Semi-automatic insert tool

Claim 1

A semi-automatic helical insert tool comprising a frame, a motor on said frame having an insert driving head thereon, a feed strip having a plurality of drive notches therein, a plurality of inserts in said feed strip, a circular magazine on said frame having a rotatable spool therein for supporting said feed strip, a feed dial having teeth engageable in the notches in said feed strip, a manually operable trigger, mechanical means comprising an index gear having ratchet teeth thereon rotatable with said feed dial, and a pawl actuatable by said trigger and engageable with said ratchet teeth, said means being actuatable upon a predetermined first increment of travel of said trigger in one direction for advancing said feed dial and one insert on said feed strip to a drive position in alignment with the tool on said motor each time said trigger is pulled, and control means for said motor energizable upon a predetermined travel of said trigger in said one direction to energize said motor to advance said tool into engagement with an insert and advance said insert into a workpiece.