Having Torque Responsive Clutch Patents (Class 173/178)
  • Publication number: 20080296036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch (2) for a hand-operated electrical tool, in particular for a hand-held electrical device with a rotating tool, such as a drill or hammer drill, where the clutch (2) disengages automatically when a defined disengagement torque is exceeded. The invention further relates to a hand-operated electrical tool, in particular a hand-held electrical device with a rotating tool, which has this type of clutch (2). The clutch (2) is switchable between two clutch conditions, which have a different level of disengagement torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Simm, Cornelis Van Der Schans
  • Patent number: 7455123
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a motor output shaft, a tool driver, and a torque-limiting unit with which a maximum torque transferred from the motor output shaft to the tool driver is adjustable by an operator, the torque-limiting unit including a spring system, the spring system including differently-acting spring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Aeberhard
  • Patent number: 7455121
    Abstract: A power tool includes an impact damping mechanism for damping an impact in a direction of rotation of a speed reduction mechanism portion 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuma Saito, Shinki Ohtsu, Yasuki Ohmori, Chikai Yoshimizu, Katsuhiro Oomori, Masanori Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080283262
    Abstract: A device and method for variable torque fastening are capable of easily varying a tightening torque and are capable of automatically changing a tightening torque according to the sequence set by an operator. The variable torque fastening device includes a fastening unit having a drive shaft which is rotated by a motor, a driven shaft which is rotated by the drive shaft and is mounted with a fastening tool, a slip clutch which intermittently connects the drive shaft to the driven shaft, and a piston which moves forward and backward by an air pressure to press the slip clutch, a compressed air supply source which supplies compressed air to the fastening unit to press the piston, and an air pressure control unit which controls a pressure of the air that presses the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Wan Su Han, Gwang Hyun Back
  • Patent number: 7452304
    Abstract: A power tool with a housing, a motor, an output spindle and a transmission assembly with a transmission and a speed selector. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary transmission stages that couple the motor to the output spindle. The speed selector includes only one switch member that is slidably movable between three positions to cause the transmission to operate in a corresponding number of speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A Hagan, Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne
  • Patent number: 7441480
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a driver may include an electric motor coupled to a bit interface. The bit interface may include a generally cylindrical body having first and second hollow portions. The first hollow portion may be on one end of the generally cylindrical body and may define a generally cylindrical hole. The second hollow portion may abut the first hollow portion and define an oblong channel. The oblong channel may be further defined by first and second parallel flat walls. The cylindrical body may also include a first transverse groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: OsteoMed L.P.
    Inventors: Aaron T. Raines, Jr., Shaher A. Ahmad
  • Patent number: 7422075
    Abstract: An overload clutch assembly for a power tool having two torque settings through which rotary drive is transmitted to a spindle. The overload clutch assembly is capable of being between switched between the two torque settings by at least one actuator. The clutch assembly comprises a carrier rotationally mounted on a output clutch spindle; a first clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a first level; and a second clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a second level higher than the first; and characterised in that, when the overload clutch is in the higher torque setting, the torque is transferred from the carrier to the output clutch spindle via the second clutch plate only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Publication number: 20080210450
    Abstract: A power tool includes an output member (8) projecting from the tool housing (4), a drive (6) located in the housing for rotating the output member (8), and a slip clutch (22) for transmitting torque from the drive (6) to the output member (8) and including a plurality of clutch elements (24) retained against rotation relative to the housing (4), a plurality of separate spring elements (28) for adjustable preloading the clutch elements (24) against the counter-clutch elements (51) of the control element (18) for retaining the control element (18) against rotation upon application of the torque thereto until threshold of the torque is reached, and a common support element for supporting the spring elements and movable relative to the housing (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: David Spielmann, Othmar Gerschwiler, Armin Breitenmoser, Remo Breitenmoser
  • Publication number: 20080210060
    Abstract: A rivet setting device for setting a self-tapping rivet in a work piece includes a rotatable head for rotating a self-tapping rivet to form a hole in the work piece and a shank retracting assembly for compressing and spreading the hollow body of the self-tapping rivet, allowing the head of the self-tapping rivet to detach from the shank upon application of a predetermined tensile force. The rotatable head comprises a clutch having a body enclosing a plurality of bearings circumferentially located around the shank, for gripping the shank. The clutch is formed with a plurality of tapered channels for urging the bearings into engagement with the shank upon rotation of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: ABEO, LLC
    Inventor: A. L. PEPPER AASGAARD
  • Patent number: 7413029
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a screw fastening machine for reliably switching and changing a driving force transmitting path with the seating on a work as a reference. According to the screw fastening machine in which a first pulley is connected to a first driving mechanism for applying high speed low torque drive to a drive shaft, a second pulley is fixed in an integrally rotatable manner to a transmission shaft for connecting the drive shaft, and an endless belt is interposed between the pulleys to obtain a configuration for high speed low torque drive, a second driving mechanism for low speed high torque drive is arranged on an extension of the transmission shaft, and the second driving mechanism performs the drive until a final fastening torque is reached when a screw component is seated on the work and the stall state is achieved, the final fastening torque is always reliably obtained and the work time is reduced without waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Tasuku Seno
  • Patent number: 7410441
    Abstract: A portable power tool having a relatively compact multi-stage, three-speed transmission and a related method for operating a power tool with a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7410007
    Abstract: An impact rotary tool is provided that is switchable between an impact mode where the tool delivers an impacting torque on an output tool and a drill mode where the driver delivers a smooth output on an output tool. The impact rotary tool includes an impact mechanism and a hammer block that in the impact mode is movable parallel to the axis of the driver shaft and delivers reciprocating blows to rotate an anvil and in the drill mode substantially constantly engages the anvil. The impact mechanism includes a stopper that does not contact the hammer block in the impact mode and engages the hammer block in the drill mode to maintain the substantially constant contact between the hammer block and the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Eastway Fair Company Limited
    Inventors: Koon For Chung, Hoi Pang Wang
  • Patent number: 7404781
    Abstract: A method for operating a portable power tool having a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7395874
    Abstract: A slaving and blocking device for transmitting a torque from a driving part to a driven part and for stopping the driven part at a torque engaging the driven part has a slaving unit fixable on the driving part fixed against relative rotation and having slaving claws that are offset from one another in a circumferential direction, a roller star wheel located in the slaving unit and connectable to the driven part fixed against relative rotation, clamping bodies located in freewheeling fashion between the slaving claws and points of a star of the roller star wheel, a stationary clamping ring located concentrically to the slaving means and the roller star wheel and having an inner annular face forming a counterpart clamping face for the clamping bodies, and radially displaceable centrifugal force elements located in the roller star wheel such that above a predetermined rpm the force elements clamp the roller star wheel firmly to the slaving means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Olivier Zeiter
  • Publication number: 20080161150
    Abstract: A power tool with a housing, a motor, an output spindle and a transmission assembly with a transmission and a speed selector. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary transmission stages that couple the motor to the output spindle. The speed selector includes only one switch member that is slidably movable between three positions to cause the transmission to operate in a corresponding number of speed ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Todd A. Hagan, Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne
  • Patent number: 7380613
    Abstract: An electric power tool is provided which prevents malfunction with excellent operability even when one operation mode among various modes is selectable. In a gear case of a housing, there are provided a clutch switching groove which engages with a connecting projection of a clutch switching lever, a slit which guides a guide body having a stepped pin which penetrates an impact switching groove to engage with an auxiliary ring, and a percussion switching groove which engages with a connecting projection of a percussion switching lever. In addition, a switching case is externally provided, so that combination of sliding positions of each switching member can be changed. As the switching case can be operated by a switching button, any of all operation modes, which are, a drill mode, an impact mode, a percussion drill mode, and a clutch mode can be selected with the switching button only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Takefumi Furuta
  • Publication number: 20080121403
    Abstract: A nut runner mounting structure for supporting one or more nut runner spindles includes a spindle supporting base plate, and at least one support pillar extending in parallel with the spindles and secured at its forward end to the base plate and at its rear end to a mounting structure support. Each support pillar has a tube element provided with a forward end piece and a rear end piece, and a tension bolt engaging the rear end piece and the base plate to exert an axial clamping force on the tube element. The forward end piece is formed with sharp edged teeth for penetrating into and forming matching teeth in the tube element and the base plate for locking the tube element against rotation. Clamping units are attachable to the tube elements for carrying additional equipment and connecting the structure to a mounting structure support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Christer Hansson
  • Patent number: 7360607
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a motor output shaft, a tool driver, a torque-limiting unit with which a maximum torque transferred from the motor output shaft to the tool driver is adjustable by an operator; an actuating element that adjusts the torque-limiting unit, and a retaining element with a spring element, wherein the retaining element holds the adjusting element in a position set by the operator, and a spring element exerts a retaining force directed in an axial direction of the tool driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Aeberhard
  • Patent number: 7334647
    Abstract: An overload clutch assembly for a power tool having two torque settings through which rotary drive is transmitted to a spindle. The overload clutch assembly is capable of being between switched between the two torque settings by at least one actuator. The clutch assembly comprises a carrier rotationally mounted on a output clutch spindle; a first clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a first level; and a second clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a second level higher than the first; and characterised in that, when the overload clutch is in the higher torque setting, the torque is transferred from the carrier to the output clutch spindle via the second clutch plate only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 7334715
    Abstract: A stationary annular abutting member 14E is provided with a first projecting section that operates as part of a ratchet mechanism. A rotational flange section is provided with a second projecting section that operates as part of the ratchet mechanism. The first projecting section projects in the direction from the ON position toward the OFF position of a plunger of a solenoid. The second projecting section projects in the direction from the OFF position toward the ON position of the plunger. When a driven rotor starts rotating and comes to a rotary position slightly short of the rotary position of about ¾ of a full turn in the ON state of the solenoid, the projecting end of the first projecting section and that of the second projecting section are located opposite to each other and the second projecting section rides on the first projecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Oda, Takashi Ueda, Yoshihiro Nakano, Hideyuki Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 7314097
    Abstract: A hammer drill/driver with a motor having an output member, a planetary transmission, a clutch assembly and a clutch bypass. The planetary transmission, which includes a ring gear, receives rotary power from the output member and produces a rotary output. The clutch assembly has a clutch profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and a first pin assembly having a first follower, a first pin member and a first spring that biases the first follower into contact with the clutch profile. The clutch bypass has a bypass profile, which is coupled to the ring gear, and second pin assembly having a second follower, a second pin member, a second spring, which biases the second follower away from the bypass profile, and a third spring, which biases the second follower away from the second pin member. A method for operation of a hammer drill/driver is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Jenner, Stephen A. Debelius, Craig A. Schell, Daniel Puzio, Warren A. Ceroll, Robert S. Gehret, James B. Watson, Charles E. Yocum, Christopher M. Brock, Michael D. Zalobsky
  • Patent number: 7308948
    Abstract: An electric power tool is provided which prevents malfunction with excellent operability even when one operation mode among various modes is selectable. In a gear case of a housing, there are provided a clutch switching groove which engages with a connecting projection of a clutch switching lever, a slit which guides a guide body having a stepped pin which penetrates an impact switching groove to engage with an auxiliary ring, and a percussion switching groove which engages with a connecting projection of a percussion switching lever. In addition, a switching case is externally provided, so that combination of sliding positions of each switching member can be changed. As the switching case can be operated by a switching button, any of all operation modes, which are, a drill mode, an impact mode, a percussion drill mode, and a clutch mode can be selected with the switching button only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Takefumi Furuta
  • Publication number: 20070193758
    Abstract: Provide an air driver device which is simple in construction and easily realizable in compact size, and has excellent durability. In an air driver device designed to shut off the supply of compressed air to the air motor 3, by means of a tightening torque control mechanism 6 and a shut-off valve mechanism 7, in case the tightening torque reached the set torque value, and tighten screw members at prescribed tightening force, the tightening torque control mechanism 6 is composed of a clutch unit 61, a driving piston 62 on the back face of which is formed one clutch plate 61a so that the clutch plates 61a, 61b of the clutch unit 61 may move by making rotational differential motions relatively in case the tightening torque reached the set torque value, a cylinder 63 for storing this driving piston 62, a check valve 64 for operating the shut-off valve mechanism 7, in linkage with the driving piston 62 through an oil charged in the cylinder 63, and a torque control member 65 for regulating the set torque value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Koji Tatsuno
  • Patent number: 7234536
    Abstract: A power screwdriver is disclosed having a drive which is coupled via a clutch, disengaging as a function of torque, to a tool drive shaft for driving a tool. The screwdriver comprises an electronic control unit for controlling the drive, and a sensor which is coupled to the electronic control unit in order to switch off the drive when the clutch responds. The electronic control unit is designed for activating the drive with a certain output, preferably with a reduced output, for a limited time after switch-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Scholl, Oliver Greese
  • Patent number: 7228899
    Abstract: This invention is generally directed towards a system designed to assist the rig operator by alerting him/her that the air pressure is too low to be using the drum clutch, to provide a log for studies on rig operation technique, and to provide a training tool for rig operators. If the pressure on the clutch bladder is above a predetermined range, the clutch is allowed to engage. If the signal is below the range, the clutch is assumed to have not been engaged. If the signal is within the range, the clutch is not allowed to engage and the rig operator is notified of the problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic M. Newman, Kevin Northcutt
  • Patent number: 7223195
    Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7220211
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7213659
    Abstract: An impact drill includes a first ratchet together with a spindle and movable in an axial direction, and a second ratchet engageable with the first ratchet. The second ratchet can be moved in the axial direction, and rotated with a predetermined range in a rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuma Saito, Shinki Ohtsu, Hideki Watanabe, Junichi Toukairin
  • Patent number: 7168505
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for reducing wear of sliding contact areas in an engagement clutch of a rotary tool. According to the invention, a representative rotary tool may comprise a motor, a tool bit, a driving-side clutch element, a driven-side clutch element, a biasing spring, a rotation preventing member and an enclosure. The biasing spring biases the driven-side clutch element toward the power transmission prevented position. The biasing spring is disposed in a compressed state on the outer peripheral side of the driving-side clutch element and the driven-side clutch element and extends between the driving-side clutch element and the driven-side clutch element. At least part of the biasing spring is enclosed by the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 7168503
    Abstract: A power hand tool includes a housing that houses a motor, a transmission gear set, a torque control mechanism and an impact mechanism. The torque control mechanism has an adjustment device that is movable between a first position and a second position inside the housing by a rotation action to set a predetermined output torque of the power hand tool. The output torque of the power hand tool is at the minimum condition and the adjustment device stops the impact mechanism from working to prevent destruction to the torque setting of the power hand tool when the adjustment device is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-I Teng
  • Patent number: 7165663
    Abstract: A power screwdriver (1) with a rotationally driven, axially displaceable mounted tool spindle (2) with a low-noise torque clutch (3) which comprises a ratchet-spring biased ratchet coupling (6) driven by a driven ratchet part (12) and a rigid slack clutch spring (7) biased claw coupling (8). The ratchet coupling (6) and the claw coupling (8) are combined using a common, axially displaceable, freely rotatable coupling sleeve (9). The ratchet coupling (6) has opposing oriented, peripheral inclined beveled cams (10) and the claw coupling (8) has opposing oriented catches (11). The driven ratchet part (12) and the coupling sleeve (9) are arranged freely rotatably on an intermediate sleeve (13), which is mounted freely rotatable and axially displaceable on the tool spindle (2). The ratchet spring (5) is arranged between the intermediate sleeve (13) and the coupling sleeve (9) and the clutch spring (7) is arranged between the intermediate sleeve (13) and the tool spindle (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Christian Donner
  • Patent number: 7118507
    Abstract: An automatic reduction-ratio changing apparatus comprises a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear, planet gears, and an internal gear. When a load, which exceeds a predetermined torque, is applied to the internal gear, a pawl of a lock lever is engaged with a ratchet section of a housing to stop the rotation of the internal gear and lock the internal gear. When a displaceable member of an actuator is displaced from an outward route to a homeward route, the rotation of a motor is reversed, and an input shaft and a cam are rotated in a reverse direction to release from the locked state. Accordingly, the speed reduction ratio, which is transmitted from an output shaft to the actuator, is automatically switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Tomita, Motohiro Sotome
  • Patent number: 7101300
    Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7093679
    Abstract: A drilling machine drills foundation holes known as drilled shafts or bored piles with a drilling tool attached to an end of a kelly. The kelly is rotated with a rotary drive. The rotary drive has a first motor, a final drive gear coupled to the kelly so as to rotate with the kelly and a planetary gear set between the first motor and the final drive gear. A second motor is coupled to the ring gear on the planetary gear set. A clutch can also be connected to the ring gear. The rotary drive allows the drilling tool to be rotated at low drilling speeds and, without stopping rotation or shifting gears, removed from the hole and accelerated to high speeds to discharge spoil. A mid-range is also possible, wherein the drilling tool can process fluids in the hole. Another motor and planetary gear set can be coupled to the final drive gear and to the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Watson Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas A. Watson
  • Patent number: 7077255
    Abstract: A pneumatic power nut runner with a rotation motor which is connected to a drive train including a torque responsive release clutch (10) and a disengageable torque non-responsive clutch (11), a pressure air inlet valve (12), and an activation mechanism (49, 50) for automatic power shut-off at the attainment of a desired maximum torque level. The activation mechanism (49, 50) comprises a transversely displaceable latch element (49) provided with a blind bore (54) for permitting closure of the inlet valve (12) and a depression (55) for allowing engagement of the torque non-responsive clutch (11), wherein a transverse displacement of the latch element (49) at the attainment of the desired torque level results in a freeing of the inlet valve (12) for displacement toward closed position and a forcing of the torque non-responsive clutch (11) out of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Erik Roland Rahm
  • Patent number: 7063173
    Abstract: A system and a method are described that facilitate gear switching of a motor-driven spindle. A spindle head shaft is driven by a drive shaft via a gear mechanism in a first gear position. The drive shaft, including a rotor, can be switched from the first gear position to a second gear position where the spindle head shaft is connected by interference fit directly with the drive shaft without the interposed gear mechanism. The spindle head shaft can then be directly driven by the drive shaft in the second gear position. This eliminates the need to dismantle an anterior spindle from the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Max Herla
  • Patent number: 7055620
    Abstract: The invention is based on a hand power tool having an electric motor (12) located in a housing (10), via which an insertable tool (16) situated in a tool mount (14) is capable of being driven in a rotating manner, and having a safety device (18) with which a characteristic value for an occurrence of uncontrolled blockage of the insertable tool (16) can be detected via a sensor unit (20), and the movement of the housing (10) can be decelerated. It is proposed that the safety device (18) is formed at least partially by a motor control unit (22), via which the electric motor (12) can be actively decelerated when an occurrence of uncontrolled blockage of the insertable tool (16) is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Nadig, Oliver Zirn, Ludwig Thome
  • Patent number: 7051820
    Abstract: An electrically powered rotary hammer comprising a rotary drive mechanism including a spindle drive gear rotatably mounted around the spindle for rotationally driving the spindle, or a part of the spindle, via an overload clutch. The overload clutch is arranged such that below a predetermined torque threshold a spring element or elements maintain(s) the spindle drive gear and a clutch ring in a relative rotational position in which the spindle drive gear locks locking member or members in a first position and such that above the torque threshold the spring element or elements deform(s) and the relative rotational position of the spindle drive gear and a clutch ring changes so that the locking member or members move(s) out of the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Stirm
  • Patent number: 7053567
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique to effectively prevent a power tool from being adversely affected when a battery is removed from the power tool. According to the present invention, a power tool is provided that includes a tool bit, a motor that drives the tool bit, a body that houses the motor, a battery detachably coupled to the body so as to supply driving current to operate the motor, a control device that controls the operation of the motor and a power circuit that leads the driving current from the battery to the motor. Within the power tool, the control device stops the motor prior to an interruption of the power circuit when the battery is disengaged from the body in order to prevent a large driving current from being passed through the power circuit. As a result, arc can be effectively prevented from being generated between the battery and the body of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokatsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7048075
    Abstract: A power tool includes a powered drive source, a speed reduction mechanism portion for transmitting a rotational power of the drive source, a striking mechanism portion for converting the rotational power of the speed reduction mechanism portion into a striking force, an end tool for outputting the striking force and a rotational force through the striking mechanism portion, and an impact damping mechanism for damping the impact of the end tool in a direction of rotation of the speed reduction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuma Saito, Shinki Ohtsu, Yasuki Ohmori, Chikai Yoshimizu, Katsuhiro Oomori, Masanori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7036608
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing percussion action in a rotary power tool having a rotary output shaft, the apparatus comprising at least one moveable mass adapted to have a component of movement parallel to the axis of the rotary output shaft to cause impacts to be applied to a working member of the tool; and a device for intermittently converting rotary movement of the rotary output shaft into movement of at least one the moveable mass to cause the impacts to be applied to the working member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Seamus D. Garvey, Jonathan Robin Crabtree
  • Patent number: 7025151
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for limiting torque to be transferred, having first and second shafts having a longitudinal axis; at least first and second transfer elements arranged coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the first and second shafts, the first transfer element associated with the first shaft and the second transfer element associated with the second shaft; the two transfer elements having substantially complementary engaging faces; at least one elastic element configured to bias the engaging faces of the first and second transfer elements into engagement with each other; wherein an engaging face of the first transfer element has a first engageable contour, and an engaging face of the second transfer element has a second engageable contour, wherein first and second engageable contours each have first and second active angles and a first passive angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Synthes (USA)
    Inventors: Markus Hehli, Beat Knuchel, Rolf Schneider
  • Patent number: 7011165
    Abstract: An electric hand tool apparatus (1) for driving a drill-like tool, which carries out an at least partial rotational movement, has within a housing (2), an electric motor (4) without or free of collector and slip ring, the rpm of which can be controlled by motor control electronics (3), wherein an rpm-dependent clutch (5) for transferring the torque is disposed in a force transfer path from the electric motor (4) to a transmission (6). Optionally, to prevent an excessively high twisting of the housing (2), a sensor (7) is evaluated and the rpm of the electric motor (4) is reduced in order to sever the transfer of force by the rpm-dependent clutch (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ferdinand Kristen, Hans-Werner Bongers-Ambrosius
  • Patent number: 6984188
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6981557
    Abstract: A control process for an at least partially axially hammering and rotating electric hand-held machine tool (1) in which an electromagnetic clutch (4) arranged in the flow of force between an electric motor (2) and a tool receptacle (3) is controllably connected to computing device (5) connected to sensors (6a, 6b, 6c), wherein the clutch (4) is repeatedly alternately opened and closed in at least one process step controlled by the computing device (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Boeni, Roland Schaer, Harald Schmitzer, Ricardo Teixeira, Christoph Wuersch
  • Patent number: 6974107
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system actuator assembly is provided that includes a torque limiter to limit the number of torque that may be applied to the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes an actuator and a torque limiter assembly. The actuator is adapted to receive a drive force and is configured, in response to receipt of the drive force, to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The torque limiter assembly is coupled to an end of the actuator and is configured to limit torque applied to the actuator assembly upon a torque magnitude being reached in at least the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Christensen, Casey Hanlon, Douglas T. Hopper, Andrew Johnson, Robert D. Kortum
  • Patent number: 6941724
    Abstract: A screw capping head for use in a rotary capping machine includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a spindle rotatably carried by the housing, a first ring of magnets fixed within the housing, and a second ring of magnets coupled to the spindle for rotation with the spindle. The second ring of magnets is movable, without the use of tools, in the longitudinal direction with respect to both the spindle and the first ring of magnets to achieve a plurality of nested positions with respect to the first ring of magnets. The first and second rings of magnets define a magnetic torque coupling between the housing and the spindle, the strength of the torque coupling varying in a substantially linear relationship to the nested positions of the first and second rings of magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Klockner KHS, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Arrant, Ronald A. Kiesling
  • Patent number: 6933689
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique to effectively prevent a power tool from being adversely affected when a battery is removed from the power tool. According to the present invention, a power tool is provided that includes a tool bit, a motor that drives the tool bit, a body that houses the motor, a battery detachably coupled to the body so as to supply driving current to operate the motor, and a battery removal preventing device. Within the power tool, the battery removal preventing device prevents the battery from being removed from the body during operation of the motor and allows the battery to be removed from the body only when the motor is stopped. As a result, arc can be effectively prevented from being generated between the battery and the body of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokatsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6929074
    Abstract: An elbow-type power hand tool including a housing, a motor, a planet gear set, a transmission shaft, and a torque controller mounted in the housing for controlling output torque of the transmission shaft. The power hand tool including a battery pack mounted in the housing that provides electricity to a power drive, an output shaft coupled to the transmission shaft that extends perpendicular to the transmission shaft, and a chuck assembly coupled to an end of the output shaft remote from the transmission shaft for holding a tool bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Hui Lai
  • Patent number: 6926095
    Abstract: A power tool transmission device includes a base, a switch portion, a vibration member, a press portion, a transmission shaft and a casing. When the projections press the position plates, bosses on the position plates engage ribs formed outside the outer ring so as to limit the rotation of the outer ring and when the first gear and the second gear are intermittently disengaged with each other, a vibration effect is provided to the transmission shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen