Lifter for fastener driving tools

Abstract

A rotary-linear lifter for a fastener driving tool is provided having independently movable lifter pins that lift a driver having a driver lug during a lifting stroke. The lifter includes a central lifter shaft that rotates during the lifting stroke, an actuating solenoid, a plurality of lifter pins, and a lifter base. When the solenoid is actuated, the lifter pins protrude from the top of the lifter base, and when the solenoid is not actuated, the lifter pins retract inside the lifter base. Each lifter pin has a set of forward and rearward springs that allow the pin to move longitudinally along the lifter's axis of rotation. If there is interference during the lifting stroke, the individual lifter pin is blocked and will remain mostly inside the lifter base until the lifter rotates the affected pin away from the interference. The lifter pin will then protrude again from the lifter base and be ready to engage with a driver lug.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 331,993, entitled "LIFTER FOR FASTENER DRIVING TOOL", filed April 18, 2022, and Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 451,949, entitled "LIFTER FOR FASTENER DRIVING TOOL", filed March 14, 2023. [Technical field]

[0002] The technology disclosed herein relates generally to fastener driving tools and is directed in particular to a gas spring fastener driving tool that uses a rotary-linear lifter. Embodiments are specifically disclosed as a lifter for a fastener driving tool having a plurality of independently movable lifter pins housed in a lifter base, a lifter shaft, and a solenoid for actuating the lifter pins during a lifting stroke.

[0003] The rotary-linear lifter includes a lifter base that houses a shuttle subassembly. The shuttle subassembly includes a plurality of lifter pins, each having a front and rear spring set, an integral shuttle base, and a plurality of retainers. The shuttle subassembly allows each lifter pin to have independent movement due to the configuration of the front and rear spring sets. The integral shuttle base and the plurality of retainers secure the lifter pins to the inside of the lifter base, and a lifter cover plate is attached to the lifter base with a plurality of fasteners.

[0004] The rotary-linear lifter also includes a central lifter shaft, a shuttle return spring, a solenoid plunger, and a solenoid. During a lift stroke, the solenoid is activated and the plunger pushes the lifter cover plate toward the lifter base, compressing the shuttle return spring. This action momentarily slightly compresses the rear spring of the lifter pin, causing the lifter pin to protrude or extend from the top of the lifter base. In this extended position, the lifter pin can "catch" and "lift" the driver lug of the driver as the rotary-linear lifter rotates the lifter pin.

[0005] If an interference condition (including jamming) occurs during a lifting stroke where one or more of the driver projections interfere with the typical extension of one or more lifter pins, the affected lifter pin will not extend and will remain inside the lifter base in a mostly blocked position. This is possible because the rear spring of the affected lifter pin may remain compressed in the interference position. As the rotary-linear lifter continues to rotate during the lifting stroke, the interference for that pin will be cleared and the condition will automatically clear as the force of the plunger pushing against the rear spring will cause the lifter pin to extend from the lifter base.

[0006] At the end of the lifting stroke, the individual lifter pin holding the driver in its ready position remains extended due to physical contact with the driver lug, which imposes a significant externally applied driver load force from the physical contact, overcoming the "pull back" load force imposed by the rear spring of that pin. The other extended lifter pin is retracted into the lifter base by the shuttle spring as the plunger returns to its original position. This orientation of the lifter pins remains such until the next drive stroke occurs. Once the next drive stroke is initiated, the entire lifter subassembly begins to rotate, causing its driver lug to "drop" off the extended lifter pin. The extended lifter pin is then retracted by its individual forward spring. The lifter subassembly is ready to complete its drive stroke and then position itself for the next lifting stroke.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the lifter pins may be of multi-piece construction, with each lifter pin including an outer spring and an inner spring. The lifter pins are located on a shuttle on a central lifter shaft and in a lifter base. During a lifting stroke, a solenoid is engaged, which momentarily compresses the inner spring, causing the lifter pin to extend from the lifter base. If there is interference from one of the driver lugs of the driver, the inner spring is compressed such that the majority of the affected lifter pin remains inside the lifter base in a blocked position. Once the interference is cleared, the affected lifter pin extends as the inner spring decompresses.

[0008] At the end of the lifting stroke, the individual lifter pin that holds the driver in its ready position remains extended due to its physical contact with the driver lug, which imposes a significant externally applied driver load force from that physical contact. The other extended lifter pin is retracted into the lifter base by an external spring as the plunger returns to its original position. This orientation of the lifter pins remains such until the next drive stroke occurs. Once the next drive stroke is initiated, the entire lifter subassembly begins to rotate causing its driver lug to "drop" off the extended lifter pin. The extended lifter pin is then retracted by its individual external spring. The lifter subassembly is ready to complete its drive stroke and then position itself for the next lifting stroke.

[0009] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT none. [Background technology]

[0010] Fastener driving tools for driving nails or staples are common. Typically, some types of tools use a built-in source of pressurized gas to drive the nail or staple into a workpiece. The tools are typically hoseless, with no external source of pressurized gas, and typically include a rotary-linear lifter that lifts the driver blade during the return stroke.

[0011] A common problem with these types of tools is that if a jam condition occurs, the driver blade can break off, potentially causing injury to the tool or the human user. To clear the jam, the tool must typically be opened without causing further harm to the tool or the human user. Summary of the Invention

[0012] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a rotary-linear lifter for a hoseless fastener driving tool in which multiple lifter pins are each capable of independent movement during a portion of the lifting stroke and during the initial stage of the driving stroke.

[0013] Another advantage is to provide a rotary-linear lifter for a hoseless fastener driving tool in which multiple lifter pins are each capable of independent longitudinal movement relative to the lifter's axis of rotation.

[0014] Yet another advantage is to provide a rotary-linear lifter for a hoseless fastener driving tool in which multiple lifter pins each include a set of forward springs and a set of rearward springs, thereby allowing individual movement of each lifter pin with mechanical bias as needed to lift the driver to accomplish a lifting stroke, or to overcome a jammed condition or move to a non-interfering position to perform a driving stroke.

[0015] Yet another advantage is to provide a rotary-linear lifter for a hoseless fastener driving tool in which multiple lifter pins each include an external spring set and an internal spring set, thereby allowing individual movement of each lifter pin with mechanical bias as needed to lift the driver to accomplish a lifting stroke, or to overcome a jammed condition or move to a non-interfering position to perform a driving stroke.

[0016] Additional advantages and other novel features will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the techniques disclosed herein.

[0017] To achieve these and other advantages, according to one aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool includes a lifter shaft including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft; a lifter assembly, the lifter assembly including: a first cover disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a second cover disposed proximate a solenoid, the second cover having a second plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the second cover; and a second cover disposed proximate a solenoid, the second cover having a second plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover. and a lifter assembly including at least one return spring in mechanical communication with at least one of the covers, and a plurality of lifter pins seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the lifter comprising: (i) a first plurality of lifter pin springs mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis through at least one of the first plurality of openings to an extended position for a lifting stroke by the lifter assembly; and (ii) a second plurality of lifter pin springs mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis through at least one of the first plurality of openings to an extended position opposite the extended position for a driving stroke by the lifter assembly.

[0018] According to another aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool is provided, the lifter shaft including a first end and a second end, the lifter shaft having a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft; and a lifter assembly, the first holder disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first holder having a first plurality of openings, the first plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern; and a second holder disposed proximate the linear actuator. the second holder having a second plurality of openings, the second plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern, a lifter shaft in mechanical communication with at least one of the first holder and the second holder; at least one return spring providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with the linear actuator and at least one of the second holder; a plurality of lifter pins seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a linear actuator for moving each of the lifter pins in a longitudinal direction. a lifter assembly including a plurality of lifter pin springs biasing in a direction substantially parallel to the adjoining axis, each of the lifter pins (i) being mechanically biased to move through one of a first plurality of openings to an extended position for a lifting stroke by the lifter assembly, and (ii) being mechanically biased to move to a retracted position for a driving stroke by the lifter assembly, and (iii) each of the plurality of lifter pins being movable to a blocking position at an initial stage of a lifting stroke; and a driver having a path of movement substantially perpendicular to a lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of protrusions along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver, the lifter pins in the extended position being positioned in physical contact with the driver protrusions to move the driver toward a ready position as the lifter assembly rotates, wherein (a) when no interference condition exists between the driver and any of the lifter pins that are properly aligned, each of the plurality of lifter pins is moved to the extended position at an initial stage of a lifting stroke.or (b) a lifter is provided in which, if an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the lifter pins, at a beginning stage of a lifting stroke, at least one of the lifter pins exhibits independent movement and is moved to a blocking position, in which at least one of the lifter pins does not move fully to an extended position.

[0019] According to yet another aspect, a method for lifting a driver for use with a fastener driving tool includes the steps of providing a lifter shaft including a first end and a second end, the lifter shaft having a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; providing a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft; and providing a lifter assembly, the lifter assembly including a first holder disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first holder having a first plurality of openings, the first holder having a first plurality of openings, the first plurality of openings being spaced apart from the first plurality of openings. the openings being arranged in a circular pattern; a second holder disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the second holder having a second plurality of openings, the second plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern; a lifter shaft in mechanical communication with at least one of the first holder and the second holder; at least one return spring providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second holder; a lifter assembly including a plurality of lifter pins seated within the plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of lifter pin springs biasing each of the lifter pins in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, each of the lifter pins (i) biasing at least one of the lifter pins to move to an extended position through one of the first plurality of openings for a lifting stroke by the lifter assembly, (ii) biasing at least one of the lifter pins to move to a retracted position for a driving stroke by the lifter assembly, and (iii) biasing an individual of the plurality of lifter pins to move to a blocked position only partially extended if any of the individual lifter pins of the plurality of lifter pins is blocked due to an interference condition during a start phase of a lifting stroke; and providing a driver having a path of movement substantially perpendicular to the lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of protrusions along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver, whereby the lifter pins in the extended position areand preparing a driver in physical contact with the driver protrusion for moving the driver toward a ready position as the lifter assembly rotates, the method comprising: (a) moving each of the plurality of lifter pins to an extended position at an initiation stage of a lifting stroke if no interference condition exists between a properly aligned driver and any of the lifter pins, or (b) allowing at least one of the lifter pins to exhibit independent movement at an initiation stage of a lifting stroke if an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the lifter pins, thereby moving the independently movable lifter pins to a blocked position where they are only partially extended.

[0020] According to yet another aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool includes a lifter shaft including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, a solenoid disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft and including a moveable plunger, and a lifter assembly including a hollow barrel having a first cover disposed proximate a second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the first cover, a second cover disposed proximate the solenoid, the second cover having a second plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover, and a second cover seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A lifter assembly is provided, the lifter assembly including a plurality of lifter pins; and a movable shuttle subassembly including a shuttle base that substantially houses the plurality of lifter pins and a return spring that provides a force in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and is in mechanical communication with at least one of the plunger and the shuttle base, wherein during a lifting stroke, a solenoid is actuated, the plunger is pushed toward the second end and the return spring is compressed toward the second end, causing at least a majority of the plurality of lifter pins to protrude from a first plurality of openings in the first cover, and during a driving stroke, the solenoid is not actuated, the plunger is moved by the return spring to a position more proximal to the first end, and the plurality of lifter pins are substantially housed inside the hollow barrel so as not to interfere with the driving stroke.

[0021] According to a further aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool includes a rotatable lifter shaft including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft; a rotatable lifter assembly, the rotatable lifter assembly including a first cover disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a movable second cover disposed proximate the linear actuator, the second cover including a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; and a movable second cover disposed proximate the linear actuator, the second cover providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft. a rotatable lifter assembly including: at least one return spring in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second cover; a plurality of lifter pins mounted within a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis; a first plurality of lifter pin springs mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis through at least one of the first plurality of openings to an extended position for a lifting stroke by the lifter assembly; and a second plurality of lifter pin springs mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis through at least one of the first plurality of openings to an extended position for a driving stroke by the lifter assembly.

[0022] According to yet a further aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool includes a rotatable lifter shaft including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft, and a rotatable lifter assembly including a first cover disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the first cover, and a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft. a movable second cover disposed proximate the actuator, the second cover including a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; at least one return spring providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second cover; and a linear actuator mounted within the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings and extending in a longitudinal direction. and a driver having a path of movement substantially perpendicular to the lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of protrusions along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver, whereby the plurality of lifter pins in the extended position are in physical contact with the driver protrusions such that the driver moves the driver toward the ready position as the lifter assembly rotates, wherein: (a) if there is no interference condition between a properly aligned driver and any of the plurality of lifter pins, at the start of a lifting stroke, the plurality of lifter pins are each moved to their extended positions; or (b) if there is an interference condition between a misaligned driver and at least one of the plurality of lifter pins, at the start of a lifting stroke, at least one of the plurality of lifter pins exhibits independent movement and is moved to a blocking position, in which at least one of the plurality of lifter pins does not move fully to the extended position.

[0023] According to yet a further aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool includes a lifter shaft including a first end and a second end, the lifter shaft having a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft; a rotatable lifter subassembly including a holder disposed proximal to the linear actuator, the holder having a second plurality of openings; at least one guide disposed proximal to the holder, the at least one guide having a first plurality of openings; and A lifter is provided that includes a rotatable lifter subassembly including at least one return spring providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lifter, a plurality of lifter pins seated within a second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of lifter pin springs biasing each of the lifter pins in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a driver having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to the lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of driver protrusions along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver, the driver being disposed proximal to the rotatable lifter subassembly.

[0024] According to an additional aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool is provided, the lifter comprising: a lifter shaft including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft; and a rotatable lifter subassembly including: a holder disposed proximate the linear actuator, the holder having a second plurality of openings; at least one guide disposed proximate the holder, the at least one guide having a first plurality of openings; at least one return spring providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft; and a plurality of lifter pins seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] According to another additional aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool includes a lifter shaft including a first end and a second end, the lifter shaft having a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft; a lifter subassembly including a guide disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the guide having a first plurality of openings, the first plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern; and a holder disposed proximate the linear actuator, the holder being configured to a holder having a second plurality of openings, the second plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern, a lifter shaft in mechanical communication with at least one of the first holder and the holder; at least one return spring providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the holder; a plurality of lifter pins seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a biasing mechanism for biasing each of the lifter pins in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. a lifter subassembly including: a plurality of lifter pin springs, each of the lifter pins (i) being mechanically biased to move through one of the first plurality of openings to an extended position for a lifting stroke by the lifter subassembly, and (ii) being mechanically biased to move to a retracted position for a driving stroke by the lifter subassembly, and (iii) each of the plurality of lifter pins can be moved to a blocking position at an initial stage of the lifting stroke; and a driver having a path of movement substantially perpendicular to a lifter shaft longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of protrusions along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver, the lifter pins in the extended position being positioned in physical contact with the driver protrusions to move the driver toward a ready position as the lifter subassembly rotates; wherein (a) when an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the lifter pins, at an initial stage of the lifting stroke, at least one of the plurality of lifter pins exhibits independent movement;A lifter is provided that does not move fully to an extended position, but instead moves to a blocking position, and (b) at least one of the plurality of lifter pins in the blocking position can continue to move along a surface of the driver as the lifter subassembly rotates until it reaches an unblocking position, at which point at least one of the plurality of lifter pins contacts at least one of the plurality of protrusions of the driver and begins to push the driver into a lifting stroke.

[0026] According to yet another additional aspect, a lifter for a fastener driving tool includes a rotatable lifter shaft including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, a linear actuator disposed proximate the first end of the lifter shaft, a rotatable lifter subassembly, the rotatable lifter subassembly including: a first cover disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a movable second cover disposed proximate the linear actuator, the second cover including a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; and a rotatable lifter subassembly including: at least one return spring; a plurality of lifter pins mounted within a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis; and a driver having a path of movement substantially perpendicular to the lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of protrusions along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver such that the plurality of lifter pins in an extended position are in physical contact with the driver protrusions to move the driver toward a ready position as the lifter subassembly rotates, wherein at the end of a lifting stroke, one of the plurality of lifter pins is held in the extended position by being in physical contact with one of the plurality of protrusions of the driver and holding the driver until a new driving stroke is initiated, and at the end of the lifting stroke, other of the plurality of lifter pins are moved to a retracted position to unobstruct the driver for a new driving stroke.

[0027] Further advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and drawings, in which a preferred embodiment in one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present technology is described and shown. As will be understood, the technology disclosed herein is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects, all without departing from its principles. Thus, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the technology disclosed herein and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a right perspective view of a first embodiment of a rotary-linear lifter for a fastener driving tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein;

[0030] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the lifter of FIG. 1 with the lifter pins unextended.

[0031] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the lifter of FIG. 1 with the lifter pins extended.

[0032] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lifter of FIG.

[0033] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shuttle subassembly of the lifter of FIG. 1.

[0034] [Figure 6-A] 2 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 1 in a ready position at the end of the lifting stroke, with a single lifter pin holding the driver.

[0035] [Figure 6-B] FIG. 6-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 6-A.

[0036] [Figure 6-C] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 6-A.

[0037] [Figure 7-A] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 1 in position (with the lifter rotating) when the driver has dropped off the pin and is ready to drive the fastener.

[0038] [Figure 7-B] FIG. 7-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 7-A.

[0039] [Figure 7-C] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 7-A.

[0040] [Figure 8-A] 2 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 1 at the beginning of the driving stroke.

[0041] [Figure 8-B] FIG. 8-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 8-A.

[0042] [Figure 8-C] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 8-A.

[0043] [Figure 9-A] 2 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 1 at the end of the driving stroke.

[0044] [Figure 9-B] FIG. 9-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 9-A.

[0045] [Figure 9-C]FIG. 9-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 9-A.

[0046] [Figure 10-A] 2 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 1 with the driver intervening at the start of the lifting stroke. FIG.

[0047] [Figure 10-B] FIG. 10-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 10-A.

[0048] [Figure 10-C] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 10-A.

[0049] [Figure 11-A] 2 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 1 after the driver has cleared interference at the start of the lifting stroke. FIG.

[0050] [Figure 11-B] FIG. 11-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG.

[0051] [Figure 11-C] FIG. 11-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of FIG.

[0052] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lifter of FIG.

[0053] [Figure 13] 13 is a cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13, with a single lifter pin holding the driver.

[0054] [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lifter of FIG.

[0055] [Figure 15]15 is a cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 with a single lifter pin blocked due to interference with a driver and the other lifter pin extended.

[0056] [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lifter of FIG.

[0057] [Figure 17] 17 is a cutaway view along line 17-17 of the lifter of FIG. 16 with all of the lifter pins extended and ready to begin the lifting stroke.

[0058] [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lifter of FIG.

[0059] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cutaway view along line 19-19 of the lifter of FIG. 18 with all lifter pins retracted.

[0060] [Figure 20] 1 is a right perspective view of a first alternative embodiment (or "second embodiment") rotary-linear lifter for a fastener driving tool, constructed in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein; FIG.

[0061] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with the lifter pins not extended.

[0062] [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with the lifter pins extended.

[0063] [Diagram 23] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the first alternative embodiment lifter of FIG. 20.

[0064] [Figure 24] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of one of the lifter pin subassemblies of the first alternative embodiment lifter of FIG. 20.

[0065] [Figure 25-A] 21 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 20, with the driver intervening at the start of the lifting stroke.

[0066] [Figure 25-B] FIG. 25-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 25-A.

[0067] [Fig. 25-C] FIG. 25-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 25-A.

[0068] [Figure 26-A] 21 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 20 after clearance of the driver at the start of the lifting stroke.

[0069] [Figure 26-B] FIG. 26-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 26-A.

[0070] [Fig. 26-C] FIG. 26-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 26-A.

[0071] [Figure 27-A] 21 is a front elevation view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 20 in a ready position at the end of the lifting stroke, with a single lifter pin holding the driver. FIG.

[0072] [Figure 27-B] FIG. 27-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 27-A.

[0073] [Figure 27-C] FIG. 27-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 27-A.

[0074] [Figure 28-A] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 20 in position (with the lifter rotating) when the driver has dropped off the pin and is ready to drive the fastener.

[0075] [Figure 28-B] FIG. 28-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 28-A.

[0076] [Fig. 28-C] FIG. 28-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 28-A.

[0077] [Figure 29-A] 21 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 20 at the beginning of the driving stroke.

[0078] [Figure 29-B] FIG. 29-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 29-A.

[0079] [Figure 29-C] FIG. 29-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 29-A.

[0080] [Figure 30-A] 21 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 20 at the end of the driving stroke.

[0081] [Figure 30-B] FIG. 30-B is a left side elevational view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 30-A.

[0082] [Fig. 30-C] FIG. 30-B is a perspective view of the driver and lifter of the first alternative embodiment of FIG. 30-A.

[0083] [Figure 31-A]FIG. 21 is a right side view of one of the lifter pins of the first alternative embodiment lifter of FIG. 20 with the lifter pin retracted.

[0084] [Figure 31-B] FIG. 31-B is a top view of one of the lifter pins of the first alternative embodiment lifter of FIG. 31-A.

[0085] [Fig. 31-C] FIG. 31-C is a cutaway view along line 31-31 of the lifter of FIG. 31-B with the lifter pins retracted.

[0086] [Figure 32-A] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the lifter pins of the first alternative embodiment lifter of FIG. 20 with the lifter pins extended.

[0087] [Fig. 32-B] FIG. 32-B is a top view of a lifter pin of the first alternative embodiment lifter of FIG. 32-A.

[0088] [Fig. 32-C] FIG. 32-C is a cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 32-B along line 32-32, with the lifter pins extended.

[0089] [Diagram 33] 21 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with a single lifter pin blocked due to interference with at least one driver prong (not shown).

[0090] [Diagram 34] FIG. 21 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with all lifter pins extended.

[0091] [Diagram 35] FIG. 21 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with a single lifter pin extended and holding a driver.

[0092] [Diagram 36]FIG. 21 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with all lifter pins retracted.

[0093] [Figure 37-A] FIG. 21 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with the lifter in a retracted position and without the lifter pin.

[0094] [Fig. 37-B] FIG. 21 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 20 with the lifter in an extended position and without the lifter pin.

[0095] [Figure 38] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the plunger, shuttle, and snap ring portions of the lifter of FIG. 20.

[0096] [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of the area of ​​line 39-39 in FIG. 38.

[0097] [Diagram 40] 21 is an exploded view of a single lifter pin subassembly of the first alternative embodiment lifter of FIG. 20, along with an assembly view of the entire lifter pin subassembly including the shuttle.

[0098] [Diagram 41] 2 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 1 in an extended position without the lifter pin, spring, and solenoid.

[0099] [Diagram 42] 2 is a right-side cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 1 in a retracted position without the lifter pin, spring, and solenoid.

[0100] [Diagram 43] 1 is an exploded view of a second alternative embodiment (or "third embodiment") rotary-linear lifter for a fastener driving tool, constructed in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein.

[0101] [Figure 44A]FIG. 44 is a right side view of the lifter of FIG. 43 with the lifter pins extended.

[0102] [Figure 44B] 44B is a cutaway view of the lifter of FIG. 44A along line 44B-44B, with the lifter pins extended.

[0103] [Figure 45A] FIG. 44 is a rear view of the lifter of FIG. 43.

[0104] [Figure 45B] FIG. 45B is a cutaway side view of the lifter of FIG. 45A along line 45B-45B, with the lifter pins extended.

[0105] [Diagram 46] FIG. 44 is an exploded view of the shuttle subassembly of FIG.

[0106] [Figure 47A] FIG. 44 is a front view of the shuttle subassembly of FIG.

[0107] [Figure 47B] FIG. 47B is a cutaway side view taken along line 47B-47B of FIG. 47A with the lifter pins extended.

[0108] [Figure 47C] FIG. 47C is a cutaway side view taken along line 47C-47C of FIG. 47A with the lifter pins extended.

[0109] [Figure 48] FIG. 44 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 43 in a ready position at the end of the lifting stroke, with a single lifter pin holding the driver.

[0110] [Figure 48A] FIG. 48 is a cutaway side view taken along line 48A-48A of FIG.

[0111] [Figure 48B]FIG. 48 is a cutaway bottom plan view taken along line 48B-48B of FIG.

[0112] [Figure 48C] FIG. 48 is a cutaway side view taken along line 48C-48C of FIG.

[0113] [Figure 49] FIG. 44 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 43 at the end of the driving stroke.

[0114] [Figure 49A] FIG. 49 is a cutaway side view taken along line 49A-49A of FIG.

[0115] [Figure 49B] FIG. 49 is a cutaway side view taken along line 49B-49B of FIG.

[0116] [Figure 50] FIG. 44 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 43, with the driver intervening at the start of the lifting stroke.

[0117] [Figure 50A] FIG. 50 is a cutaway side view taken along line 50A-50A of FIG.

[0118] [Figure 50B] FIG. 50 is a cutaway bottom plan view taken along line 50B-50B of FIG.

[0119] [Figure 50C] FIG. 50 is a cutaway side view taken along line 50C-50C of FIG.

[0120] [Figure 51] FIG. 44 is a front elevational view of the driver and lifter of FIG. 43 after the driver has been cleared from interference at the start of the lifting stroke.

[0121] [Figure 51A] FIG. 51 is a cutaway side view taken along line 51A-51A of FIG.

[0122] [Figure 51B] FIG. 51 is a cutaway side view taken along line 51B-51B of FIG.

[0123] [Figure 52] FIG. 44 is an exploded view of the plunger, solenoid, and lifter shaft of the lifter of FIG. 43, showing the internal flats of the plunger.

[0124] [Figure 53] FIG. 44 is an exploded view of the lifter of FIG. 43 showing the inner flat portion of the plunger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0125] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to the same elements throughout.

[0126] It is to be understood that the technology disclosed herein is not limited in its application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology disclosed herein is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms "connected," "coupled," or "mounted," and variations thereof, herein are used broadly and include direct and indirect connections, couplings, or attachments. Moreover, the terms "connected" or "coupled," and variations thereof, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, the term "in communication with" or "in communication with" refers to two distinct physical or virtual elements passing signals or information between each other in some manner, whether the signal or information transmission is direct or whether there are additional physical or virtual elements between them that are also involved in the transmission of the signal or information. Furthermore, the term "in communication with" can also refer to a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic system in which one end of the "communication" (the "first end") can be the "cause" of some kinetic force (mechanical movement, or hydraulic or pneumatic change of state) that occurs, and the other end of the "communication" (the "second end") can be "affected" by that movement / change of state, regardless of whether there are intermediate components between the "first end" and the "second end."If a product has moving parts that depend on magnetic fields or detects changes in magnetic fields in some way, or if data is passed from one electronic device to another through the use of magnetic fields, then the situations can be referred to as being in "magnetic communication" with each other, where one end of the "communication" can induce a magnetic field and the other end can receive and be acted upon (or otherwise affected) by that magnetic field.

[0127] The terms "first" or "second" preceding an element name, e.g., first inlet, second inlet, etc., are used for distinguishing purposes to distinguish among similar or related elements, results, or concepts and are not necessarily intended to denote order, nor are the terms "first" or "second" intended to exclude the inclusion of additional similar or related elements, results, or concepts, unless otherwise indicated.

[0128] First embodiment

[0129] Referring now to FIG. 1, a lifter subassembly ("S / A") for a fastener driving tool is generally designated by the reference numeral 70, with the lifter S / A being a rotary-linear lifter. A lifter shaft 79 and power transmission subassembly (not shown) rotate the lifter S / A 70. A lifter base 74 is preferably a hollow cylinder or barrel, and is attached to a lifter end plate 71 (sometimes referred to herein as a "first cover" or simply a "guide") that is attached to the lifter shaft 79, and covers a shuttle subassembly ("S / A") 150 (see FIG. 4), sometimes referred to herein as a "lifter extension subassembly." It will be understood that the lifter base 74 and the lifter end plate / guide 71 can be formed as a single piece, if desired. It will be understood that the lifter of FIG. 1 is designed to operate as part of a fastener driving tool, and that the lifter is part of a machine, sometimes referred to herein as a "fastener driving machine."

[0130] A lifter base 74 is proximal to the second end of the lifter shaft 79. A lifter end plate 71 ("guide") has a number of through holes 139 proximal to the periphery of the lifter base (i.e., near the outer periphery of the end plate / guide 71) and a central opening 180 for the lifter shaft 79. In this view, the lifter S / A 70 is shown on the side closest to the driver (or "driver blade") 62 (not shown in this view). A solenoid 75 is also attached to the lifter shaft 79 distal from the driver 62. The driver 62 has a number of protrusions or teeth 66 (see FIG. 6-A).

[0131] A solenoid 75 is used to actuate a number of lifter pins or extensions 72 during the return stroke of the driver 62. FIG. 2 shows the lifter pins 72 in a "retracted" state, which is typically used for the driving stroke of the tool. In the retracted state, the face of the lifter pins 72 is nominally flush with the face of the end plate / guide 71 and is substantially contained within the lifter base 74 (i.e., hollow barrel). FIG. 3 shows the lifter pins 72 in an "extended" state, which is where the lifter pins 72 extend past a number of through holes 139. The extended state is typically used for the return stroke.

[0132] 2, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a retracted condition. In FIG. 2, solenoid 75 is not actuated and lifter pin 72 is in a retracted position with the face of the lifter pin nominally flush with the face of end plate / guide 71. Lifter pin 72 is visible between lifter first cover ("guide") 71 and solenoid 75. Lower solenoid plunger portion 166 is shown "below" solenoid 75 (in this view).

[0133] 3, the lifter S / A 70 is shown in an extended state. In FIG. 3, the solenoid 75 is actuated, causing the lifter pins 72 to protrude from the top of the lifter base (at the end plate or "guide" 71). In this extended state, the lifter pins 72 can interfere with the driver lugs 66 (not shown in this view). During the return stroke (or lifting stroke), the lifter S / A 70 rotates radially with the lifter shaft 79 (i.e., the lifter S / A 70 rotates about the longitudinal axis 185 of the lifter shaft 79). This action rotates the lifter pins 72 so that each lifter pin can "grab and lift" an individual driver lug or tooth 66 (not shown in this view).

[0134] In some embodiments, the lifter S / A 70 rotates approximately 1.5 revolutions to fully lift the driver 62 back to the "ready position" where the tool is ready to drive another fastener into the workpiece. The lifter S / A is intended to rotate only as far as necessary to fully complete the lifting stroke (as will be further described below). The lower plunger portion 166 is pushed "upward" (to the right in this view) by the solenoid 75, thereby pushing the lifter pins 72 into a protruding or extended position from the lifter's first cover ("guide") 71. Note that while in FIG. 3 all of the lifter pins 72 are extended, in some circumstances one or two of the lifter pins may be blocked by mechanical interference, as described below. However, in a properly operating tool, in all cases at least the majority of the lifter pins are extended during the initial phase of the lifting stroke.

[0135] 4, lifter S / A 70 is shown in an exploded view. Shown is shuttle S / A 150, which includes multiple lifter extensions 72. Shuttle S / A 150 acts as a "holder" for the lifter pins and is mounted inside lifter base 74 at opening 182. One-piece shuttle base 152 (sometimes referred to herein as "multiple lifter pin housings") partially houses lifter extensions 72 and more closely "holds" the lifter pins. Shuttle return spring 154 (or "return spring") is mounted inside the open center portion of shuttle base 152, above lifter shaft 79. Note: shuttle base 152 is part of shuttle S / A 150, and together this structure acts as a "holder" for the lifter pins.

[0136] The lifter shaft 79 has a flat portion 158, a keyway 73, first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis 185 extending between the first and second ends. A key 135 fits into the keyway 73. A plurality of snap rings 156 are mounted on the lifter shaft 79 proximate the flat portion 158. A lifter cover plate 76 (sometimes referred to herein as a "second cover" or a "second holder" or simply a "pusher") is mounted on the lifter shaft 79 and attached to the lifter base 74. The lifter cover plate / pusher 76 is proximal to the solenoid 75. The lifter cover plate / pusher 76 has a central opening 186 and a plurality of spaced apart through holes 160 proximate the periphery of the lifter cover plate, and the lifter pins 72 are secured within the through holes. A pair of locating pins 162 locate the lifter cover plate / pusher 76 relative to the lifter base 74 so that the lifter cover plate rotates with the lifter base. It will be appreciated that the lifter base 74 and the lifter cover plate ("pusher") 76 can be formed as a unitary piece if desired.

[0137] The lifter first cover / guide 71 and lifter cover plate / pusher 76 function as a "guide" and a "holder / pusher" for the lifter pins 72, respectively. The through holes 139 and 160 are sometimes referred to herein as "apertures" and in this illustrated embodiment, these apertures are arranged in a circular pattern as seen in an end or front view such as FIG. 6-A or FIG. 12, with the aperture 160 in the same position as the lifter pins 72 in that view. Another way to explain the use of these apertures is that the lifter pins are seated within the aperture (153) of one of the holders, and the lifter pins are movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft 79. Additionally, the aperture 160 of the (second) holder (or "pusher") 76 is aligned with the aperture 139 of the other (first) holder (or "guide") 71.

[0138] As mentioned above, the shuttle base 152 functions as a "holder" for the lifter pins 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the "holder" 152 has six openings 153 that slidably hold six lifter pins 72. In other words, the lifter pins 152 can be linearly displaced while being "held" by the openings 153 of the holder.

[0139] The lower solenoid plunger portion 166 and the upper solenoid plunger portion 168 comprise a "two-piece plunger" in the illustrated embodiment. The lower plunger portion 166 and the upper plunger portion 168 are preferably constructed from a magnetically susceptible material (e.g., steel, etc.). The lower plunger portion 166 has a central opening 188 with a notch or slot 137 that seats over the key 135, and when fully assembled, the lifter S / A 70 rotates with the lifter shaft 79. (Note: the solenoid 75 does not spin.) A snap ring 164 seats on the upper plunger portion 168. A number of fasteners 170 secure the lifter cover plate / pusher 76 (at the first cover / guide 71) to the lifter base 74, thereby securing and receiving the shuttle S / A ("holder") 150. The solenoid 75 has a central opening 190 that accommodates the two-part plungers 166, 168 as well as the lifter shaft 79, with the solenoid 75 proximal to a first end of the lifter shaft 79. It will be understood that the so-called two-part plungers 166, 168 may be made of one-piece construction and therefore may be referred to herein by a single reference number 167.

[0140] 5, shuttle S / A ("holder") 150 is shown in an exploded view. A number of forward springs 174 mount to the lifter pin 72 proximal to the shuttle base / holder 152. A number of rearward springs 176 mount to the lifter pin 72 proximal to the lifter cover plate ("pusher") 76 (not shown in this view). The forward springs 174 and rearward springs 176 are each constrained to one side or the other of the lifter pin 72 by a number of snap rings 172. A number of spring retainers 178 mount on the lifter pin 72 proximal to the rearward springs 176 and are attached to the shuttle base / holder 152. The shuttle base / holder 152 has a central opening 184 for the plunger 167.

[0141] The shuttle S / A 150 ("holder") is designed to allow all individual lifter pins 72 to exhibit individual movement in a direction that moves parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft 79. Additionally, the lifter pins 72 are individually rotatable. Through the use of the front spring 174 and the rear spring 176, each lifter pin 72 can be extended and retracted individually and as a group. During the drive stroke, the solenoid 75 is not actuated, which means that the plunger 167 is not actuated (see Figures 2 and 42). Because the plunger 167 is not actuated, the shuttle return spring 154 is decompressed (see Figure 42). Thus, the shuttle return spring 154 pushes the shuttle subassembly ("holder") 150 to the right (in this view), so that the lifter pins 72 are retracted and their faces are nominally flush with the face of the lifter end plate (or "guide") 71. In other words, the lifter pins 72 do not interfere with the driver 62 and driver teeth 66 during the driving stroke.

[0142] However, during the lifting stroke (or return stroke), the solenoid 75 is actuated. The solenoid 75 pushes the plunger 167 "upwards", thereby compressing the shuttle return spring 154, which in turn pushes the shuttle S / A ("holder") 150 towards the lifter end plate / guide 71. The movement of the shuttle S / A 150 ("holder") causes the snap ring 172 to be pushed rearward by the spring 174, and the lifter pin 72 is typically moved past the lifter end plate (or "guide") 71 and protrudes beyond it.

[0143] On a typical return stroke, the protruding lifter pins 72 rotate with the lifter S / A 70, "catching" the individual driver teeth 66 and quickly pushing the driver 62 to the ready position. However, in some cases, a mechanical interference condition (such as a jam) may occur in which the driver teeth 66 may interfere with the lifter pins 72. A typical jam condition is one in which the fastener is misaligned or improperly driven into the workpiece. Another typical interference condition may occur after the drive stroke, in which one or more of the driver teeth 66 simply cover one or more of the lifter pins 72 due to misalignment of the driver, such as can occur when the piston stop of the tool is sufficiently worn.

[0144] In a jammed condition, for example, the individual movement exhibited by each lifter pin 72 helps to alleviate the condition. In a typical jammed condition, one or more driver teeth 66 may remain covering or partially covering one or more lifter pins 72. Individual lifter pins 72 that are not covered by a driver protrusion 66 protrude from the lifter end plate (or "guide") 71, as described above. Individual lifter pins 72 that are covered or partially covered by a driver protrusion 66 are essentially trapped within the lifter base 74 in a non-extended position (also referred to herein as a "blocked" position). A particular driver protrusion 66 covering a particular lifter pin 72 then causes the rear spring 176 of that particular lifter pin 72 to compress (and correspondingly, the front spring 174 of that particular lifter pin 72 to decompress).

[0145] When lifter S / A 70 begins to rotate for a lifting stroke, none of the covered, and therefore blocked, lifter pins 72 interfere with the driver lugs 66. In other words, such blocked lifter pins cannot perform their typical function of lifting one of the driver lugs. However, once lifter S / A 70 has sufficiently rotated, the blocked lifter pins 72 can extend and join the formation of the other extended lifter pins, thus assisting the lifting stroke.

[0146] This retracting and extending movement of the lifter pins by the front springs 174 and rear springs 176 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 185, rather than radially of the lifter S / A 70. Figures 6-11 illustrate some of the conditions described above, and therefore how the lifter pins exhibit independent movement along the longitudinal axis 185.

[0147] 6-A, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a front view showing the ready position. Solenoid 75 is not actuated and lifter pins 72 are retracted within lifter base 74, except for a single lifter pin 134 which retains driver 62. The single lifter pin 134 is extended by a force exerted upon it by driver projection 66 which overcomes the spring bias of forward spring 174, as will be described below.

[0148] 6-B, a left side view of FIG. 6-A is shown. FIG. 6-B shows the ready position before the lifter S / A 70 begins to rotate in preparation for the drive stroke (see FIGS. 7-A-7-C for the ready position condition before the drive stroke). As seen in FIGS. 6-A and 6-B, the driver 62 is disposed at a substantially perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft 79.

[0149] 6-C, which shows a perspective view of FIG. 6-A. The driver projection 66 is fully engaged with the single lifter pin 134. Note that the majority of the lifter pins 72 are retracted apart from the single lifter pin 134 which holds the driver 62 protruding from the lifter base 74 (i.e., protruding beyond the first plate / guide 71).

[0150] 7-A, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a front view holding driver 62 in a ready-to-drive position. In this state, solenoid 75 is not actuated and the majority of lifter pins 72 are retracted inside lifter base 74. However, a single lifter pin 134 holds driver 62 during the initial rotation of the lifter. The mechanical load from driver projection 66 of driver 62 to the single lifter pin 134 holding driver 62 is great enough to overcome the spring bias of forward spring 174 of this single lifter pin that would otherwise retract this single lifter pin. Note that the other lifter pins are pushed back to their retracted positions by their forward springs.

[0151] 7-B, which shows a left side view of FIG. 7-A. FIGs. 7-A through 7-C show the lifter S / A 70 already partially rotated and the driver lug 66 is about to "drop" to perform the drive stroke, allowing the forward spring 174 to retract the single lifter pin 134 into the lifter base 74. As seen in FIG. 6-A, the typical ready position is when the single lifter pin 134 holds a larger portion of the single driver lug 66.

[0152] 7-C, there is shown a perspective view of FIG. 7-A. The single lifter pin 134 again holds the single driver lug 66, thereby holding the driver 62 in the ready position. Note how the single driver lug 66 contacts the single lifter pin 134. Also, note that as seen in this perspective view, all of the other five lifter pins are fully retracted.

[0153] 8-A, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a front view at the start of the drive stroke. As the drive stroke begins, lifter S / A 70 has rotated just enough for the single lifter pin 134 to rotate past the driver lug 66. The forward spring 174 is then allowed to decompress, urging that single pin back into the lifter base 74, along with the other lifter pin 72. The driver 62 is now "free" to begin the drive stroke.

[0154] Referring now to FIG. 8-B, a left side view of FIG. 8-A is shown.

[0155] 8-C, there is shown a perspective view of FIG. 8-A. As can be seen from this perspective view, all of the lifter pins 72 have been retracted.

[0156] 9-A, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a front view at the end of the drive stroke. Solenoid 75 is not energized and lifter pins 72 are retracted inside lifter base 74. Note that in this view, driver 62 is parked in the unaligned position.

[0157] 9-B, which shows a left side view of FIG. 9-A. At the end of the drive stroke, the driver projections 66 are mostly over the lifter S / A 70. In other words, the driver 62 is in its "down" (driven) position. In FIG. 9-A through FIG. 9-C, the initial jam condition is not shown because none of the driver projections 66 will interfere with any of the lifter pins 72, allowing the lifter pins to extend for the lift stroke.

[0158] 9-C, a perspective view of FIG. 9-A is shown illustrating lifter S / A 70 immediately after driver 62 has completed its driving stroke and before lifter pins 72 are about to be extended.

[0159] 10-A, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a front view. FIGS. 10-A-C show a jammed condition at the beginning of the lifting stroke. The solenoid 75 is actuated and the majority of the lifter pins 72 protrude from the top of the lifter base 74 (i.e., through the first plate / guide 71). The jammed condition (or interference) is shown at 136, where one of the lifter pins (136) is only partially extended and is blocked by the driver lug interference.

[0160] Referring now to FIG. 10-B, a left side view of FIG. 10-A is shown.

[0161] 10-C, a perspective view of FIG. 10-A is shown. The majority of the lifter pins 72 are shown extended from the lifter end plate (or "guide") 71. However, due to interference, one lifter pin 136 cannot fully extend because it is blocked, and remains mostly inside the lifter base 74. The particular (blocked) lifter pin 136 compresses its respective rear spring 176, while the fully extended (protruding) lifter pins only slightly compress both their front spring 174 and their rear spring 176 (i.e., their lifter pin springs are in their neutral state). To clear the jammed condition, the lifter S / A 70 only needs to continue rotating until the interfered lifter pin 136 slides past the interference. The situation shown in Figure 10-C illustrates an operating condition of this lifter in which all of the lifter pins 72 are attempting to move to their extended positions but are unable to do so due to a situation in which at least one of the lifter pins is blocked by mechanical interference. However, in a properly operating tool, in all cases, at least the majority of the lifter pins will be projected during the early stages of the lifting stroke, as seen in Figure 10-C. In this view, only a single lifter pin 136 that is "blocked" is not extended, which can occur during the early stages of the lifting stroke.

[0162] 11-A, the lifter S / A 70 is shown in a front view as the lifting stroke continues, clearing the jammed condition shown in FIGS. 10-A-C. The solenoid 75 has been actuated, causing the lifter pins 72 to protrude and extend from the lifter base 74 through the first cover / guide 71. As discussed above, to clear the previous jammed condition shown in FIGS. 10-A-C, the lifter S / A 70 continues to rotate until the lifter pins 136 slide past the interfering driver lugs 66. At 138, a non-interfering position is shown, where the lifter pins 138 "catch" the respective driver lugs 66 to lift the driver 62 back to the ready position. Note that as the lifter S / A 70 continues to lift the driver 62 toward the ready position, additional lifter pins 72 catch further respective driver lugs 66.

[0163] Referring now to FIG. 11-B, a left side view of FIG. 11-A is shown.

[0164] 11-C, there is shown a perspective view of FIG. 11-A. In this view, the jammed condition shown in FIGS. 10-A through 10-C has been cleared with the lifter pins 138 not interfering. In this view, all of the lifter pins 72 are fully extended and can engage the driver lugs 66. It will be appreciated that the spacing between the lifter pins 72 matches the spacing between the driver lugs 66 such that as the lifter S / A 70 rotates, each lifter pin 72 "catches" the next driver lug 66.

[0165] 12, a front view of the lifter S / A 70 is shown. A plurality of lifter pins 72, including the lifter pin 134, are visible. A flat area 158 of the lifter shaft 79 is visible, as is a snap ring 156. As will be described below with reference to FIG. 13, the lifter S / A 70 is shown in a ready position with the lifter pins 134 extended to hold the driver 62. The flat area 158 is used to mechanically transmit the rotational motion of the lifter shaft to the first cover (or "guide") 71 (see FIG. 1). It will be understood that in the general case, the lifter shaft should be in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover / guide 71 and the second holder / cover ("pusher") 76 to impart rotational motion to the lifter subassembly 70 as required.

[0166] 13, there is shown a cutaway view of lifter S / A 70 of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13. In FIG. 13, a single lifter pin 134 extends from the lifter base 74 (through the first cover / guide 71). The solenoid 75 and plunger 167 are de-energized and the shuttle return spring 154 is decompressed. The remaining lifter pins 72 are retracted within the lifter base 74. The single lifter pin 134 has its front spring 174 compressed and its rear spring 176 decompressed. This is due to the force exerted by "holding" a single driver tine 66 (as shown in FIGS. 6-A-6-C and 7-A-7-C).

[0167] 14, there is shown a front view of lifter S / A 70. As will be explained below in conjunction with FIG. 15, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a driven position in which driver 62 is misaligned and lifter pin 136 is not extended due to interference from driver projection 66.

[0168] 15, there is shown a cutaway view of lifter S / A 70 of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15. In FIG. 15, a single lifter pin 136 is blocked by interference from a driver lug (as shown in FIGS. 10-A-C). The solenoid 75 and plunger 167 are actuated. The plunger 167 is pushing the lifter cover plate ("pusher") 76 "to the left" (in this view), causing the lifter pin 72 to protrude from the lifter base. However, due to interference, the single lifter pin 136 is still blocked. That blocked lifter pin 136 has its front spring 174 decompressed and its rear spring 176 compressed. (Note that without interference from a misaligned driver, the rear spring 176 would push the lifter pin 136 to its extended position.)

[0169] 16, there is shown a front view of lifter S / A 70. As will be described below with reference to FIGURE 17, lifter S / A 70 is shown in a "release" position in which lifter S / A 70 has rotated so that the "next" lifter pin 138 will capture the misaligned driver lug 66 and begin the lifting stroke.

[0170] 17, there is shown a cutaway view of lifter S / A 70 of FIG. 16 taken along line 17-17. In FIG. 17, all of the lifter pins 72 are extended and ready for a lifting stroke (as shown in FIGS. 11-A through 11-C). The solenoid 75 and plunger 167 are actuated. The plunger is pushing the shuttle subassembly / holder 150 "leftward" (in this view), causing the lifter pins 72 to protrude from the lifter base. In FIG. 17, all of the front springs 174 and rear springs 176 of the lifter pins 72 are only slightly compressed (i.e., in their neutral state). As mentioned above, FIG. 17 shows the "released" state of the lifter pins 72. Also, note that if the driver 62 is not misaligned, this is what all of the lifter pins 72 would look like at the start of a "normal" lifting stroke.

[0171] 18, there is shown a front view of lifter S / A 70. As will be explained below with reference to FIG 19, lifter S / A 70 is shown in the drive stroke with all of the lifter pins 72 retracted.

[0172] Referring now to FIG. 19, there is shown a cutaway view of lifter S / A 70 of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19. In FIG. 19, the lifter pins 72 are retracted (as shown in FIGS. 8-A-B and 9-A-C). The solenoid 75 and plunger 167 are not actuated, and the shuttle return spring 154 is pushing the shuttle S / A ("holder") 150 to the right (in this view). All of the lifter pin forward springs 174 and rearward springs 176 are again in their neutral state. This is what the lifter pins 72 look like during the drive stroke.

[0173] 41, there is shown a cutaway view of lifter S / A 70 in the extended position. Solenoid 75, lifter pin 72, front spring 174, and rear spring 174 are not shown for clarity. In the extended position, plunger 167 (shown as reference numbers 166, 168 in several views, including FIG. 41) contacts lifter base 74 at flange 192. Shuttle base ("holder") 152 has been pushed to the left (in this view) by the plunger, and shuttle return spring 154 is compressed.

[0174] 42, a cutaway view of lifter S / A 70 is shown in the retracted position. The solenoid 75, lifter pin 72, front spring 174, and rear spring 176 are not shown for clarity. In this state, the solenoid is actuated, the plunger is retracted, and the lifter's second cover ("pusher") 76 is not contacting flange 192. The shuttle base / holder 152 is pushed to the right (in this view) by the shuttle return spring 154.

[0175] It will be appreciated that any type of linear actuator can be used in place of the solenoid 75. For example, a linear motor can be used in place of the solenoid to form such a linear actuator. Furthermore, such a linear actuator can be constructed using a rotary motor together with a mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion.

[0176] Second embodiment

[0177] 20, a first alternative embodiment lifter subassembly ("S / A") for a fastener driving tool is generally designated by reference number 270, where the lifter S / A is a rotary-linear lifter. A lifter shaft 279 and power transmission subassembly (not shown) rotates the lifter S / A 270. A lifter base 274 (sometimes referred to herein as a "first cover" or "first holder" or simply a "guide") is attached to the lifter shaft 279 and covers a lifter pin subassembly ("S / A") 384 (see FIG. 24) (sometimes referred to herein as a "lifter extension S / A"). A lifter first cover / guide 274 is proximal to a second end of the lifter shaft 279. The lifter first cover / guide 274 has a plurality of through holes 339 proximal to the periphery of the lifter base and a central opening 390 (see FIG. 23) for the lifter shaft 279. In this view, lifter S / A 270 is shown closest to the driver (or "driver blade") 262 (not shown in this view). A solenoid 275 is also attached to lifter shaft 279 distally from the driver 262. Driver 262 has a number of prongs or teeth 266 (not shown in this view). It will be understood that the lifter of FIG. 20 is designed to operate as part of a fastener driving tool, and the lifter is part of a machine that may be referred to herein as a "fastener driving machine."

[0178] A solenoid 275 is used to actuate a number of lifter pins or extensions 272 during the return stroke of the driver 262. FIG. 21 shows the lifter pins 272 in a "retracted" state. The retracted state is typically used for the driving stroke of the tool. In the retracted state, the face of the lifter pins 272 is nominally flush with the face of the first cover / guide 274. FIG. 22 shows the lifter pins 272 in an "extended" state. In the extended state, the lifter pins 272 extend past a number of through holes 339. The extended state is typically used for the return stroke. In FIG. 21, the solenoid 275 is not actuated and the solenoid plunger portion 366 is not extended.

[0179] 22, the lifter S / A 270 is shown in an extended state. In FIG. 22, the solenoid 275 has been actuated, causing the lifter pins 272 to protrude from the lifter first cover ("guide") 274. In this extended state, the lifter pins 272 can interfere with the driver lugs 266 (not shown in this view). During the return stroke (or lifting stroke), the lifter S / A 270 rotates radially with the lifter shaft 279. This action rotates the lifter pins 272 so that each individual lifter pin can "catch and lift" an individual driver lug or tooth 266 (not shown in this view). If desired, the lifter S / A 270 can rotate more than one full revolution to fully lift the driver 262 back to the "ready position" where the tool is ready to drive another fastener into the workpiece. The lower solenoid plunger portion 366 is forced "upward" (to the left in this view) by the solenoid 275, thereby forcing the lifter pin 272 into a protruding or extended position from the lifter first cover ("guide") 274.

[0180] 23, lifter S / A 270 is shown in an exploded view. A snap ring 271 secures lifter first cover / guide 274 to lifter shaft 279. Lifter pin S / A 384 is shown including a plurality of lifter pins 272. Each lifter pin 272 includes a lifter pin housing (or "holder") 352, and each lifter pin can independently slide in and partially out of the lifter pin housing / holder 352. Each lifter pin housing / holder 352 includes an external lifter spring 374. A shuttle return spring 354 (or "return spring") is mounted on the lifter shaft 279.

[0181] The lifter shaft 279 has a flat portion 358, a keyway 273, first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis 385 extending between the first and second ends. A key 335 is mounted in the keyway 273. A shuttle 276 (sometimes referred to herein as a "second cover" or "second holder") is mounted to the upper solenoid plunger portion 368 and holds a portion of the plurality of lifter pin housings ("holders") 352 in place. The shuttle 276 is proximal to the solenoid 275. The shuttle 276 has a central opening 392 and a plurality of through holes 360 proximal to the shuttle's periphery, and the lifter pin housings / holders 352 are secured within the through holes. A snap ring 277 secures the shuttle 276 to the upper plunger portion 368. Lifter first cover / guide 274 and shuttle 276 act as a "guide" and "holder," respectively, for lifter pins 272. Through holes 360 are sometimes referred to herein as "openings," and in this illustrated embodiment, these openings 360 are arranged in a circular pattern as seen in an end or front view, such as FIG. 25-A, where the openings 360 are in the same location as the lifter pins 272.

[0182] The lower solenoid plunger portion 366 and the upper solenoid plunger portion 368 make up a "two-piece plunger" in this illustrated embodiment. The lower plunger portion 366 and the upper plunger portion 368 are preferably constructed from a magnetically susceptible material (e.g., steel, etc.). The lower plunger portion 366 has a central opening 394 with a seating notch or slot 337 over the key 335, and when fully assembled, the lifter S / A 270 rotates with the lifter shaft 279. (Note: the solenoid 275 does not spin.)

[0183] The upper solenoid plunger portion 368 has a plurality of grooves 369 that are spaced apart and aligned in a direction parallel to the lifter shaft 279. The grooves 369 provide clearance for a set of springs 374 and spring bases 377. The solenoid 275 has a central opening 396 that accommodates the two-part plungers 366, 368 as well as the lifter shaft 279, the solenoid 275 being proximal to a first end of the lifter shaft 279. It will be understood that the so-called two-part plungers 366, 368 may be made of one-piece construction and therefore may be referred to herein by a single reference number 367.

[0184] 24, one of the lifter pins S / A 384 is shown in an exploded view. The lifter pin housing / holder 352 is preferably a hollow cylinder with a flange 382 at one (proximal) end and a number of small through holes 373 at the distal end. The through holes 373 are on opposite sides of the lifter pin housing / holder 352. The lifter pin (or extension) 272 is a cylinder with a flange 380 at one end and a shallow opening 386 proximal to the flange 380. The lifter pin 272 is essentially a solid cylinder except for this opening 386 at one end.

[0185] As mentioned above, there are six lifter pin housings / holders 352, each of which functions as a "holder" for one lifter pin 272. In the embodiment shown, the "holder" 352 has a larger opening 353 that slidably receives the lifter pin 272. In other words, the lifter pin 272 can be linearly displaced while being "held" by the holder opening 353.

[0186] The spring base 377 has a number of through holes 363. The cap 375 has a number of through holes 365 and a spring post 383. To assemble one lifter pin S / A 384, the cap 375 is installed inside the spring base 377, the internal lifter spring 376 is installed over the post 383, the lifter pin 272 sits on top of the post 383 and the internal lifter spring 376, and the lifter pin housing / holder 352 covers the lifter pin 272. A dowel or spring pin 371 passes through the openings 363, 365, and 373, thereby securing the lifter pins S / A 384 together.

[0187] When the first alternative embodiment lifter S / A 270 is assembled, the spring base 377 passes through the upper plunger portion 368 and the pin housing flange 382 rests proximal to the shuttle 276. The first alternative embodiment lifter S / A 270 is designed such that all of the individual lifter pins 272 exhibit individual movement that moves in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft 279. The use of the external spring 374 and the internal spring 376 allows each lifter pin 272 to extend and retract individually as well as together as a group. During the drive stroke, the solenoid 275 is not activated, which means that the plunger 367 is not activated (see FIG. 21 ). Because the plunger 367 is not actuated, the shuttle return spring 354 is urging the shuttle 276 to a position distal from the lifter first cover / guide 274, the shuttle 276 is not compressing the outer spring 374, and thus the lifter pins 272 are retracted and their faces are nominally flush with the face of the lifter first cover ("guide") 274. In other words, the lifter pins 272 do not interfere with the driver 262 and driver lug 266 during the driving stroke.

[0188] However, during the lifting stroke (or return stroke), the solenoid 275 is actuated, forcing the plunger 367 "up", thereby compressing the shuttle return spring 354, which in turn pushes the shuttle 276 towards the lifter first cover / guide 274. This action causes the spring base 377 to slide "up" along the groove 369, and the cap 275 compresses the internal spring 376 against the lifter pin 272. This typically causes the lifter pin 272 to extend from the lifter pin housing / holder 352. In this action, the spring base 377 acts as a "pusher."

[0189] In a typical return stroke, the protruding lifter pins 272 rotate with the lifter S / A 270 and "catch" the individual driver teeth 266, quickly pushing the driver 262 to the ready position. However, in some cases, an interference condition (such as jamming) may occur in which the driver teeth 266 may interfere with the lifter pins 272. A typical jamming condition is one in which the fastener is misaligned or improperly driven into the workpiece. Another typical interference condition may occur after the drive stroke, in which one or more of the driver teeth 266 simply cover one or more of the lifter pins 272 due to misalignment of the driver, such as may occur when the piston stop of the tool is sufficiently worn. Any of these above interference conditions may also be referred to as "driver misalignment."

[0190] In a jammed condition, for example, the individual movement exhibited by each lifter pin 272 helps to alleviate the condition. In a typical jammed condition, one or more driver teeth 266 may remain covering or partially covering one or more lifter pins 272. Individual lifter pins 272 that are not covered by a driver protrusion 266 typically protrude from the lifter's first cover ("guide") 274, as described above. Individual lifter pins 272 that are covered or partially covered by a driver protrusion 266 are retained within the lifter pin housing / holder 352. A particular driver protrusion 266 covering a particular lifter pin 272 then compresses the internal spring 376 of that individual lifter pin 272.

[0191] When lifter S / A 270 begins to rotate for its lifting stroke, any covered or "blocked" lifter pins 272 are unable to engage with the driver lugs 266. In other words, such blocked lifter pins are unable to perform their typical function of lifting one of the driver lugs, but instead slide along the back surface of the driver 262 as the lifter S / A begins its lifting stroke. However, once lifter S / A 270 has rotated sufficiently, the blocked lifter pins 272 can extend and join the formation of the other extended lifter pins, thus assisting the lifting stroke.

[0192] This retracting and extending movement of the lifter pins by the internal springs 374 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 385, rather than radially of the lifter S / A 270. Figures 25-30 illustrate some of the conditions described above, and thus how the lifter pins exhibit independent movement along the longitudinal axis 385.

[0193] Referring now to FIG. 25-A, lifter S / A 270 is shown in a front view. FIG. 25-A through FIG. 25-C show an interference condition at the beginning of the lifting stroke. The solenoid 275 is actuated and the majority of the lifter pins 272 protrude from the lifter's first cover (or "guide") 274. An interference condition is shown at 336 where driver lug interference is causing one of the lifter pins (336) to be blocked.

[0194] 25-B, which shows a left side view of FIG. 25-A. As can be seen in FIG. 25-A and FIG. 25-B, the driver 262 is again positioned at a substantially perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft 279.

[0195] Referring now to FIG. 25-C, a perspective view of FIG. 25-A is shown. The majority of the lifter pins 272 are shown extending from the lifter first cover (or "guide") 274. However, due to interference, one lifter pin 336 remains mostly inside the lifter first cover (or "guide") 274 in a blocked position. The blocked lifter pin 336 compresses its respective internal spring 376, while the protruding lifter pin decompresses the internal spring. To clear the interference condition, the lifter S / A 270 only needs to continue rotating until the interfered (i.e., blocked) lifter pin 336 slides past the interference.

[0196] 26-A, the lifter S / A 270 is shown in a front view as the lifting stroke continues, clearing the interference condition shown in FIGS. 25-A-C. The solenoid 275 is actuated, causing the lifter pins 272 to protrude and extend from the lifter's first cover ("guide") 274. As mentioned above, to clear the previous jam condition shown in FIGS. 25-A-C, the lifter S / A 270 continues to rotate until the lifter pins 336 slide past the interfering driver lugs 266. At 338, a non-interfering position is shown in which the lifter pins 338 "capture" the respective driver lugs 266 to lift the driver 262 back to the ready position. Note that as the lifter S / A 270 continues to lift the driver 262 toward the ready position, additional lifter pins 272 capture additional respective driver lugs 266.

[0197] Referring now to FIG. 26-B, a left side view of FIG. 26-A is shown.

[0198] 26-C, there is shown a perspective view of FIG. 26-A. In this view, the interference condition shown in FIGS. 25-A through 25-C has been eliminated with the lifter pins 338 not interfering. In this view, all of the lifter pins 272 are fully extended and can engage the driver protrusions 266. It will be appreciated that the spacing between the lifter pins 272 matches the spacing between the driver protrusions 266 such that as the lifter S / A 70 rotates, each lifter pin 272 "catches" the next driver protrusion 266.

[0199] 27-A, lifter S / A 270 is shown in a front view showing the ready position. The solenoid 275 is not actuated and the lifter pins 272 are retracted within the lifter pin housing / holder 352, except for a single lifter pin 334 which holds the driver 262. The single lifter pin 334 is extended by a force exerted upon it by the driver projection 266 which overcomes the spring bias of the external lifter spring 374, as will be described below.

[0200] 27-B, there is shown a left side view of FIG. 27-A, which illustrates the ready position before the lifter S / A 270 begins to rotate for the drive stroke (see FIGS. 28-A through 28-C for the pre-ready position state for the drive stroke).

[0201] 27-C, which shows a perspective view of FIG. 27-A. Driver projection 266 is fully engaged with single lifter pin 334. Note that the majority of lifter pins 272 are retracted, except for the single lifter pin 334, which protrudes from lifter first cover (or "guide") 274, which holds driver 262.

[0202] 28-A, lifter S / A 270 is shown in a front view holding driver 262 during a rotational motion intended to produce a drive stroke. In this state, solenoid 275 is not actuated and the majority of lifter pins 272 are retracted inside lifter pin housing / holder 352. However, a single lifter pin 334 holds driver 262. The mechanical load from driver projection 266 of driver 262 to the single lifter pin 134 is great enough to overcome the spring bias of the single lifter pin's external spring 374 that would otherwise retract this single lifter pin. Note that the other lifter pins are pushed back to their retracted positions by their external springs.

[0203] Referring now to Figure 28-B, a left side view of Figure 28-A is shown. Figures 28-A through 28-C show the lifter S / A 270 already partially rotated and the driver lug 266 is about to "drop" to perform the drive stroke and allow the external spring 374 to retract the single lifter pin 334 into the lifter pin housing / holder 352. As mentioned above, the typical ready position is when the single lifter pin 334 holds a larger portion of the single driver lug 266 (see Figure 27-A).

[0204] 28-C, there is shown a perspective view of FIG. 28-A. The single lifter pin 334 again holds the single driver lug 266, thereby holding the driver 262 in the ready position. Note how the single driver lug 266 contacts the single lifter pin 334. Also, note that as seen in this perspective view, all of the other five lifter pins are fully retracted.

[0205] 29-A, lifter S / A 270 is shown in a front view at the start of the drive stroke. As the drive stroke begins, lifter S / A 270 has rotated just enough for the single lifter pin 334 to rotate past the driver lug 266. The external spring 374 is then allowed to decompress, urging that single pin back into the lifter pin housing / holder 352, along with the other lifter pins 272. The driver 262 is now "free" to begin the drive stroke.

[0206] Referring now to FIG. 29-B, a left side view of FIG. 29-A is shown.

[0207] 29-C, there is shown a perspective view of FIG. 29-A. As seen in this perspective view, all of the lifter pins 272 have been retracted.

[0208] 30-A, lifter S / A 270 is shown in a front view at the end of the drive stroke. The solenoid 275 is not energized and the lifter pins 272 are retracted inside the lifter pin housing / holder 352. Note that in this view, the driver 262 is parked in the unaligned position.

[0209] Referring now to Figure 30-B, a left side view of Figure 30-A is shown. At the end of the drive stroke, the driver projections 266 are majority over the lifter S / A 270. In other words, the driver 262 is in its "down" (driven) position. In Figures 30-A through 30-C, the initial interference condition is not shown since none of the driver projections 266 would interfere with any of the lifter pins 272 to allow the lifter pins to be extended for the lift stroke.

[0210] 30-C, a perspective view of FIG. 30-A is shown illustrating lifter S / A 270 just after driver 262 has completed its driving stroke and before lifter pins 272 are about to be extended.

[0211] 31-A, there is shown a right side view of a single lifter pin S / A 384 in a retracted position. The lifter pin 272 is mostly inside the lifter pin housing ("holder") 352, and the internal spring 376 is compressed.

[0212] 31-B, there is shown a top view of a single lifter pin S / A 384 of FIG. 31-A.

[0213] 31-C, a single lifter pin S / A 384 is shown in a cutaway view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 31-B. The lifter pin 272 is in the retracted position and the internal spring 376 is compressed. The lifter pin housing / holder 352 has an internal stop 381 against which the flange 380 abuts when the lifter pin 272 is in the extended position. A post 383 and compressed internal spring 376 fit inside an opening 386 in the lifter pin 272. A dowel or spring pin 371 secures the lifter pin housing / holder 352, cap 375, and spring base / pusher 377 together.

[0214] Referring now to FIG. 32-A, a right side view of a single lifter pin S / A 384 is shown in the extended position.

[0215] 32-B, there is shown a top view of a single lifter pin S / A 384 of FIG. 32-A.

[0216] 32-C, a single lifter pin S / A 384 is shown in cutaway view along line 32-32 of FIG. 32-B. In the extended position, the lifter pin 272 extends from the lifter pin housing / holder 352 a sufficient distance to "catch" the driver lug 266 during the lifting stroke. The internal spring 376 is decompressed and the flange 380 is pressed against the internal stop 381. The opening 386 only has a portion of the internal spring 376 decompressed inside and no post 383.

[0217] 33, a cutaway view of lifter S / A 270 is shown. In FIG. 33, a single lifter pin 336 is blocked due to driver lug interference (as shown in FIGS. 25-A-C). Solenoid 275 and plunger 367 are actuated. Plunger 367 is pushing shuttle 276 "leftward" (in this view) proximal to lifter first cover / guide 274, pushing lifter pin 272 out of lifter base. However, due to interference, the single lifter pin 336 is still blocked. Because flange 382 of lifter pin housing / holder 352 is in contact with seat 378 (see FIGS. 38-40) of shuttle 276, the blocked lifter pin 336 has its internal spring 376 compressed and its external spring 374 decompressed. (Note that an internal spring 376 urges the lifter pin 336 into its extended position when not interfering with a misaligned driver.)

[0218] 34, a cutaway view of lifter S / A 270 is shown. In FIG. 34, all of the lifter pins 272 are extended and ready for a lifting stroke (as shown in FIGS. 26-A to 26-C). The solenoid 275 and plunger 367 are actuated. The plunger 367 is pushing the shuttle 276 "leftward" (in this view) proximal to the lifter first cover (or "guide") 274, causing the lifter pins 272 to protrude from the lifter first cover. In FIG. 34, all of the internal springs 376 and external springs 374 of the lifter pins 272 are decompressed. FIG. 17 shows the "released" state of the lifter pins 272. Also, note that if the driver 262 is not misaligned, this would be what all of the lifter pins 272 would look like at the start of a "normal" lifting stroke (see FIGS. 26A to 26-C).

[0219] 35, a cutaway view of lifter S / A 270 is shown. In FIG. 35, a single lifter pin 334 extends from lifter first cover (or "guide") 274. The solenoid 275 and plunger 367 are de-activated and the shuttle return spring 354 has moved the shuttle 276 to a distal position from the lifter first cover / guide 274. The remaining lifter pins 272 are retracted within the lifter pin housing / holder 352. The single lifter pin 334 has its internal spring 376 decompressed and its external spring 374 compressed. This is due to the force exerted by "holding" a single driver lug 266 (as shown in FIGS. 27-A-C and 28-A-C).

[0220] 36, a cutaway view of lifter S / A 270 is shown. In FIG. 36, the lifter pin 272 is retracted (as shown in FIGS. 29-A-C and 30-A-C). The solenoid 275 and plunger 367 are not actuated and the shuttle return spring 354 causes the plunger to return to its retracted position. The shuttle 276 is distal from the lifter first cover / guide 274. All of the internal springs 376 and external springs 374 of the lifter pin 272 are decompressed. This is what the lifter pin 272 looks like during the drive stroke.

[0221] 37-A, a right cutaway view of the lifter S / A 270 is shown without the lifter pin subassembly. In FIG. 37-A, the lifter S / A 270 is in the retracted position. The solenoid 275 and plunger 367 are not actuated. The shuttle return spring 354 is decompressed and the shuttle 276 is distal from the lifter first cover / guide 274.

[0222] 37-B, a right cutaway view of lifter S / A 270 is shown without lifter pin S / A 384. In FIG. 37-B, lifter S / A 270 is in the extended position. Solenoid 275 and plunger 367 are actuated. Shuttle return spring 354 is compressed and shuttle 276 is proximal to lifter first cover / guide 274.

[0223] 38, there is shown an exploded view of the snap ring 277, shuttle 276, and plunger 367. The plunger 367 can be made from a single piece of material and has a number of grooves 369 that pass through a number of lifter pin housings / holders 352 (not shown in this view). The plunger 367 is a hollow cylinder with an opening 394 that fits over the lifter shaft 279 (not shown in this view). On the "left" ends (in this view) of the plungers 366, 368 are a number of alternating protrusions 391 and recesses 393 that essentially function as splines.

[0224] The shuttle 276 has a number of through holes 360 in which a number of lifter pin housings / holders 352 (not shown in this view) seat, and the shuttle has a central through hole 392 that mounts over the plungers 366, 368. Seats 378 proximal to the through holes 360 contact the lifter pin housing / holder 352 when fully assembled together. The inner circumference of the central hole 392 has a number of alternating recesses 397 and protrusions 395 that essentially function as splines.

[0225] Shuttle 276 is mounted onto the "left" end (in this view) of plunger 367 such that shuttle portions 397 are mounted to plunger portions 391 and shuttle portions 395 are mounted to plunger portions 393. This mounting "arrangement" allows the plunger 367 and shuttle 276 to rotate together when the lifter shaft 279 is rotated. As mentioned above, plunger 367 is keyed to key 335 on lifter shaft 279, allowing the plunger to rotate with the lifter shaft. A snap ring 277 secures shuttle 276 to plunger 367.

[0226] Referring now to Figure 39, there is shown an enlarged view of area 39-39 of Figure 38. Figure 39 provides an enlarged view of one of the plurality of sheets 378. As will be described below, each lifter pin housing / holder 352 contacts a respective one of the plurality of sheets 378 when lifter S / A 270 is assembled together.

[0227] 40, a single lifter housing S / A 384 is shown in an exploded view. The shuttle 276 is also shown to show how the lifter housing S / A 384 sits on the shuttle. A single lifter housing / holder 352 is pressed into the through hole 360 ​​until the pin housing flange 382 contacts the seat 378. Next, a single lifter pin 272 is pressed into the lifter housing / holder 352, then an internal lifter spring 376 and a cap 375 are pressed onto the lifter pin 272. Finally, an external lifter spring 374 is pressed onto the outside of the lifter pin 272, and a spring base / pusher 377 is pressed onto the cap. A dowel or spring pin 371 is used to secure the spring base / pusher 377, cap 375, and lifter housing / holder 352 together.

[0228] In operation, the pin housing flange 382 and the seat 378 are most often in contact with one another. However, for every individual drive event, it varies as follows: Rotation of the lifter S / A 270 is stopped with the driver 262 in a selected "ready" position (see FIGS. 27-A, 27-B, and 27-C). This is the position where the solenoid 275 is deactivated and the lifter pins 272 are pulled back to their retracted positions nominally flush with the face of the lifter guide 274, except for the lifter pins 334, which are prevented from axial movement by the side load force of the driver lugs 266 on the lifter pins 334.

[0229] With the shuttle 276 and plungers 266, 268 moved to their retracted state, and the lifter pin 334 secured by the driver 262 (see FIGS. 27-A-C), the associated pin housing / holder 352 is also secured by the driver, as the lifter pin flange 380 of the pin 334 (as seen in FIG. 24) contacts the internal flange 381 of the pin housing / holder 352 (see FIG. 32-C). (Note: collectively, in FIGS. 24 and 40, the lifter pins 334 are known as lifter pins 272.) Thus, the external spring 374 of the pin assembly 384 associated with the "held" lifter pin 334 will compress. This allows the pin housing flange 382 and shuttle seat 378 to separate until the driver 262 releases the lifter pin 334 in a typical driving event. The spring 374 of the "held" lifter pin 334 will then decompress, returning the entire pin S / A 384 of that lifter pin (#334) to the same state as the other pin subassembly (#384) in preparation for another return stroke.

[0230] As previously mentioned, it will be appreciated that any type of linear actuator may be used in place of the solenoid 275. For example (again), a linear motor may be used in place of the solenoid to form such a linear actuator, and further, such a linear actuator may be constructed using a rotary motor together with a mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion.

[0231] General case description

[0232] The lifter embodiments described herein share common elements, including the overall layout of the lifter pins and how they move to reduce the possibility of jamming or damage to a misaligned driver at the end of the drive stroke. The lifter pins in the various embodiments described herein also share a common method for holding the driver in its "ready" position at the end of the lift stroke.

[0233] For example, all of the embodiments of the lifter assemblies described herein include a lifter shaft that extends into a rotatable lifter subassembly that houses a number of lifter pins. A solenoid (or other type of linear actuator) is disposed near (proximal to) a first end of the lifter shaft, and this linear actuator / solenoid is actuated to initiate a lifting (or "return") stroke that moves a driver of a fastener driving tool toward the ready position. Before this can occur, however, the lifter must complete the driving stroke.

[0234] To move the driver toward the ready position, the lifter subassembly is rotated while the lifter pins are disposed in the extended position, allowing the lifter pins to physically contact a number of protrusions (or "teeth") along the longitudinal edge of the driver. As the lifter subassembly rotates, the multiple lifter pins continue to contact one of the driver protrusions in sequence until the driver is in its ready position. At the ready position, the lifter subassembly stops rotating.

[0235] When the driver reaches the ready position and the lifter stops rotating, a single lifter pin contacts a single driver lug. Since the size and shape of all lifter pins in the illustrated embodiment are essentially the same, it does not make any significant difference which lifter pin is in contact with that driver lug. On the other hand, the driver lug that is in contact with the lifter pin when in the ready position is always the same driver lug, unless the product designer decides to create a tool that can drive fasteners with different lengths of drive stroke. That possibility could be easily achieved in the illustrated embodiment by simply adding linear encoders or adding sensors at different positions along the driver path in the guide body of the tool that can send a signal to the lifter shaft motor to stop its rotation and shorten the lift stroke. This is highly probable in these illustrated designs, because again, it does not make any practical difference which lifter pin is in contact with the driver lug at the stop position that corresponds to the ready position.

[0236] The lifter subassembly includes a rotatable structure that holds a number of lifter pins in a circular pattern, so that as the lifter structure rotates, the individual lifter pins move in a circular path that sequentially contacts the projections of the driver, thereby moving the driver "up", i.e., toward the ready position. In this description, the "up" direction means along the driver path of the tool's guide body toward the ready position (not shown in these drawings), as well as toward a higher pressure position of a piston in mechanical communication with the driver (not shown in these drawings). It will be understood that the piston that pushes the driver "down" (i.e., toward the "driven" position where the fastener is driven into the workpiece) is driven by pressurized gas. In this type of fastener driving tool, there is a storage chamber of pressurized gas that is reused for multiple driving strokes, i.e., the pressurized gas is not released to the atmosphere after a driving stroke. This tool is described in detail in various patent documents listed below, which are incorporated by reference. The "up" direction is therefore towards the higher pressure position of the piston, which is pushed against the enclosed pressurized gas as the piston-driver combination is raised towards the ready position.

[0237] The lifter's rotatable structure holds a number of lifter pins in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft. Each of these lifter pins is biased in both directions, typically through the use of springs located at or near each end of the pin. However, it will be understood that in various embodiments disclosed herein, the exact structure of the lifter pins is more complicated than simply placing a spring at each end of the lifter pin, and in fact, that is not the typical construction technique used in these embodiments. What is important is that the lifter pins have some type of biasing element that acts on both directions of travel of the lifter pin.

[0238] In the illustrated embodiment, the lifter pin retaining structure includes a first cover disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings or through holes proximate the outer periphery of the first cover, the first cover having a generally circular outer shape (at its outer periphery). The first cover receives the lifter shaft such that when the lifter shaft rotates, the entire rotatable structure of the lifter subassembly rotates, causing the driver to perform a lifting (or return) stroke.

[0239] In the illustrated embodiment, the lifter pin retaining structure also includes a second cover disposed proximate to the solenoid. This second cover has a second plurality of openings or through holes proximate to the outer periphery of the second cover. Like the first cover, the second cover is generally circular in outline (at its periphery). Generally speaking, the first plurality of openings are collinear with the second plurality of openings to accommodate the lifter pins. Moreover, generally, both the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings are disposed in a circular pattern to allow the lifter pins to "catch" the driver prongs at equidistant distances between the driver prongs along the longitudinal edge of the driver.

[0240] The lifter pins are essentially held in their normal position between the first and second covers. Of course, other structural elements can be used to help hold the lifter pins in their normal position if desired by the tool's system designer. In all cases, however, the lifter pins are capable of longitudinal movement as described above. The lifter pins are also capable of protruding through at least one of the two covers. That is, when the lifter pins are disposed in their "extended" position, they protrude from the first cover toward the movable driver. In this way, these extended lifter pins will be in the correct position to physically engage the driver projections to effect a lifting stroke when desired by the tool's system controller.

[0241] In this general embodiment description, the lifter pins are "seated" in the second opening of the second cover (or holder), and the lifter pins may (when they extend) protrude through the first opening of the first cover (or holder). In other words, the lifter pins may be able to extend through the second opening as through holes if the system designer desires, but this is not required. On the other hand, the lifter pins need to be supported by some structure (e.g., a holder or cover) to remain in their overall "longitudinal motion" orientation, because a single lifter pin that remains extended in the lifter ready position will experience significant side load forces due to the relatively high pressure exerted by the tool piston by the driver lug pressing against it, which will be transmitted to the driver.

[0242] As mentioned above, the solenoid is not activated to initiate the driving stroke. The solenoid contains a moveable plunger that does not attempt to move the lifter pins to their extended position when it is not activated. Only when the lifter pins are retracted is there enough mechanical clearance to allow the driver to move quickly towards its driven position and therefore out of the way to allow that type of driver movement. When everything is working properly the driver moves very quickly through its entire travel and therefore the solenoid needs to remain deactivated until it is time for the lift stroke.

[0243] Conversely, when a lift stroke is desired, the solenoid is actuated and the movable plunger moves to its actuated state. A biasing force acting on each lifter pin then attempts to move the lifter pins to their extended position. However, if the driver is misaligned at the end of the drive stroke, one or more of the lifter pins may be prevented from extending because one or more of the driver projections are in a position that mechanically interferes with the extension of one or more of the lifter pins. In the event of that interference, the affected lifter pin will not fully extend, but instead will be blocked and will only move slightly to a "blocked position," and thus will remain largely within the lifter subassembly. These movements are possible through the use of appropriate biasing elements (e.g., springs) used with the lifter pins.

[0244] It should be noted that the extended state of the lifter pins is their "active position" state. In other words, the solenoid is actuated to achieve that state. Thus, when a drive stroke is desired, the solenoid must be deactivated as described above. However, the mechanical load force between the lifter pins holding the "first" driver lug when the driver is placed in its "ready" position is very high and transmitted to the driver by the pressurized gas constantly pushing the piston. The spring force of the lifter pins is deliberately selected so that this mechanical load force is not overcome, so that this mechanical load force exerted by the driver lug is quite sufficient to prevent the lifter pins from retracting at the moment the solenoid is deactivated. Thus, all the lifter pins will retract except the single lifter pin holding its single lug of the driver.

[0245] This apparent dilemma regarding the affected lifter pin is resolved by rotating the lifter subassembly. As the affected lifter pin begins to move in a circular direction, it will eventually lose contact with its "holding" lug of the driver, and the driver will move rapidly in the drive stroke toward the driven position. This loss of physical contact is sometimes referred to as the "drop" of the driver. As soon as the lifter pin falls off the driver lug, it will be rapidly moved to its retracted position by the biasing force described above. This prevents the affected lifter pin from interfering with any of the other driver lugs as the driver moves through its drive stroke as the lifter subassembly continues to rotate.

[0246] Finally, once the driver-piston combination bottoms out at the end of its driving stroke, it will stop moving and then settle into the driven position, typically after bouncing for a short period of time after the piston hits the piston stop (not shown here, see patent documents listed below). The driver will either be properly aligned to be lifted by the rotating lifter pins when it stops moving, or it will be misaligned. Alternatively, if the driver ends its movement in a misaligned position, the first lifter pin that physically contacts one of the driver's prongs will not be able to extend and will instead slide against that driver prong without being able to lift the driver. However, the "next" lifter pin that comes along (by rotational movement of the lifter subassembly) will then be able to contact one of the driver prongs in the "correct" orientation and begin to lift the entire driver towards its ready position, thus completing the lifting stroke. Again, this is possible because a biasing element is used with the lifter pins. Also, note that any one of the lifter pins can act in this manner since the size and shape of the lifter pins are assumed to be essentially identical, with essentially identical biasing elements for each lifter pin. Also note further that each lifter pin can exhibit independent movement in the lifter embodiments described herein.

[0247] Third embodiment

[0248] 43, a second alternative embodiment lifter subassembly (S / A), generally designated by reference numeral 600, is shown in an exploded view. A snap ring 602 secures a lifter base 604 (sometimes referred to herein as a "first cover" or "first holder" or simply a "guide") to a lifter shaft 616. A shuttle subassembly (S / A) 610 is shown including a plurality of lifter pins (or "lifter extensions") 630. Each lifter pin 630 includes an individual lifter pin housing 636, and each lifter pin can independently slide in and partially out of its lifter pin housing 636. Each lifter pin housing 636 comprises a hollow cylinder with openings at both ends. A spring 606 (or "return spring") is mounted on the lifter shaft 616 proximal to the shuttle S / A 610.

[0249] The lifter shaft 616 has a flat portion 620, a first end and a second end, and a longitudinal axis 618 extending between the first and second ends. A movable shuttle 628 (sometimes referred to herein as a "second cover" or "second holder") is attached to the movable plunger 612 at a "step" 638 (i.e., at the step 638, the outer diameter of the movable plunger 612 reduces to a slightly smaller outer diameter), the plunger having a portion 640 having an outer diameter smaller than both the outer diameter of the entire plunger 612 and the outer diameter of the step 638. This portion 640 has an outer diameter small enough to fit (without mechanical interference) into a lifter pin housing 636, which is a cylinder with openings at both ends. The lifter pin housing 636 is located proximal to the outer circumference of the shuttle / holder 628. Note that the "top" 641 of plunger 612 has a smaller outer diameter than portion 640, and this top 641 has a flat portion 635 that is positively aligned (e.g., "keyed") to a flat portion 634 of shuttle central opening 632. Return spring 606 holds shuttle S / A 610 in place at step 638.

[0250] It will be understood that movable shuttle 628 functions as a "holder" and / or "cover" for the lifter pins, with lifter pin housing 636 being part of the shuttle. However, the terms "second cover" or "second holder" also have the meaning of "shuttle" (i.e., "functions as a movable shuttle"), since this structure not only holds and covers lifter pins 630, but also "transports" them when plunger 612 changes state, as described below.

[0251] It will also be understood that the lifter pin housings 636 have the general shape of hollow cylinders, each having an outer cylinder "wall" that essentially functions as a cylinder "sleeve" for a lifter pin. However, while they represent the general shape of cylinders rather than airtight cylinders with reciprocating pistons, their primary purpose is to provide a housing (or "cover") for "holding" the lifter pins 630 in their appropriate (rather freely) positions. Furthermore, if desired, these lifter pin housings 636 can be molded as a unitary component of the shuttle / holder 628, as described below.

[0252] A plunger 612 having a flat portion 635 is also securely aligned with the lifter shaft 616 and located in a central portion of the solenoid 614. The plunger 612 preferably comprises a magnetically susceptible material (e.g., steel, etc.) and when fully assembled, the lifter S / A 600 rotates with the lifter shaft 616. (Note: the solenoid 614 does not spin as it is axially fixed to the lifter shaft 616.) The solenoid 614 and plunger 612 together may be referred to herein as a "linear actuator."

[0253] It will be appreciated that the solenoid 614 in this embodiment is an electrical winding that, when energized, generates a magnetic force on the plunger 612. This energized state is sometimes referred to herein as the "activated" state (or "on" state), and the de-energized state is sometimes referred to herein as the "de-activated" state (or "off" state). As described below, the activated state is generally used to "lift" the driver toward its "ready" position, also referred to as the "lift stroke."

[0254] The lifter base / guide 604 has a number of openings 624 proximal to the periphery of the lifter base and a central opening 622 with flats 626 (at two locations). These flats 626 are securely aligned with the flats 620 of the lifter shaft 616 (i.e., the lifter base / guide 604 is axially fixed to the lifter shaft 616 relative to the solenoid 614). After assembly, the lifter pins 630 are secured within these openings 624 and seated within the lifter pin housing 636. As discussed above, the shuttle 628 acts as a "holder" for the lifter pin housing 636. In this illustrated embodiment, the openings 624 and lifter pins 630 are arranged in a circular pattern as seen in an end or front view such as FIG. 45A, and the openings 624 are in the same location as the lifter pins 630 (and lifter pin housing 636) in that view.

[0255] 44A, a second alternative embodiment lifter S / A 600 is shown fully assembled. A lifter base ("guide") 604 has an opening 624 (see FIG. 43) that seats over a lifter pin 630 that seats in a lifter pin housing 636, which seats (or is molded) into a shuttle / holder 628. The shuttle S / A 610 seats on a plunger 612, and a solenoid 614 is below the plunger (to the right in this view). All of these parts, except for the solenoid 614, are securely aligned on the lifter shaft 616.

[0256] It will be appreciated that the shuttle / holder 628, also referred to herein as the "second cover," comprises a unitary structure, as shown in Figures 46 and 47A-47C. Although this is not a requirement, this structure ("holder") 628 can be molded as a finished part and therefore does not need to be partially assembled with other internal parts and then finally assembled. In other words, the lifter pins and lifter springs can all be assembled after this version of the shuttle / holder 628 is manufactured as a unitary structure.

[0257] 44B, there is shown a cutaway view of a second alternative embodiment lifter S / A 600 taken along line 44B-44B of FIG. 44A. This view shows the lifter shaft 616, which passes through all of the components of the lifter S / A 600 and the solenoid 614. Note that the lifter base / guide 604 is distal from the solenoid 614, while the shuttle / holder 628 is (relatively) proximal to the solenoid.

[0258] 45A, a second alternative embodiment lifter S / A 600 is shown from below the solenoid 614. This view shows the shuttle S / A 610 as having a larger outer diameter than the solenoid 614.

[0259] 45B, there is shown a cutaway view of the second alternative embodiment lifter S / A 600 taken along line 45B-45B of FIG. 45A. This view shows some of the internal features of the lifter pin housing 636, which are further described below with reference to FIG.

[0260] 46, Shuttle S / A 610 is shown in an exploded view. Each individual lifter pin 630 has a small flange 648 on one end and includes an upper lifter pin spring 644 that sits on each lifter pin, lower lifter spring pins 642 that each sit inside the lifter pin housing 636, and a housing cap 646 for each lifter pin that "closes" the base of the lifter pin housing. As can be better seen in FIG 47B, the flange 648 separates each lifter pin spring "set."

[0261] As discussed above, lifter pin shuttle 628 functions as a "holder" for lifter pins 630. In the illustrated embodiment, "holder" 628 has six openings 629 that slidably hold six lifter pins 630. In other words, lifter pins 630 can be linearly displaced while being "held" by the holder openings 629.

[0262] 47A, there is shown a flat portion 634 of the central opening 632. The lifter pins 630 are seated within their respective lifter pin housings 636. Under certain conditions, the lifter pin housings 636 act as "pusher" that cause the lifter pins to extend to perform a lifting action (or "lifting stroke").

[0263] 47B, there is shown a cutaway view of shuttle S / A 610 taken along line 47B-47B of FIG. 47A. In this view, upper lifter pin spring 644 sits on the outside (around) lifter pin 630 and inside the cylindrical wall of lifter pin housing 636. Inside another portion of lifter pin housing 636 is lower lifter spring 642, which is below (to the right of) lifter pin 630. Cap 646 secures lower lifter spring 642 to the inside of lifter pin housing 636, and flange 648 separates both lifter springs.

[0264] 47C, there is shown a cutaway view of the shuttle S / A 610 along line 47C-47C of FIG. 47A. The second alternative lifter S / A 600 is designed such that all of the individual lifter pins 630 exhibit individual movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 618 of the lifter shaft 616. Through the use of upper springs 644 and lower springs 642, each lifter pin 630 can extend and retract individually as well as together as a group. During the driving (or "driving") stroke, the solenoid 614 is not activated, which also means that the plunger 612 is not activated at that time (see FIG. 49A for an example). Because the plunger 612 is not actuated, the return spring 606 is pushing the shuttle ("holder") 628 to a distal position from the lifter base / guide 604, the shuttle / holder 628 is not compressing the lower spring 642, and thus the lifter pins 630 are retracted and their faces are nominally flush with the faces of the lifter base / guide 604. In other words, the lifter pins 630 will not interfere with the driver 650 and driver prongs (or "teeth") 652 during the driving stroke (see FIG. 49 for an example).

[0265] However, during the lifting stroke (or "return stroke"), solenoid 614 is actuated and pushes plunger 612 "up" (i.e., to the left in FIG. 51A), which slightly compresses return spring 606 and pushes shuttle / holder 628 towards lifter base / guide 604. The slight compression of lower spring 642 and upper spring 644 on flange 648 acts to move lifter pin 630 with shuttle / holder 628, typically causing lifter pin 630 to extend out of lifter base ("guide") 604 (see FIGS. 51A, 51B).

[0266] In a typical return stroke, the protruding lifter pins 630 rotate with the lifter S / A 600 and "catch" the individual driver teeth 652, quickly pushing the driver 650 toward the ready position. However, in some cases, an interference condition (such as a jam) may occur in which the driver teeth 652 may interfere with the lifter pins 630 (see FIG. 50). A typical jam condition is one in which the fastener is misaligned or improperly driven into the workpiece. Another typical interference condition may occur after the drive stroke, in which one or more of the driver teeth 652 simply cover one or more of the lifter pins 630 due to misalignment of the driver, such as may occur when the piston stop of the tool is sufficiently worn. Any of these above interference conditions may also be referred to herein as "driver misalignment" or "misalignment" between the driver and the lifter.

[0267] In a jammed condition, for example, the individual movement exhibited by each lifter pin 630 helps to alleviate the condition. In a typical jammed condition, one or more driver teeth 652 may remain covering or partially covering one or more lifter pins 630. Any individual lifter pins 630 that are not covered by a driver protrusion 652 can typically protrude from the lifter base ("guide") 604, as described above. However, any individual lifter pins 630 that are covered or partially covered by a driver protrusion 652 cannot extend and are therefore retained within the lifter pin housing / pusher 636. A particular driver protrusion 652 covering a particular lifter pin 630 then compresses the lower spring 642 of that pin (see FIG. 50B).

[0268] When the lifter S / A 600 begins to rotate for its lifting stroke, any covered or "blocked" lifter pins 630 are unable to properly engage with the driver protrusions 652. In other words, such blocked lifter pins are unable to perform their typical function of lifting one of the driver protrusions, but instead will slide along the back surface of the driver 650 as the lifter S / A begins to rotate for its lifting stroke. However, once the lifter S / A 600 has rotated sufficiently, the blocked lifter pin 630 will "disengage" itself from contact with any of the driver protrusions 650 and will therefore extend and be able to join the formation of the other extended lifter pins and thus assist in the lifting stroke following the rotation of the lifter S / A.

[0269] This movement of the lifter pins retracting and extending under the action of the lower springs 642 occurs parallel to the longitudinal axis 618, rather than radially of the lifter S / A 600. Figures 48 through 51 illustrate some of the conditions discussed above, and thus how the lifter pins exhibit independent movement along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 618.

[0270] 48, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a front view illustrating the ready position. Solenoid 614 is not actuated and lifter pins 630 are retracted within lifter pin housing 636, except for a single lifter pin 654 which holds driver 650 in the "up" or "ready" position. As will be described below, the single lifter pin 654 is protruded by frictional forces imposed by driver projection 652 which overcome the spring bias of upper lifter spring 644 which is compressed in this state (see FIG. 48A).

[0271] 48A, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 48A-48A in FIG 48. FIG 48A shows upper lifter spring 644 compressed due to the "holding" effect of the frictional force exerted by driver lug 652 on lifter pin 654.

[0272] 48B, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway bottom plan view taken along line 48B-48B of FIG. 48. FIG. 48B shows a single lifter pin 654 holding a driver 650 in the ready position. The "held" driver protrusion (or "tooth") is designated 652. As can be seen in FIGS. 48A and 48B, driver 650 is again positioned at a substantially perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of lifter shaft 616.

[0273] 48C, the lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 48C-48C of FIG. 48. Note that the lifter pins 630 in FIG. 48C are all fully retracted even though none of their associated springs 644 or 642 are compressed. These are the pins 630 that are not in contact with the driver lugs 652. When the drive stroke begins, the lifter S / A 600 will have rotated just enough for the single lifter pin 654 to rotate past the "held" driver lug 652. And, as such, the upper lifter spring 644 will decompress and urge that single pin 654 back into the lifter pin housing 636 to join the arrangement of the other lifter pins 630. The driver 650 is now "free" to begin the drive stroke downward as viewed in FIG.

[0274] 49, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a front view at the end of a drive stroke. Solenoid 614 has not yet been actuated and lifter pins 630 are retracted inside their lifter pin housings 636. Note that in this view, driver 650 is parked in an unaligned position so that lifter pins 630 can be successfully extended and then engaged with driver lugs 652 to perform a lift stroke when called upon to do so.

[0275] 49A, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 49A-49A in FIG. 49. At the end of the drive stroke, driver projections 652 are majority over lifter S / A 600. In other words, driver 650 is in its "down" (driven) position. In FIG. 49-49B, the initial interference condition is not shown since none of driver projections 652 will interfere with any of lifter pins 630, allowing the lifter pins to extend for the lift stroke.

[0276] 49B, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 49B-49B of Fig. 49. This view shows lifter S / A 600 just after driver 650 has completed its driving stroke and before lifter pins 630 are about to be extended.

[0277] Referring now to FIG. 50, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a front view. FIGS. 50-50C show the interference condition at the start of the lifting stroke. The solenoid 614 is actuated and the majority of the lifter pins 630 protrude from the lifter base ("guide") 604. The solenoid's plunger 612 is now pushing the shuttle / holder 628 towards the driver 650 (see FIG. 50A), pushing the majority of the lifter pins to their extended position. The interference condition is shown at 656 in one of the lifter pins, where interference with the driver lug causes that lifter pin 656 to be blocked. An unblocked lifter pin 658 is also shown, which will be described in more detail below (see FIG. 51).

[0278] 50A, the lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 50A-50A in FIG. 50. FIG. 50A shows two lifter pins 630 protruding from the lifter base / guide 604. These two lifter pins are not in contact with the driver at this point. Referring now to FIG. 50B, the lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway bottom plan view taken along line 50B-50B in FIG. 50. The majority of the lifter pins 630 are shown extending from the lifter base / guide 604. However, due to interference, one lifter pin 656 remains mostly inside the lifter base / guide 604 in a blocked position. The blocked lifter pin 656 compresses its respective lower lifter spring 642 while the protruding lifter pin decompresses the lower lifter spring 642. To clear the interference condition, lifter S / A 600 need only continue to rotate until the interfered (i.e., blocked) lifter pin 656 slides past the interference contact area. A "blocked" lifter pin is not in its full "retracted" position since it is literally trying to move to its "extended" position but cannot; thus, such a "blocked" lifter pin is partially extended as shown, which will be understood to be the "blocked position."

[0279] 50C, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 50C-50C of FIG. 50. This view shows details of the movement of the plunger, which moves the shuttle and compresses return spring 606.

[0280] 51, the lifter S / A 600 is shown in a front view as the lifting stroke continues, clearing the interference condition shown in FIGS. 50-50C. The solenoid 614 is still actuated, causing the lifter pins 630 to protrude and extend from the lifter base ("guide") 604. As mentioned above, to clear the previous jam (or "interference") condition shown in FIGS. 50-50C, the lifter S / A 600 continues to rotate until the previously blocked lifter pin 656 slides past the interfering driver lug 652. The "next" lifter pin 658 will now be able to "catch" its respective driver lug 652 (as the lifter S / A 600 continues to rotate - in this view - counterclockwise) to begin lifting the driver 650 back toward the ready position. Note that as the lifter S / A 600 continues to rotate and lift the driver 650 towards the ready position, additional lifter pins 630 capture further individual driver lugs 652 .

[0281] 51A, lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 51A-51A in Fig. 51. Plunger 612 is still actuated and all of the lifter pins 630 are extended.

[0282] 51B, the lifter S / A 600 is shown in a cutaway side view taken along line 51B-51B of FIG. 51. In this view, the interference condition shown in FIGS. 50-50C has been eliminated in the non-interfering lifter pins 658. In this view, all of the lifter pins 630 are fully extended and may engage the driver protrusions 652 as the lifter base / guide 604 continues to rotate. It will be appreciated that the spacing between the lifter pins 630 matches the spacing between the driver protrusions 652 such that each lifter pin 630 "catches" the "next" driver protrusion 652 as the lifter S / A 600 rotates.

[0283] 52, the plunger 612 is shown in an exploded view showing two internal flats 660. These two internal flats 660 are securely aligned with the two flats 620 of the lifter shaft 616 such that the plunger 612 rotates with the lifter shaft 616 but moves axially along the lifter shaft 616 when the solenoid 614 is activated or deactivated.

[0284] 53, lifter S / A 600 is shown, showing the two internal flats of plunger 612, and other parts of lifter S / A. Note that alignment of lifter pin 630 is ensured by flat 620 of lifter shaft 616 and two internal flats 660 of plunger 612, by the same flat 620 and two internal flats 626 of cover / guide 604, and finally by external flat 635 of plunger 612 and two internal flats 634 of shuttle / holder 628. This multiple internal and external flats of lifter S / A 600 ensure that all of these parts are aligned to rotate with the lifter shaft, ensuring alignment of lifter pin 630 as described above.

[0285] It should be noted that some of the embodiments illustrated herein may not have all of their components included in some of the drawings herein for purposes of clarity. To see examples of such outer housings and other components, particularly with respect to earlier designs, the reader is referred to other U.S. patents and applications owned by Kyocera Senco. Similarly, information on "how" the electronic controller operates to control the functionality of the tool can be found in other U.S. patents and applications owned by Kyocera Senco. Furthermore, other aspects of the tool technology of the present invention may be present in conventional fastener driving tools sold by assignee Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc., including information disclosed in earlier U.S. patents and published applications. Examples of such publications include U.S. Patent Nos. 6,431,425, 5,927,585, 5,918,788, 5,732,870, 4,986,164, 4,679,719, 8,011,547, 8,267,296, 8,267,297, 8,011,441, 8,387,718, 8,286,722, 8,230,941, 8,387,718, 8,286,722, 8,230,941, 8,387,72 ... Nos. 8,602,282, 9,676,088, 10,478,954, 9,993,913, 10,549,412, 10,898,994, 10,821,585, and 8,763,874, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2020 / 0156228, 2021 / 0016424, 2020 / 0070330, and 2020 / 0122308, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0286] As used herein, the term "proximal" may mean placing one physical object close to a second physical object, such that the two objects are perhaps adjacent to each other, but does not necessarily require that there is no third object placed between them. In the technology disclosed herein, there may be cases where a "male positioning structure" is placed "proximal" to a "female positioning structure". In general, this may mean that the two (male and female) structures are physically abutting each other, or it may mean that they are "mated" with each other by a particular size and shape that essentially holds one structure in a predefined orientation and XY (e.g., horizontal and vertical) position relative to each other, regardless of whether they actually contact each other along a continuous surface. Alternatively, two structures of any size and shape (whether male, female, or other shape) may be placed somewhat close to each other, regardless of whether they physically abut each other, but such a relationship can still be called "proximal". Or, two or more possible locations for a particular point can be specified relative to a precise attribute of a physical object, such as being "near" the end of a rod or being "at" the end of a rod, and all of those possible near / at locations can be considered to be "proximal" to that end of the rod. Furthermore, the term "proximal" can also have a meaning strictly related to a single object, where a single object may have two ends, the "distal end" being the end that is located somewhat far away from a target reference point (or region), and the "proximal end" being the other end that would be located somewhat closer to that same target reference point (or region).

[0287] It will be understood that the various components described and / or illustrated herein may be manufactured in a variety of ways, including being manufactured in multiple parts or as a one-piece part for each of these components, without departing from the principles of the technology disclosed herein. For example, a component included as a recited element in the following claims may be manufactured as a one-piece part, or the component may be manufactured as a combined structure of several individual parts assembled together. However, the "multiple-piece component" would still be included within the scope of the claimed recited element for infringement purposes of claim interpretation, even if the claimed recited element appears to be described and illustrated herein only as a one-piece structure.

[0288] All documents cited in the Background and Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art to the technology disclosed herein.

[0289] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology disclosed herein to the precise form disclosed, and the technology disclosed herein can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Any examples described or illustrated herein are intended as non-limiting examples, and many modifications or variations of those examples or preferred embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology disclosed herein. The embodiments have been selected and described in order to illustrate the principles of the technology disclosed herein and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the technology disclosed herein in various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the particular use contemplated. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the technology disclosed herein using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the technology disclosed herein pertains and which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A lifter for use with a fastener driving machine, the lifter comprising: a lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between said first end and said second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; A rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a holder (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the holder having a second plurality of openings (153, 353, 629); at least one guide (71, 274, 604) disposed proximal to said holder, said at least one guide having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624); at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft; a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 630) seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); a plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 176, 374, 376, 642, 644) biasing each of said lifter pins in said direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis; and a driver (62, 262, 650) having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to the lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of driver projections (66, 266, 652) along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver, the driver being disposed proximal to the rotatable lifter subassembly.

2. (a)(i) the first plurality of openings are arranged in a circular pattern; (ii) the second plurality of openings are arranged in a circular pattern such that the plurality of lifter pins can extend through the first plurality of openings; and (iii) the lifter shaft is in mechanical communication with at least one of the holder and the at least one guide; or (b) the at least one return spring is in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the holder; or (c)(i) the at least one guide: (A) a first guide (76, 377, 636) disposed between the holder and the linear actuator; (B) a second guide (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the second guide having the first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624); (ii) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) having a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); (iii) the first guide moves with the movable plunger to push the plurality of lifter pins through the second plurality of openings; or (d) the rotatable lifter subassembly rotates as the lifter shaft rotates, and the plurality of lifter pins rotate about the longitudinal axis as the lifter shaft rotates; or (e) the lifter shaft rotates to perform the lifting stroke, during which the lifter pins in the extended position rotate in a circular motion and make physical contact with the driver to move the driver to a position ready to drive a fastener. The lifter according to claim 1 .

3. The lifter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lifter pins are engageable with the plurality of driver projections for use in the lifting stroke.

4. Each of the individual lifter pins is mechanically biased by at least one of the linear actuator and the at least one of the plurality of lifter pin springs to move through one of the first plurality of openings to an extended position for use in the lifting stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly; 4. The lifter of claim 3, wherein the lifter is mechanically biased by the at least one of the plurality of lifter pin springs to move in an opposite direction to a retracted position for use in the driving stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly.

5. if no interference condition exists between a properly aligned driver and any of the lifter pins, at the beginning of the lifting stroke, each of the plurality of lifter pins is moved to the extended position so as to physically contact the plurality of driver protrusions and move the driver toward a ready position as the rotatable lifter subassembly rotates in a first direction; or if an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the plurality of lifter pins, during the initiation phase of the lifting stroke, the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins is moved to a blocking position having an independent movement, and the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins does not move fully to the extended position. The lifter according to claim 4.

6. 1. A lifter for use with a fastener driving machine, comprising: a lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; A rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a holder (150, 352, 628) disposed proximal to the linear actuator and having a second plurality of openings (153, 353, 629); at least one guide (71, 274, 604) disposed proximal to said holder and having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624); at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft; a rotatable lifter subassembly including a plurality of lifter pins (174, 176, 374, 376, 642, 644) seated within said second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.

7. (a)(i) the first plurality of openings are proximal to a circumference of the at least one guide; (ii) the second plurality of openings are proximate an outer periphery of the holder such that the plurality of lifter pins can extend through the first plurality of openings; (iii) the lifter shaft is in mechanical communication with at least one of the holder and the at least one guide; or (b) the at least one return spring is in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the holder; or (c)(i) the at least one guide: (A) a first guide (76, 377, 636) disposed between the holder and the linear actuator; (B) a second guide (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the second guide having the plurality of openings (139, 339, 624); (ii) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) having a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); (iii) the first guide moves with the movable plunger to push the plurality of lifter pins through the second plurality of openings; or (d) the lifter shaft rotates to perform the lifting stroke, during which the lifter pins in the extended position rotate in a circular motion and make physical contact with the driver to move the driver to a position ready to drive a fastener; or (e) the rotatable lifter subassembly rotates as the lifter shaft rotates, and the plurality of lifter pins rotate about the longitudinal axis as the lifter shaft rotates. The lifter according to claim 6.

8. a first plurality of lifter pin springs (176, 376, 642) mechanically biasing each of said plurality of lifter pins to move in said direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis through at least one of said first plurality of openings to an extended position for use in a lifting stroke by said rotatable lifter subassembly; a second plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 374, 644) mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move at least one of the plurality of lifter pins to a retracted position opposite the extended position for use in a drive stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly; The lifter of claim 6 further comprising:

9. A lifter for a fastener driving machine, comprising: a lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between said first end and said second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; 1. A lifter subassembly comprising: a guide (71, 274, 604) disposed proximal to the second end of the lifter shaft and having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624) arranged in a circular pattern; a holder (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the holder having a second plurality of openings (153, 353, 629), the second plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first holder and the holder; at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the holder; a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 630) seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); a plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 176, 374, 376, 642, 644) biasing each of said lifter pins in said direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, each of said lifter pins comprising: (i) being mechanically biased to move through one of the first plurality of openings into an extended position for a lifting stroke by the lifter subassembly; and (ii) being mechanically biased to move to a retracted position for a driving stroke by the lifter subassembly; (iii) a plurality of lifter pin springs, each of the plurality of lifter pins being movable to a blocking position during an initial stage of the lifting stroke; and a driver (62, 262, 650) having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to said lifter shaft longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618), said driver including a plurality of protrusions (66, 266, 652) along at least one longitudinal edge of said driver such that said lifter pins in said extended position are positioned in physical contact with said driver protrusions to move said driver toward a ready position as said lifter subassembly rotates; (a) if an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the lifter pins, during the initiation phase of the lifting stroke, the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins exhibits independent movement and does not move fully to the extended position but instead moves to the blocking position; (b) a lifter, wherein the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins in the blocked position can continue to move along a surface of the driver as the lifter subassembly rotates until it reaches an unblocked position, at which point the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins contacts the at least one of the plurality of protrusions of the driver and begins to push the driver into the lifting stroke.

10. (a)(i) the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins that begins to push the driver into the lifting stroke includes the same lifter pin as the lifter pin that was previously blocked; or (ii) beginning to push the driver into the lifting stroke, the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins including a lifter pin different from the lifter pin that was previously blocked; or (b) a back surface of the driver is substantially flat and blocked, allowing the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins to slide along the back surface of the driver until the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins reaches an unblocked position where it can be fully extended; or (c)(i) a back surface of the driver is substantially flat and blocked, and the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins is permitted to slide along the back surface of the driver until the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins reaches an unblocked position where the at least one of the lifter pins is fully extended; (ii) the rotational movement of the lifter subassembly causes the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins to slide along the back surface of the driver; The lifter of claim 9.

11. 1. A lifter for a fastener driving tool, the lifter comprising: a rotatable lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; A rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a first cover (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624) proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a movable second cover (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the movable second cover including a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings (153, 353, 629) proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second cover; a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 630) mounted within the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); a rotatable lifter subassembly including: a driver (62, 262, 650) having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to the lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of protrusions (66, 266, 652) along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver such that the plurality of lifter pins in the extended position are positioned in physical contact with the driver protrusions to move the driver toward a ready position as the lifter subassembly rotates; at the end of a lift stroke, one of the lifter pins is held in the extended position by physically contacting one of the prongs of the driver and holding the driver until a new drive stroke is initiated; At the end of the lifting stroke, other ones of the lifter pins are moved to a retracted position, thereby unobstructing the driver for the new driving stroke.

12. (a) the effect of at least one of the following: (i) the linear actuator; (ii) the at least one return spring; moving other ones of the lifter pins to the retracted position at the end of the lifting stroke; or (b) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); 22. The lifter of claim 21 .

13. A lifter for a fastener driving machine, comprising: a lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; A rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a first cover (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624) proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a second cover (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the second cover having a second plurality of openings (153, 353, 629) proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second cover; a rotatable lifter subassembly including: a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 606) seated within said second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); (i) a first plurality of lifter pin springs (176, 376, 642) mechanically biasing each of said plurality of lifter pins to move in said direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis through at least one of said first plurality of openings to an extended position for use in a lifting stroke by said rotatable lifter subassembly; (ii) a second plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 374, 644) mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move at least one of the lifter pins in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis to a retracted position opposite the extended position for use during a driving stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly.

14. (a) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); or (b)(i) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); (ii) the plunger actuates a shuttle (150, 352, 628) that moves the plurality of lifter pins to the extended position; or (c) the first plurality of openings of the first holder are collinear with the second plurality of openings of the second holder; The lifter of claim 13.

15. The lifter of claim 13 , wherein the first plurality of openings in the first holder are arranged in a circular pattern and the second plurality of openings in the second holder are arranged in a circular pattern.

16. 16. The lifter of claim 15, wherein the lifter shaft rotates to perform the lifting stroke, and wherein the plurality of lifter pins in the extended position rotate in a circular motion and physically contact the driver (62, 262, 650) to move the driver to a position ready to drive a fastener.

17. At the beginning of the lifting stroke, (a) at least a majority of the plurality of lifter pins are moved to the extended position; (b) when a mechanical interference condition with the driver exists, at least one of the plurality of lifter pins moves to a blocking position instead of moving to the extended position; The lifter of claim 16.

18. 1. A lifter for a fastener driving tool, the lifter comprising: a lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between said first end and said second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; A rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a first holder (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft and having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624) arranged in a circular pattern; a second holder (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the second holder having a second plurality of openings (153, 353, 629), the second plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first holder and the second holder; at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second holder; a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 630) seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); a plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 176, 374, 376, 642, 644) biasing each of said lifter pins in said direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, whereby each of said lifter pins: (i) being mechanically biased to move through one of the first plurality of openings into an extended position for use in a lifting stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly; and (ii) being mechanically biased to a retracted position for use in a driving stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly; (iii) a plurality of lifter pin springs, each of the plurality of lifter pins being movable to a blocking position during an initial phase of the lifting stroke; and a movable driver (62, 262, 650) having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to the lifter longitudinal axis, the driver including a plurality of protrusions (66, 266, 652) along at least one longitudinal edge of the driver such that the lifter pins in the extended position are positioned in physical contact with the driver protrusions to move the driver toward a ready position as the rotatable lifter subassembly rotates; (a) when no interference condition exists between a properly aligned driver and any of the lifter pins, during the initiation phase of the lifting stroke, each of the plurality of lifter pins is moved to the extended position; or (b) when an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the lifter pins, during the start phase of the lifting stroke, at least one of the plurality of lifter pins exhibits independent movement and is moved to the blocking position, in which the at least one of the lifter pins does not move fully to the extended position.

19. (a) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 272, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); or (b)(i) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 272, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); (ii) the plunger actuates a shuttle (150, 352, 628) that moves the plurality of lifter pins to the extended position; or (c) the first plurality of openings of the first holder are collinear with the second plurality of openings of the second holder; or (d) the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins, disposed in the blocking position during the beginning stage of the lifting stroke, moving fully to the extended position after the rotatable lifter subassembly has rotated a sufficient distance to clear the interference condition with the misaligned driver.

20. The lifter of claim 18.

20. 1. A method for elevating a driver for use with a fastener driving tool, the method comprising: providing a lifter shaft (79, 270, 616) including a first end and a second end, the lifter shaft having a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between said first end and said second end; providing a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; Providing a rotatable lifter subassembly, the rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a first holder (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate the second end of the lifter shaft, the first holder having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 629), the first plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern; a second holder (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the second holder having a second plurality of openings (153, 353, 629), the second plurality of openings being arranged in a circular pattern, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first holder and the second holder; at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second holder; a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 630) seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); a plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 176, 374, 376, 642, 644) biasing each of the lifter pins in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, each of the lifter pins being (i) biasing the at least one of the lifter pins to move through one of the first plurality of openings to an extended position for use in a lifting stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly; (ii) biasing the at least one of the lifter pins to a retracted position for use in a driving stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly; (iii) a rotatable lifter subassembly that biases each individual lifter pin of the plurality of lifter pins to move to a blocked position only partially extended if any individual lifter pin of the plurality of lifter pins is blocked due to an interference condition at the start of the lifting stroke; providing a movable driver (62, 262, 650) having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to said lifter longitudinal axis, said driver including a plurality of protrusions (66, 266, 652) along at least one longitudinal edge of said driver such that said lifter pins in said extended position are positioned to physically contact said driver protrusions to move said driver toward a ready position as said rotatable lifter subassembly rotates; (a) moving each of the plurality of lifter pins to the extended position during the initiation phase of the lifting stroke if no interference condition exists between a properly aligned driver and any of the lifter pins; or (b) enabling the at least one of the lifter pins to exhibit independent movement during the start phase of the lifting stroke when an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the lifter pins, thereby moving the independently movable lifter pin to the blocking position where the blocking position is only partially extended.

21. (a) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); or (b)(i) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); (ii) moving the plunger to actuate a shuttle (150, 352, 628) that moves the plurality of lifter pins to the extended position; or (c) the first plurality of openings of the first holder are collinear with the second plurality of openings of the second holder; 21. The method of claim 20.

22. (a) when at least one of the plurality of lifter pins is disposed in the blocking position during the starting phase of the lifting stroke; (b) rotating the rotatable lifter subassembly such that the rotatable lifter subassembly has rotated a sufficient distance to eliminate the interference condition with the misaligned driver; (c) moving the blocked lifter pin from the blocked position to the extended position.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

23. 1. A lifter for a fastener driving tool, the lifter comprising: a lifter shaft (79) including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis (185) extending between said first end and said second end; a solenoid (75) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft and including a moveable plunger (167); A rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a hollow barrel (74) having a first cover (71) disposed proximate to the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings (139) proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a second cover (150) disposed proximate to the solenoid, the second cover having a second plurality of openings (153) proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; a plurality of lifter pins (72) seated within the second plurality of openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185); A moveable shuttle subassembly comprising: a shuttle base (150) that substantially houses the plurality of lifter pins; a return spring (154) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the plunger and the shuttle base; and a rotatable lifter subassembly including: during a lift stroke, the solenoid is actuated to urge the plunger toward the second end and compress the return spring toward the second end, causing at least a majority of the plurality of lifter pins to protrude through the first plurality of openings in the first cover; during a drive stroke, the solenoid is not actuated, the plunger is moved by the return spring to a position more proximal to the first end, and the plurality of lifter pins are substantially contained inside the hollow barrel so as not to interfere with the drive stroke.

24. 24. The lifter of claim 23, wherein the rotatable lifter subassembly rotates simultaneously as the lifter shaft rotates.

25. When the lifter shaft rotates, the plurality of lifter pins rotate about the longitudinal axis.

25. The lifter of claim 24.

26. a driver (62) including a plurality of projections (66) along at least one longitudinal edge of said driver; during the lifting stroke, at least one of the plurality of lifter pins mechanically engages at least one of the plurality of protrusions to lift the driver toward a ready position as the lifter shaft is rotated.

26. The lifter of claim 25.

27. A lifter for a fastener driving machine, comprising: a lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; A rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a first cover (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate to the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624) proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a movable second cover (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the second cover including a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings (153, 353, 629) proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second cover; a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 630) mounted within the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); a first plurality of lifter pin springs (176, 376, 642) mechanically biasing each of said plurality of lifter pins to move in said direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis through at least one of said first plurality of openings to an extended position for use in a lifting stroke by said rotatable lifter subassembly; a second plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 374, 644) mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move at least one of the plurality of lifter pins to a retracted position opposite the extended position in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis for use in a driving stroke by the rotatable lifter subassembly.

28. (a) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid including a moveable plunger; or (b)(i) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); (ii) the plunger actuates the second cover, which acts as a movable shuttle (150, 352, 628) that moves the plurality of lifter pins to the extended position unless at least one of the plurality of lifter pins is blocked; 28. The lifter of claim 27.

29. (a) the first plurality of openings in the first cover are collinear with the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings in the second cover; or (b) the second cover comprises a unitary structure including all of the plurality of hollow cylinders seating and at least partially housing all of the plurality of lifter pins, and in the unitary structure, the second cover moves in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft in response to a state of the linear actuator, thereby (i) when the linear actuator is in an inoperative state, each of the plurality of lifter pins attempts to move to the retracted position; (ii) when the linear actuator is in an actuated state, each of the plurality of lifter pins is configured to move to the extended position; 28. The lifter of claim 27.

30. (a) the first plurality of openings of the first cover are arranged in a circular pattern and the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings of the second cover are arranged in a circular pattern; or (b)(i) the first plurality of openings of the first cover are arranged in a circular pattern, and the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings of the second cover are arranged in a circular pattern; (ii) the lifter shaft rotates to perform the lifting stroke, during which the lifter pins in the extended position rotate in a circular motion and make physical contact with the driver to move the driver toward a position ready to drive fasteners; or (c)(i) the first plurality of openings in the first cover are arranged in a circular pattern, and the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings in the second cover are arranged in a circular pattern; (ii) the lifter shaft rotates to perform the lifting stroke, during which the lifter pins in the extended position rotate in a circular motion and physically contact the driver to move the driver toward a position ready to drive fasteners; (iii) at the beginning of the lifting stroke; (A) at least a majority of the plurality of lifter pins move to the extended position; (B) when a mechanical interference condition with the driver exists, at least one of the plurality of lifter pins moves to a blocking position instead of moving to the extended position.

28. The lifter of claim 27.

31. a movable driver (62, 262, 650) having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to said lifter longitudinal axis, said driver including a plurality of protrusions (66, 266, 652) along at least one longitudinal edge of said driver such that said lifter pins in said extended position are positioned to physically contact said driver protrusions to move said driver toward a ready position as said rotatable lifter subassembly rotates; When the movable driver is in a ready position prior to the drive stroke, one of the plurality of lifter pins is extended by frictional contact with the driver projection and all others of the plurality of lifter pins are retracted, which The linear actuator transitions to a de-energized state, The movable second cover is moved to a non-operating position, This allows the other lifter pins of the plurality of lifter pins to move to the retracted position.

28. The lifter of claim 27.

32. At the start of the driving stroke, (a) the linear actuator remains in the de-energized state; (b) the lifter shaft rotates to perform the driving stroke, and during the driving stroke, the one of the extended lifter pins moves to a non-contact position with respect to the driver protrusion; (c) then, the one of the plurality of lifter pins moves to the retracted position; 32. The lifter of claim 31, wherein (d) all of said plurality of lifter pins remain in said retracted position until said driving stroke is completed.

33. A lifter for a fastener driving machine, comprising: a lifter shaft (79, 279, 616) including a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618) extending between the first end and the second end; a linear actuator (75, 275, 614) disposed proximal to the first end of the lifter shaft; A rotatable lifter subassembly, the rotatable lifter subassembly comprising: a first cover (71, 274, 604) disposed proximate to the second end of the lifter shaft, the first cover having a first plurality of openings (139, 339, 624) proximate an outer periphery of the first cover; a movable second cover (150, 352, 628) disposed proximate to the linear actuator, the second cover including a plurality of hollow cylinders having openings (153, 353, 629) proximate an outer periphery of the second cover, the lifter shaft being in mechanical communication with at least one of the first cover and the second cover; at least one return spring (154, 354, 606) providing a force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft and in mechanical communication with at least one of the linear actuator and the second cover; a rotatable lifter subassembly including: a plurality of lifter pins (72, 272, 630) mounted within the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings and movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (185, 385, 618); a movable driver (62, 262, 650) having a path of travel substantially perpendicular to said lifter longitudinal axis, said driver including a plurality of protrusions (66, 266, 652) along at least one longitudinal edge of said driver such that said plurality of lifter pins in said extended position are positioned to physically contact said driver protrusions to move said driver toward a ready position as said rotatable lifter subassembly rotates; (a) when no interference condition exists between a properly aligned driver and any of the plurality of lifter pins, at the beginning of the lifting stroke, each of the plurality of lifter pins is moved to the extended position; or (b) when an interference condition exists between a misaligned driver and at least one of the plurality of lifter pins, during the start phase of the lifting stroke, the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins exhibits independent movement and is moved to the blocking position, and in the blocking position, the at least one of the plurality of lifter pins does not move fully to the extended position.

34. (a) a first plurality of lifter pin springs (176, 376, 642) mechanically biasing each of said plurality of lifter pins to move through at least one of said first plurality of openings in said direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis to an extended position to enable a lifting stroke; (b) a second plurality of lifter pin springs (174, 374, 644) mechanically biasing each of the plurality of lifter pins to move at least one of the plurality of lifter pins to a retracted position opposite the extended position in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis to enable a driving stroke; 34. The lifter of claim 33 further comprising:

35. (a) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); or (b)(i) the linear actuator comprises a solenoid (75, 275, 614) including a moveable plunger (167, 367, 612); (ii) the plunger actuates the second cover, which acts as a movable shuttle (150, 352, 628) that moves the plurality of lifter pins to the extended position unless at least one of the plurality of lifter pins is blocked; or (c) the second cover comprises a unitary structure including all of the plurality of hollow cylinders seating and at least partially housing all of the plurality of lifter pins, wherein in the unitary structure, the second cover moves in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifter shaft in response to a state of the linear actuator, thereby (i) when the linear actuator is in an inoperative state, each of the plurality of lifter pins attempts to move to the retracted position; (ii) when the linear actuator is in an actuated state, each of the plurality of lifter pins attempts to move to the extended position; or (d) the first plurality of openings of the first cover are collinear with the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings of the second cover; 34. The lifter of claim 33.

36. 34. The lifter of claim 33, wherein the first plurality of openings in the first cover are arranged in a circular pattern and the plurality of hollow cylinders having openings in the second cover are arranged in a circular pattern.

37. 37. The lifter of claim 36, wherein the lifter shaft rotates to perform the lifting stroke, during which the plurality of lifter pins in the extended position rotate in a circular motion and make physical contact with the driver to move the driver toward a position ready to drive a fastener.

38. During the initial stage of the lift stroke, (a) at least a majority of the plurality of lifter pins are moved to the extended position; 38. The lifter of claim 37, wherein (b) at least one of the plurality of lifter pins moves to a blocking position instead of moving to the extended position if a mechanical interference condition with the driver exists.

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