Abstract: A process to more accurately determine torque output of power impact tools using impulse. Also disclosed are processes for controlling power impact tools, in particular a mechanical impact wrench, by determining the impulse of the tool impacts and deriving torque values therefrom. A mechanical impact wrench having an electronic control is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a pneumatic tool with a reverse valve having an overdrive. In particular, the pneumatic tool includes a housing, a rotor, rotatably mounted within the housing, an output shaft operatively coupled to the rotor, and pressure chambers defined between the housing and the rotor. A pneumatic reverse valve having an overdrive is operatively coupled to the rotor. The overdrive provides increased torque and increased speed to the output shaft. The reverse valve controls flow of pressurized air to a multi-chambered motor of the tool such that the direction of the motor can be reversed and the number of pressure chambers receiving pressurized air can be selected regardless of direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power tool having a housing, a handle having an inlet passage and an outlet passage extending therethrough, and a pneumatic pressure seal/vibration isolator positioned between the handle. The present invention provides a tool that has an excellent handle to housing seal and does not exhibit heavy vibrations. The present invention is also the vibration isolator that seals the handle to the motor housing and reduces vibrational transmissions to a user. Also disclosed is a power tool having a vibration isolator coupled to the housing and handle, and a mechanism for allowing sliding rotation of the handle relative to the vibration isolator, thereby allowing the handle to point in a different direction other than toward the point of impact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reciprocating pneumatic tool that includes a retainer mechanism for preventing the piston from freely exiting the barrel of the tool when the retaining sleeve and workpiece are removed. The retainer mechanism does not interfere with the functional operation of the tool when the workpiece and sleeve are attached to the tool. The retainer mechanism is mounted distally around the butt of the workpiece such that no contact occurs with the retainer mechanism or the piston.

Abstract: An impact mechanism having a rotating cage member that supports at least one hammer for imparting impacts upon an anvil. More particularly the present invention relates to a cage member of an impact mechanism wherein each hammer pin is supported in a partial bore hole in the end of the cage member closest to the motor of the impact mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates an impact tool with a twin lobed anvil, and the separate anvil, timing shaft and mating dog hammer. The impact transmission is configured in such a way so as to maintain contact between the anvil and dog hammer. As a result, the components of the present invention provide a harder blow to the anvil of an impact tool due to a larger strike surface area, provide greater torque due to increased mass at engagement, and increase the durability of the impact tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power tool having a housing, a handle having an inlet passage and an outlet passage extending therethrough, and a pneumatic pressure seal/vibration isolator positioned between the handle. The present invention provides a tool that has an excellent handle to housing seal and does not exhibit heavy vibrations. The present invention is also the vibration isolator that seals the handle to the motor housing and reduces vibrational transmissions to a user. Also disclosed is a power tool having a vibration isolator coupled to the housing and handle, and a mechanism for allowing sliding rotation of the handle relative to the vibration isolator, thereby allowing the handle to point in a different direction other than toward the point of impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates an impact tool with a twin lobed anvil, and the separate anvil, timing shaft and mating dog hammer. The impact transmission is configured in such a way so as to maintain contact between the anvil and dog hammer. As a result, the components of the present invention provide a harder blow to the anvil of an impact tool due to a larger strike surface area, provide greater torque due to increased mass at engagement, and increase the durability of the impact tool.

Abstract: A hand held compressed air power tool is provided with a handle that can axially rotate about an orthogonal axis perpendicular to the tool housing. Thus, the handle can rotate independently of the motor housing thereby allowing the handle to point in a different direction other than toward the point of impact. The tool utilizes a rotational coupling system that allows the handle to rotate while also allowing compressed air to be fed into, and exhausted out of, the tool via the base of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to pneumatic ratcheting mechanisms and in particular to a device to aid in shank spindle retainment during ratchet resetting. According to the present invention, at least one recess is provided in the shank spindle of a ratchet head to receive a spring therein. The end of the spring is compressed against an interior surface of the ratchet head to frictionally retain the shank spindle and pawl of the ratchet during the resetting stroke of the ratchet yoke.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reciprocating pneumatic tool that includes a retainer mechanism for preventing the piston from freely exiting the barrel of the tool when the retaining sleeve and workpiece are removed. The retainer mechanism does not interfere with the functional operation of the tool when the workpiece and sleeve are attached to the tool. The retainer mechanism is mounted distally around the butt of the workpiece such that no contact occurs with the retainer mechanism or the piston.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool is disclosed which includes vibration mounts to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the user. The vibration mounts include a pair of support members and at least one resilient vibration isolator connecting the support member in a spaced relationship. A compressed air conduit passes through the support member openings but is only directly fastened to one of the support members.

Abstract: A vibration-reduced impact tool is disclosed wherein an elastomeric vibration isolator is fixedly attached within the tool housing and functions to absorb the vibration typically transmitted from the handle to the operator. The isolator is mounted between the cylinder assembly and the handle. As the tool is operated, a piston within the cylinder assembly is driven forward where it impacts with a tool accessory. The impact causes the piston and cylinder assembly to slide rearward in the tool housing, toward the handle. The elastomeric isolator absorbs the rearward movement of the cylinder assembly and thereby eliminates much of the vibration normally transmitted from the cylinder assembly to the handle and in turn, to the operator.

Abstract: An alignment device for power tools is disclosed comprising a power tool attachment, typically a socket or an extension and an alignment ring mounted on an output shaft. The alignment ring is placed between the output shaft and a socket or extension. The alignment ring reduces the motion between the socket and the output shaft, thereby reducing wear on both the socket and the output shaft. Also, the use of the alignment ring allows the energy of the tool to be used in improving torque.

Abstract: A hand held compressed air power tool is provided with a handle that can axially rotate about an orthogonal axis perpendicular to the tool housing. Thus, the handle can rotate independently of the motor housing thereby allowing the handle to point in a different direction other than toward the point of impact. The tool utilizes a rotational coupling system that allows the handle to rotate while also allowing compressed air to be fed into, and exhausted out of, the tool via the base of the handle.

Abstract: An economically and technologically improved assembly for developing kinetic energy in a rotary impact tool. There is disclosed herein a two-part, readily assembled and disassembled pin cage-coupler. One part, a cylindrical, longitudinally grooved cage, which contains a clutch mechanism, is capped at one end by a lobed end plate coupler. Since there is no physical bonding during the functional life of these parts, they may be made separately by various metal working technologies, including sintering and forging.