Abstract: A pneumatically operated and controlled fastener feeder and driver apparatus supplies individual fasteners, such as screws having a head and a threaded shank portion, which are maintained on a carrier strip in a magazine assembly, to a nose assembly of the fastener feeder and driver apparatus. When a fastener is positioned in the nose assembly, a driver member of a power fastener driving tool engages the fastener and positions the fastener such that the fastener extends out from a workpiece engaging surface of the nose assembly. When the fastener is driven into the workpiece to a specified depth, a pneumatically operated and controlled driver mechanism moves the fastener driving tool away from the workpiece.

Abstract: A tool for driving uncollated nails includes a tool body with a nose portion defining a drive track wherein a driver blade moves in drive and return strokes. A magazine carried by the body supports a row of nails, and a pusher urges the nails along a feed path toward the drive track. The magazine is adjustable for tailoring the feed path width to the nail size. Individual nails are advanced from the magazine to a drive position in the drive track by an escapement mechanism operated in timed relationship with the driver blade, and an advanced nail is held in the drive position by a magnet assembly supported by the tool nose portion. Nails are positively advanced and are properly oriented by the escapement mechanism independently of the number of nails, the pusher force, or other conditions in the magazine. The tool magazine is quickly and conveniently loaded with nails supplied in an oriented condition from a loading chute.

Abstract: An assembly for loading a tool for driving uncollated nails. The tool includes a body with a driver blade for driving fasteners supplied from a magazine carried by the body and supporting a row of nails. A pusher urges the nails along a feed path in the magazine. Individual nails are advanced from the magazine to a drive position in the drive track by an escapement mechanism, and an advanced nail is held in the drive position by a magnet assembly. The tool magazine is quickly and conveniently loaded with nails supplied in an oriented condition from a loading chute. The loading operation is automatic in response to engagement of the magazine with the chute, and does not require awkward manipulation of the pusher. Coupling members on the magazine and on the chute are mated by means of ramp and guide structures. In the mated position, stops in the nail path are opened to permit nails to slide from the chute into the magazine.

Abstract: A tool for driving fasteners includes a housing defining a handle portion and a nose portion. A driver is reciprocally mounted within the housing as is an assembly for driving the driver through a fastener driving stroke. A muffler is mounted in the housing adjacent and in fluid communication with the nose portion. The muffler includes a chamber defined within the housing and a tubular muffler element mounted within the chamber. The tubular muffler element includes a plurality of holes therein and communicates with at least one exhaust port. A second muffler element is mounted within the chamber and encircles the tubular muffler element.

Abstract: A tool for driving fasteners includes a casing defining a nose portion and a handle portion within which is a reservoir for pressurized fluid. A driver is mounted in the nose portion that is reciprocated by a piston attached thereto and an assembly for returning the piston to a static position after a driving stroke is also included. The return assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication through an inlet with pressurized air and with an outlet that is in communication with a location beneath the return piston. A diaphragm is mounted within the chamber and is biased by a shoe and spring into sealing engagement with the inlet and the outlet. Another metered inlet is also included in the chamber that is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid and controls the sealing action of the diaphragm. The chamber for the return assembly is also in fluid communication with a second chamber within which is mounted a differential area piston.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a magnetized driver or a driver with an embedded permanent magnet that is of a tapered configuration. The tool also includes a fastener feeding mechanism that wedges or ejects a fastener from a fastener strip whereupon the fastener is attracted during free-flight to the driver by the magnet. The tool further includes a stop lever that prevents feeding of fasteners if the driver is in a position other than the full return position.

Abstract: An impact tool includes a rotational energy device mounted within the housing of the tool. A driver is reciprocally mounted within the housing and is coupled to the energy device by a toggle member. The toggle member includes a clutch and is actuated to transfer energy from the energy device to the driver. The driver and toggle are driven through a power stroke upon engagement of the clutch with the energy device. Upon completion of the power stroke, the clutch engages a bumper removing the clutch from the energy device and the toggle and driver are returned by a return assembly driven by the energy device.A second embodiment of the tool includes a wheel rotatably mounted on the toggle. The driver is positioned between the energy device and the wheel such that once the wheel is moved by the toggle, the driver engages the energy device and is driven thereby.