Abstract: A combined fuel cell and combustion tool including a combustion tool configured for receiving a fuel cell; the fuel cell having a housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure; a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed in operational relationship to the open end and reciprocating relative to the housing at least between a closed position wherein the stem is relatively extended, and an open position wherein the stem is relatively retracted; a fuel metering valve located within the housing, associated with the main valve stem, including a fuel metering chamber defined in part by a metering chamber seal and configured so that when the stem is in the open position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through the outlet, the stem having a radially variable exterior contour periodically sealingly engaging the seal such that in the closed position a non-sealing relationship is defined between the stem and the seal, and in the open position a sealing relationship is defined between the stem and the se

Abstract: In a combustion-powered fastener driving tool employing a fuel cell having an internal fuel metering valve with an axially reciprocating delivery stem, an actuator is provided for causing the dispensing of a desired dose of fuel from the fuel cell prior to each combustion event, the actuator including at least one actuator element configured for exerting an axial force on the stem, releasing the dose of fuel, and a fuel conduit associated with the element and being in fluid communication with the stem for transmitting the fuel for delivery to a combustion engine.

Abstract: A combined fuel cell and combustion tool including a combustion tool configured for receiving a fuel cell; the fuel cell having a housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure; a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed in operational relationship to the open end and reciprocating relative to the housing at least between a closed position wherein the stem is relatively extended, and an open position wherein the stem is relatively retracted; a fuel metering valve located within the housing, associated with the main valve stem, including a fuel metering chamber defined in part by a metering chamber seal and configured so that when the stem is in the open position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through the outlet, the stem having a radially variable exterior contour periodically sealingly engaging the seal such that in the closed position a non-sealing relationship is defined between the stem and the seal, and in the open position a sealing relationship is defined between the stem and the se

Abstract: A fuel cell for use with a combustion tool for delivery of a predetermined amount of fuel with each stem actuation is provided and includes a housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure. A main valve stem has an outlet, disposed in operational relationship to the open end and reciprocating relative to the housing at least between a closed position wherein the stem is relatively extended, and an open position wherein the stem is relatively retracted. A fuel metering valve is located within the housing, associated with the main valve stem, including a fuel metering chamber disposed in close proximity to the closure and configured so that when the stem is in the open position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through the outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell housing includes a separate fuel container, and the fuel metering valve includes a valve body having a second end opposite the fuel metering chamber located within the container.

Abstract: An auxiliary elastomeric sealing adaptor is disclosed which effectively provides a high degree of sealing, and prevents fuel leakage, between the metering valve stem and the tool stem components of a fuel-cell powered fastener-driving tool despite bending, tilting, or pivotal movements of the metering valve stem attendant a fastener-firing operation. In addition, the incorporation of the elastomeric adaptor between the stem components reduces the need for high tolerance manufacturing techniques and also enhances the service lives of the stem components. The sealing adaptor is mounted upon the free or distal end portion of the metering valve stem and is seated within a counterbored region of the fastener-driving tool stem.

Abstract: An auxiliary elastomeric sealing adaptor is disclosed which effectively provides a high degree of sealing, and prevents fuel leakage, between the metering valve stem and the tool stem components of a fuel-cell powered fastener-driving tool despite bending, tilting, or pivotal movements of the metering valve stem attendant a fastener-firing operation. In addition, the incorporation of the elastomeric adaptor between the stem components reduces the need for high tolerance manufacturing techniques and also enhances the service lives of the stem components. The sealing adaptor is mounted upon the free or distal end portion of the metering valve stem and is seated within a counterbored region of the fastener-driving tool stem.

Abstract: A valve configured for use with a fuel cell in both a disengaged position, in which the valve has not established fluid communication with the fuel cell, and an engaged position, in which the valve has established fluid communication with the fuel cell. The valve includes a body having a first formation for maintaining the disengaged position, and a second formation for maintaining the engaged position.

Abstract: A combustion powered tool for driving fasteners having a housing to house a main chamber. Within the main chamber is a power source having a combustion end and a lower end enclosed in the main chamber. A rod is driven by the combustion end of the power source. A device is provided for feeding fasteners sequentially for engagement with the rod. A nosepiece has a tool end, a workpiece end opposite the tool end, and depends from the lower end of the power source. The nosepiece is configured for receiving the rod from the lower end of the power source and for guiding the rod toward a workpiece. A workpiece-contacting element is slidably mounted on the nosepiece. Also provided is a protective shield for protecting the nosepiece and the workpiece-contacting element. The shield is constructed and arranged to define a cavity between the nosepiece and the shield, and is tapered from an upper end to a lower end.

Abstract: A combustion powered tool for driving fasteners including a housing with a main chamber. Within the main chamber is a power source having a combustion end and a lower end. The combustion end of the power source drives a rod. Fasteners are sequentially fed to the rod for driving engagement with the rod. Depending from the lower end of the power source is a nosepiece having a tool end, and a workpiece end opposite the tool end. The nosepiece is configured for receiving the rod and for guiding the rod to a workpiece. To protect the nosepiece, a protective shield envelops the nosepiece.

Abstract: A magazine for a nail-driving tool, which may be pneumatically powered or combustion-powered, is arranged to store a plurality of plural nail strips in side-by-side relationship. A spring-biased mechanism is used to bias the stored strips toward a side rail. Being movable along a frame between an advanced position and a retracted position, a feeding member in the retracted position engages the shank of an endmost nail of the stored strip nearest to the side rail. A negator spring mechanism biasing the feeding member toward the advanced position includes a leaf spring arranged to be longitudinally pulled between the nail heads of the stored ship nearest to the side rail and the nail heads of the next strip when the feeding member is moved from the advanced position into the retracted position.

Abstract: In pneumatically powered combustion-powered fastener-driving tool including a nosepiece, a mechanism is provided for positioning the tool relative to an opening in a workpiece to be fastened to another workpiece. A probe connected to an actuator used in such a tool, preferably via a spring strip, so as to be laterally movable extends into the opening to align the nosepiece so that a fastener can be precisely driven. The probe has a surface engageable by a driven fastener to move the probe laterally and from the opening as the tool recoils. Optionally, a guide spaced from the probe and mounted pivotally is adapted to bear against the workpiece with the opening. The probe and the guide have respective grooves defining a channel for guiding a driven fastener.

Abstract: The disclosed partitioned wastebasket has component pieces including an outer receptacle, one or more partition inserts, and a cover, operatively interfitted relative to one another. The outer receptacle has a bottom wall and a side wall upstanding therefrom to an open upper top, and opposing handles are formed adjacent the open upper top. Each partition insert is sized to fit closely adjacent the outer receptacle walls, and has front and rear hooks that thereupon become operatively interfixed to the outer receptacle to hold each partition insert within the outer receptacle and to hold the outer receptacle side wall against outward flexture. Hinge structure between the cover and each partition insert movably supports the cover for opening and closing the outer receptacle.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener driving tool of the hand held gun type having means for positively insuring against accidental firing when the fastener magazine is empty or detached, or when the nosepiece is not pressed against a workpiece. The means comprises a linkage train including an intermediate link carried by the magazine and movable by a first link reciprocably associated with the nosepiece to move a second link associated with the trigger assembly to render the trigger operational for firing the tool. There are locking means associated with the feeder of the fasteners for locking the intermediate link in an inoperative position when the magazine is empty of fasteners.

Abstract: A portable gas-fired fastener driving tool in which the tool cannot be operated until the combustion chamber is closed and the combustion chamber cannot be reopened after ignition until the trigger is released. The operation of the trigger is permitted by the actuation of a bottom trip mechanism which controls the movement of a sleeve mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of the combustion chamber. During the driving action, the combustion gases above the piston are evacuated through valved openings in the cylinder adjacent the bottom thereof. The piston contacts a bumper at the bottom of its travel and the difference between the vacuum in the combustion chamber and atmospheric air acts to return the piston to its driving position.

Abstract: In food-mixing apparatus comprising a driving unit and an arm, a latching and pivoting mechanism is adapted to be latched automatically so as to prevent relative movement of the arm and a console of the driving unit upon pivotal movement of the arm either to a lowered position or a raised position, and so as to prevent relative movement of the arm and the console, except for pivotal movement of the arm, upon pivotal movement of the arm to a pivotal position therebetween. The mechanism is adapted to be unlatched manually so as to permit pivotal movement of the arm from any pivotal position, and so as to permit the arm to be removed from the console upon further movement of the arm from the raised position.

Abstract: A food mixer having a stand with a mixer head pivotally mounted thereon for mixing foods is disclosed herein. The mixer includes means for cooling a drive assembly by drawing air in through a forward portion of the head and exhausting it out a bottom portion of the stand. The mixer is provided with a locking latch interconnecting the head and the stand in order to mix or knead properly heavy or viscous foods, such as bread dough. A pair of dough hooks, which are adapted to force dough away from the head during kneading, are detachably connectable to the head. A high outer wall turntable is rotatably supported on a base of the stand by a peripheral thrust bearing to provide a stable platform for a mixing bowl. Each mixing bowl used with the mixer has the same diameter bottom and lower contour regardless of bowl volume. A mechanical governor is connected to an electronic control to provide accurate motor speed regulation throughout the range of motor speed operation.