Gauge for use with power tools

Abstract

A powered fastening device includes a nosepiece having a first end and a second end, and defining a channel. A housing is coupled to the first end of the nosepiece, and a handle and a trigger are coupled to the housing. A fastener driving assembly is disposed at least partially within the housing. The nail driving assembly includes a driver blade which is driven into the channel from the housing through the first end to the second end of the nose, to drive a fastener out the second end of the nosepiece and into a workpiece. A fastener loading assembly is connected with the nosepiece, and is configured to provide the fastener to the channel of the nosepiece. A sensor assembly is coupled to at least one of the nosepiece and the housing, and includes a probe for engaging the workpiece. The probe is configured to determine a measure of a structural factor of the workpiece for use in determining an operational setting of the fastening device.

1 . A powered fastening device, comprising: 
 a nosepiece having a first end and a second end, and defining a channel;    a housing coupled to the first end of the nosepiece;    a handle and a trigger coupled to the housing;    a fastener driving assembly disposed at least partially within the housing, the nail driving assembly including a driver blade which is driven into the channel from the housing through the first end to the second end of the nose, to drive a fastener out the second end of the nosepiece and into a workpiece;    a fastener loading assembly connected with the nosepiece, the fastener loading assembly configured to provide the fastener to the channel of the nosepiece; and    a sensor assembly coupled to at least one of the nosepiece and the housing, the sensor assembly including a probe for engaging the workpiece,    wherein the probe is configured to determine a measure of a structural factor of the workpiece for use in determining an operational setting of the powered fastening device.    
   
   
       2 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the probe is configured to determine the measure of the structural factor prior to application of the second end of the nosepiece to the workpiece.  
   
   
       3 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the probe is configured to penetrate the workpiece to determine the measure of the structural factor of the workpiece.  
   
   
       4 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor assembly further comprises: 
 a spring connected to the probe;    a sensor connected to the spring; and    a linkage connected to the sensor.    
   
   
       5 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface communicatively coupled with the sensor assembly.  
   
   
       6 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , further comprising a non-contact measurement and alignment system connected to the housing.  
   
   
       7 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the measure of the structural parameter is used to adjust an operational setting of the tool.  
   
   
       8 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment system coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to adjust an operational setting of the tool in response to the measure of the structural parameter.  
   
   
       9 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the structural factor comprises hardness.  
   
   
       10 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the structural factor comprises thickness.  
   
   
       11 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the structural factor comprises moisture content.  
   
   
       12 . The powered fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the operational setting comprises a driving depth of the fastener.  
   
   
       13 . A gauge, for use with a power tool engaging a workpiece, comprising: 
 a housing connected to the power tool;    a sensor assembly disposed in the housing, the sensor assembly including a probe extending from the housing,    wherein the probe is configured to penetrate the workpiece to determine a measure of a structural factor of the workpiece for use in determining an operational setting of the power tool.    
   
   
       14 . The gauge of  claim 13 , the sensor assembly further comprising: 
 a spring connected to the probe;    a sensor connected to the spring; and    a linkage connected to the sensor.    
   
   
       15 . The gauge of  claim 13 , further comprising a mount which connects the housing with the power tool.  
   
   
       16 . The gauge of  claim 13 , wherein the housing is removable from the power tool.  
   
   
       17 . The gauge of  claim 13 , further comprising a user interface for providing a readout of information.  
   
   
       18 . The gauge of  claim 13 , further comprising an adjustment system coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to adjust an operational setting of the tool in response to the measure of the structural parameter.  
   
   
       19 . The gauge of  claim 13 , wherein the structural factor comprises at least one of hardness, thickness, and moisture content.  
   
   
       20 . The gauge of  claim 13 , wherein the gauge is configured for use with a powered fastening device.