In-can fuel cell metering valve

A fuel cell for use with a combustion tool, comprising:

• a housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure;
• a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed in operational relationship to said open end and reciprocating relative to said housing at least between a closed position wherein said stem is relatively extended, and an open position wherein said stem is relatively retracted;
• a fuel metering valve located within said housing, associated with said main valve stem, including a fuel metering chamber configured so that when said stem is in said open position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through said outlet, said fuel metering chamber includes a body defined by two components, one of which having a seal for engaging said main valve stem, said stem having a radially variable exterior contour periodically sealingly engaging said seal such that in said closed position a non-sealing relationship is defined between said stem and said seal, and in said open position a sealing relationship is defined between said stem and said seal;
• said housing includes a separate fuel container, and said fuel metering valve includes a valve body that has a second end opposite said fuel metering chamber and located within said container, wherein the flow of fluid out the outlet of the fuel cell is solely from said separate fuel container;
• and
• a biasing element for urging said stem to said closed position, said biasing element located between said fuel metering chamber and said second end of said valve body.

A combined fuel cell and combustion tool, comprising:

• a combustion tool configured for receiving a fuel cell including a workpiece contact element associated with a linkage having an arm configured for triggering the dispensing of a fuel upon movement of said workpiece contact element;
• a fuel cell housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure;
• a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed in operational relationship to said open end and reciprocable relative to said housing at least between a closed position wherein said stem is relatively extended, and an open position wherein said stem is relatively retracted;
• a fuel metering valve located within said fuel cell housing, associated with said main valve stem, including a valve body and a fuel metering chamber and configured so that when said stem is in said open position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through said outlet;
• and
• a biasing element for urging said stem to said closed position, said biasing element located between said fuel metering chamber and said second end of said valve body;
• said main valve stem has a diameter extending substantially lengthwise on said stem and a radially enlarged portion extending radially beyond said diameter, and said fuel metering chamber is provided with a lip seal, such that in said closed position a non-sealing relationship is provided defining a fuel passage between said stem and said seal, and in said open position a sealing relationship is defined between said radially enlarged portion and said seal;
• said housing encloses a separate flexible fuel container, wherein the flow of fluid out the outlet of the fuel cell is solely from said separate fuel container.