Abstract: A power tool has a flywheel for driving a working member such as the driver of a fastener tool. A motor mounted at a rear end of a tool handle drives the flywheel mounted in a tool housing at the forward end of the handle. A cable is secured to a drum and to the working member. A clutch selectively couples the flywheel to the drum to wind up the cable and drive the working member forcefully. A return cable is wound on the driver drum against a spring bias to rewind the drum, unwind the cable and return the working member to its prior status when the clutch decouples the flywheel from the drum. When coupled to the drum, the motor speed and flywheel speed is reduced. An electronic control operates the motor to recapture the initial speed within 500 milliseconds of the speed reduction. The electronic control includes a phase-locked loop velocity control.

Abstract: A stapler in which the sheath is held in fixed operable position by a pin during operation with the sheath configured to assure such holding. Sheath opening is accomplished by action of a separate release lever which releases with ease the sheath from the pin.

Abstract: In the course of the upward turning movement of the magazine, the lowermost sheet of staples is taken from the staple cartridge as the feeding member is slidably displaced in the forward direction. Since the thrusting force given by the tension spring is sufficiently larger than the frictional resistance present between the lower surface of the lowermost sheet of staples and the feeding member, each sheet of staples can be more reliably taken from a staple cartridge. As the magazine is turned in an upward direction, a feeding member is displaced in the forward direction by the resilient force of a tension spring, and a contact portion on the feeding member comes in contact with the rear end of the lowermost sheet of staples.

Abstract: A stapler for driving staples into a sheaf of papers comprising a base, a stapler head pivotably connected to the base via a first pin and pivotable between a starting position and a working position in which it is applied against a sheaf of papers placed between the base and the stapler head. A reciprocating drive element, adapted to drive a staple into the sheaf of papers during a driving stroke, is arranged in the stapler head. An operating mechanism, adapted to drive the drive element, is pivotably connected to the stapler head via a second pin parallel to the first pin. A drive mechanism is arranged in the base for pivoting the stapler head and the operating mechanism. A locking mechanism is arranged in the stapler head for releasably locking the stapler head in a working position while a staple is being driven into the sheaf of papers.

Abstract: A stapler having improved stapling precision is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a stapler has a magazine with a staple driving unit, and a staple clinching unit wherein the magazine and the staple clinching unit are separately disposed. The magazine of the stapler is provided with a actuation linkage and guides which cause the magazine having the staple driving unit to consistently move in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the staple clinching unit, so that a staple driven thereby is driven in a direction substantially perpendicular to sheets of paper to be stapled, regardless of the thickness of the paper. In a variant of the preferred embodiment, the stapler is incorporated in another unit where the stapler is moved from one operating position to another. In order to maintain the alignment of the separately disposed magazine and staple clinching unit, alignment members are provided on either a frame supporting the magazine or a frame supporting the clinching unit, or on both.

Abstract: A fastener applicator, for example for cable clips, uses the kinetic energy of a flywheel rotated by a prime mover, preferably a battery driven electric motor, to drive a striker for firing a fastener into a support. An actuator which strikes the striker may be a fixed projection on the flywheel or be an element on the flywheel movable relative to the flywheel by centrifugal force to project the actuator from an inoperative position to an operative position for striking the striker. The drive from the prime mover to the flywheel is through a clutch or releasable drive coupling which temporarily disconnects the drive when the actuator strikes the striker so that the kinetic energy at the flywheel alone drives the striker and the prime mover is protected from the impact. A micro-processor measures the rotational speed of the flywheel and stops the prime mover when a pre-determined speed for the necessary kinetic energy is achieved.

Abstract: A power stapler including a cover shell, a base, a frame, a circuit board assembly, an electromagnetic valve, a magazine and tie plate assembly, an anvil, a micro-switch, a presser case assembly, a staple magazine constraint control device, an adjusting rod, and a linkage, wherein the valve block of the electromagnetic valve is controlled by the circuit board to drive the linkage causing the presser case assembly reciprocated to achieve a striking in driving a staple through the sheets of paper to be fastened; the adjusting rod is turned to move the circuit board assembly in changing the position of the micro-switch so that the binding position is adjusted.

Abstract: A method of controlling a sheet material discharge apparatus with a sheet material binder includes, during discharge of sheet materials which form a set, the binding means operates to bind the set without waiting for a trailing edge of the last one of the sheet materials of the set to be discharged, once a leading edge of the last sheet is discharged and aligned in a sheet accommodating step, and after operating a binding means to bind a set, detecting a resetting of the binding means to a stand-by state, and permitting the operation of the sheet discharging operation when the resetting is not detected within a predetermined period after operation of the binding means is instructed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user friendly, inexpensive, portable space saving apparatus in which to house a conventional commercially available tagging gun and actuation means for automation of the tagging operation. The instant invention will significantly reduce operator fatigue and substantially increase plant safety and productivity. In particular, one embodiment is disclosed for electrical operation and a second embodiment is disclosed for pneumatic operation.

Abstract: An electromechanical tool for driving fasteners into a workpiece. The tool uses a single flywheel in combination with a clutch mechanism whereby a conically shaped flywheel frictionally cooperates with a corresponding drum to cause a driver which is coupled to the drum by a cable to be pulled with considerable force through a working stroke to drive a fastener from the tool.

Abstract: A carpet stretcher device has an engaging head adapted to engage carpet and having a rear end, a housing connected with the rear end of the engaging head, an electromagnetic coil arranged in the housing and adapted to generate an electromagnetic field, a plunger movable in the housing in a longitudinal direction under the action of the electromagnetic field of the electromagnetic coil and adapted to strike the housing so as to transmit its strike to the rear end of the engaging head. The electromagnetic coil has a throughgoing passage extending in the longitudinal direction. The plunger has a central portion extending through and guided in the passage of the electromagnetic coil and two end portions connected with two opposite ends of the central portion and located outwardly beyond two opposite ends of the coil.

Abstract: A sheet stapling apparatus including a stapling device for stapling a set of sheets, a load detecting device for detecting a level of a load of the stapling device during a stapling operation, and a signal generating device for generating a signal when the load detected by the load detecting device is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A power stapler is provided with a casing 1 composed of a pair of separably joined casting halves 1a and 1b, with a control circuit incorporated into a circuit board 66 which is located along an inner wall surface of one casing half 1a. Various component parts of the stapler, including staple punch which punches out staple pins one after another, a matrix anvil 61 for bending a punched staple pin, arm drive for driving a punching arm of the staple punch, a motor 40 or a drive source for the punching arm etc.

Abstract: A stapling device comprises a stapling head (1) and a driving element (2) for actuating said stapling head, which are connected by a releasable coupling (6). The stapling head (1) and the driving element (2) are shiftably mounted on housing portions (13, 14) which are connected with each other, and the stapling head (1) is guided in grooves (13a, 14a) which are open toward the stapling position so that the stapling head (1) can be removed from the housing portions (13, 14) when the driving element (2) has been disengaged.

Abstract: A cam unit (3) with cams (3a, 3b and 3c) is mounted by journals (3d) directly on plastic housing portions (1 and 2). A bracket (5) which is actuated by cam (3a) is slidably arranged on one housing portion (2) together with a back-up (26) and a clincher unit (9, 10). A slider (8) shiftably mounted on bracket (5) actuates the clincher unit (9, 10) via a cam (3c). Another cam (3b) engages a sliding block (6) which operates a stapler (15 to 17). The entire stapling device is slidable along a driven profiled shaft (4) positively coupled with cam unit (3). The cams (3a, 3b, 3c) are designed such that, in relation to the journals (3d), two diametrically opposed force-transmitting cam sections of different cams (3a and 3b and 3c, respectively) each become effective at a time. Thus, a force of action in one direction, which is caused by one cam (3b and 3c, respectively), is counteracted by a force of reaction of equal strength in the other direction, which is caused by the other cam (3a and 3b, respectively).

Abstract: A stapler with a pivotal sheath which sheath rotation is controlled by a hand-operable control piece. The control piece is anchored to anchor protrusion to place the sheath in its normal operating position. The control piece is releasable from its anchor protrusion to rotate it to assist in releasing jammed staples.

Abstract: A mechanism for returning a hammer of an electrically-operated tacker from the tack-driving position to the starting position, in two stages, includes first and second hammer-returning elements and a rotating element for returning the hammer to the starting position.

Abstract: A stapling system for stapling a set of copy sheets in a copier or printer includes a precise, but non-metering continuous wire feed mechanism. The feed mechanism has a full-feed wire sensor, and a control circuit including the wire being fed, for sensing and controlling the feeding of precise lengths of continuous staple wire to the stapler head of the system.

Abstract: A lightweight fastener driving tool capable of being battery powered utilizes a low cost fastener driving ram or blade that is normally located in a nip defined between a motor driven flywheel and an idler wheel. Upon the actuation of a trigger operated timing circuit, a solenoid is energized. The solenoid controls a toggle mechanism to adjust the position of the idler wheel with respect to the flywheel so as to force the blade against the flywheel and thereby to close the nip for a sufficient amount of time to initiate the driving of the blade downwardly through the nip. The timing circuit deenergizes the solenoid prior to the time that the blade exits the nip but the toggle mechanism maintains the idler wheel against the blade such that the blade continues to be driven by the flywheel. When the top of the blade exits the nip, the idler wheel can move towards the flywheel and the toggle mechanism releases the idler wheel so that the nip is open.

Abstract: A punch holder has brazed thereon a copper disk and receives a punch extending therethrough. The holder is in registry with an upper punch guide/punch down-stop and has a spring extending therethrough for controlling axial movement of the punch. A lower punch guide and stripper bushing also receive and guide the punch in coaxial alignment therewith. In operation, a magnetically energized coil repulses the disk, which, in turn, imparts downward punching force to the punch with the spring providing restorative force. The disk is fully supported by the punch holder substantially along its radius, thereby preventing distortion. The spring provides constant force over the deflection range, thereby enhancing the punching action while improving reliability and reducing failures. Due to the punch being releasably attached to the punch holder-disk, it may be separately replaced.

Abstract: A stapling apparatus using continuous staple wire for stapling a set of sheets includes a stapler head having a cover thereto that partially and advantageously defines the stapel wire path therein so as to substantially reduce staple wire jams and misfeeds.

Abstract: A powered stapler mechanism with a pivotal head mounted in a housing comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion including a lower floor and upstand structure to which the mechanism is anchored. The pivotal head is raised by cam means during the stapler cycle and the housing portions are lockable together using an axle and a slide lock.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool of the type utilizing a motor driven energy storing flywheel and a reciprocating fastener driving ram employs a flywheel having a metal peripheral surface that selectively engages a metal surface of the ram in order to drive the ram into engagement with a fastener to be driven into a workpiece. An elastic cord returns the ram to a retracted position when the ram is disengaged by the flywheel, and a pair of elastic bumpers are employed to limit the travel of the ram in the direction of the retracted position and the direction of the fastener engaging position. The ram, bumpers and cords form a subassembly that permits the ram, cord and bumpers to be removed from the fastener as a unit. The cord is made relatively long to reduce the amount of stretch per unit length applied to the cord thereby to increase the life of the cord. The motor and flywheel may be rotated in opposite directions to reduce precessional forces.

Abstract: An electric stapler including tension springs which prevent a second staple from entering a staple supply position of a magazine when a first staple is a jammed therein. The tension springs are connected between the arm of actuating links and connecting rods. The connecting rods connect the actuating links to the shaft of a motor. A clincher is provided which folds the legs of a U-shaped staple which have penetrated an article to a stapled against the article.

Abstract: An electric stapler including tension springs which prevent a second staple from entering a staple supply position of a magazine when a first staple is jammed therein. The tension springs are connected between the arm of actuating links and connecting rods. The connecting rods connect the actuating links to the shaft of a motor. A clincher is provided which folds the legs of a U-shaped staple which have penetrated an article to be stapled against the article.

Abstract: An electrical stapler wherein when papers to be stapled are inserted into a stapling groove, a fine switch is touched to activate a motor for driving a gear set, the gear set being provided with two biasing rods which can bias a Y-shaped linkage of a stapling mechanism, a fixing rod being pivotably connected with front end of the Y-shaped linkage, two ends of the fixing rod being respectively connected to two springs, a pressing plate being disposed on the fixing rod whereby when operated, the pressing plate is bounded by the springs to strike out a staple from a staple magazine, a controlling circuit being used to control the stapling operation for saving labor and enhancing working efficiency.

Abstract: An elecrically-operated tacker includes means for driving a tack which is urged toward a muzzle section by a spring, an operating means for moving the driving means back to a starting position, a switch having a push button, a trigger means having a pair of first and second depressing elements, a control member for maintaining the first depressing element in an operative position, a safety means for normally maintaining the control member in a safety position, first and second engaging elements provided on the operating means, third, fourth and fifth engaging elements on the driving means, and a release means. Initially the driving means is located in a starting position immediately before a first extreme position. When the trigger is depressed, the push button is depressed by the first depressing element to move the driving means for a slight distance to the first extreme position so that the driving means springs to the second extreme position by the action of the spring to drive a tack.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in a staple sheet cartridge for an automatic stapler where sheets of staples are delivered to the forming and driving section of the stapler by a conveyor belt. A retaining protrusion is formed on a guide member such that contact area of, and perpendicular force on the staple sheet are maximized without auxiliary magnetic means, allowing smooth, positive and consistent delivery of the staple sheets to the forming and driving section of the stapler.

Abstract: A power actuated device for attaching a protective metal strip to the outside corner formed by two intersecting wall panels is provided. The device includes a shoe releasably mounted on the device for holding the device and the protective in alignment along the corner. The shoe is provided in a number of differing shapes, each one of which complements the contour of an associated protective strip. The device further includes attaching means supported on the shoe for attaching the metal strip to the wall, a toggle mechanism for moving the attaching means between an inactive and an attaching position and an electrically powered actuator supported on the shoe and connected to the toggle mechanism to move the attaching means between their inactive and attaching positions.

Abstract: A tag attaching apparatus in which the transverse bar of a tag pin is pushed out of a hollow needle located at the front of the apparatus body by a piston, and which comprises a motor for driving the piston, a converter for transforming the motor rotation into reciprocating motion of the piston, and a control for returning the piston to the home position.

Abstract: An electromechanical flywheel containing fastener driving tool. The tool comprises a frame supporting a housing, a guide body and a fastener containing magazine. A free floating driver within said frame. Forward and rearward flywheels are arranged in tandem within the tool frame with their peripheral surfaces opposed. A pair of beam-like arcuate load springs are located to either side of the frame. The load spring rearward ends carry bearings in which the shaft of the rearward flywheel is journaled. The load spring forward ends carry rotatable eccentric bearing housings in which the shaft of the forward flywheel is journaled. The bearing housings are rotatable to shift the forward flywheel between operative and inoperative positions wherein the opposed surfaces of the flywheels are spaced by a distance less than and a distance greater than the thickness of the driver, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric stapling gun with auto-reset, energy-saving and shock-absorbing functions and in particular to one utilizing a lobe of a cam to press a second link rod to turn on a micro-switch once again so as to avoid the dead point of a prior art stapling gun. Further, a spring with different pitches at both ends is used to reduce the work required for producing same momentum on a staple in comparison with the prior art thereby saving energy. In addition, the stapling gun is provided a metallic protective ferrule for keeping the housing of the stapling gun from being damaged.

Abstract: A hand-held staple driving tool is provided for driving staples near to obstructions, such as walls. The tool has a solenoid, a olenoid plunger and a staple driving knife which is mounted generally parallel to the axis of the solenoid, but outboard of it near the front of the housing. The staple driving knife is connected to the solenoid plunger by means of an overhung transverse drive beam which is connected at its forward end to the upper part of the knife and at its rearward end to the top of the plunger. The tool further has a siamese twin housing which has a live hinge at its front end. The tool has an extended staple driving chute to permit driving staples into small recesses. The tool further has a combination mounting and grounding device using only a single screw.

Abstract: An automatic electric stapler in which the staple driver is attached to the armature of the solenoid so that actuation of the solenoid directly impels the staple driver against the anvil of the stapler. The armature includes a central passage through which a spring extends for biasing the armature away from the anvil and through which cooling air is forced during operation of the solenoid. An electronic circuit includes a photodetector for triggering the stapler and a lockout feature preventing double triggering. A safety feature automatically removes operating power from the stapler after a predetermined time period of dormancy.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool of the type utilizing a motor driven energy storing flywheel and a reciprocating fastener driving ram employs a flywheel having a metal peripheral surface that selectively engages a metal surface of the ram in order to drive the ram into engagement with a fastener to be driven into a workpiece. An elastic cord returns the ram to a retracted position when the ram is disengaged by the flywheel, and a pair of elastic bumpers are employed to limit the travel of the ram in the direction of the retracted position and the direction of the fastener engaging position. The ram, bumpers and cords form a subassembly that permits the ram, cord and bumpers to be removed from the fastener as a unit. The cord is made relatively long to reduce the amount of stretch per unit length applied to the cord thereby to increase the life of the cord. The motor and flywheel may be rotated in opposite directions to reduce precessional forces.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasing for unjamming purposes the sheath positioned adjacent and urged against a stapler housing by a spring. The sheath includes round apertures having rotatable members mounted therein with the rotatable members carrying the spring offset so that when the rotatable members are rotated through crank means the spring is urged in a direction to move the sheath to a position to facilitate unjamming the stapler.

Abstract: A hand-held staple driving tool is provided for driving staples near to obstructions, such as walls. The tool has a solenoid, a solenoid plunger and a staple driving knife which is mounted generally parallel to the axis of the solenoid, but outboard of it near the front of the housing. The staple driving knife is connected to the solenoid plunger by means of an overhung transverse drive beam which is connected at its forward end to the upper part of the knife and at its rearward end to the top of the plunger. The tool further has a siamese twin housing which has a live hinge at its front end. The tool has an extended staple driving chute to permit driving staples into small recesses. The tool further has a combination mounting and grounding device using only a single screw.

Abstract: An improved flywheel for an electromechanical tool such as a nailer or stapler. The tool is provided with a blade-like driver which is frictionally moved through a working stroke by an electrically driven flywheel, the driver being squeezed between the flywheel and a support element such as a counterrotating flywheel, a low inertia roller, or the like. The flywheel has a peripheral working surface with parallel edges. The working surface of the flywheel makes a line contact with the driver during the driving stroke. The flywheel is provided with at least one groove formed in and extending along its working surface. Throughout its length the groove is angularly related to the parallel edges of the flywheel working surface so that the groove traverses the line contact between the driver and the flywheel during each working stroke. This more efficiently prevents build-up of foreign material on the driver and flywheel and produces less and more uniform wear of the driver and flywheel.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated blind rivet tool having pulling impulse intensifying apparatus co-acting with the mandrel pulling mechanism. One type of impulse intensifying mechanism is a slidable connection of the tool's nose housing, housing the assembly for engaging and tensioning the mandrel, and power chamber which comprises the remainder of the tool housing, which power chamber carries a solenoid for powering the tool. The solenoid pulls the nose housing rearwardly until it impacts against the power chamber, creating a high-magnitude impulse force to break the mandrel. In lieu of a slidably mounted nose piece, the tool may include a member linked to the pulling mechanism and a ram which is driven against the member by the solenoid thereby creating an impulse force which is transmitted to the pulling mechanism.

Abstract: The principle of the present invention is to turn an electric power to a mechanical power and to make use of a mechanical mechanism to control the action of stapling and the opening of position switch with the arrangement of a thermo breaker and a LED to detect power source and to give alarm signal at time of shortage of power.

Abstract: A nail driver comprising a generally T-shaped body having a barrel, a hollow plunger slidably reciprocable in the barrel, a rigid stem on the body extending centrally along the inside of the barrel into the hollow plunger, a spring biasing the plunger to an extended position forward past the front end of the barrel, a magnet tip loosely coupled pivotally to the stem at its front end and having saw teeth on the bottom, and an insert carried by the plunger and having saw teeth on the top. With the magnet tip holding a nail extending lengthwise inside the barrel and the front end of the plunger held against the object into which a nail is to be driven, when the body is pushed forward along the plunger toward that object, the saw teeth on the magnet tip ride bumpily across the saw teeth on the insert, causing the magnet tip and the nail it holds to vibrate up and down as it is driven into the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a power transmission mechanism for use in an electrically operated stapler, which includes a high speed motor driving a flywheel through a pair of speed reducing gears; on the flywheel is disposed a vertical pin which is moved in synchronism with the wheel in each cycle to hit a ram member having a spring located therebehind which can be compressed then extended to force the ram to strike a staple in a power stroke. Thus the present electric stapler is free of use of a conventional electromagnetic coil; besides, the striking force of the ram can be more stable, not influenced by the inefficiency of local power supply, because of the adoption of a rechargeable battery disposed within the casing of the present stapler.

Abstract: Electrically operated driving device for staples, nails or the like, comprising an electric motor, a disc coupled to the electric motor, a cam means which cooperates with a driving pusher and with which the disc is movable into engagement to displace the driving pusher against a driving spring, and a trigger for actuation of the electric motor via an electrical switch including an actuating element, wherein between the switch and the trigger there is arranged a linkage which in the inactive state of the trigger is automatically aligned in the direction of actuation of the actuating element, and the disc and the shaft of the electric motor, respectively, has arranged thereon a projection such that it engages the linkage and moves it out of engagement with the actuating element when the driving pusher is released in its raised position.

Abstract: A hand-held staple driving tool is provided for driving staples near to obstructions, such as walls. The tool has a solenoid, a solenoid plunger and a staple driving knife which is mounted generally parallel to the axis of the solenoid, but outboard of it near the front of the housing. The staple driving knife is connected to the solenoid plunger by means of an overhung transverse drive beam which is connected at its forward end to the upper part of the knife and at its rearward end to the top of the plunger. The tool further has a siamese twin housing which has a live hinge at its front end. The tool has an extended staple driving chute to permit driving staples into small recesses. The tool further has a combination mounting and grounding device using only a single screw.

Abstract: A safety punching device for staple guns comprising a safety plate extending beyond a staple outlet, a tapered block disposed at the upper end of the safety plate, a horizontal plate contacting with the inclined surface of the tapered block at left end, a pushing block disposed at right end of the horizontal plate to control a safety switch and a resilient sheet engaged with the left end of the horizontal plate to move above-mentioned means back when released. The trigger is pulled and the safety plate is pressed inwardly in order to punch a staple out of the staple gun.

Abstract: An electric stapler wherein a guide cylinder is fixedly disposed on a base having a groove for bending a driven staple in such a way as to form a slit for inserting papers to be stapled, and in the guide cylinder is disposed a vertically movable block having at its lower end a downwardly projecting blade for driving the staple toward the staple bending groove. The block is always given a downward pull by springs. A working arm is swingably supported by a shaft fixedly disposed at a position spaced-apart from the guide cylinder, the arm being pivotally secured at one end to an upper part of the vertically movable block and having at its other end a pressure receiving portion.

Abstract: A low-electric-current-demand stapler is disclosed. The stapler has a frame upon which is mounted a fastener driver mechanism including a fastener driving blade and drive unit, a blade drive-control unit including spaced-apart frame pieces mounted on the frame, a rotary driven wheel mounted on the drive-control unit, and an electric motor powered transmission apparatus for transmitting the rotary motion of the motor to the driven wheel.

Abstract: A hand-held staple driving tool is provided for driving staples near to obstructions, such as walls. The tool has a solenoid, a solenoid plunger and a staple driving knife which is mounted generally parallel to the axis of the solenoid, but outboard of it near the front of the housing. The staple driving knife is connected to the solenoid plunger by means of an overhung transverse drive beam which is connected at its forward end to the upper part of the knife and at its rearward end to the top of the plunger. The tool further has a Siamese twin housing which has a live hinge at its front end. The tool has an extended staple driving chute to permit driving staples into small recesses. The tool further has a combination mounting and grounding device using only a single screw.

Abstract: A power impact device, particularly for fasteners, comprises a propelling passage, a driver movable in the propelling passage, a magazine for fasteners and crossing the propelling passage, and an abutment arranged for positioning a set of fasteners for separating a frontmost fastener by the driver, the abutment being formed so that only a part of the cross-section of the set of fasteners is supported and so that it is displaceable relative to the propelling passage, the driver having a cross-section which deviates from a cross-section of the propelling passage over a fit tolerance so as to allow narrowing of the propelling passage without preventing movement of the driver and reducing its thickness.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a pneumatic fastener driving tool of the type having a body containing a cylinder with a piston mounting a driver, a firing valve above and normally closing the upper end of the cylinder, and a space or volume above the firing valve. The volume above the firing valve is normally connected to a source of air under pressure to maintain the firing valve closed. When this volume is connected to exhaust the firing valve opens allowing air under pressure within the cylinder above the piston to cycle the tool. The electronic control system comprises a solenoid actuated valve which, when actuated, connects the volume above the firing valve to exhaust to cycle the tool, a source of electrical current and a control circuit. The control circuit establishes a desired mode of operation for the tool and has inputs from at least a manual trigger and a safety and interprets the inputs including their presence or absence and their sequence.