Apparatus and method for restricting the discharge of fasteners from a tool
US6471106B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25C1/008
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for discharging fastening elements, and a method of preventing a device from discharging fastening devices into human flesh, are disclosed. The device includes a coil proximate a location of discharge, a capacitive element coupled in parallel with the conductive coil to form a resonant tank circuit, an oscillator that drives the tank circuit, a frequency detector, an amplitude control circuit and a processor. The detector detects a frequency of oscillation of the tank circuit as affected by a material proximate the coil. In response to an electrical signal from the oscillator, the control circuit generates a control signal that is provided back to the oscillator. Based upon the frequency and an additional signal functionally related to the control signal, the processor provides an output signal that prevents the device from discharging when the material proximate the coil is human flesh.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.