Powder-actuated tool with power adjustment and angle-fire control

Abstract

An improved indirect-acting powder-actuated fastening tool is provided wherein the power level may be continuously varied and wherein the tool may be discharged only if the muzzle is pressed against the work surface, with the tool substantially perpendicular thereto. A barrel and a barrel breech are adjustably screwed together and telescopically carried by a slide assembly which, in turn, is telescopically carried by the tool receiver. The slide assembly and the barrel are operably connected for corotation, whereby rotation of the slide assembly produces a joint axial displacement, of the barrel and the slide assembly, relative to the barrel breech, to vary the initial volume. The axial relation between the slide assembly and the barrel is thus preserved during power level adjustment and this constant relationship is utilized to effect angle-fire control by means of a firing mechanism operable solely when the slidably mounted barrel and barrel breech are urged to the battery position against the bias of a spring.