Abstract: A driving tool having a driver, a power source, a sensor and a controller. The power source selectively provides an input to the driver to cause the driver to translate along an axis. The sensor senses a condition in the power source that is indicative of a level of kinetic energy of an element in the power source and generates a sensor signal in response thereto. The controller is coupled to the power source and the sensor and is responsive to the sensor signal for deactivating the power source to inhibit the power source from providing the input to the driver when the level of kinetic energy of the element in the power source is below a predetermined threshold. A method for operating a driving tool is also provided.

Abstract: In an electric driving tool of the invention, when moving a driver 21 having driven out a fastener upwardly from a bottom dead center position and making the driver 21 to stop at a wait position, a wait position when a decrease of a residual quantity of connected fasteners in the magazine 12 is detected is set to be lower than a wait position when the decrease of a residual quantity of connected fasteners in the magazine 12 is not detected.

Abstract: A combustion tool is provided, including a combustion power source with a reciprocating valve sleeve moving between a rest position in which a combustion chamber is open, and a closed position in which the combustion chamber is sealed, a control system operatively connected to the power source, and a trigger switch connected to the control system and providing operator interface with the control system. The control system is configured such that operator manipulation of the trigger switch is the only operator initiated movement required for initiating repetitive spark generation.

Abstract: A controller 50 has a single-driving mode/continuous-driving mode changeover switch 233 for performing fastener driving operation in a single driving mode or a continuous driving mode. In a case where the single-driving mode/continuous-driving mode changeover switch 233 instructs a single driving mode, the controller 50 causes a driver blade 3a to perform fastener driving operation when both a trigger switch 5 and a push lever switch 22 are switched, by switching operation, from the one switch status to the other switch status (e.g., the ON status). Consequently, fastener driving operation is made possible regardless of sequence of actuation of the trigger switch 5 and the push lever switch 22.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting misfire of a surgical staple cartridge and for indicating such misfire to a user on a user interface. An actuation force applied to a staple cartridge is measured and compared to a threshold actuation force. In response to the comparison, a controller determines if there has been a misfire of the surgical staple cartridge. A determination that misfire has occurred is made when the measured actuation force is greater than a maximum threshold force or less than a minimum threshold force, and under such circumstances, the controller terminates the staple firing sequence.

Abstract: A combustion tool having a circuit for conserving battery power includes a battery assembly to power at least a portion of the combustion tool, a control circuit to place the combustion tool in an active mode or a low power consumption mode, and a motion sensing circuit to indicate a movement of the combustion tool and to indicate a non-movement of the combustion tool. A timer is set when a movement is detected and resets each time a new movement is sensed. If a new movement is not sensed when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the combustion tool enters into a low power consumption mode. The movement may be a vibration or a tilt movement. The motion sensing circuit enables the tool to be actuated without any unnecessary priming when motion is sensed and only minimal current is consumed when motion is not sensed, conserving battery power.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting failure in clamping of a material and/or firing of a staple into a clamped material and indicating such failure to a user on a user interface. The system and methods are particularly suited for use with end effectors having closing and/or firing mechanisms coupled to an actuator. By monitoring a driving parameter of an actuator that effects the clamping and/or firing, the systems and methods provide an indication of failure in response to the monitored drive parameter. In some embodiments, an indication of failure is output when the monitored drive parameter is outside an acceptable range of desired driving parameters during clamping and/or firing. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A fastening device that drives one or more fasteners into a workpiece generally includes a tool housing and a multistage solenoid contained in the tool housing. The multistage solenoid includes an armature member that travels through at least a first stage, a second stage, and a sense coil disposed therebetween. A driver blade assembly includes a blade member connected to the armature member. The driver blade assembly is operable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. A control module determines a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage and the second stage based on a signal from the sense coil. The trigger assembly is connected to the control module and partially contained within the housing. The trigger assembly is operable to activate a driver sequence that moves the driver blade between the retracted condition and the extended condition.

Abstract: A driving tool of the invention includes a motor, a flywheel that is rotationally driven by the motor, an operating member that drives a material to be driven, an operating member actuation mechanism that selectively transmits a rotating force of the flywheel to the operating member and drives the operating member. The flywheel includes a driving-side member that is rotationally driven by the motor, a driven-side member that transmits a rotating force to the operating member, and a clutch member that connects the driving-side member and the driven-side member when the rotation speed of the motor is a predetermined speed or higher, while releasing the connection between the driving-side member and the driven-side member when the rotation speed of the motor is lower than the predetermined speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically powered bolt setting device (1) for setting of fastening elements (3) with a spring unit (10) which acts as an intermediate energy store in order to store energy, originating from an electric drive (25), in the bolt setting device (1), and said energy can be released suddenly during a bolt setting process. In order to create an electrically powered bolt setting device which has a simple design and can be produced at low cost and/or is low in cost to operate, the spring unit (10) cooperates with a unit to adjust the interim-stored energy.

Abstract: A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.

Abstract: The control mechanism for an electric nail gun includes: a first sensor for generating a first sensing signal in response to movement of a safety member of the electric nail gun; a second sensor for generating a second sensing signal in response to operation of a trigger member of the electric nail gun; an actuating piece adjusted selectively between a single shot position and a successive shooting position, and rotatable relative to the trigger member; a third sensor for generating a third sensing signal in response to rotation of the actuating piece; and a control unit activating a driving module of the electric nail gun upon receipt of the first or second sensing signals, and energizing an electromagnetic valve of the electric nail gun upon receipt of the third sensing signal.

Abstract: An electric driving machine includes a remaining fastener sensor 257 which detects the amount of fasteners (e.g., nails) remaining, in an aligned and held manner, in a magazine 2 and which generates a residual-quantity signal (a signal showing depletion of fasteners) when the amount of remaining fasteners has decreased to a predetermined level or less; a remaining fastener detection circuit 406 which outputs a control signal (a signal of level 0) for controlling control means (299, 283, and other means) in accordance with an input of the residual-quantity signal (a switch-on signal) generated by the remaining fastener sensor 257; and a delay circuit 401 for delaying the remaining signal (the ON signal) generated by the remaining fastener sensor 257 by a predetermined period of time (e.g., 20 milliseconds) and inputs the thus-delayed remaining signal to the remaining fastener detection circuit 256 (406).

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a stapling unit including a stapler, a processing tray, a stapler moving mechanism, a sensor configured to scan sheets in a sheet width direction, and a controller configured to drive the stapler. The controller measures sheet width of the sheets according to an output of the sensor. The controller calculates a center position between other two sheet edges each orthogonal to a sheet edge where the stapler drives staples into stapling positions. The controller allocates the stapling positions in the two places with reference to the center position. The controller moves the stapler moving mechanism to the stapling positions.

Abstract: A self-diagnosing pierce nut installation apparatus including an installation head attached to an upper die member of a die press having a reciprocating plunger driving a pierce nut against a panel, piercing a slug from the panel upon closing of the press and a rod telescopically received in the plunger resiliently biased through the nut bore if a slug is pierced from the panel or against the panel if not pierced, and a sensor sensing axial movement of the rod, stopping the press if the rod engages the panel. A die located in the lower die member includes a slug sensor confirming receipt of the panel slug through the die member.

Abstract: A combustion-operated setting tool (10) for driving in fastening elements, includes a combustion drive for driving a setting piston (13) displaceable in a guide cylinder (12) and which drive has at least one combustion chamber (14), a ventilator (16) for the combustion drive, a control unit (30) for controlling the ventilator (16) dependent on a thermal control parameter and having a program for modeling the thermal control parameter based on time data and ventilator operation data.

Abstract: A safety method for a nail gun includes a time-of-flight (TOF) camera capturing an image in front of the nail gun and obtaining data about distances between a number of points in the scene and the TOF camera; building a three dimension (3D) model of the scene according to the image and the data about distances between the plurality of points in the scene and the TOF camera; checking the 3D model to determine whether there is a person in front of the nail gun; and controlling a switch to cut off a power supply from the nail gun upon the condition that there is a person in front of the nail gun.

Abstract: Force data is monitored by a strain gauge during a preparatory setup operation of an insertion process during which a sample fastener is installed into a host material by a fastener press. Mathematical algorithms are utilized to determine an optimal insertion force, while a predetermined insertion velocity is maintained throughout the installation process regardless of the force required. With the ram velocity held constant, the insertion force is measured during the installation process and compared to the elapsed time to obtain a force slope. A data point on the force slope which corresponds to the point at which the force slope abruptly increases is captured and recorded as the optimal insertion force. This optimal force is then used by the press for all fasteners/host-material installations of the sample type.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first cylinder, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second cylinder, a second piston, an anvil, a retention element retaining a component of the apparatus, and at least one sensor. During a compression stroke, the first piston compresses gas in a first cylinder to a predetermined pressure. Compressed gas is communicated to the second cylinder and the retention force of the retention element is overcome, to release the retained component of the apparatus, thereby causing the second piston to move linearly and enabling the anvil to drive the fastener into the workpiece. During a return stroke of the first piston, a vacuum created in the first cylinder is communicated to the second cylinder, causing the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.

Abstract: A hand-held driving tool and a method for cooling the driving tool is disclosed. The driving tool includes a driving ram, a mechanical energy storage mechanism, and an electric motor for introducing mechanical energy into the energy storage mechanism. A cooling system is provided for cooling the electric motor, in particular as a function of a motor status.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the application, a device for driving a fastening element into a substrate has an energy-transfer element for transferring energy to the fastening element. The energy-transfer element can move preferably between a starting position and a setting position, wherein the energy-transfer element is located, before a driving-in procedure, in the starting position and, after the driving-in procedure, in the setting position. According to another aspect of the application, the device comprises a mechanical-energy storage device for storing mechanical energy. The energy-transfer element is then suitable preferably for transferring energy from the mechanical-energy storage device to the fastening element.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a tool housing, a power source associated with the housing and including a cylinder head, a cylinder and a piston reciprocating in the cylinder, a valve sleeve reciprocating relative to the cylinder, a chamber switch and a trigger switch; the cylinder head, the valve sleeve, the cylinder and the piston combining to define a combustion chamber, the closing of both switches required for initiating an ignition of the power source for driving piston down cylinder. A fan is disposed in the combustion chamber, and a control system includes a control program associated with the housing, connected to the power source, the chamber switch and the trigger switch, and configured for providing a designated ignition delay period after fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and when the chamber switch is closed, the delay period being variable as a function of monitored tool parameters.

Abstract: A fastener outlet assembly for a fastener driving tool includes: an outlet passage arranged to expel fasteners from the assembly to a workpiece during use, the outlet passage having one or more walls; and a detector arranged to detect whether a fastener is present in the outlet passage. The detector comprises at least part of a cover that provides at least part of a wall of the outlet passage, the cover being movable with respect to the remainder of the outlet passage to open the outlet passage and gain access thereto.

Abstract: In a gas combustion type fastener driving machine, a fuel gas and air are stirred by a fan within a combustion chamber, a stirred air-fuel gas mixture is burned by an ignition spark, and a striking piston is actuated by a combustion pressure to drive a fastening member. The machine is provided with a fan motor (320) for rotating the fan, and a control circuit board (100) for controlling an action of the fan motor (320). The control circuit board (100) detects an actuation signal for an igniter (310) that generates the ignition spark and controls a rotation speed of the fan motor (320) based on the actuation signal.

Abstract: A combustion nailer includes a tool housing, and a combustion engine substantially located within the housing and including a valve sleeve reciprocating relative to a cylinder head for cyclically opening and closing a combustion chamber. A control system is associated with the housing and is connected to the combustion engine for providing for a designated open time for the combustion chamber after a combustion event and before a subsequent combustion can occur.

Abstract: The nailing machine (1) comprises an air passage (510) allowing communication between a cylinder (200) and a return air chamber (500) in which compressed air for returning a piston (300) to the initial position is accumulated. The air passage (510) is provided with a control valve (520) controlling entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) from the cylinder (200). The control valve (520) opens the air passage (510) and allows entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) in the case wherein the nailed object produces a small reaction force upon driving the nail, namely when the upward moving distance of the body (100) relative to the push lever (700) is smaller than a predetermined distance. The compressed air that has entered the return air chamber (500) further enters a below-the-piston chamber and serves as air damper, reducing the driving force.

Abstract: The present invention includes various embodiments directed to apparatus and methods surrounding a fastener device. In particular embodiments, the fastener device is a quick charging and discharging device that includes a solenoid, a fastener striker, a flash capacitor, and a control circuit. Other novel features of the fastener device exist. In particular embodiments, the present invention also includes apparatus and methods related to deforming staples for securing conduit and the like, and staple insulation and insulated staples that may be discharged by the fastener device. The insulation may be provided in an ordinary staple strip for use in the fastener device. Each insulation form may include deformation voids to assist the adaptation of the insulation about a target object that is being secured by the insulated staple.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a switching mechanism for switching stapling modes of a stapler, which mainly comprises a trigger, a supporting member, a slide member, a spring, a hooking member and a torsion spring. When the safety device of the stapler is pushed, the slide member is pushed to open the air valve, and if the trigger is further pressed at this particular moment, the stapling counterforce will make the slide member escape the pressure from the safety device so as to finish a single stapling process. When the trigger is pressed first and then the safety device is pushed, the slide member is pushed to open the air valve, which makes the stapling process to continuous until the trigger is released. In other words, the above process makes a continuous stapling process.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for a stapler includes a trigger, a pivotable member, and a swing member, which is pivotably connected to the trigger by two pins. The pivotable member has a first protrusion extending from a top of the pivotable member. The pivotable member is received in a recess of the slide member and a second protrusion extends from an inner top end thereof A spring is connected between the first and second protrusions so that the slide member is movable relative to the pivotable member. The swing member includes a first curved part and a second curved part which is located at a side of the pivotable member. The curved part of the swing member is inserted into a hole of the slide member when pulling the trigger, and the slide member is moved downward to change the relative position between the slide member and the valve of the stapler.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft includes a first sensor element. An end effector is coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a second sensor element. A handle is connected to the proximate end of the shaft. The handle includes a control unit. The control unit is in communication with the first sensor element and the first sensor element is in wireless communication with the second sensor element.

Abstract: A slide frame is mounted on a driver unit that can be vertically reversed on a base frame. A guide pin disposed in the slide frame engages with a concave portion of a cam plate portion formed in the base frame. When a fixation releasing handle of the driver unit is operated, a lever pushes the slide frame to slide the slide frame and the guide pin is deviated from the concave portion to rotate the driver unit. In a state where the driver unit is fixed in a regular posture, since the guide pin is pushing a switch lever, the detection switch is kept turned ON and thus an electric stapler is in an operable state. When the driver unit is rotated, the switch lever is released from the press of the guide pin and the detection switch is turned OFF, thereby cutting off the power.

Abstract: A driving device for resetting a hitting nail bar of the pneumatic nail gun, which is mounted in a gun body including a main air chamber, a trigger valve, a hitting nail bar and a bottom cylinder chamber disposed therein is provided. The driving device includes a main gas channel and a sensing valve component slidably disposed in the main gas channel. The main gas channel communicates with the main air chamber and the bottom cylinder chamber via the trigger valve. The sensing valve component is controlled by the position of the hitting nail bar to be either opened or closed. The sensing valve component is opened on the condition that a reset state of the hitting nail bar is excluded, and the high-pressure air is introduced from the main air chamber into the bottom cylinder chamber to drive the hitting nail bar to move upwardly to reset rapidly.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first hollow guide member having a first volumetric capacity, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second hollow guide member having a second volumetric capacity, a second piston, an anvil, a valve arrangement and at least one sensor. The guide members may have an elliptical or oval cross-section. During a compression stroke, the first piston compresses gas in the first hollow guide member. The valve arrangement opens and communicates the compressed gas to the second hollow guide member, causing the second piston to move the anvil to drive a fastener. During a return stroke of the first piston, the valve arrangement opens, communicating a vacuum created in the first hollow guide member to the second hollow guide member, thereby causing the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.

Abstract: An electric stapler includes a staple sheet storage portion for storing a stack of staple sheets, a magazine storage portion disposed on a rear side of the staple sheet storage portion to store a staple magazine, a first staple feed mechanism operable to pull out a staple sheet from the staple magazine and to feed the staple sheet to the staple sheet storage portion, and a second staple feed mechanism operable to pull out the staple sheet from the staple sheet storage portion and to feed the staple sheet to a driver unit. According to this configuration, a continuous binding processing beyond a capacity of the staple magazine becomes possible by suitably replacing the staple magazine.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a spark initiator configured to initiate spark events, and a fuel level monitoring system configured for monitoring the fuel level in the fuel cell and indicating the monitored fuel level to a user. Included in the fuel level monitoring system is a programmable control unit configured to control the spark initiator and to count the spark events initiated by the spark initiator, to compare a number of spark events with at least two predetermined ranges of spark events, and to determine the fuel level in the fuel cell based on the determinations. An indicator controlled by the programmable control unit is supplied for providing the user with an indication of the fuel level in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A combustion tool having a circuit for conserving battery power includes a battery assembly to power at least a portion of the combustion tool, a control circuit to place the combustion tool in an active mode or a low power consumption mode, and a motion sensing circuit to indicate a movement of the combustion tool and to indicate a non-movement of the combustion tool. A timer is set when a movement is detected and resets each time a new movement is sensed. If a new movement is not sensed when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the combustion tool enters into a low power consumption mode. The movement may be a vibration or a tilt movement. The motion sensing circuit enables the tool to be actuated without any unnecessary priming when motion is sensed and only minimal current is consumed when motion is not sensed, conserving battery power.

Abstract: The present invention includes various embodiments directed to apparatus and methods surrounding a fastener device. In particular embodiments, the fastener device is a quick charging and discharging device that includes a solenoid, a fastener striker, a flash capacitor, and a control circuit. Other novel features of the fastener device exist. In particular embodiments, the present invention also includes apparatus and methods related to deforming staples for securing conduit and the like, and staple insulation and insulated staples that may be discharged by the fastener device. The insulation may be provided in an ordinary staple strip for use in the fastener device. Each insulation form may include deformation voids to assist the adaptation of the insulation about a target object that is being secured by the insulated staple.

Abstract: A portable linear fastener driving tool is provided that drive staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners. The tool uses a gas spring principle, in which a cylinder filled with compressed gas is used to quickly force a piston through a driving stroke movement, while a driver also drives a fastener into a workpiece. The piston/driver is then moved back to its starting position by use of a rotary-to-linear lifter, and the piston again compresses the gas above the piston, thereby preparing the tool for another driving stroke. The driver has protrusions along its edges that contact the lifter, which lifts the driver during a return stroke. A pivotable latch is controlled to move into either an interfering position or a non-interfering position with respect to the driver protrusions, and acts as a safety device, by preventing the driver from making a full driving stroke at an improper time.

Abstract: A stapler includes a binding table, a clinch member disposed on the binding table, a staple striking unit disposed above the binding table, and a movable stage disposed so as to be slidable with respect to the binding table. The movable stage is formed with an engaging portion, and the engaging portion positions an end portion of sheets placed on the movable stage. The sheets are inserted and bound between the clinch member and the staple striking unit.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for preventing power tool from being operated by a malfunction of the control circuit. A representative driving power tool includes a movable element, a drive unit to drive the movable element, an actuation circuit to actuate the drive unit, a control circuit and an operation switch that outputs an operation signal. The control circuit outputs a control signal when the operation signal for instructing driving of the movable element is outputted from the operation switch. The actuation circuit actuates the drive unit when the control signal is outputted from the control circuit. Actuation of the drive unit is blocked when the control signal outputted from the control circuit is abnormal. According to the invention, a movable element can be prevented from being moved by malfunctioning of the control circuit.

Abstract: A combustion tool is provided, including a combustion power source with a reciprocating valve sleeve moving between a rest position in which a combustion chamber is open, and a closed position in which the combustion chamber is sealed, a control system operatively connected to the power source, and a trigger switch connected to the control system and providing operator interface with the control system. The control system is configured such that operator manipulation of the trigger switch is the only operator initiated movement required for initiating repetitive spark generation.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first cylinder, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second cylinder, a second piston, an anvil, a valve arrangement and at least one sensor. During a compression stroke, the first piston is configured to compress gas in a first cylinder to a predetermined pressure. At the predetermined pressure, the valve arrangement assumes an open position for communicating the compressed gas to the second cylinder, thereby causing the second piston to move linearly and enabling the anvil to drive the fastener into the workpiece. During a return stroke, at a predetermined position of the first piston in the first cylinder, the valve arrangement assumes the open position for communicating a vacuum created in the first cylinder to the second cylinder and thereby causing the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.

Abstract: The tool includes a cylinder inside of which is slidably mounted a piston for driving a fastening element, as a result of the explosion inside of a combustion chamber of a mixture of gas and air that has been injected therein from a gas cartridge, after which the tool has come to bear weight against a support, the head switch has retracted and the combustion chamber has closed, followed by actuation of the trigger switch for controlling the spark plug. The tool also includes an element for determining the rate of fire which includes a real-time clock designed to cooperate with a microcontroller of an operating and control module. The arrangement applies well to fastening tools.

Abstract: In a controlling mechanism for pneumatic nailer, the pneumatic nailer includes a leaf spring, a trigger, a trigger valve and a safety rod attached to a main body of the nailer. The control mechanism includes a control valve and a connecting rod. The control vale includes a valve plug adjacent to the safety rod. The connecting rod is engaged with the valve plug and the safety rod. The connecting rod extends to a position that is capable of being pressed by the leaf spring. The connecting rod is configured for driving the valve plug and the safety rod to move downwardly when the leaf spring press thereof, thereby controlling the pressurized air to drive the nail gun. As such, the valve plug can move in to a position that can to control the nail hitting action of the nail gun in advance so the stability of control increases.

Abstract: In a feed piston/cylinder mechanism 7 for feeding a feed claw 23 that engages with and disengages from connected nails accommodated within a magazine to a nose portion 6, the feed claw 23 is biased in a feeding direction by a bias member 27 and is retracted the feed claw in a backward direction by high-pressure combustion gas. A valve 40 is provided in a path 27 which guides the high-pressure combustion gas to the feed piston/cylinder mechanism 7 and communicates the path with the atmosphere. The feed piston/cylinder mechanism 7 is controlled by opening/closing the valve 40.

Abstract: A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a lever arm pivotable between a first position whereat a flywheel is spaced apart from a drive mechanism and a second position whereat the flywheel can contact the drive mechanism, a lever arm solenoid for pivoting the lever arm between the first position and the second position, a drive mechanism sensor for generating a position signal indicative of the position of the drive mechanism, a timer for generating a timing signal, a memory including program instructions, and a processor operably connected to the memory for executing the program instructions to (i) energize the solenoid to pivot the lever arm to the second position, (ii) de-energize the solenoid based upon the position signal, and (iii) de-energize the solenoid based upon the timing signal.

Abstract: In a sheet stitching apparatus in which a wire W reeled out from a wire reel 5 is cut only a predetermined length, the cut wire is bent into a U-shape and driven into a set of sheets S, both ends of the U-shaped wire are bent and the set of sheets are stitched, there is provided a detector 10-15 arranged for movement according to a change in a degree of bending of the wire guide 4 effected by a change in a remaining amount of the wire of the wire reel 5 for detection of a change of position of the wire guide effected by a pull-in operation of wire by the stitching head 2.

Abstract: An electric tool switch mechanism includes a trigger switch for operating to at least rotate or stop a DC motor; and a power switch connected between the DC motor and a battery power source and closed when a pressed amount of the trigger switch exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The mechanism further includes a switching device connected between the DC motor and the battery power source via the power switch; a control circuit for controlling to turn the switching device on/off using a desired on-duty when the pressed amount of the trigger switch exceeds the threshold value; and a stopping unit that is controlled by the trigger switch for forcibly turning the switching device off before the power switch is changed from on to off when the trigger switch is released.

Abstract: A control module advantageously reduces cost and enhances reliability, design flexibility, ease of assembly, and performance of a flywheel operated hand tool. The control module includes a thin film printed circuit with non-contact speed sensing of a flywheel to more accurately set the target speed and control transfer kinetic energy thereof to a fastener, achieving a desired depth regardless of variations in component performance and battery voltage. The printed circuit also includes long service life thin film switches for responding to trigger and safety inputs. Furthermore, the control module responds to a user speed selection and to preset speed selection ranges to reconfigure the controls as appropriate to constraints of a fastener drive assembly and to user preferences.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first cylinder, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second cylinder, a second piston, an anvil, a valve arrangement and at least one sensor. During a compression stroke, the first piston is configured to compress gas in a first cylinder to a predetermined pressure. At the predetermined pressure, the valve arrangement assumes an open position for communicating the compressed gas to the second cylinder, thereby causing the second piston to move linearly and enabling the anvil to drive the fastener into the workpiece. During a return stroke, at a predetermined position of the first piston in the first cylinder, the valve arrangement assumes the open position for communicating a vacuum created in the first cylinder to the second cylinder and thereby causing the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.