US 7,918,374 B2 · Portable fastener driving device

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.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A nailer or stapler device comprising:

a solenoid;
a fastener striker in operational communication with the solenoid;
a flash capacitor in operational communication with the solenoid, the capacitor operating at 400 or more microfarads and having a charging capacity of at least approximately 180 volts;
and,
a control circuit in operational communication with the flash capacitor, the circuit configured to both substantially charge the flash capacitor by at least 180 volts from a direct current battery and substantially discharge the capacitor within approximately 3 seconds or less, the battery having a charging capacity of at least approximately 12 volts,
the control circuit including a high voltage generation circuit having a transformer for converting the voltage supplied by the battery to a higher voltage for charging the flash capacitor and a microcontroller configured to control both the operation of the high voltage generation circuit and the charging of the flash capacitor.

3 more elements

A method of discharging a fastener from a nailer or stapler device, the method comprising:

providing a fastener-discharging device having a solenoid, a flash capacitor, a direct current battery, and a control circuit having a microcontroller, the flash capacitor operating at 400 or more microfarads and having a charging capacity of at least 180 volts and the battery having a charging capacity of at least approximately 12 volts;
charging the capacitor within approximately 3 seconds or less from the direct current battery to a desired charge of at least approximately 180 volts, the charging occurring by way of a high voltage generation circuit of the control circuit, the control circuit also including a microcontroller configured to control operation of the high voltage generation circuit, and to monitor and maintain the desired voltage of the capacitor after the capacitor has been charged to the desired voltage and before discharging the capacitor for firing the solenoid;
and,
discharging the capacitor to operate a solenoid, the solenoid thereby driving a striker to discharge a fastener, the steps of charging and discharging the flash capacitor being performed within a total of 3 seconds or less.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Portable fastener driving device

Life of this patent

Portable fastener driving device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23