Abstract: A depth assembly for use with a hand-held power tool (2) and including a motorized control unit for adjusting a position of a depth-setting member (3) and connectable with an energy source (4) which supplies power thereto, and a micro-controller (6) for controlling the operation of the control unit (5) and connected with a length-determining sensor.

Abstract: An audio and video effect stapler comprising a base. One end of the base is pivotally installed with a bind clip groove. Another ejecting seat is pivotally installed on the base. By pressing the ejecting seat, a bind clip protrudes out for binding papers. An audio and video device is installed in the space formed by the base and the ejecting seat. Another end of the base is connected to a touch switch of the audio and video device. The inner lateral surface of the ejecting seat is installed with a press corresponding to the touch switch. As the press binds clip protrudes out. The press exactly presses on the touch switch so that the audio and video device emits sound and light for increasing the interest of using a stapler and the stapler has an effect of decoration.

Abstract: A gauge adapted for use with a nail gun is provided including an elongated member. A plurality of adjustable stops are each slidably situated on the elongated member and securable thereon at selected points.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining thickness of a wall or coal seam includes a ice for measuring the time of sound travel through the thickness; a flexible isolation bellows that mechanically supports the device for measuring the time of sound travel; and a retractable isolation arm attached to the isolation bellows. The device for measuring the time of sound travel may be a single-beam pulse sonar system. The single-beam pulse sonar system includes a pulse generator, a power amplifier, a transmit/receive switch, a reciprocal acoustic transducer, a receiver for determining the thickness, and a display and/or an electronic feedback circuit for steering an autonomous miner.

Abstract: A device for guiding and inserting dowel pins into tooling plates while also indicating the height to which it has been inserted; which comprises a means to transfer an external force to the dowel pin, a means to guide and hold the dowel pin perpendicular to the plate into which the dowel pin is to be inserted, and a means to indicate the position or height to which the dowel pin has been inserted.

Abstract: A pneumatic rotary tool capable of operating in forward and reverse directions includes a housing and an output shaft projecting from the housing for transmitting torque to an object. An air motor drives rotation of the output shaft in the forward and reverse directions. Air passages extend from an air inlet to the motor for delivering pressurized air to the motor. One passage delivers air to the motor to power the motor to drive the output shaft in the forward direction and the other passage delivers air to the motor to power the motor to drive the output shaft in the reverse direction. A selector valve is disposed between the air inlet and the air passages such that fluid communication between the air inlet and the air passages is blocked except through the selector valve.

Abstract: A fastener detection system is provided for both internal combustion and powder actuated fastener driving tools, and similar powered fastener driving tools. A sensor disposed at a portion of a fastener supply path detects the presence or absence of a fastener. In the combustion tool, either or both of fuel delivery and combustion ignition are disabled when no fastener is detected. In the powder actuated tool an indicator notifies an operator when the sensor detects the absence of a fastener. The indicator may also be incorporated into the combustion tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low reaction oscillating mass-based torquing tool wherein an oscillating mass is excited into near resonant oscillation by reversing pulses resulting in increased energy stored in oscillation about a dual stiffness spring which develops a higher torque output with the stiffer spring action in the tightening direction and hence tightens the fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low reaction oscillating mass-based torquing tool wherein an oscillating mass is excited into near resonant oscillation by reversing pulses resulting in increased oscillation about a torsion spring to the point where the torque associated with the energy stored in the torsion spring exceeds the torque required to further tighten a fastener and the torque released from the torsion spring tightens the fastener while a biasing torque assures application of the released torque in the tightening direction only.

Abstract: A fastener detection system is provided for both internal combustion and powder actuated fastener driving tools, and similar powered fastener driving tools. A sensor disposed at a portion of a fastener supply path detects the presence or absence of a fastener. In the combustion tool, either or both of fuel delivery and combustion ignition are disabled when no fastener is detected. In the powder actuated tool an indicator notifies an operator when the sensor detects the absence of a fastener. The indicator may also be incorporated into the combustion tool.

Abstract: A proximity sensor controller mechanism for use with a nail gun or the like having a firing end. The proximity sensor controller mechanism includes an electrically-energizable proximity sensor circuit having a proximity sensor positionable near a firing end of a staple gun or a nail gun and with the energized proximity sensor transmitting a proximity signal when a recipient external object is placed in juxtaposition with a firing end of a nail gun or a staple gun. The proximity sensor circuit further has an indicator lamp coupled to the proximity sensor and with the indicator lamp being illuminated upon receipt of the proximity signal from the proximity sensor; a power source for supplying electrical energy to the proximity sensor circuit for operation; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the proximity sensor circuit to a nail gun or the like.

Abstract: A self contained gas powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil member and a surgical fastener cartridge member mounted to the distal end of an elongated endoscopic portion. A tubular collar of the endoscopic portion moves distally to engage the anvil member and bias the anvil member and the cartridge member into cooperative alignment, thereby clamping body tissue to be fastened between the anvil member and the cartridge member. A self contained pneumatic system is optionally disposed in the surgical apparatus and is actuable to eject and/or form the surgical fasteners in the clamped body tissue. The apparatus further comprises a locking means for preventing firing of the instrument after it has been fired a predetermined number of times. A counter for displaying the number of times the apparatus has been fired may be provided.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool is provided including a portable housing defining a fastener drive track, a fastener driving element carried by the housing for movement within the drive track through successive cycles of operation, each of which includes a fastener driving stroke and a return stoke, and a drive piston operatively connected with the fastener driving element for movement therewith. The tool also has a magazine assembly carried by the housing for receiving a supply of fasteners and feeding successive fasteners into the drive track in a position to be driven into a work piece during successive fastener driving strokes of the fastener driving element, an actuating structure carried by the housing and being constructed and arranged to move from a normal, inoperative position into an operative position to initiate the movement of the drive piston and the fastener driving element through a fastener driving stroke, and an overdrive signaling structure carried by the housing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for immediately measuring the amount of fasteners remaining in a fastening device's magazine by inspection without disassembly of the fastening device. A band fastened to the fastening device's magazine follower moves responsive to the motion of the magazine follower. Markings on the band indicate the amount of fasteners remaining in the fastening device.

Abstract: A system for automatically measuring piling results of a piling operation. The system comprises a pile numbering unit, an operational date setting unit, a reference sinking amount setting unit, an average times of hammering setting unit, a stop signal generating unit, a start signal generating unit, a pile sinking displacement measuring unit, a pile perpendicularity detecting unit, a hammering sound detecting unit, a central processing unit, a data printer, a signal display, an informing speaker, a pile perpendicularity display, and a measuring arm for mounting the pile sinking displacement measuring unit and the pile perpendicularity detecting unit.

Abstract: A tightening tool includes a hammer for impacting on an anvil which drives a nut etc. A microphone is provided for converting impact sounds of the hammer on the anvil into an electric signal. A counting device counts the number of pulses of the electric signal. A setting device is provided for setting a set number of impacts to be obtained. A switch device compares the counted number of pulses with the set number and stops a motor for driving the hammer when the number of pulses coincides with the set number.

Abstract: A tightening tool includes a hammer for impacting on an anvil which drives a nut etc. A microphone is provided for converting impact sounds of the hammer on the anvil into an electric signal. A counting device counts the number of pulses of the electric signal. A setting device is provided for setting a set number of impacts to be obtained. A switch device compares the counted number of pulses with the set number and stops a motor for driving the hammer when the number of pulses coincides with the set number.

Abstract: A self-propelled, pneumopercussive, cyclic action, ground penetrating machine (200) has decreased energy consumption and increased average working velocity compared to conventional machines. This is obtained in part by a valve-operated air-distribution mechanism (203) having separate forward and reverse compressed air supply lines (35, 37), which mechanism (203) does not limit the length of the forward and backward strokes of the striker (202). This mechanism allows the backward stroke chamber (75) to be connected with the atmosphere during the entire forward stroke of the striker (202). This eliminates generation of an air buffer in the backward stroke chamber (75) and, consequently, the striker (202) does not lose part of its kinetic energy before impact.

Abstract: The system accordingly strictly accounts for all rivets and prevents a rivet from being removed for any reason and not accounted for. This assures that no free rivet will find itself within the workpiece being riveted.

Abstract: A system is described for efficiently driving a pipe or pile into the ground. The resonant frequencies of the pile are determined, and a hydraulic actuator is controlled to apply a series of time-spaced shocks to the top of the pile, where each shock has a duration and form tuned to maximize the response at a given resonance. Such shocks result in a greater velocity of the pile at its lower end, than from very short duration shocks such as those of a hammer. In certain soils the hydraulic actuator applies resonant continuous sinusoidal vibrations to the pile, and, upon completion of installation, a refusal test of the installed pile is conducted by applying very brief and spaced shocks by the actuator that simulates hammer blows. Underwater pile driving by a hydraulic actuator avoids the need for additional special watertight structures for the apparatus.

Abstract: Device for positioning of a drill bit (1) at a positioning plane (2). A drill rig (3) is provided with two video cameras (9) for sensing the position of a light source (8) adjacent the drill bit. The video cameras are aligned in parallel. The image fields of the video cameras are displaced such relative to each other that the light source gives two points (20,21) on a monitor (10) common to the two cameras if the light source is situated outside the positioning plane and one point (11) if the light source is situated in the positioning plane.

Abstract: A self-propelled, pneumopercussive, cyclic action, ground penetrating machine (200) has decreased energy consumption and increased average working velocity compared to conventional machines. This is obtained in part by a valve-operated air-distribution mechanism (203) having separated forward and reverse compressed air supply lines (35, 37), which mechanism (203) does not limit the length of the forward and backward strokes of the striker (202). This mechanism allows the backward stroke chamber (75) to be connected with the atmosphere during the entire forward stroke of the striker (202). This eliminates generation of an air buffer in the backward stroke chamber (75) and, consequently, the striker (202) does not lose part of its kinetic energy before impact.

Abstract: A portable electric power tool having a DC motor for driving tool bit is controlled according to speed and torque by employing a zero displacement switch means which is coupled to the tool and operative to provide an output voltage porportional to the pressure applied to the switch means via the hand of the user. The zero displacement switch interfaces with a piezoresistive array which produces a voltage output proportional to the pressure applied to the zero displacement switch. The voltage output of the array is applied to control circuit means which are coupled to the motor and which controls the speed of the motor according to the pressure applied to the switch. There is further included motor control circuitry which operates to monitor the current through the DC motor to control the speed of the motor according to the torque imparted upon the tool bit being accommodated by the portable electric tool.

Abstract: A fluid powered mechanism has a housing with a generally cylindrical shape and circumferentially adjacent axially extending primary and secondary fluid passageways. Exhaust direction and rotary limit speed are controlled by a flow reversing and regulating ring having a first face with a thru slot and an adjacent blocking flange and a second face having a turning flange which is the reverse of the blocking flange of the first face. The flow reversing and regulating ring is color coded to indicate the size of the fluid flow passageways and, thus, the limit speed provided by the ring. The rotational limit speed and the exhaust direction are determined by selection of the color-coded flow reversing and regulating ring and by its orientation in the tool.

Abstract: A rock drill having a tunnel profile control system comprising a boom assembly, a converting unit for converting the position of one of positioning points on an orthogonal coordinate system representative of the transverse section of a tunnel to be driven, into a respective value on a boom coordinate system, a positioning control for positioning the boom means according to a value from the converter unit, an ultrasonic distance measuring instrument mounted on the boom assembly for determining the distance between the position point and a point on the peripheral wall defining the tunnel, and an arithmetic unit which utilizes the distance measured between the positioning point and the point on the peripheral wall defining the tunnel, the direction of travel of ultrasonic waves, and the value of the positioning point to calculate, in terms of a value in the orthogonal coordinate system, a value of a measuring point on the transverse section of the tunnel.

Abstract: In percussion drilling such as earth drilling, a hammer piston driven by pressure medium is axially reciprocally movable in a drill body to transfer impact energy to a drill shank connectable to a drill bit. The axial position of the drill shank in the drill body is monitored, and the impact energy of the hammer piston is varied as a function of said position. For this purpose a sensor in the drill body produces a signal corresponding to the axial position of the drill shank in the drill body. By means of a control valve, the signal is used to control the pressure of the pressure medium actuating the hammer piston, thereby varying the impact energy.

Abstract: When drilling deep boreholes with a down-the-hole drill (15), the pressure and the flow of the motive fluid are controlled so that the impact velocity of the piston hammer of the drill is kept within narrow limits independently of the counter pressure in the borehole. For this purpose the quotient of pressure and flow can be held substantially constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning a drilling apparatus with respect to a drilling plane formed by holes to be drilled in a rock in a tunnel. Light beams pointing in opposite directions are developed and fixed with respect to the drilling unit and are directed towards marks on the tunnel walls by adjusting the base of the apparatus in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: Discloses a machine and method for drilling a horizontal bore through earth formation including a directional guide for supporting the rotating drill stem near the bore entrance to cause the drill stem to extend into the drilled bore toward a designated target. The directional guide includes a base member adapted to be supported upon the earth surface across a trench, a first guide sleeve for supporting rotatable drill stem and extending below the base member into the trench through a first riser guide member rigidly connected to the first sleeve and adjustably connected to the base member, adjustment means for connecting the first guide member to the base member to position and to support said first sleeve from said base member at a designated longitudinal distance from said base member and a designated lateral distance and rotational relation with respect to the base member.

Abstract: In a method for compacting compactable soils by vibration while using a compacting apparatus comprising an elongate member having a vibrator mounted on one end thereof, and further having laterally projecting fins arranged along at least part of the length thereof, the elongate member is inserted to a given depth into soil to be compacted and there vibrated to densify and compact soil surrounding said elongate member while withdrawing the elongate member from a compacted location when the load required to lift the elongate member together with the vibrator from said location, while the member is vibrating, is at least equal to a previously established set-point value corresponding to a desired degree of compaction.

Abstract: A method for controlling parametric variations in processes where one variable is subject to an exponential change with time. One application is particulary advantageous in underground mine roof bolting using mechanical anchors where a device utilizing the method can be employed to install mine roof bolts at varying initial tensions in such a manner that the bolt tensions found among a population of roof bolts converge to one tension value within one or two hours after installation due to individual differences in tension decay rate. Since roof bolt tension decay bears an exponential relationship to time, variability in bolt tension which develops after mentioned convergence has taken place is small for a long period of time, in marked contrast to a conventional installaton which is characterized by bolt tension variability which grows rapidly into a far wider range immediately after installation.

Abstract: A pile driving hammer monitoring apparatus is disclosed to include a pressure wave sensor, such as a hydrophone, remotely located from the pile driving equipment for detecting pressure waves generated by the hammer striking a pile. The sensor generates a proportional analog electrical signal which is conditioned into a corresponding digital electrical signal and conveyed to a microcomputer. The microcomputer calculates the hammer blow rate over a predetermined time period or over a selectable time period or distance of pile movement. Data independent of the blow rate information is enterable into the microcomputer by means of presettable multi-position switches. The apparatus can be powered either by an alternating current source or a direct current source.

Abstract: A device for setting the direction and/or inclination of an elongated rock drilling apparatus. The actual value of the direction in each of two perpendicular planes is sensed by a rotatable screen having a pattern of parallel opaque lines separated by interspaces. Corresponding set values are set by prepositioning a carrying member on which a second screen is mounted which also has a pattern of lines and interspaces. The elongated rock drilling apparatus and the carrying member are moved in common until the line patterns on the screens form a desired moire pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically calculating the fall height of the ram of a pile driver is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for converting the sound created by each blow of the pile driver ram into an electrical signal, a first circuit for converting signal into a pulse and a second circuit for converting the time elapsed between the pulses for consecutive blows into a digital output representing the fall height of the ram for the blow corresponding to the latter pulse. The digital electronic circuit may also include circuitry for counting the number of blows in a sequence of blows and circuitry for determining the average fall height for the blows occurring during the sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining alignment of the drill steel or drill rod of a drilling machine in which a midpoint centralizer or indicator ring having an aperture therethrough substantially greater than the diameter of the drill rod or drill steel is used like a rifle sight to indicate the nature and degree of misalignment so that adjustments can be made in the operating mechanisms of the drilling machine or the support and positioning mechanisms for the drilling machine to remove the cause of the misalignment and to return the drill steel to its centered, aligned position in the indicator ring. In normal operation the drill steel does not contact the indicator ring so that noise transmission and frictional losses normally associated with midpoint centralizers is avoided. Mechanical contact between the drill steel and indicator ring occurs only to limit the maximum deflection and maximum stress which will occur in the drill steel due to bending.

Abstract: An improved portable hydraulically powered driving machine, for driving posts, ground anchors, concrete breakers, core drills, and the like work pieces into the ground, pavements or wall structure, has a tower in the form of a stanchion carried by an extensible pedestal mounted boom rig on a mobile base such as a conventional truck and in its working position is adapted to rest on the ground, pavement or wall structure at a controlled attitude relative thereto to guide a hydraulically powered hammer and hold an anvil against the work piece and, in its transporting position is adapted to be secured horizontally at a low level in a truck-mounted frame. The stanchion down-crowds the hammer guide to load a compression spring which maintains the anvil continuously against the work piece even after the impact force of the hammer blow is expended and the work piece advances a considerable distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to impact wrenches for tightening threaded joints comprising an impact clutch accommodated in a housing and having a hammer which is axially movable for imparting each blow, and a device for automatically limiting the number of blows to a pre-set number of blows. The device for automatically limiting the number of blows comprises a blow number setter, a movable member directly co-operating with the hammer and axially movable upon each axial displacement of the hammer so as to enable the axial displacement of the hammer until a pre-set number of blows are delivered, and a locking device for locking the movable member against displacement in the position preventing further axial movement of the hammer after the ultimate blow of the pre-set number of blows is delivered. Thus the possibility of imparting blows in excess is eliminated without deenergization of the impact wrench drive, and the construction of the impact wrench is simplified.

Abstract: A roof drilling apparatus is provided for drilling a plurality of equally spaced holes in a mine roof. The apparatus includes a rotatable base upon which is mounted a drilling mechanism, thereby effecting a circular locus of travel to the drilling mechanism. Assuming equal angular separation between successive positions, the drilling mechanism may conveniently bore a multitude of equally distanced mine roof holes for accepting conventional roof bolts and supporting the roof without dislocative movement of the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a single or double unit or may be formed as an attachment to almost any conventional mining vehicle.

Abstract: A digging and planting machine is provided having a tubular digging and planting tool, and at least two surface-detecting and signalling means for sensing the surface of the ground adjacent the digging tip of the tool, preferably on opposed sides of the digging tip, thus gauging the lay of the surface, so as to ensure that the digging tip provides and a plant is fed to a planting hole of the desired depth.

Abstract: An electronic system to monitor the performance of a pneumatic impact forming tool is disclosed. A signal is generated in real time representing the actuating pressure of the pneumatic tool. Electronic functions operate on the real time pressure signal over a predetermined time portion of each work cycle of the pneumatic tool to generate signals representative of the energy and friction developed in the pneumatic tool during the predetermined time portions of one or more work cycles. The electronic system additionally provides a count of the number of work cycles generated by the pneumatic tool during operation thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for cushioning or attenuating the highly destructive, peak impact forces which occur between an operating pile hammer ram and the pile cap or helmet at the moment of initial contact while permitting a maximum of the delivered energy to be converted into useful work in driving the pile. Such impact forces, which can physically damage the pile hammer, the helmet, the pile, or all three, are effectively and efficiently reduced by means of an energy storing, flat spring member. Said member is so arranged as to permit a determinable, relatively constant portion of the energy absorbed from the hammer blow to be stored during hammer deceleration and then be returned to the hammer ram on its retraction stroke while minimizing that portion of absorbed energy which is irrecoverably converted to heat.

Abstract: A tool including a fastener rotating output member and mechanism for indicating if a fastener rotated by said output member has been tightened to a prescribed torque and/or for providing an indication of the length of time for which the fastener was tightened.

Abstract: A method of operating a driver and an associated number of work tools includes the step of securing a first work tool to the driver. The first work tool has a first identification device attached thereto. The method also includes the step of determining a first identification value associated with the first identification device and generating a first identification signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of operating the driver so as to produce a first mechanical output based on the first identification signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of removing the first work tool from the driver and securing a second work tool to the driver. The second work tool has a second identification device attached thereto. The method also includes the step of determining a second identification value associated with the second identification device and generating a second identification signal in response thereto.