter and permitting withdrawal of said fuel cell from said tool.

Abstract: A combustion-powered tool having a workpiece contacting element movable relative to the tool as the tool is depressed prior to firing includes a spark unit having a high voltage spark supply for providing an ignition spark, a printed circuit board having a first portion configured for receiving and being electrically connected to the high voltage spark supply, and a second portion configured for receiving and being electrically connected to both an actuator switch and a trigger switch, the switches and the spark supply being electrically connected so that to enable firing, the workpiece contact element actuates the actuator switch, which then enables activation of the trigger switch. A unitary actuator has a fixed end, a movable end engageable by movement of the workpiece contact element and a middle portion for engaging the actuator switch upon movement of the movable end caused by depression of the tool against a workpiece.

Abstract: A fuel cell adapter system for a combustion tool which includes a housing enclosing a fuel metering valve. The fuel cell is provided with an adapter having a generally cylindrical nozzle and a base configured for engagement upon the fuel cell. The nozzle has a free end and defines a passageway. A frangible membrane is provided for blocking the passageway. The adapter also has a gripping formation that is configured for engagement with a latch, so that the adapter is accommodated in the housing in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve. The latch is disposed in the housing for releasably securing the adapter in fluid communication with the fuel metering valve. The latch includes a latch body having at least one locking tang movable between a closed position and an open position, and a release member for moving the locking tang to release said engagement with the adapter and permitting withdrawal of said fuel cell from said tool.

Abstract: A constant volume metering chamber and valve assembly for use with a pressurized fluid supply containing a fluid is described for use in a power fastening tool. The assembly includes a first spring-biased valve and a second spring-biased valve. There is a metering chamber having an inlet and an outlet, so that the first spring-biased valve controls the inlet and the second spring-biased valve controls the outlet. An actuator assembly operates causes the first and second spring-biased valves to move in either a first valve sequence or a second valve sequence. The first valve sequence includes engaging the first spring-biased valve with the inlet, preventing flow of the fluid from the fluid supply into the metering chamber, followed by disengaging the second spring-biased valve from the outlet, allowing flow of the fluid from the metering chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable depth of drive device for use on a fastener driving tool. The adjustable depth of drive device includes a thumb post which is mounted to, and extends from a work piece contact element of the tool. Also included is a thumb wheel which is removably attached to the thumb post. A spring member is another part of the adjustable depth of drive device, and it is engagable with the thumb wheel in at least two positions. In a first position, the spring member is frictionally engaged with the thumb wheel to prevent unwanted movement of the thumb wheel relative to the thumb post, and this first position allows for fine adjustments of the position of the work piece contact element. In a second position, the spring member is disengaged from the thumb wheel to permit free rotation of the thumb wheel on the thumb post, which allows for gross adjustments of the position of the work piece contact element.