Strain Gauge Patents (Class 173/182)
  • Patent number: 11802592
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint assembly for a power tool includes an output shaft and a coupling structure configured to drive the output shaft. The output shaft and the coupling structure form a joint configured to enable angling of the output shaft relative to the coupling structure at constant rotational speed, and the coupling structure is provided with a torque transducer configured to detect a torque acting on the coupling structure provided by the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventor: Johan Rönblom
  • Patent number: 11413736
    Abstract: The disclosure is based on a hand-held power tool having at least one switch device which comprises at least one switching element at least for activating a power supply of a drive unit, having at least one quick-change tool holder which is provided for holding an insertion tool which is different from an insertion tool with an SDS® shaft having a maximum transverse extent of 10 mm and/or having at least one accumulator interface. It is proposed that the at least one switching device comprises at least one locking unit which is provided for maintaining, at least essentially independently of an effect of an operator activation force, an active operating mode which can be activated by actuating the at least one switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schlegel, Christian Lang
  • Patent number: 11389936
    Abstract: An electric pulse tool for performing tightening operations, where torque is delivered in pulses to tighten a screw joint, includes an output shaft, a sensor arranged to determine a parameter value associated with the tightening of the screw joint, a processor, and a memory containing instructions executable by the processor. The electrical pulse tool operates to provide torque pulses on the output shaft in a first direction until the determined parameter value associated with the tightening of the screw joint reaches within or above a predetermined first interval including a target parameter value. The electrical pulse tool also operates to provide at least one torque pulse on the output shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction in case the determined parameter value exceeds the target parameter value within a predetermined second interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventors: John Robert Christian Friberg, Daniel Per Erik Asplund
  • Patent number: 11292111
    Abstract: An electric power tool for tightening screw joints includes a housing that encloses an electric motor, an angle gear, a back torque transducer, and a front torque transducer. The angle gear includes an input bevel gear drivingly connected to the electric motor and an output bevel gear drivingly connected to an output shaft of the electric power tool. The back torque transducer is arranged to measure a back torque reaction value before the input bevel gear. And the front torque transducer is arranged to measure a front torque reaction value after the output bevel gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventors: Johan Rönblom, Lisa Erika Larsson, Göran Sivert Lantz, Taru Johanna Nordström
  • Patent number: 10975637
    Abstract: Techniques and systems to provide automatic positioning of a tripping apparatus. A system may include a sensor configured to detect a physical characteristic of a tubular string moving past the sensor and generate a signal indicative of the physical characteristic. The system may also include a processing device configured to process the signal indicative of the physical characteristic, determine whether the processed signal is indicative of a deviation of the tubular string, and generate output data utilized to automatically position a tripping apparatus at a location of the deviation on the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ensco International Incorporated
    Inventors: Rick Pilgrim, Stephen Joseph DeLory, Richard Robert Roper
  • Patent number: 10736704
    Abstract: A torque transducer for mounting a motor includes a mounting flange, a motor flange, a body, and a strain gauge. The mounting flange is configured to secure the torque transducer to a fixed structure. The motor flange is configured to secure to a motor. The body interconnects the mounting and motor flanges. The body defines a channel about a longitudinal axis of the body and is configured to flex in response to the mounting flange and the motor flange rotating relative to one another in response to torque of the motor. The strain gauge is positioned on the body to measure flexation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Michael Zemlok, Chi Min Seow, Jaimeen Kapadia, Richard Lech, Mark MacLeod
  • Patent number: 10688614
    Abstract: A control method for a power tool for rotary tools comprises rotating a tool holder continuously about a working axis by a rotary drive. A rotary movement of a handle about the working axis is sensed by a motion sensor. A first angle of rotation of the handle is estimated by a first motion estimator, wherein rotary movements beneath a limit value are discounted. A second angle of rotation of the handle is estimated by a second motion estimator, wherein rotary movements beneath the limit value are taken into account. A measure for reducing the torque output of the rotary drive is activated when the first angle of rotation exceeds a first triggering threshold (A1), and when the second angle of rotation exceeds a second triggering threshold (A2) and at the same time a power output of the rotary drive exceeds a power threshold (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Roland Schaer
  • Patent number: 10666130
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electric power conversion system includes a convertor, a detector, a delay controller, and a determinator. The detector is configured to detect information related to a voltage of electric power converted by the converter. The delay controller is configured to delay a conversion operation start of the converter by a first predetermined time with respect to a supply start time at which supply of the electric power is started. The determinator is configured to perform a first determination on the basis of a detection result detected by the detector before elapse of the first predetermined time from the supply start tune, and to perform a second determination on the basis of a detection result detected by the detector after the elapse of the first predetermined time from the supply start time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Hirokazu Kato, Takafumi Fukushima, Hiroaki Otani, Tomoyuki Makino, Toshiyuki Uchida, Manato Mori
  • Patent number: 10661423
    Abstract: The disclosure is based on a hand-held power tool having at least one switch device which comprises at least one switching element at least for activating a power supply of a drive unit, having at least one quick-change tool holder which is provided for holding an insertion tool which is different from an insertion tool with an SDS® shaft having a maximum transverse extent of 10 mm and/or having at least one accumulator interface. It is proposed that the at least one switching device comprises at least one locking unit which is provided for maintaining, at least essentially independently of an effect of an operator activation force, an active operating mode which can be activated by actuating the at least one switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schlegel, Christian Lang
  • Patent number: 10513018
    Abstract: An adaptive mechanical joint control and stabilization process and device having particular usefulness in mechanical joints employing U-bolts. The method and device monitors at least two predetermined metrics during a fastener tightening clampload cycle and compares the work expended in achieving a target limit value. Through examining the work expended through the monitored metrics, additional clampload cycles will automatically be run until the monitored work expended for all of the fasteners falls within predetermined values increasing the stabilization of the joint and further advantages of increased residual clampload. The process and device is useful in separating clampload cycles which form or yield the fastener from a final clampload cycle which properly elongates the fastener for a secure clampload and stabilized joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools & Assembly Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Allen Finkenbiner
  • Patent number: 10377025
    Abstract: Improved techniques for maintaining connector integrity are provided. In some aspects, specialized connector systems are provided in conjunction with sensors for detecting proper characteristics and connection conditions for a particular connector. In other aspects, multiple-section connectors are included, which may be self-tightening, and create detectable tightness and integral conditions, aiding in identifying a connector aspect that has loosened, slipped, or may be in need of recharging, tightening or replacing. A specialized connector head may selectively break away before stripping and thereby expose a stronger, secondary driver head. A specialized cord connector has testable connecting fiber sections, allowing for greater safety (e.g., in climbing or suspension bridges).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
  • Patent number: 10363036
    Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, a handle assembly, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The drive system includes a movable drive member. The handle assembly includes a frame configured to support the movable drive member. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes a sensor positioned on the frame. The control system is configured to control the electric motor based on a force applied to the frame by the movable drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Mark D. Overmyer, Richard L. Leimbach, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10327769
    Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The drive system includes a movable drive member. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes an accelerometer. The control system is configured to control a force applied to the drive system based on an acceleration of the movable drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Shane R. Adams, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10220499
    Abstract: A power tool has an electric motor driving a spindle and a rotary encoder for setting a torque limit. A control circuit is operatively connected to the rotary encoder for interrupting power supply to the motor when the torque limit has been reached. An actuator sleeve mounted to rotate about the spindle, and a detent holds the sleeve in a plurality of angular positions corresponding to positions of the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: TECHTRONIC POWER TOOLS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chin Hung Lam, Tsz Kin Wong
  • Patent number: 10172662
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a device for driving a fastener into tissue, including a handle having a first and second end. A shank extends from the first end of the handle and terminates in a head. An inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) is disposed at the second end of the handle. At least one torque sensor is incorporated in the device. At least one of an indicator or a transmitter is operably coupled to the IMU and the torque sensor. A method of driving a fastener into a tissue with a driver includes recording a previous state and a current state, and using the previous state and current state to predict mechanical properties of the tissue and the optimal torque to be applied. In various embodiment the device predicts a future state of the fastener. The driver notifies the user if the optimal torque has been reached or whether another state has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventors: Peter A Gustafson, James R Jastifer, Michael J Stoesz
  • Patent number: 10144119
    Abstract: A wrench and method of using the wrench to properly make up threaded connections is provided. The wrench includes at least a strain gauge coupled thereto, such that when the wrench is used to turn one part of a threaded connection, the strain associated with different states of the making up of the connection is monitored, to establish a baseline condition after which the one part of the threaded connection is turned an additional number of degrees, turns, or fractions of a turn. The wrench and method may be used to make up fluid tight connections, where previously the threaded parts were finger tightened, followed by turning thereof an additional number of degrees, turns, or fractions of a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: UCT Additive Manufacturing Center Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jon Hylbert, Alexi Petrof, Michael Stathopoulos, Bruce Wier
  • Patent number: 10133248
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for determining an end of life state for an electromechanical surgical system. The system includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function and a shaft assembly being arranged for selectively interconnecting the end effector and a hand-held surgical instrument. The hand-held surgical instrument includes an instrument housing defining a connecting portion for selectively connecting with the shaft assembly. The hand-held surgical instrument also includes a motor assembly, a sensor array configured to obtain an operational parameter of the hand-held surgical instrument, and a controller configured to control operation of the hand-held surgical instrument based on the operational parameter obtained by the sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas Fitzsimmons, Michelle Grasso, Michael Ingmanson, Michael Zemlok
  • Patent number: 9964457
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a force sensor including a housing and a support rotatably coupled to the housing. The housing also includes a handle coupled to the support to rotate with the support. The handle is spaced apart from the housing to define a space between the housing and the handle. The apparatus further includes an angular position sensor disposed in the space between the housing and the handle to sense relative rotation between the housing and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Duff, Andrew M. Sweigart
  • Patent number: 9833891
    Abstract: A dynamic arresting mechanism for preventing injury from the torqueing of a rotating tool body. The mechanism including an inertia switch to automatically detect the rotation of the tool body and selectively initiate a dynamic arresting mechanism sequence configured to arrest the motor. The mechanism further including a first relay in communication with the inertia switch, an arresting mechanism configured to brake the rotation of the motor, and a delay mechanism configured to cut off power to the arresting mechanism and motor after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. The mechanism is reset upon release of the trigger used to operate the rotating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: James Patterson
  • Patent number: 9568072
    Abstract: There is provided a drive transmission device including: a belt member, a tension applying roller, a holder, an urging member, and a fastening member, wherein the holder includes: a contacting surface that is brought into contact with the fastening member in the case where the holder is fastened to the target member; and a raised portion that has a portion that is brought into contact with the fastening member earlier than the contacting surface in the case where the holder is fastened to the target member, the raised portion being provided on a side of an end portion of the hole in the tension adjusting direction, and the portion of the raised portion that is brought into contact with the fastening member is deformed by being pressed by the fastening member, and becomes a part of the contacting surface in the case where fastening is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masashi Ito, Hiroyuki Saito
  • Patent number: 9500544
    Abstract: A process for checking when tightening a threaded fastener that it has been tightened on the complete threads of the fastener. In order to do this the process comprises detecting different gradients in a tightening graph representing torque as a function of another parameter and comparing each gradient with predetermined values. According to the portions of graph detected and their gradient values it is possible to determine whether tightening is correct and has taken place on the complete threads of the fastener, or if not it is possible to identify a cause of failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Patricia Morgue, Manuel Paredes, Sophie Gourdon, Simon Dols
  • Patent number: 9375832
    Abstract: A power tool, in particular an angle grinder, includes at least one switching unit which has at least one pivotably mounted pawl element. The pawl element defines a pivot axis. The pawl element is mounted so as to pivot about the pivot axis of the pawl element through an angular range greater than 30°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Cornelius Boeck, Joachim Schadow, Sinisa Andrasic, Daniel Barth
  • Patent number: 9352456
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a transmission disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor, an output end effector coupled to the transmission, a control circuit for controlling power delivery from a power source to the motor, and a force sensing electronic clutch including a force sensor coupled to a substantially stationary element of the transmission. The force sensor senses a reaction torque transmitted from the end effector to at least a portion of the transmission. The sensor is configured to generate a first electronic signal corresponding to an amount of the reaction torque. The control circuit compares the first electronic signal with a second electronic signal corresponding to a desired threshold torque value, and initiates a protective operation when a value of the first electronic signal indicates that the reaction torque has exceeded the desired threshold torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Sankarshan Murthy, John Howson, Tal Gottesman, Scott J. Eshleman, Russell David Hester, Craig Alan Schell, Daniel Puzio, Daniel L. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20140096985
    Abstract: A method and mechanism of the indirect coupling torque control provides a rotary impact mechanism driving a rotary drive mechanism linked between the rotary impact mechanism and a fastener member, when the rotary impact mechanism rotates the fastener member. The rotary drive mechanism can accumulate a rotation stress generated by the rotary impact mechanism to rotate the fastener member. When the rotation stress accumulated in the rotary drive mechanism is larger than the torque value applied to the fastener member, a linear relation between a sensed signal measured from the stress accumulated in the rotary drive mechanism and the torque value applied to the fastener member is provided. Whereby the linear relation is used to control the torque valued applied to the fastener member when the rotary impact mechanism is rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: CHINA PNEUMATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsiu-Feng CHU, Ming-Zuan TSAI
  • Patent number: 8353363
    Abstract: The invention is based on a device for handheld power tool for detecting a torque, having at least one sensor unit. It is proposed that the sensor unit is intended for detecting a deformation parameter. The sensor unit has at least one sensor element that is embodied as a strain gauge. A gearbox is provided which has a bearing location for receiving a deformation element of the sensor unit. An electronic unit evaluates detected data from the at least one sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Hirt, Ursula Faber
  • Patent number: 8302702
    Abstract: A torque sensing unit for a power tool arranged to generate a torque responsive signal by sensing the reaction torque transferred from a ring gear of a planetary reduction gearing to the tool housing. The torque sensing unit includes an annular torque transferring element disposed perpendicularly to the geometric axis of the ring gear and being formed with a first pair of external engagement portions for connecting the torque transferring element to the housing, a second pair of external engagement portions for connecting the torque transferring element to the ring gear, and at least one pair of weak elastically deformable zones located between the engagement portions and provided with sensors for delivering signals in response to the transferred reaction torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventors: Christer Gunnar Hansson, Erik Vilhelm Persson
  • Publication number: 20120210827
    Abstract: A tong assembly includes a case assembly and a tong head assembly disposed in the interior of the case assembly and adapted to engage a first sucker rod. A transmission assembly engaged to a hydraulic motor and including a backup tong assembly. The backup tong assembly includes a backup tong having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end adapted to hold a second sucker rod. A load pin engaged to the second end of the backup tong and an outer casing of the transmission assembly, the load pin includes strain gages for measuring a force applied to the first end of the backup tong to output a force signal. A rotary encoder engages a shaft of the hydraulic motor and outputs a position signal when a. A controller generates an output signal based on only one of the force signal or the position signal when the force signal is greater than a predetermined value or when the position signal is within a predetermined range of values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Don Darrell Hickman
  • Publication number: 20110132630
    Abstract: A screw fastening device having a compact clutch that is directly connected to an output side of a DC motor. The output of the DC motor can be suppressed so that the DC motor and the clutch can be made compact. Accordingly, the device main body is more compact and lighter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Kawamura, Hideki Sakai, Hideki Mayama, Hideshi Takekuma
  • Publication number: 20110000694
    Abstract: A torque sensing unit for a power tool arranged to generate a torque responsive signal by sensing the reaction torque transferred from a ring gear of a planetary reduction gearing to the tool housing. The torque sensing unit includes an annular torque transferring element disposed perpendicularly to the geometric axis of the ring gear and being formed with a first pair of external engagement portions for connecting the torque transferring element to the housing, a second pair of external engagement portions for connecting the torque transferring element to the ring gear, and at least one pair of weak elastically deformable zones located between the engagement portions and provided with sensors for delivering signals in response to the transferred reaction torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Gunnar Christer Hansson, Erik Vilhelm Persson
  • Publication number: 20100147545
    Abstract: The invention is based on a device for handheld power tool for detecting a torque, having at least one sensor unit. It is proposed that the sensor unit is intended for detecting a deformation parameter. The sensor unit has at least one sensor element that is embodied as a strain gauge. A gearbox is provided which has a bearing location for receiving a deformation element of the sensor unit. An electronic unit evaluates detected data from the at least one sensor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel HIRT, Ursula Faber
  • Patent number: 7730964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power tool having a change-speed gear device comprising a plurality of gears (1, 2) for adjusting on demand power stages of a drive, wherein an overload protection can be coupled to the gears (1, 2). According to the invention, the device comprises at least one gear (3) in which the overload protection function can be forcibly deactivated. The invention also relates to an overload protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Simm, Cornelis Van Der Schans, Markus Weber
  • Publication number: 20090139738
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method for controlling the tightening angle of screwed joints when tightening is effected using a hand-held screwing tool, wherein the torque is monitored until a predefined threshold value is reached, the angle of rotation is measured from the point the threshold value has been reached, the relative rotation of the screwing tool relative to the screwed joint is measured from the point the threshold value has been reached, and the screwing tool is switched off when a predetermined angle of rotation is reached, taking into account the relative angle of rotation of the screwing tool relative to the screwed joint as a corrective value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Lippek
  • Patent number: 7533735
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling access to a secure network, system or application is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for requesting authentication includes a storage medium that stores a cryptographic key, a processor that generates an access code using the cryptographic key, a converter that converts the access code into sound waves, and an audio output unit that outputs the sound waves encoded with the access code for authentication. An apparatus for granting authentication includes a storage medium that stores a cryptographic key, an audio input unit that receives sound waves encoded with a access code, a converter that recovers the access code from the sound waves, and a processor that generates a second access code using the cryptographic key and grants authentication if the access code corresponds to the second access code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Qualcomm Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Gantman, Gregory Gordon Rose
  • Patent number: 7520339
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing user information regarding a plurality of users includes a source determining unit configured to receive from a client a request for obtaining first user information and to determine, based on user identifying information contained in the request, a source from which the first user information is obtained, and two or more user information obtaining units each configured to serve as the source determined by the source determining unit to obtain the first user information, wherein at least one of the two or more user information obtaining units configured to transmit the request for obtaining first user information to another apparatus for managing user information via a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Ikenoya
  • Patent number: 7467669
    Abstract: A method and a power tool system are provided for performing screw joint tightening using a pneumatic torque impulse power tool that is controlled by a control unit. A torque magnitude and a torque growth are calculated based on signals delivered by an angle sensor, and pressurized air is supplied to the power tool via a flow regulating valve which is successively adjustable between zero and full power flow. The flow regulating valve is controlled by the control unit to deliver a reduced power air flow to the power tool before and during a first delivered impulse, and then to deliver full power flow until a certain torque magnitude or a percentage of a target torque level is reached, whereafter the air supply flow is again reduced until the target torque level is reached, and when the target torque level is reached the air flow is shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventors: John Robert Christian Friberg, Knut Christian Schoeps, Torbjörn Rafael Sjöblom, Erland Karlberg
  • Publication number: 20080236854
    Abstract: An auxiliary twisting adjusting device of a dynamic machine comprises a receiving device having a head and a body portion; the head having a hollow embedding groove; the body portion is a long bar; the strain gauge having a hollow bar and an adjustable portion; one end of the bar serving to combine with the body portion of the receiving device; another end of the bar being connected to the adjustable portion; wherein a pneumatic device can be received in the embedding groove of the receiving device; and the adjustable portion can adjust a setting value of the twisting force; when the applied twisting force from the pneumatic device to a driving object is greater than the setting value, the pneumatic device will stop its operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7210541
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable speed tool useful for use with securing or removing industrial fasteners. The tool also includes a means to torque the fastener to a certain precise torque. The tool can be used with an associated controller that provides control commands to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Microtorq LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Miller
  • Patent number: 7090030
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable speed tool useful for use with securing or removing industrial fasteners. The tool also includes a means to torque the fastener to a certain precise torque. The tool can be used with an associated controller that provides control commands to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Microtorq L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Miller
  • Patent number: 7063171
    Abstract: An electric motor-driven rotary tool with an elevated temperature detection function, provided by a temperature sensor, connected to a power shut off device, for shutting off power to the tool, in order to prevent injury, such as low temperature burn, from occurring to an operator of the tool, due to heating of the electric motor, encased in a housing having a holding part for the motor-driven rotary tool, causing an increase of the temperature of the housing, especially the holding part of the tool thereon, to a temperature capable of causing such burn injury to the operator of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Totsu
  • Publication number: 20040040727
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable speed tool useful for use with securing or removing industrial fasteners. The tool also includes a means to torque the fastener to a certain precise torque. The tool can be used with an associated controller that provides control commands to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: MICROTORQ, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Miller
  • Patent number: 6161629
    Abstract: A power screwdriver has a drive unit and an input circuit for inputting screw size, material quality, pitch, and clamping length of a screw. An evaluation circuit is provided for determining a nominal prestress force based on input screw size, material quality, and clamping length, for determining a nominal torque based on the nominal prestress force and the pitch, and for determining the screw clamping angle resulting from the nominal prestress force and the pitch. A sensing device for sensing the actual torque is provided, and a further sensing device for sensing the actual screw clamping angle is present. A control and switch-off device controls further rotation of the drive unit when the actual torque coincides with the nominal torque and switches off the drive unit when the actual screw clamping angle coincides with the nominal screw clamping angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Jorg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Patent number: 6044918
    Abstract: A percussion blow added manually operable drilling tool, such as a hammerdrill, has a housing (2) containing an electric motor for rotating a tool bit chuck (9) about its axis, a control device (C) for controlling the rpm of the chuck (9) operated by the electric motor (3) which is activated by a switch (5) located on the exterior of the housing (2), and a percussion blow mechanism for periodically applying axially directed blows to a bit (10) secured in the chuck (9). The electric motor (3) is coupled to a device (12) for measuring the reaction torque. The control device (C) is connected to an evaluation unit (E) which is connected to the device (12) for measuring the reaction torque so that the rpm of the chuck can be regulated from maintaining the measured reaction torque at a maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Otto Noser, Alexander Hoop, Ulrich Bourgund, Hanspeter Schad, Stefan Miescher, Edwin Schweizer
  • Patent number: 5898598
    Abstract: A circuit (31) for use with a torque transducer (32) is provided. The torque transducer (32) generates a signal in response to an applied torque. A data processor (100) connected to the torque transducer (32) receives the signal. The data processor (100) and the torque transducer (32) are both contained within a torque transducer housing (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Richard T. Szwast, Lawrence F. Rapp, Edwin C. Scholl, Michael Ritchey, Lloyd H. Wipperman
  • Patent number: 5893420
    Abstract: A cable connector for assembly and mounting on a front section of a housing of a power wrench is arranged to connect at least one operation parameter sensor of the power tool to a multi-core cable. The cable connector includes a multi-contact cable connector plug carried on the multi-core cable, and a one-piece mounting member which is made of an elastically resilient material and which is secured to the front section of the housing and supports a multi-contact jack. The multi-contact cable connector plug includes a coupling sleeve formed with an internal thread, and the mounting member includes an open ring portion to be mounted around the front section of the housing and a tubular coupling portion extending laterally from the ring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Knut Christian Schoeps
  • Patent number: 5289886
    Abstract: An automatic screw fastening machine embodied by the invention transmits the rotating force of a motor to a driver bit via a differential planetary mechanism consisting of an input disc, a plurality of planetary cones, a cam disc, and a variable-speed ring. The automatic screw fastening machine causes a resilient supporting unit to restrict the variable-speed ring from shifting itself in the axial direction. Furthermore, the machine is provided with a torque detection unit capable of detecting the torque of reaction force applied to the variable-speed ring by effect of the load applied to the driver bit. As soon as the detect-signal value correctly matches a specific value corresponding to the predetermined fastening torque, supply of power to the motor is discontinued. In consequence, when fully completing a screw fastening process, rotation of the driver bit is substantially reduced to zero so that no rotating force can be transmitted to the driver bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Nitto Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shikata, Hirotada Sugiura, Masatomo Adachi, Kazunori Isono
  • Patent number: 5285857
    Abstract: In order to prevent a looseness of bolts after main clamping, a nut runner of the present invention comprises a torque sensor for detecting a clamping torque T of a clamping unit, and a torque comparison means for comparing the clamping torque T with a clamping completion torque ST. The nut runner further includes a torque control means which gradually reduces a rotational torque of the motor until a resilience such as a torsion accumulated in the clamping unit is entirely nullified when the clamping torque T reaches the clamping completion torque ST. This ensures an effective cancellation of an inverse torque arising from the resilience and acting in the direction loosening the bolt, thus preventing the bolt from loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kyomi Shimada
  • Patent number: 5186262
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulically operated tool apparatus installs and removes bolts of track shoes for assembling and disassembling endless track assemblies. In the assembly procedure, a wrench of the tool apparatus engages the head portion of a track shoe bolt and rotates the bolt in a clockwise direction at a relatively high speed to thread a nut onto the bolt and secure the track shoe to the track chain. The tool apparatus senses the torque and at a pre-set level, a transmission of the apparatus automatically shifts to rotate the wrench at a relatively low speed. At this point, the tool apparatus starts measuring the angle of rotation, and at a pre-determined angle of about 120.degree., the wrench stops rotating. The rotation of the bolt an additional 120.degree. after the pre-torque level is reached applies the desired torque value to the bolted joint. In the disassembly procedure, the wrench engages the head portion of the bolt and applies a large down pressure to the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Owen R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5172774
    Abstract: A high sensitivity torque transducer capable of installation between the motor and the output reduction gear train in the housing of a rotating machine, which has a limited axial space therefor, has a disk shaped first member fixed to a fixed portion of the housing. A disk shaped second member has splined coupling with the first member and the second member to provide sliding coupling with a floating portion of an output drive train. This coupling transfers reaction torque back from the output shaft, through the drive train, and into the second member. Shear webs are formed between the inner and outer diameters of the second member by removing some material to form torsion concentrator voids. Strain gages mounted on the shear webs and bridged with appropriate resistors provide an output signal in response to torsional strains imposed on the second disk shaped member. The output signal is routed to a calibrated signal processor and relay control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: David R. Melrose
  • Patent number: 5170852
    Abstract: An automatic screw fastening machine embodied by the invention transmits the rotating force of a motor to a driver bit via a differential planetary mechanism consisting of an input disc, a plurality of planetary cones, a cam disc, and a variable-speed ring. The automatic screw fastening machine causes a resilient supporting unit to restrict the variable-speed ring from shifting itself in the axial direction. Furthermore, the machine is provided with a torque detection unit capable of detecting the torque of reaction force applied to the variable-speed ring by effect of the load applied to the driver bit. As soon as the detect-signal value correctly matches a specific value corresponding to the predetermined fastening torque, supply of power to the motor is discontinued. In consequence, when fully completing a screw fastening process, rotation of the driver bit is substantially reduced to zero so that no rotating force can be transmitted to the driver bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Nitto Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shikata, Hirotada Sugiura, Masatomo Adachi, Kazunori Isono