Abstract: A multiple conductor composite electrical cable has a braided steel shield about internally disposed power wires and multiple signal wires arranged radially external of the steel shield, whereby magnetic lines of flux from the power wires are contained within a center axial core of the composite cable defined by the steel shield to eliminate signal interference caused by coupling of magnetic flux with signal conducting wires disposed radially external of the power wires and steel shield.

Abstract: An air tool torque control system includes a controller operative to independently control two air tools with continuous programmed adjustment of the torque shut off point for each tool after each fastener joint is made. The torque specification is measured for each fastener joint made, is verified as being within an acceptable torque range, is compared to the set point of that torque specification range to determine the variation therebetween, and is then adjusted toward the mid point by the applicable correction factor for the variation determined to continuously compensate for variations in joint rate, line pressure and/or tool output. To enhance the effectiveness of the system, fast acting solenoid valves utilizing line pressure to assist in valve closure may be included to improve shut off control.

Abstract: An air tool torque control system includes a controller operative to independently control two air tools with continuous programmed adjustment of the torque shut off point for each tool after each fastener joint is made. The torque specification is measured for each fastener joint made, is verified as being within an acceptable torque range, is compared to the set point of that torque specification range to determine the variation therebetween, and is then adjusted toward the mid point by the applicable correction factor for the variation determined to continuously compensate for variations in joint rate, line pressure and/or tool output. To enhance the effectiveness of the system, fast acting solenoid valves utilizing line pressure to assist in valve closure may be included to improve shut off control.

Abstract: The air tool of the present invention includes a torque shut-off valve totally enclosed within and substantially coaxial with the body housing of the tool. The torque shut-off valve includes a valve member reciprocally sliding in and guided by a bore and counterbore in the valve body. The valve member is biased by a reset spring to its open position before the tool cycle is initiated. In operation, the valve member is axially biased toward its open position by supply line air pressure in an air inlet chamber in conjunction with controlled reduced air pressure in an associated compartment and is axially biased toward the closed position by motor inlet pressure. A preselected motor back pressure resulting from achieving the desired tool torque operates to overcome the opposing pressure to close the valve member to block air flow to the motor.

Abstract: A portable air tool for applying torque to a workpiece includes a built in strain gauge transducer for measuring applied torque and a built in potentiometer adjustment mechanism for balancing or calibrating the transducer in unloaded condition. The transducer and potentiometer adjustment mechanism are electrically connected by leads passing from the tool to an electrical circuit containing the power supply and a millivolt meter or computer. To balance the transducer in unloaded condition, the end of a screwdriver or other tool may be inserted through a housing aperture and into the air tool to turn an adjustment screw on the enclosed potentiometer until the millivolt meter reads zero indicating balance in the transducer circuit. Alternatively, the potentiometer could be mounted in a threaded sleeve forming the handle of the tool, with adjustment access to the potentiometer being provided when the handle is unthreaded and axially moved relative to the tool to expose the potentiometer.

Abstract: A gear reversal mechanism for a hand held power tool is selectively operative to reverse the output of a unidirectional motor and provides a direct drive forward mode and an indirect drive reverse mode, with the selection therebetween being implemented by a manual shift collar operating a cam mechanism selectively to reorient the gear train and consequent direction of motor output. The shift collar is temporarily locked to the gear housing during tool operation by using the operative air pressure of the tool to expand a locking mechanism into locking engagement with such shift collar. With or without the locking mechanism, an exhaust shutoff shift interlock may be provided to permit exhaust air to exit the housing when the shift collar is in either its forward or reverse operating positions or alternatively to close the housing exhaust ports to block exhaust air flow to preclude motor operation when the shift collar is between its operating positions.

Abstract: A pneumatic throttle control configuration provides synchronized start-up and independent shut-off of multiple pneumatic tools. Each tool includes a throttle control assembly having a manually operable throttle valve which selectively admits air to the vane motor of the tool and a spring-biased piston operably coupled to the throttle valve which maintains it in an open position in response to air pressure in a control line which interconnects the tools. The vane motor includes a governor controlled valve which opens at a predetermined motor speed and provides air to the control line and the pistons of each tool of the multiple tool arrangement, thereby opening every throttle valve. Each pneumatic tool may then operate and stall independently. When the last tool stalls, the control air flow to all tools is terminated and the throttle valves close.

Abstract: A bi-directional, speed reducing mechanism for use with hand-held power tools comprises a pair of epicyclic gear trains mounted in a common carrier which each independently engage one of a pair of cages or ring gears disposed thereabout. The cages may alternately be locked in a stationary position or released for free rotation by independent activation of one of two identical wrap spring brakes disposed about each of the cages. The mechanism is contained within a generally cylindrical housing suitable for positioning between a conventional unidirectional power tool motor and gear head or powered device. In addition to the reversing capability, speed reduction in the range from 3.5:1 to 9:1 is also achieved by this mechanism.

Abstract: A blade wrench includes an adjustable interconnection disposed between the tool body and the blade portion which permits selective angular positioning of the blade portion of the wrench relative to the tool body. The blade portion may thus be adjusted and fixed at a selected angle to facilitate alignment with and purchase on a fastener. The adjustable interconnection comprises apparatus for selectively angularly positioning the blade portion relative to the tool body and a locking device for maintaining this angular relationship.

Abstract: A reversible speed reducing mechanism for use with hand-held power tools comprises a pair of juxtaposed epicyclic gear trains mounted in a common carrier which independently engage a pair of cages or ring gears. The cages may alternately be locked to or released from an outer housing to accomplish the bidirectional transmission of rotational power. The complete reversing mechanism is housed in a generally cylindrical body suitable for mounting between a conventional unidirectional motor and gear head or powered device. Forward or reverse output rotation is selected by moving a control button positioned on the periphery of the reversing mechanism. Speed reduction in the range from 3 to 5 to 1 can be achieved by this mechanism.