Patent ID: 8230941

Claim:
A method for controlling a fastener driving tool, said method comprising: (a) providing a fastener driving tool that includes: (i) a housing, (ii) a system controller having a processing circuit and a memory circuit, (iii) a fastener driving mechanism that moves a driver member toward an exit end of the mechanism, (iv) a prime mover that moves a lifter member which moves said driver member away from said exit end of the mechanism, wherein said lifter member acts both as a holding member and a release mechanism for said driver member, (v) a safety latch control device that is automatically controlled by said system controller, said safety latch control device, when commanded, being configured to move a safety latch member which has a catching surface, (vi) a user-actuated trigger, and (vii) a fastener; (b) initiating a driving cycle by pressing said exit end against a workpiece and actuating said trigger, thereby: (i) said system controller automatically causing said safety latch control device to activate, which moves said catching surface of the safety latch member to a position that does not interfere with movements of said driver member, which readies said fastener driving mechanism; (ii) temporarily holding said driver member at a ready position, by use of a holding contact between said lifter member and said driver member; and (iii) moving said lifter member, thereby releasing said driver member from said holding contact with said lifter member, and then causing said fastener driving mechanism to force the driver member to move toward said exit end and drive said fastener into said workpiece; (c) said system controller automatically actuating said prime mover, thereby moving said lifter member and causing said driver member to move away from said exit end toward said ready position; and (d) said system controller then automatically de-activating said safety latch control device, which allows a mechanical biasing of said safety latch member to move the catching surface of the safety latch member to a position that interferes with movements of said driver member.