Abstract
A hydraulic power tool includes a trigger, motor, pump, hydraulic circuit, fluid reservoir, pressure sensor, and controller. The controller initiates motor operation when the trigger is depressed, causing the pump to move hydraulic fluid through the circuit. The controller monitors pressure via the sensor, calculates a pressure derivative representing the rate of pressure change over time, and increments a buffer counter when the pressure derivative is at or near zero. When the pressure derivative remains at or near zero for a predetermined time period, indicating work operation completion, the controller automatically releases hydraulic fluid from the circuit back to the reservoir.