Abstract: A water flow sensor and associated distributed water management system that analyzes water flow in toilets to identify leaks or other failures. A water flow sensor is disclosed that includes: a housing that contains a power source and an event processing system; a sensor that provides water flow data to the event processing system, the sensor having an inlet adapted to receive an inflow of water from a fill tube and an outlet that expels an outflow of water; a probe that activates the event processing system in response to a detected water flow event; and a support structure for seating the housing onto an overflow tube, wherein the support structure includes an assembly to receive the outflow of water and redirect the outflow into the overflow tube.

Abstract: A riveting tool configured to install a plurality of fasteners simultaneously is provided including a body having a generally central cavity. A strike surface is arranged at a first end of the body and a plurality of contactors extends generally outwards from a second, opposite end of the body. Each contactor includes an engagement surface configured to contact a surface of an adjacent fastener when a force is applied to the strike surface. A biasing mechanism is arranged within the cavity adjacent an upper cavity surface. A dowel is positioned within the cavity adjacent the biasing mechanism. The dowel is configured to engage a portion of an adjacent nut plate and translate within the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a fastener (1300) including a nose (1202) having a passageway including a first channel portion (1204) and a second channel portion (1214). The first channel portion is adapted to receive a first fastener body portion (1302) and the second channel portion adapted to receive a second fastener body portion (1304). The first and second fastener body portions are obliquely angled relative to one another. The apparatus also includes a driver blade (120) configured to apply a force to a first end of the fastener for driving the fastener at least partially from the passageway.

Abstract: A continuous cap feed mechanism for use with fastener driving device includes a housing for receiving a coiled strip of interconnected caps removably mounted the fastener driving device. The housing includes a passageway for guiding the strip of caps from the coil to a position beneath a fastener to be driven by the fastener driving device and an advancing mechanism for moving the leading cap on said strip from the passage to the position beneath the fastener to be driven after the fastener driving device drives a prior fastener into a cap and as it is moved away from the previously driven fastener. The advancing mechanism includes a driver movably mounted in the housing for movement between an extended and retracted position adjacent the location on the fastener driving device at which the fastener driving device drives fasteners.

Abstract: A recess filling apparatus forms part of, or is for use with, a tool for driving a multiplicity of fixing elements into a work surface. The apparatus utilizes a dispensing strip defining a multiplicity of chambers containing filler material, each chamber containing sufficient filler material for use with a single fixing element. The apparatus comprises means to support the dispensing strip, and means for locating a chamber that contains filler material in or adjacent to the path of a fixing element, and for advancing the dispensing strip prior to driving the next fixing element.

Abstract: A concealed fastener is formed in situ during attachment of a first grooved sheathing member to an underlying support member. The concealed fastener rigidly attaches the first sheathing member, and permits subsequent installation of an adjoining sheathing member while providing for proper spacing between adjacent sheathing members.

Abstract: A recess filling apparatus forms part of, or is for use with, a tool for driving a multiplicity of fixing elements into a work surface. The apparatus utilises a dispensing strip defining a multiplicity of chambers containing filler material, each chamber containing sufficient filler material for use with a single fixing element. The apparatus comprises means to support the dispensing strip, and means for locating a chamber that contains filler material in or adjacent to the path of a fixing element, and for advancing the dispensing strip prior to driving the next fixing element.

Abstract: A continuous cap feed mechanism for use with fastener driving device includes a housing for receiving a coiled strip of interconnected caps removably mounted the fastener driving device. The housing includes a passageway for guiding the strip of caps from the coil to a position beneath a fastener to be driven by the fastener driving device and an advancing mechanism for moving the leading cap on said strip from the passage to the position beneath the fastener to be driven after the fastener driving device drives a prior fastener into a cap and as it is moved away from the previously driven fastener. The advancing mechanism includes a driver movably mounted in the housing for movement between an extended and retracted position adjacent the location on the fastener driving device at which the fastener driving device drives fasteners.

Abstract: A continuous cap feed mechanism for use with fastener driving device includes a housing for receiving a coiled strip of interconnected caps removably mounted the fastener driving device. The housing includes a passageway for guiding the strip of caps from the coil to a position beneath a fastener to be driven by the fastener driving device and an advancing mechanism for moving the leading cap on said strip from the passage to the position beneath the fastener to be driven after the fastener driving device drives a prior fastener into a cap and as it is moved away from the previously driven fastener. The advancing mechanism includes a driver movably mounted in the housing for movement between an extended and retracted position adjacent the location on the fastener driving device at which the fastener driving device drives fasteners.

Abstract: A strip of fastener caps made up of a plurality of disks including an inner coil disk and an end disk. Each disk has a circumferential edge with a breakable yet flexible member that is integral with each adjacent disk edge. A common centerline passes edgewise through each of the disks. The location of a first and second predetermined number of the breakable members alternates from one side of the common centerline to the other. A notch within the circumferential edge of the inner coil disk is for engaging at least one breakable member connecting other disks within the strip of fastener caps. A section of the plurality of disks is coiled into an inner loop such that the inner coil disk's notch engages a breakable member between other disks wherein the inner coil disk is immobile relative to the disks making up the inner disk loop.

Abstract: The invention related to a subsidiary vent channel of a nailing gun having a subsidiary vent hole at an internal plug of a rear cap. A subsidiary vent channel is disposed at a corresponding place of a rear cap. In this way, the compressed gas from the outside can be simultaneously injected into a nail-feeding air chamber of the gun body and the subsidiary vent channel. The gas injected into the nail-feeding air chamber serves for nailing. The gas injected into the subsidiary vent channel is available for different purposes.

Abstract: A system may install a floor above a sub-floor surface, the floor having a board abutting adjacent boards. The system may include a lowering apparatus, a positioning apparatus, and a securing apparatus. The lowering apparatus may be adapted to receive the board and to lower the board to the floor. The positioning apparatus may be adapted to position the board in contact with one or more of the adjacent boards. The securing apparatus may be adapted to secure the board to the sub-floor surface.

Abstract: A nailer includes a gun body, a magazine, a feed plate, a washer barrel, a catch plate, and a locking ring. Thus, the washer is closely positioned between the catch flange of the feed plate and the locking ring, thereby facilitating a user combining the washer with the nail. In addition, the locking ring is tensioned only when the washer passes through the locking ring, so that the locking ring is not maintained at the tightened state constantly, thereby preventing the locking ring from producing fatigue, and thereby enhancing the lifetime of the locking ring. Further, the locking ring is used to stop washers made of plastic or metallic material, thereby enhancing the versatility of the nailer.

Abstract: A cap assembly for an automatic cap feeder and fastener driver comprises a plurality of relatively thin, domed metal discs that can be pierced by fasteners discharged from a fastener driver such as a nail gun without bending the nail or jamming the driver, with the caps being connected together by a paper backed adhesive tape mounted on the undersides of the concave caps, with the caps having outer edges that are sufficiently sharp that they sever the tape from the strip of caps when the caps are driven into a substrate after a fastener has penetrated the caps. The fastener driver includes improved feeder teeth and an anti-backup pawl that extend into recesses in the track. A cover encloses an open edge of a cap storage basket.

Abstract: A fastener applying device for causing a driven staple to be driven through a disk-like cap to create a staple-cap fastener for securely attaching flexible or deformable materials to a substrate. The device includes an automatic stapler capable of automatically driving a staple into the substrate. The device also has a cap feeding device including a magazine containing a reel of caps positioned generally edge-to-edge and joined in a continuous strip, such as by an adhesive tape. The cap strip is fed from the reel into a guide track which feeds the leading cap of the strip into a driving region disposed below the discharge end of the staple driver. The guide track defines thereon stops which straddle the driving region, and which positionally contact the structure into which the fastener is to be driven.

Abstract: A space (32) is formed between an inner end of a fitting hole (31) formed in a piston (21) and a piston rod (22) and is positioned radially inside a sealing member (24). By circulating a cooling fluid through the space, the majority of heat which is transmitted to the piston rod (22) can be absorbed, preventing transmission of heat to the sealing member. The temperature of the sealing member is kept lower and its deterioration can be inhibited.

Abstract: A setting apparatus directs a reinforcing tape in a perpendicular direction to the path of movement of the fabric. It comprises a machine frame, a support plate, a setting punch and die, a reinforcing tape supply under the plate and tape feeding belt for feeding the tape which is automatically activated by the punch.

Abstract: Tee-nut support assembly to supply Tee-nuts to the driver device of a Tee-nut setting apparatus, and a package of rolled Tee-nuts connected in a strip for such apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting Tee-nuts in a solid wooden workpiece, the Tee-nuts having flanges and threaded sleeves of predetermined length, the workpiece having a thickness greater than the sleeve length. The apparatus has an anvil, an anvil die supported on the anvil, a through bore in the anvil die extending along an axis normal to the anvil, and a circular cutting edge. A power operated device is mounted so as to be reciprocable towards and away from the anvil. A moveable die is mounted on the reciprocable device in registration with the anvil die. The movable die includes a stub portion which can be slidingly received in the threaded sleeve of a Tee-nut, and which registers co-axially with the through bore in the anvil die. The anvil die is generally frusto-conical and has two outer surface portions meeting at an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A roller stamp is provided including a die roller to which is affixed a die strip formed of flexible plastic material which encircles the die roller, the ends thereof being adjacent or abutting, said die strip having a central embossed printing surface and recessed surface areas on either side thereof. The die strip is secured to the roller by means of a pair of staples that engage the adjacent ends of the die strip on both sides of the embossed printing surface within the recessed areas.

Abstract: A stapling machine for hook-and-eye fasteners includes an improved tape feeding device which comprises a roller means having means on its circumference for continuously engaging a reinforcing tape, and means for rotating the roller means in one direction. The roller means, upon rotation, feeds a predetermined length of the tape reliably into a work station where a hook or eye fastener, a backing plate and the tape are attached to the fabric of a garment.