Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastening tool having body and a handle extending from the body, the handle defining an inlet channel for receiving input of pressurized gas and an outlet channel for outputting exhaust. The adjustable exhaust assembly includes a base non-rotatably attachable to an end of the handle opposite the body. The base has a plate and a boss extending from the plate. The boss is configured to receive an air hose and defining an inlet opening configured to direct compressed air to the inlet channel. The plate has an outlet opening in communication with the outlet channel. A substantially annular and cap is rotatably received about the boss. The cap defines a substantially annular channel in communication with the outlet opening of the base and an outlet port defined in a portion of a circumferential wall of the annular cap and in communication with the annular channel.

Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastening tool having body and a handle extending from the body, the handle defining an inlet channel for receiving input of pressurized gas and an outlet channel for outputting exhaust. The adjustable exhaust assembly includes a base non-rotatably attachable to an end of the handle opposite the body. The base has a plate and a boss extending from the plate. The boss is configured to receive an air hose and defining an inlet opening configured to direct compressed air to the inlet channel. The plate has an outlet opening in communication with the outlet channel. A substantially annular and cap is rotatably received about the boss. The cap defines a substantially annular channel in communication with the outlet opening of the base and an outlet port defined in a portion of a circumferential wall of the annular cap and in communication with the annular channel.

Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastening tool having body and a handle extending from the body, the handle defining an inlet channel for receiving input of pressurized gas and an outlet channel for outputting exhaust. The adjustable exhaust assembly includes a base non-rotatably attachable to an end of the handle opposite the body. The base has a plate and a boss extending from the plate. The boss is configured to receive an air hose and defining an inlet opening configured to direct compressed air to the inlet channel. The plate has an outlet opening in communication with the outlet channel. A substantially annular and cap is rotatably received about the boss. The cap defines a substantially annular channel in communication with the outlet opening of the base and an outlet port defined in a portion of a circumferential wall of the annular cap and in communication with the annular channel.

Abstract: A collapsible adjusting utility stand that folds flat for convenient storage and deploys quickly. The stand can be used to stabilize one object over a base surface and hold a second object in a desired orientation relative to the base while adjusting and fixing the vertical elevation of the second object. We describe in detail an embodiment configured as a collapsible adjusting funnel stand.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for determining whether an opportunistic bacterium is infectious.

Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastening tool having body and a handle extending from the body, the handle defining an inlet channel for receiving input of pressurized gas and an outlet channel for outputting exhaust. The adjustable exhaust assembly includes a base non-rotatably attachable to an end of the handle opposite the body. The base has a plate and a boss extending from the plate. The boss is configured to receive an air hose and defining an inlet opening configured to direct compressed air to the inlet channel. The plate has an outlet opening in communication with the outlet channel. A substantially annular and cap is rotatably received about the boss. The cap defines a substantially annular channel in communication with the outlet opening of the base and an outlet port defined in a portion of a circumferential wall of the annular cap and in communication with the annular channel.

Abstract: A pneumatic compressor capable of supplying compressed gas to a pneumatic tool. The compressor can be powered alternatively by either a battery or an AC power source. The compressor comprises a permanent magnet DC electric motor and circuitry for converting the AC power source to DC power. The compressor includes a receptacle for accommodating one or more of a plurality of batteries and includes circuitry for using batteries having different voltages. The AC power source may also be used to charge a battery connected to the compressor.

Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastening tool having body and a handle extending from the body, the handle defining an inlet channel for receiving input of pressurized gas and an outlet channel for outputting exhaust. The adjustable exhaust assembly includes a base non-rotatably attachable to an end of the handle opposite the body. The base has a plate and a boss extending from the plate. The boss is configured to receive an air hose and defining an inlet opening configured to direct compressed air to the inlet channel. The plate has an outlet opening in communication with the outlet channel. A substantially annular and cap is rotatably received about the boss. The cap defines a substantially annular channel in communication with the outlet opening of the base and an outlet port defined in a portion of a circumferential wall of the annular cap and in communication with the annular channel.

Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastening tool having body and a handle extending from the body, the handle defining an inlet channel for receiving input of pressurized gas and an outlet channel for outputting exhaust. The adjustable exhaust assembly includes a base non-rotatably attachable to an end of the handle opposite the body. The base has a plate and a boss extending from the plate. The boss is configured to receive an air hose and defining an inlet opening configured to direct compressed air to the inlet channel. The plate has an outlet opening in communication with the outlet channel. A substantially annular and cap is rotatably received about the boss. The cap defines a substantially annular channel in communication with the outlet opening of the base and an outlet port defined in a portion of a circumferential wall of the annular cap and in communication with the annular channel.

Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastener includes a base, which includes a base plate and a protrusion protruding from the base plate. The protrusion is centrally hollow and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The base plate includes an inlet opening and an exhaust opening defined therethrough. The inlet opening is interconnected with a channel defined by the inner surface of the protrusion. A cap is coupled to and supported by the base and includes an exit opening. A quick connector coupler is positioned inside the channel defined by the inner surface of the protrusion. When coupled to a pneumatic fastener, the quick connector coupler is suitable for connecting to an air supply hose to input compressed air to the pneumatic fastener via the channel defined by the inner surface of the protrusion and the inlet opening, and exhaust from the pneumatic fastener may exit through the exhaust opening and the exit opening.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener includes a housing and a handle coupled to the housing. The handle defines an inlet channel for delivering compressed gas to the housing. A trigger valve is in communication with the inlet channel and configured to actuate the pneumatic fastener. A fastener driving assembly is disposed within the housing. The fastener driving assembly includes a cylinder and a piston that reciprocates within the cylinder to drive a fastener. A valve piston is coupled to the fastener driving assembly. Actuation of the valve piston causes compressed air to drive the piston within the cylinder to drive the fastener. An outer cap is coupled to the housing and an inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap. The inner cap includes an opening in communication with the trigger valve for porting the compressed air to a region above the valve piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides a head valve assembly for a pneumatic fastener including a piston assembly reciprocated within a cylinder assembly for driving a fastener and a housing having an end cap for at least partially enclosing the head valve assembly. The head valve assembly includes a valve piston for causing supply pressure to be ported to the piston assembly for moving the piston assembly within the cylinder assembly from a non-actuated position to an actuated position for driving the fastener. Further, an inner cap is disposed within the end cap around the valve piston. The inner cap includes an inlet port for porting pressure to the valve piston. In addition, a main seal is coupled to the valve piston for sealing the cylinder assembly from supply pressure while pressure is ported to the valve piston by the inner cap for holding the piston assembly in the non-actuated position.

Abstract: A pneumatic compressor capable of supplying compressed gas to a pneumatic tool. The compressor can be powered alternatively by either a battery or an AC power source. The compressor comprises a permanent magnet DC electric motor and circuitry for converting the AC power source to DC power. The compressor includes a receptacle for accommodating one or more of a plurality of batteries and includes circuitry for using batteries having different voltages. The AC power source may also be used to charge a battery connected to the compressor.

Abstract: An air compressor having improved stability and portability. The air compressor package is positionable in an operational position, wherein the air compressor package is positioned on a base, and a transport position, wherein the air compressor package may be more readily transported. Positioning of the air compressor package into the transport position is accomplished by rotating the air compressor about a rotational axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the air tank, which positions the air compressor in an orientation and position that is relatively comfortable, whether or not the air compressor is hand-transported. The air compressor package can employ a compact manifold that can couple the air tank to the compressor and a regulator valve and optionally to a relief valve, a drain valve and/or a pressure switch. A method for operating a compressor is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable angle magazine comprising a loading mechanism is pivotally coupled with a nail gun to enable nail gun operation with a variety of nail types and collation angles. The loading mechanism is one of a top-load mechanism and a side-load mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable exhaust assembly for a pneumatic fastener includes a base, which includes a base plate and a protrusion protruding from the base plate. The protrusion is centrally hollow and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The base plate includes an inlet opening and an exhaust opening defined therethrough. The inlet opening is interconnected with a channel defined by the inner surface of the protrusion. A cap is coupled to and supported by the base and includes an exit opening. A quick connector coupler is positioned inside the channel defined by the inner surface of the protrusion. When coupled to a pneumatic fastener, the quick connector coupler is suitable for connecting to an air supply hose to input compressed air to the pneumatic fastener via the channel defined by the inner surface of the protrusion and the inlet opening, and exhaust from the pneumatic fastener may exit through the exhaust opening and the exit opening.

Abstract: A tip assembly for a pneumatic fastener includes a mount member having a mount receiver for receiving a fastener; an extension member coupled with the mount member and a primary tip for contacting a work surface, the tip being coupled with the extension member. The tip assembly further includes a sleeve, which has a sleeve receiver for receiving a fastener. The sleeve is configured for removably coupling with a nose casting assembly of a pneumatic fastener. The mount member is configured for insertion within the sleeve so that the mount receiver and the sleeve receiver align for receiving a fastener for securing the mount member within the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a head valve assembly for a pneumatic fastener including a piston assembly reciprocated within a cylinder assembly for driving a fastener and a housing having an end cap for at least partially enclosing the head valve assembly. The head valve assembly includes a valve piston for causing supply pressure to be ported to the piston assembly for moving the piston assembly within the cylinder assembly from a non-actuated position to an actuated position for driving the fastener. Further, an inner cap is disposed within the end cap around the valve piston. The inner cap includes an inlet port for porting pressure to the valve piston. In addition, a main seal is coupled to the valve piston for sealing the cylinder assembly from supply pressure while pressure is ported to the valve piston by the inner cap for holding the piston assembly in the non-actuated position.

Abstract: An anchor (20) which is attachable to the leg (500) of a canopy (502) framework includes a bar (22) having a foot (30), a weight (32), and at least one attaching means for attaching the anchor (20) to the leg (500). The anchor (20) is useful in circumstances where the wind could lift, displace, or overturn the canopy (502) and associated framework.

Abstract: A collated fastener strip for use in a pneumatic fastener driving tool of the type having a magazine containing parallel spaced grooves for accommodating the heads of fasteners as they are fed within the magazine. The strip comprises a plurality of headless fasteners with at least one headed fastener positioned near the end of the strip such that the strip may be used in a magazine designed for using headed fasteners.