Abstract: The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a corner finishing tool that may have a quick engage/disengage ball and socket feature that automatically stays open and automatically closes and locks. Various embodiments may include a universal and interchangeable working/running blade and cooperating frame design. The frame design may be partially held in place with a face or top plate. Various embodiments may include a multiple tension spring design with one or more adjustment arm(s) for varying the tension on the frame(s) and blade(s). Various embodiments may include flat internal walls to accommodate the one or more adjustment arm(s). Various embodiments may also include a input port cone with ball for attachment to, for example, an applicator box, that may be formed from multiple parts that may be made from different materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a flat box mastic applicator tool, blade assembly, and/or blade adjustment system, that have many improvements too numerous to mention all in the Abstract. The flat box mastic applicator may include unique walls. The blade assembly may have a non-uniform cross section, e.g., a blade holder with thinner areas and/or material removed at various locations along its lateral length. The blade holder may have a larger size outer end(s) to withstand bending or braking. The blade holder may have and arched shape, ribs or bumps for holding a blade more firmly, and a ridge or bump at its outer edge to act as a dam. The blade adjustment system may include symmetrical pins or posts and a tapered leaf spring. See further improvements herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a corner finishing tool that may have a quick engage/disengage ball and socket feature that automatically stays open and automatically closes and locks. Various embodiments may include a universal and interchangeable working/running blade and cooperating frame design. The frame design may be partially held in place with a face or top plate. Various embodiments may include a multiple tension spring design with one or more adjustment arm(s) for varying the tension on the frame(s) and blade(s). Various embodiments may include flat internal walls to accommodate the one or more adjustment arm(s). Various embodiments may also include a input port cone with ball for attachment to, for example, an applicator box, that may be formed from multiple parts that may be made from different materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools with improved comfort in gripping and/or efficient control that may be used in various manners and orientations. A handle and work object (e.g., trowel blade) may be connected together by a connecting member (or connecting means) that may be a sloped, angled, and/or substantially curved member, so that a user has increased hand orientation options and/or control over the tool while gripping the handle and/or connecting member in various manners and orientations. In various embodiment(s), the connecting member (e.g., a tang for a trowel) may be a relatively gradually and/or notably sloped, angled, and/or curved structure that may reasonably provide a comfortable extension of the handle and augment the gripping of the tool. The various tools may include a handle connecting member having construction whereby a portion of the sides of the handle connecting member are removed. Magnesium may be used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight and may include an output port assembly coupled to a mastic applicator container or housing. The output port assembly may have multiple sections that may be made separately and uniquely so as reduce tool weight, corrosion, and cost without degrading strength and durability. The output port assembly may be made bi-material and of different portions made by different processes. The bi-material may include, for example, a metal cone and a plastic mounting coupling portion. The output port assembly may be coupled to a mastic applicator housing or container, and sealed thereto using a preformed seal or a preformed geometric seal.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets are identified by sensors and allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example. The feeder further includes a door structure and control system that keeps the pet safe through the use of a door which is made up of several repeated panels which together move to cover the food when access is not allowed and having a jam sensing system in order to protect pets from being caught in the closing door. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a corner finishing tool that may have a quick engage/disengage ball and socket feature that automatically stays open and automatically closes and locks. Various embodiments may include a universal and interchangeable working/running blade and cooperating frame design. The frame design may be partially held in place with a face or top plate. Various embodiments may include a multiple tension spring design with one or more adjustment arm(s) for varying the tension on the frame(s) and blade(s). Various embodiments may include flat internal walls to accommodate the one or more adjustment arm(s). Various embodiments may also include a input port cone with ball for attachment to, for example, an applicator box, that may be formed from multiple parts that may be made from different materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools with improved comfort in gripping and/or efficient control that may be used in various manners and orientations. A handle and work object (e.g., trowel blade) may be connected together by a connecting member (or connecting means) that may be a sloped, angled, and/or substantially curved member, so that a user has increased hand orientation options and/or control over the tool while gripping the handle and/or connecting member in various manners and orientations. In various embodiment(s), the connecting member (e.g., a tang for a trowel) may be a relatively gradually and/or notably sloped, angled, and/or curved structure that may reasonably provide a comfortable extension of the handle and augment the gripping of the tool. The various tools may include a handle connecting member having construction whereby a portion of the sides of the handle connecting member are removed. Magnesium may be used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight and may include an output port assembly that has multiple sections that may be made separately and uniquely so as reduce tool weight, corrosion, and cost without degrading strength and durability.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes an integrated function member that performs at least two of the following three functions: a check pawl function, a last fastener-retaining function, and a dry fire lock-out function. In the disclosed embodiment, the integrated function member is provided as a lever-type structure that constitutes part of the access door assembly by means of which access is gained to the fastener drive track along which fasteners (e.g., roofing nails) are fed to the driving portion of the tool. Also disclosed is an improved method of retaining the last nail in the drive track by a lateral head gripping action and a tool for performing the method.

Abstract: A fastening device for driving a fastener into a workpiece by effecting multiple blows upon the fastener comprises a housing and a striker assembly movably mounted within the housing. The striker assembly includes a driver assembly adapted to strike the fastener to be driven into the workpiece. A nose assembly is movably mounted on the housing and has a fastener drive track along which the driver assembly and the fastener travel when the fastener is driven into the workpiece. The fastening device has a feed mechanism operatively connected to the nose assembly for mechanically advancing the fastener into the fastener drive track. The fastener drive track has a guide surface adjacent the aperture of the nose assembly to direct the fastener as it is driven into the workpiece. A releasable fastener assembly releasably secures the nose assembly to the housing of the fastening device. A control assembly controls the operation of the fastening device to conserve energy.

Abstract: The present application related to a fastener driving system and, more particularly, to a magazine assembly for use with a fastener driving system.

Abstract: The present invention is a power-operated screwdriving device configured to be used with a rotary power source and a supply of collated screws. The device comprises a housing structure and a feeding assembly defines a drive track carried by the housing and providing a workpiece engaging surface. The drive track is configured to receive a lead screw from the supply. A rotatable screw engaging bit member is constructed and arranged to be operatively connected to the rotary power source such that the rotary power source rotates the screw engaging bit member during a screwdriving operation. The rotatable screw engaging bit member is movable relative to the drive track and the workpiece engaging surface such that, when the workpiece engaging surface is engaged with the surface of the workpiece, rotation of the bit member and relative movement between the bit member and the drive track drives the lead screw into the workpiece during the screwdriving operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a screwdriving device configured to be used with a rotary power source and a screw collation supply. A feeding assembly defines a drive track and a rotatable screw engaging bit member is operatively connected with a rotary power source. The bit member is engageable with the lead screw and movable relative to the drive track to drive the lead screw into the workpiece. The feeding assembly is constructed and arranged to move a subsequent lead screw from the screw collation supply into the drive track. The feeding assembly includes a screw feeding structure movable between (1) a lead screw engaged position and (2) a subsequent lead screw engaging position. The feeding assembly includes a biasing element engaged with the screw feeding structure.