Abstract: A mandrel is disclosed for securely holding a screw bit during use, but allowing easy removal of the screw bit for replacement. The mandrel includes a socket having a chamber housing a locking mechanism such as a split-ring. The mandrel further includes a release mechanism such as one or more ears for moving the locking mechanism from a first position where the screw bit is held within the socket and a second position where the screw bit may be removed from the socket.

Abstract: A power screwdriver is disclosed including a screw advance mechanism for advancing a screwstrip, and a hinged feed track for feeding the screwstrip to the screw advance mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a fastener in a driving system. A positioning assembly is positioned at the first end of a guide tube to engage a fastener driven by a driver shaft out of the guide tube. The positioning assembly includes a first jaw having an interior cavity and a mounting portion allowing the jaw to be mounted to the guide tube. The positioning assembly includes a second jaw having an interior cavity and a mounting tab allowing the jaw to be mounted to the guide tube. The first and second jaw are rotatably coupled to the guide tube in a retractable manner such that a fastener exiting the guide tube separates the jaws and is centered about the axis passing longitudinally through the guide tube.

Abstract: A power screwdriver is disclosed including a screw advance mechanism for advancing a screwstrip, and a hinged feed track for feeding the screwstrip to the screw advance mechanism.

Abstract: A mandrel is disclosed for securely holding a screw bit during use, but allowing easy removal of the screw bit for replacement. The mandrel includes a socket having a chamber housing a locking mechanism such as a split-ring. The mandrel further includes a release mechanism such as one or more ears for moving the locking mechanism from a first position where the screw bit is held within the socket and a second position where the screw bit may be removed from the socket.

Abstract: A power screwdriver is disclosed including a screw advance mechanism for advancing a screwstrip, and a hinged feed track for feeding the screwstrip to the screw advance mechanism.

Abstract: A truss screw is disclosed for use in fastening framing members together. In embodiments, the truss screw includes a raised recess section having walls extending from a top surface of the screw head. The raised recess sinks into the back surface of a workpiece fastened to the framing members so that the workpiece may sit flat against the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a fastener in a driving system. A positioning assembly is positioned at the first end of a guide tube to engage a fastener driven by a driver shaft out of the guide tube. The positioning assembly includes a first jaw having an interior cavity and a mounting portion allowing the jaw to be mounted to the guide tube. The positioning assembly includes a second jaw having an interior cavity and a mounting tab allowing the jaw to be mounted to the guide tube. The first and second jaw are rotatably coupled to the guide tube in a retractable manner such that a fastener exiting the guide tube separates the jaws and is centered about the axis passing longitudinally through the guide tube.

Abstract: A tapping screw is disclosed for use in composite wood material. The tapping screw includes wings extending radially outward from the screw shank. As the winged screw is driven down into a composite wood material, the wings shear off the composite material and granulate the composite material with which the wings come into contact. As the granulated material moves upward along the shank, when the screw head enters the composite material, the granulated material at the top of the screw bore is forced out of the screw bore and is removed The counterbore created by the wings prevents the formation of an annular ring at the surface and allows the screw head to be countersunk into the composite material.

Abstract: A curved screwstrip comprising in combination a plastic holding strap and a plurality of threaded fasteners. The plastic holding strap has a greater mass in its top half than in its bottom half so that shrinking after extrusion will tend to have the holding strap adopt a preferred curved configuration.

Abstract: A novel workpiece engaging nose body for holding a screwstrip having screws held in a strap is provided. The workpiece engaging nose body includes a nose portion and a rear portion with the nose portion slidably mounted on the rear portion for movement rearwardly when the nose is urged into a workpiece to drive a screw. An exitway is defined between the nose portion and rear portion through which spent strap from which screws have been driven exit the nose body. On urging the nose body into the workpiece, the nose portion slides rearwardly to engage the strap in the exitway and move it rearwardly into engagement with the rear portion in the exitway. The strap is preferably “pinched” in the exitway between the nose portion and rear portion to assist in locating a screw to be driven from the nose body.

Abstract: Inflatable, air supported frames may be employed to support a variety of structures, including tents. The inflatable frames are composed of one or more elongated inflatable air chambers to which are coupled plural restraints that prevent full extension of components of the frame upon inflation. The restraints cause the inflated frame to kink and form an angle at the location of the restraints. Consequently, the restraints work to define angled portions of the frame. The restraints may be adjusted to alter the configuration of the frame. As a result, one can stabilize the structure on uneven terrain or to cause the frame to assume multiple conformations.