Patents by Inventor Scott A. Howell

Scott A. Howell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5685473
    Abstract: An improved mechanism for controlling a fastener-driving tool comprises a workpiece-contacting element, a tool-controlling element movable conjointly with the workpiece-contacting element over a limited range, a spool defining having a threaded connection with the workpiece-contacting element and a swivel connection with the tool-controlling element and having axial ribs alternating with axial ribs, and a spool-restraining element movable along a radial line between a spool-restraining position and a spool-releasing position and biased toward the spool-restraining position. The spool-restraining member is arranged to restrain the spool against rotating at the swivel and threaded connections by projecting into any given one of the grooves, between the fibs nearest to the given one of the grooves, when the workpiece-contacting element is moved inwardly from an outer portion of the limited range but not when the workpiece-contacting element is within the outer portion of the limited range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Yury Shkolnikov, Donald L. Van Erden, Scott A. Howell
  • Patent number: 5197647
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool comprising a nosepiece, a mechanism for driving a fastener from the nosepiece into a workpiece, and a mechanism for feeding an elongate strip of collated fasteners, such as, for example, nails having heads. An elongate track admits the strip of fasteners and guides it so that a leading fastener is positioned so as to enter the nosepiece. A pusher is movable longitudinally along the track over a range of operative positions, between a retracted position and an advanced position, and laterally between the retraced position and an inoperative position. The pusher is biased longitudinally so as to push the strip of fasteners along the track, toward the advanced position, when the pusher is disposed within the range of operative positions. The pusher is biased laterally toward the inoperative position, at which it can be releasably latched. A button is arranged to be manually depressed so as to release the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Howell