Abstract: A fastening tool using Hall sensor technology as a contactless solution to home position sensing of a drive shaft. In this manner, an omnipolar switch Hall effect sensor PCB assembly can be placed in a fastening tool housing or on a driving mechanism of the tool to detect a magnet that is attached to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is attached to an eccentric member that can control the height or position of a compression piston. On the piston return cycle, the piston must stop within a predetermined range from bottom dead center in order to be in the home position. Through the connection with the eccentric member, the drive shaft carrying the magnet also returns to its home position. In the drive shaft home position, the magnet is within the Hall effect sensor sensing zone. As a result, the Hall effect sensor can detect the magnetic flux and send a corresponding signal to the controller.

Abstract: A fastening tool having a magazine pusher position detection system that informs the tool of a dry fire state due to less than a predetermined number of fasteners in the magazine assembly. The magazine pusher position detection system includes a sensor and a sensor target having a characteristic that is sensed by the sensor. When the characteristic is interrupted by an external member on the pusher, the sensor sends a signal to the controller indicative of a “low nail” or a “low fastener” condition. This can be done magnetically or optically. The controller then initiates a dry fire lockout that prevents the tool from driving a fastener, and actuates an indicator that notifies the user of a “low nail” or “low fastener” condition.