Tool Advance Causing Or Controlling Means Patents (Class 173/4)
  • Publication number: 20100300713
    Abstract: A cam driving device for a processing device including a cylindrical member, a rotational shaft that has a mount hole formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, a cam, and a tool that is mounted in the mount hole of the cylindrical member so that the tool can be protruded and retracted through the mount hole in a radial direction of the rotational shaft in accordance with a profile of the cam. The cylindrical member and the rotational shaft are axially reciprocated to process a non-circular bore, including a storage unit for storing a data table representing associating relationship between a rotational angle of the cam and a protrusion amount of the tool which is provided on the basis of the rotational angle of the cam, and a controller for advancing or retarding the rotational angle of the rotational shaft according to the data table stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masao Kume, Keisuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7762346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling drilling parameters during an initial phase of rock drilling with a drilling machine. In accordance with the invention the percussion pressure and feed pressure of the drilling machine are controlled as continuously increasing functions during the initial phase. The present invention also relates to such a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Per Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7730970
    Abstract: A device and system for improving efficiency of subterranean cutting elements uses a controlled oscillation super imposed on steady drill bit rotation to maintain a selected rock fracture level. In one aspect, a selected oscillation is applied to the cutting element so that at least some of the stress energy stored in an earthen formation is maintained after fracture of the rock is initiated. Thus, this maintained stress energy can thereafter be used for further crack propagation. In one embodiment, an oscillation device positioned adjacent to the drill bit provides the oscillation. A control unit can be used to operate the oscillation device at a selected oscillation. In one arrangement, the control unit performs a frequency sweep to determine an oscillation that optimizes the cutting action of the drill bit and configures the oscillation device accordingly. One or more sensors connected to the control unit measure parameters used in this determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins, Peter Aronstam, Allen Sinor, John L. Baugh
  • Patent number: 7721816
    Abstract: This invention relates to the control of a machine for performing drilling or bolting operation, such as in an underground mine. In one aspect, the invention comprises a system including an input device for manually controlling at least one aspect of the drilling or bolting operation and a controller associated with at least one neutral switch. An actuator actuates the drilling or bolting operation and includes a valve associated with the input device and the neutral switch. The input device is operative for controlling the drilling or bolting operation only when the valve is in a neutral position according to the neutral switch. Related input devices and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.
    Inventors: Henry E. Wilson, Craig M. Collins
  • Publication number: 20100096152
    Abstract: An output shaft locking device for a power tool includes a positioning ring having a circular inner periphery and an output shaft extends through the positioning ring. Two activation members are between the positioning ring and the output shaft. Each activation member has a first protrusion on a central portion of one side thereof, and a second protrusion and a third protrusion are on two ends of the other side thereof. The first protrusions of the two activation members contact the output shaft, and the second protrusions and the third protrusions face the circular inner periphery of the positioning ring. When the output shaft rotates clockwise, the activation members are pushed outward and the second protrusions contact the positioning ring which applies a reaction force to pivot the activation members so that the third protrusions contact the positioning member to lock the output shaft from rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Jung-Ching Chiu
  • Patent number: 7681659
    Abstract: A control system is provided for use in a power tool. The control system includes: a rotational rate sensor having a resonating mass and a controller electrically connected to the rotational rate sensor. The rotational rate sensor detects lateral displacement of the resonating mass and generates a signal indicative of the detected lateral displacement, such that the lateral displacement is directly proportional to a rotational speed at which the power tool rotates about an axis of the rotary shaft. Based on the generated signal, the controller initiates a protective operation to avoid further undesirable rotation of the power tool. The controller may opt to reduce the torque applied to shaft to a non-zero value that enables the operator to regain control of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Uday Deshpande, John Charles Vanko, Jason Lee, Craig Schell, Thomas Jay Bodine, Joao Norona, David Beers
  • Patent number: 7681660
    Abstract: A method and a software product for positioning a drilling unit in a rock drilling rig, and a rock drilling rig. The drilling unit (5) included in the rock drilling rig (1) is manually displaced towards a starting point (14) of a hole (19) to be drilled next. A control unit (11) in the rock drilling rig (1) performs after the manual displacement (A) an automatic positioning (B) accurately to the starting point in order to initiate drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventor: Jouko Muona
  • Patent number: 7673701
    Abstract: A power tool includes a driving unit for performing screw tightening operations; a motor for rotatably driving the driving unit; a rechargeable battery pack; a trigger switch for turning on and off the motor; and a control circuit, accommodated in a main body of the power tool, for monitoring the screw tightening operations. The control circuit has a screw tightening completion detection unit for detecting completion of a screw tightening operation, a screw tightening count unit for counting the number of detected tightening operations, a screw tightening number setting unit for presetting the number of screws to be tightened, a screw tightening completion notifying unit for notifying completion of the screw tightening operations when the number of detected tightening operations reaches the preset number. Further, the screw tightening number setting unit and the screw tightening completion notifying unit is disposed at a lower front portion of a grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naotake Tanaka, Hiroshi Miyazaki, Makoto Katou
  • Patent number: 7654337
    Abstract: A method for controlling rock drilling and a rock drilling arrangement having at least one feed channel of a feed actuator provided with a restrictor, which causes a pressure drop if the penetration rate increases and, consequently, a flow through the restrictor increases. A pressure difference and an increase in the penetration rate can be detected by sensing the pressure before the restrictor and after the restrictor. When the feed rate increases, a hydraulic system is arranged to decrease percussion pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventor: Roger Noël
  • Patent number: 7614459
    Abstract: A method of activating a drive system with a portable power source includes performing at least two actions between the power source and the drive system to effect activation. Performing any one of the two actions without the other of the two actions will not activate the drive system. The power source is preferably a hand-held power drill or a power pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey George Campbell, Alexander McKechran Hardie McNeil
  • Patent number: 7588096
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a combustion power source configured for driving a driver blade linearly towards a workpiece, and an electrical power source associated with the combustion power source for rotationally driving the driver blade upon completion of the linear travel, both power sources being disposed in the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Cheryl L. Panasik
  • Patent number: 7552781
    Abstract: A control system is provided for use in a power tool. The control system includes: a rotational rate sensor having a resonating mass and a controller electrically connected to the rotational rate sensor. The rotational rate sensor detects lateral displacement of the resonating mass and generates a signal indicative of the detected lateral displacement, such that the lateral displacement is directly proportional to a rotational speed at which the power tool rotates about an axis of the rotary shaft. Based on the generated signal, the controller initiates a protective operation to avoid further undesirable rotation of the power tool. The controller may opt to reduce the torque applied to shaft to a non-zero value that enables the operator to regain control of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Uday Deshpande, John Charles Vanko, Jason Leh, Craig Schell, Thomas Jay Bodine, Joao Norona, David Beers
  • Patent number: 7497272
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool, in particular a rotary hammer, is indicated that includes a machine housing (10) with a tool fitting (12) integrated therein, the tool fitting (12) being rotatably drivable in a first mode and being non-rotatably fixable on the machine housing (10) in a second mode, and that includes a duty-type switch (20) with a coupling element (21) capable of being displaced to activate the modes, and an actuating element (22) that induces its displacement. To prevent maloperation and resultant damage to the machine when the operator switches between modes, the actuating element is designed as an electrical actuator (23), preferably as an electromagnet (25) controlled by an electronic control unit (24) (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Strasser, Markus Leupert
  • Publication number: 20080296034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a percussion mechanism (1) of a machine tool, in particular a hand-held machine tool, with a percussive pin (5), which has a region (11) of maximal diameter to which at least one catching mechanism (28) is assigned. It is provided that the catching mechanism (28) impinges on a section (15) of the percussive pin (5), which has a smaller diameter than the region (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Willy Braun
  • Publication number: 20080289839
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a drive (4) of an electrically operated screwdriving power tool (2) during a screwdriving process, a tool holder (14) with a screw bit (16) fastened thereto is acted upon by the drive (4) to drive a fastening element (18) having a contact area (24) into a constructional component (20), with the screw bit movable up to a maximum screw-in value (Dmax) at a speed (D) and a operational torque (MA) generated between the screw bit (16) and the fastening element (18), and after it has been detected that a predetermined triggering screw-in depth (s0) has been reached, the speed (D) is reduced from the maximum screw-in value (Dmax) during a tightening process (AV), and, when it has been detected that a determined end value of the operational torque (MA) is reached, the screwdriving process is terminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Hricko, Alexander John, Hans Boeni, Peer Schmidt, Jochen Kuntner
  • Publication number: 20080257577
    Abstract: A power tool includes a driving unit for performing screw tightening operations; a motor for rotatably driving the driving unit; a rechargeable battery pack; a trigger switch for turning on and off the motor; and a control circuit, accommodated in a main body of the power tool, for monitoring the screw tightening operations. The control circuit has a screw tightening completion detection unit for detecting completion of a screw tightening operation, a screw tightening count unit for counting the number of detected tightening operations, a screw tightening number setting unit for presetting the number of screws to be tightened, a screw tightening completion notifying unit for notifying completion of the screw tightening operations when the number of detected tightening operations reaches the preset number. Further, the screw tightening number setting unit and the screw tightening completion notifying unit is disposed at a lower front portion of a grip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naotake Tanaka, Hiroshi Miyazaki, Makoto Katou
  • Publication number: 20080230245
    Abstract: A fastening tool with a clutch for shutting off transmission of torque, capable of self-diagnosing fastening torque of a screw or the like at low cost without using expensive means such as a torque sensor etc. A fastening tool (10) has a motor (13), a main shaft (20) engaging with a screw or the like, and a clutch (14) interposed between the motor (13) and the main shaft (20). The clutch (14) transmits torque from the motor (13) to the main shaft (20) when a load acting on the main shaft (20) is less than a predetermined value, and shuts off torque transmission from the motor (13) to the main shaft (20) when a load acting on the main shaft (20) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The fastening tool (10) further has a control unit (60) for controlling the motor (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Yutaka Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 7424920
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting and responding to impact loosening of thread joints at rock drilling, in which vibrations from a drill string (1) are sensed at the same time as a rock drilling machine (2) movable along a feed beam (6) exerts the drill string (1) to impacts without feeding the drill string (1) against a ground (3), the sensed vibrations are supplied to an analysis tool (4), the sensed vibrations are compared with known vibration patterns by the analysis tool, and a signal is sent to a control system (5) for controlling the rock drilling machine (2) for stopping an impact device of the rock drilling machine when the analysis tool detects that the sensed vibrations correspond to a known vibration pattern indicating that the thread joints have been loosened by impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Karin Bergstrand, Katarina Carlsson, Björn Lindgren
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7419015
    Abstract: An axial bearing includes a first piston and a second piston. Axial contact surfaces between the pistons are arranged in the same pressure space. The same pressure fluid fed to the axial bearing acts on the contact surfaces and on working pressure surfaces of the pistons. A rock drilling machine is also provided with such an axial bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Timo Muuttonen, Esa Rantala
  • Publication number: 20080196912
    Abstract: An electrically powered hand tool is disclosed. The tool includes a motor, a power source, a work element and a controller. Various alternative features, embodiments and operative configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Publication number: 20080196911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable power tool with a control device comprising a control unit (12) and a sensor unit (14) for generating a distance signal. The invention provides that the control unit (12) designed for controlling at least one operating parameter of a tool carrying unit according to the distance signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Reiner Krapf, Michael Mahler, Gunter Flinspach, Hans Irion
  • Patent number: 7404455
    Abstract: An apparatus is used with an impact hammer penetration assemble such as standard penetration test (SPT) in geotechnical engineering. The impact hammer penetration assembly comprises a penetration sample, a series of rods coupled together and an impact hammer apparatus. The drop of the hammer from a constant height hits the coupled rods and sampler in series and forces the sampler deeper into the ground. The apparatus includes a tip depth transducer and sampler to output a first electrical signal that is a function of the sampler tip position. A shock force transducer communicates the axial shock force in the rod to output a second electrical signal that is a function of the rod shock force and hammer blows. A shock penetration transducer communicates the movement of the coupled rods and sampler to output a third electrical signal that is a function of the sampler penetration due to the hammer blows. A micro-process controller monitors and processes the first, second and third signals in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Zhong Qi Yue, Chack Fan Lee, Peter Kai Kwong Lee, Leslie George Tham
  • Patent number: 7401659
    Abstract: A positioning structure of the transmission device of a screw fastening apparatus is disclosed. The transmission device includes a stopping block, gear body and a braking body. An elastic rim is positioned between the lateral side of the stopping block and the inner face of a mobile seat. The gear body is H-shaped structure and one lateral side is provided with a plurality of slanting holes for corresponding protruded blocks, and the other lateral side is provided with a plurality of engaging holes. One side of the seat plate of the braking body is protruded with a shaft for mounting with the gear body, and the stopping block and the elastic rim are mounted to the hole on the mobile seat, and the seat plate is provided with a plurality of engaging blocks to engage with the engaging holes of the gear body. The other lateral side of the seat plate corresponding to the center of the shaft is a slot to accommodate a spring urging a square-shaped board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chieh Hsu
  • Patent number: 7398834
    Abstract: A hammer drill comprising: a motor; a drive transmission capable of operating in at in at least a rotary mode and a reciprocating mode; a mode change mechanism; a switch which, when closed, provides power to the motor; and a mechanical lock-on mechanism which, when locked mechanically holds the switch closed to maintain the power to the motor. Additionally, the hammer drill includes a first sensor, which indicates the mode of operation of drive transmission; and a second sensor which indicates whether the lock-on mechanism is locked; and a controller which is capable of interfering with the operation of the motor, when the controller detects that the drive transmission is in the rotary mode of operation and the lock-on mechanism has been locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Achim Jung, René Jäger, Ralf Seebauer
  • Patent number: 7350593
    Abstract: An electronic control, for automated earth drilling using a pneumatic hammer-operated bit, preliminarily weighs a drill string, and, during drilling, automatically maintains a desired weight on the bit, and also maintains a constant rate of drilling progress by regulating drill string rotation speed. The weight on the bit is automatically maintained at a fraction of the pre-established desired weight as the air pressure in the supply to the pneumatic hammer builds up to an operating level. The control detects voids and broken formations by monitoring air pressure and torque respectively, and responds by reducing the weight on the bit. The control automatically raises the drill bit though a short distance as the drill head reaches the lower limit of its travel, pauses until the air pressure drops, and then raises the drill string to a position for insertion of a new length of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Schramm, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian David Brookover
  • Patent number: 7346406
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele C. Brotto, Brian R Crowell
  • Patent number: 7322425
    Abstract: A method of generating a stress pulse, and an impact device. In the method, pressure fluid is fed as pressure pulses to a working chamber residing between the frame of the impact device and a tool such that the resulting force presses the tool towards the material to be processed. The impact device comprises a working chamber and device for conveying pressure fluid as pressure pulses thereto such that a force is produced between the frame of the impact device and a tool to press the tool towards the material to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Markku Keskiniva, Jorma Mäki, Mauri Esko, Erkki Ahola, Aimo Helin, Timo Muuttonen
  • Patent number: 7296475
    Abstract: A novel displacement instrument that can be used to measure the density or modulus of an aggregate pier upon which a multistory building or parking garage can be built. The aggregate piers are often 35 feet or deeper. These aggravate piers are constructed by adding lifts of approximately 12 to 18 inches of aggregate at a time and tamping it into the pier forming hole. Each lift of aggregate is being tamped or struck by a force of approximately 15,000 psi or greater. The displacement instrument allows aggregate piers to be constructed having a density or modulus that is consistent from the bottom of the hole to the top of the hole. The displacement instrument would be mounted on the side plate of a hydraulic breaker that is mounted on the end of a boom of a crane. The displacement instrument need not be permanently installed on the side of the hydraulic breaker and it is freely removed and installed on another crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Charles C. Conner
  • Patent number: 7235940
    Abstract: A rotary speed limiting device for an electric motor has a current detecting device for detecting a motor current of the electric motor, a nominal value setting for adjusting a torque, a control and/or regulating device which limits the motor current to a maximum value depending on the nominal value setting, a rotary speed detecting device for detecting a rotary speed of the electric motor, the control and/or regulating device determining a maximum value of the motor current depending on the rotary speed determined by the rotary speed detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Bosch, Bernd Wirnitzer
  • Patent number: 7231989
    Abstract: A method and a control system for controlling rock drilling. A control unit of a rock drilling apparatus is provided with one or more control modes, each determining the drilling variables to be measured, their threshold values and the operating principles according to which the operating parameters of drilling are controlled to achieve a desired control criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Tamrock Oy
    Inventors: Pekka Salminen, Heikki Saha
  • Patent number: 7189033
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thrust sensing valves are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing including an input port and an output port and further having a mounting portion adapted to be coupled to a manufacturing tool. A supply member is operatively coupled to the housing to provide a flow of the pressurized medium into the input port of the housing. Finally, an elongated body is operatively coupled to the housing and moveable along an axis between a first position corresponding to a first pressure output from the housing and a second position corresponding to a second pressure output from the housing. The elongated body is biased into the first position and moveable into the second position in the presence of a thrust force on the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David N. Nappier, David L. Fritsche, Scott A. Martin, Kenneth D. Harper
  • Patent number: 7172034
    Abstract: A boring control method for a machine tool for automatically boring a deep hole using a central control means performing boring with programmed control. In the boring, the number of processing and steps of the machine tool is kept minimum, load torque of a tool is detected continuously using torque detection means, and the movement of the tip portion of the tool desired for a piece of work is confirmed from a reference point to a hole bottom using a Z-axis movement device. The boring is continued in each step until the load torque exceeds a predetermined torque limit value, performed in a condition where a main shaft rotation number, or rotation speed of the tool, and feed speed form a specific pattern, and a condition is set where a total step number (f) does not exceed a predetermined limit step number (N).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Tadashi Makiyama, Hiroyuki Kurokawa, Toshihiko Amako
  • Patent number: 7054696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing data logging device for analysis and/or recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Crowell
  • Patent number: 7036703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held working tool, such as a setting device used for driving fastening elements such as nails, bolts, pins and the like into a surface, or an at least partially percussive hand-held tool having a housing part (11) and a working mechanism such as a setting or striking mechanism arranged inside the housing of the device and having at least one sensing device (17) for sensing acceleration forces occurring during a setting or striking pulse as well as a handle. For improving this type of hand-held working tool (10) an interface (30) for data communication and data output is arranged on the hand-held working tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mario Grazioli, Joachim Keck
  • Patent number: 7032684
    Abstract: A rock drill includes a string of components interconnected by screw threads and connected to a shank. A percussion piston is reciprocated against the shank during a drilling operation, while a support device applies axial support to the rear of the shank, to enhance the drilling action. When the components are being unscrewed, the percussion piston is actuated to strike the rear end of the drill string, after the support device has at least partially released the axial support of the shank, to enable tensile stress to be generated in the components by the percussive impacts to facilitate unscrewing of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Timo Muuttonen, Pekka Salminen
  • Patent number: 7029142
    Abstract: A power tool is composed of a shell body, a battery pack detachably mounted on the shell body, a lamp assembly mounted on the shell body for projecting the light on the working zone thereof, and a power detective circuit for detecting the power storage of the battery pack; the outcome of the power detection can be shown by the lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William Chen, Chun-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6959770
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus for drilling underground, small diameter bore holes wherein a support frame of the apparatus is formed in part by a pair of hydraulic cylinders arranged parallel one to another. A head mounting plate that carries the drill motor is releaseably attached to a barrel portion of each hydraulic cylinder and the barrel portion is urged by fluid pressure along a support rod extending axially through the barrel. The ends of the support rods are attached by front and rear supports to form a frame that is anchored in position relative to the movable barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Dynadrill, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Clelland
  • Patent number: 6951256
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a housing slidably supported on a table, a moving device may be used to move the housing up and down relative to the table, a tubular shaft is rotatably received within the housing and includes a bore to receive a chuck device which may couple a tool member to the tubular shaft. A rotating device may be used for rotating the tubular shaft relative to the housing, with such as an interaction between a stator and a rotor. The tubular shaft is rotatably received within the housing, and may be smoothly rotated or driven by the rotating device without generating shocks or vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Ru Song Xiao
  • Patent number: 6938702
    Abstract: A method and an equipment for controlling the operation of a rock drilling apparatus, which rock drilling apparatus comprises a percussion device for producing impact energy to a tool of the rock drilling apparatus, a rotating device for rotating the tool in a drill hole, a feeding device for feeding the tool in the drill hole and a flushing device for supplying flushing agent through the tool and the bit for flushing loose drilling waste from the hole. The feed force and the percussion power are determined and the relation between the feed force and the percussion power is adjusted to a targeted operation area within an upper and a lower limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sandvik Inteleectual Property AB
    Inventors: Heikki Saha, Markku Keskiniva, Antti Koskimäki, Esa Rantala, Tapani Pöysti, Vesa Peltonen, Jaakko Niemi, Timo Kemppainen, Vesa Uitto, Pauli Lemmetty
  • Patent number: 6923268
    Abstract: An electric or power rotational tool including a driving switch of a push operating system that switches the electric motor ON when the rotational tool contacts a work object such as a screw, etc. and is displaced by being pressed, and a driving switch of a lever operating system that switches the electric motor ON when a switch lever installed in the grip portion of the electric rotational tool is displaced by being pressed. Each of the driving switches is constructed by a combination of a magnet and a magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor is connected to the power circuit of the electric motor, so that either one of operating systems is selected; and the driving of the electric motor is initiated by switching the power circuit ON through a magnetism sensing action of the magnetic sensor of the selected operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Totsu
  • Patent number: 6836614
    Abstract: A power tool such as an electric drill typically contains a gear train that couples the output spindle of the motor to the tool bit-receiving chuck. The control circuit for the power tool is operable in a ratcheting or pulse mode that causes the output spindle to rotate in discrete incremental amounts. Corresponding methods for controlling the operation of the electric motor of a power tool are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Alan A. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 6796388
    Abstract: This invention provides a roof bolt installation apparatus including a drill stabilizing mechanism including a base having a cylindrical bore therein, and a stabilizing rod extendable from the base and slidably located in the bore. The rod has a distal end, and a drill stabilizing end plate is mounted on the rod distal end. The roof bolt installation apparatus also includes a drilling unit which is adapted to rotatably carry a drill, the drilling unit being slidably mounted on the drill stabilizing mechanism, and a mechanism for moving the drilling unit along the drill stabilizing mechanism. The roof bolt installation apparatus also includes a drill depth control device including a base, a top adapted to engage the mine roof, and at least two bars connected between the drill depth control base and the drill depth control top. The bars pass through openings in the drill stabilizing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Phill O'Meley
  • Patent number: 6766868
    Abstract: An electric combination hammer for use either as a drilling hammer or as a chisel hammer has a housing and a handle arranged on it. The housing has arranged on it an on-off switch having a pawl and a switch element for manually switching from drilling operation to chisel operation and vice versa. Also arranged is a catch device by which the pawl may be engaged in chisel operation and which also prevents a latched position from being engaged in drilling operation. The catch device has a catch bracket having two legs which are connected by a joint and may be brought into operative connection with a blocking element that blocks the joint in at least one pivot direction to establish the catch function. The catch device also has at least one catch element which may be brought into operative connection with another catch element that is in operative connection with the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Frauhammer, Heinz Schnerring
  • Publication number: 20040140112
    Abstract: A method and a control system for controlling rock drilling. A control unit (10) of a rock drilling apparatus is provided with one or more control modes (M1-M4), each determining the drilling variables to be measured, their threshold values and the operating principles according to which the operating parameters of drilling are controlled to achieve a desired control criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Sandvik Tamrock OY
    Inventors: Pekka Salminen, Heikki Saha
  • Patent number: 6741051
    Abstract: A trigger controller for an electric power tool including a motor and a pull-trigger movable along a path having a foremost home position comprises a mechanical switch and a solid-state switch connected in series to the motor, wherein the mechanical switch includes a first moving contact, and the controller includes a second moving contact wherein the first and second moving contacts are movable to operate the mechanical and solid-state switches respectively at different predetermined travelling positions of the pull-trigger from the home position such that the two switches are caused to be initially closed at different times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Defond Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Wai Hang Chu
  • Patent number: 6736219
    Abstract: An underground horizontal boring apparatus includes a framework having a pair of guide tracks and a carriage connected to the framework for movement along the tracks. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the carriage in forward or backward directions along the guide tracks. A drill assembly is mounted to the carriage having a drill motor for rotation of a drill rod releasably coupled thereto. A clamp assembly is mounted to one end of the framework and includes a clamp for selectively gripping the drill rod so as to rotatably release the drill rod from the drill motor when the drill motor is operated in a reverse direction. Upon release, the carriage may be moved to a start position, another drill rod may be attached to the drill motor and first rod, and boring resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: William A. White
  • Patent number: 6722447
    Abstract: A power feed apparatus for applying a thrust force to an output shaft of a motor driven tool to drive the output shaft linearly towards and away from a workpiece without applying off-axis forces to the output shaft that would cause it to move out of perfect perpendicular alignment to the outer surface of the workpiece. The apparatus includes a first tubular member which is fixedly secured to a jig or other like mounting structure associated with the workpiece. A second tubular member is disposed for sliding linear movement along the first tubular member. Spaced apart annular fluid chambers are formed within the apparatus along with associated fluid ports for allowing a pressurized fluid to be used to both extend and retract the output shaft of the tool. The tool itself is supported on the second tubular member and thus moves linearly along with the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael M. Stepan, Roger A. Gage
  • Patent number: 6698529
    Abstract: A rock bolter has a turret assembly having a positionable base. The base slidably and rotatably engages a cylindrical member on which a feed track support is affixed. A jack rotatably and slidably engages the cylindrical member, but cannot translate with respect to the base. The jack has a piston connected to the feed track support, and extending or retracting the piston translates the cylindrical member relative to the base to move the feed track support toward and away from a rock surface. A stinger assembly connected to the base engages the rock surface to stabilize the turret assembly. A pivot actuator connected between the base and the jack rotates the jack and the feed track support to selectively place either a drill or a bolt driver in alignment with a desired location on the rock surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Oldenburg Cannon, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry L. Coombs, Ward D. Morrison, Paul R. Bigoney
  • Patent number: 6698532
    Abstract: A piercing apparatus compact in size having a decreased number of hoses is suited for use as an iron runner port-opening machine for a blast furnace or the like furnace in an iron mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Yamamoto Rock Machine Co., Ltd., Nittetsu Plant Designing Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Gotou, Keisuke Morimitsu, Hiromi Kawakami, Tuneo Iwasaki, Kazuo Haga, Yoshiichi Yatagai, Manpei Hontani, Hiroyuki Takao