With Detection Of Specific Torque Value Or Condition (e.g., Peak Torque) Patents (Class 73/862.23)
  • Patent number: 11879797
    Abstract: Braking device inserted in a test bench (2) for checking the correct operation of industrial screwdrivers, wherein the braking simulates a tightening operation of such screwdriver, comprising a container body (1) on the top of which a coupling (11) protrudes, suitable for coupling with the head (3) of the screwdriver to be tested, said coupling (11) being connected, by means of a shaft (12), to a braking unit (13), an electronic torque and angle detector (14) of the shaft rotation (12). Such braking unit (13) comprises a plate (14), rotated by the screwdriver, which is braked by suitable friction surfaces (15) moved towards the plate by the movement of an actuator; the movement of such actuator is performed by means of at least one electronically controlled piezoelectric element (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventors: Gabriele Cazzulani, Emanuele Riva, Francesco Braghin, Gaetano Cascini, Niccolo Becattini, Massimiliano Cattaneo, Alessandro Attilio Interdonato, Gianmaria Celico Fadini
  • Patent number: 11813722
    Abstract: A power tool including a motor and an impact mechanism. The impact mechanism is coupled to the motor and includes a hammer driven by the motor, and an anvil positioned at a nose of the power tool, and configured to receive an impact from the hammer. The power tool also includes a sensor assembly positioned at the nose of the power tool, and an electronic processor. The sensor assembly includes an output position sensor configured to generate an output signal indicative of a position of the hammer or the anvil. The electronic processor is coupled to the output position sensor and to the motor, and is configured to operate the motor based on the output signal from the output position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: John Stanley Dey, IV, Jacob Paul Schneider
  • Patent number: 11612993
    Abstract: A hand-held impact tool includes a motor, a driving mechanism, a tool body, a main handle, a first detection part, a second detection part and a control part. The tool body is configured such that an auxiliary handle is removably attached thereto. The main handle is connected to the tool body. The first detection part is configured to detect selected one of a plurality of modes. The second detection part is configured to detect whether or not the auxiliary handle is attached to the tool body. The control part is configured to control operation of the impact tool based on detection results of the first detection part and the second detection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hitoshi Iida
  • Patent number: 11586175
    Abstract: A tool is equipped with a torque sensor, suited for a tightening task of a fastening component of a device such as a fluid control system that requires a large number of fastening components for assembly and has a narrow space for access to the fastening components, and capable of automatically detecting a tightening torque. The tool includes a torque sensor capable of detecting a tightening torque for tightening a fastening component acting on a bit. The torque sensor initiates measurement of the tightening torque when the tightening torque detected exceeds a set threshold value, completes measurement when the tightening torque detected falls below the set threshold value and a set time elapses, and outputs torque-related data formed on the basis of measurement data from measurement initiation to measurement completion and including a measurement time. The torque-related data includes a peak value of the measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: CONNECTEC JAPAN CORPORATION, FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Horikawa, Toru Nebashi, Hidekazu Machida, Nozomi Shimoishizaka, Akihiro Harada, Masahiko Ochiishi, Yoshiaki Yamato, Hiroki Karube, Mutsunori Koyomogi, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 11328623
    Abstract: An assembly system includes: a tool including a sensor; a wearable device including a display, and a computing device. The computing device is programmed to: a. provide visual instructions on the display of the device; b. monitor an input from the sensor; and c. in response to the input from the sensor: i. provide feedback to the user through the display, indicating a status of an operation of the tool; and ii. store a record of a status of an operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ted Lewis Robertson, Eric Arthur Ilse, Matthew Geyman, Joseph J. Bischof
  • Patent number: 11285590
    Abstract: A method performed by a monitoring node associated with a tool communication network of monitoring energy flow in a tightening tool connected to the communication network includes receiving, from the tightening tool, parameter values relating to current fed (I) into the tightening tool, angle (?) of a rotor in the tightening tool and torque (T) applied to a joint by the tightening tool. The method also includes calculating energy input to the tightening tool based on the received parameter values, calculating energy transferred to the joint by the tightening tool based on the received parameter values relating to the torque applied to the joint by the tightening tool and the angle (?) of the rotor in the tightening tool. The method further includes detecting that the calculated energy input deviates from the calculated energy transferred to the joint by more than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventor: Andris Danebergs
  • Patent number: 11267112
    Abstract: An installation apparatus for mounting a garnish having at least one attachment element onto a pillar frame structure of a vehicle can include a handle portion and a J-shaped portion located at one end of the handle portion. The J-shaped portion can include a shorter member configured to engage the vehicle from a bottom area of the pillar frame structure to create a hinge point, and a longer member configured to engage the garnish and attachment structure. The garnish can be installed to the pillar frame structure when pivoting the handle of the apparatus about the hinge point downward and towards an interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Michael Sean Little
  • Patent number: 10836020
    Abstract: A method of determining an actual amount of torque and/or angle applied to a work piece by a tool. In an embodiment, the method includes determining a rotational angle, a tilt of the tool, and a measured torque of the tool. The actual amount of torque or angle applied to the work piece is then determined based on the rotational angle, the tilt, and the measured torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerry A. King, Nathan J. Lee
  • Patent number: 10821580
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench with sensing structure includes a tubular body, a working head and at least one sensing element. The working head includes a head section and a connection section secured in the front end of the tubular body. The head section is positioned at the front end of the tubular body. The sensing element is disposed on an outer circumference of the tubular body. Accordingly, the length of the connection section of the working head is greatly shortened and the internal structure of the tubular body is simplified to lower the material cost and manufacturing cost. In addition, the weight of the torque wrench is reduced and the sensing precision of the sensing element is enhanced, whereby a user can more easily hold the torque wrench and more smoothly use the torque wrench to enhance the whole benefit of the torque wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10730167
    Abstract: A ratcheting driver can be configured to selectively transmit a torque to a fastener. The driver can include a handle, a geared body, and a shaft. The handle can include a housing, a pawl, and a biasing element. The housing can include a central bore and a shaft bore extending through a distal portion of the housing. The pawl can extend radially inward from the housing into the central bore. The biasing element can engage the housing. The geared body can be rotatably engageable with the pawl to allow rotation of the geared body relative to the handle in a first direction and to limit rotation of the geared body relative to the handle in a second direction, where the biasing element can be engageable with the geared body to bias the geared body distally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Macke, Steven Conrad
  • Patent number: 10393366
    Abstract: A torque wrench provided with illumination structure and indicated graduations includes a tubular body bored with an insert hole and an illumination hole. The tubular body is provided therein with a graduated ring having its outer circumferential wall provided with a graduation marked portion, with an interval kept between the graduation marked portion and the inner tube wall of the tubular body. A lens is disposed at a location corresponding to the insert hole, and a light-emitting element is installed at a location corresponding to the illumination hole. Thus, light emitted by the light-emitting element will first illuminate the graduation marked portion and thereafter the reflected light of the graduation marked portion will pass through the insert hole and pass out the lens, enabling a user to clearly read the graduation marked portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: TORQUE-TECH PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tien-Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 10315297
    Abstract: A torque indication wrench includes a main body having a wrenching portion and a support portion, a torque rod having a first end and a second end, and an indication device disposed between the main body and the torque rod. The wrenching portion drives an object. The first end is connected with the support portion. The main body defines a longitudinal line dividing the torque into a counterclockwise and an opposite clockwise areas. A biasing section is formed between the first and second ends, with the central axis of the biasing section positioned in the counterclockwise area. The user wrenches the second end of the torque rod, such that the biasing section of the torque rod resiliently bends from the counterclockwise area toward the clockwise area, and the user is able to read an indicated torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 10300585
    Abstract: A ratchet type power wrench includes a housing, a pressure medium powered actuator, a ratchet mechanism included in the housing and coupled to the actuator, an open ended output socket with a constant cross sectional dimension throughout a length thereof, which is rotatably supported in the housing and engaged by the ratchet mechanism, and an angle encoder provided to indicate angular displacements of the output socket. The angle encoder has a form of a separate unit included in a casing, the casing being attachable to either side of the housing for connecting the angle encoder to either end of the output socket. The angle encoder includes a rotatable signal initiating part and a movement sensor rigidly mounted in the casing, the rotatable signal initiating part being provided with at least one coupling dog adapted to engage cavities located at both ends of the output socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventor: Cesar Da Fonseca
  • Patent number: 10293469
    Abstract: A method for operating a power tool for screwing a screw into a workpiece. After an activation of the power tool, an electric motor is driven in order to screw the screw into the workpiece. The rotation speed of the electric motor while the screw is being screwed in is ascertained during a predefined initial time of an impact operating mode of the power tool. A rotation speed of the electric motor is ascertained after the initial time. A torque of the electric motor is at least reduced if the ascertained rotation speed of the electric motor exceeds a predefined rotation speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Chi Hoe Leong
  • Patent number: 10107331
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft which includes an attaching member releasably connectable to a shaft and a press mechanism coupled to the attaching member. The press mechanism is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. An aligning ring has an aligning projection configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft. The projection extends radially inwardly from a circumferential portion of the aligning ring. The aligning ring extends circumferentially around the attaching member and is rotatable relative to the attaching member. The aligning ring includes a plurality of ring indicating markings to allow an alignment of a ring indicating marking of the plurality of ring indicating markings with a lock nut connected to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 9862079
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench with early-warning function includes a main body, a setting unit, a detecting unit, an operation unit, a warning unit and an early-warning program. A working head is disposed at one end of the main body for wrenching a work piece. The early-warning program is set with multiple early-warning times with different warning ranges. The value of the early-warning time is in direct proportion to the set torque value of the wrench. When the operation torque of the wrench reaches the early-warning time, the operation unit urges the warning unit to give a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9505106
    Abstract: A method for rotating a rotatable part using a hydraulic piston-cylinder drive operated by a hydraulic pressure source and having at least one piston and a ratchet, wherein a torque is applied to the rotatable part during a loading stroke and the piston is moved into a starting position via a return stroke. The loading stroke ends when an end position of the piston is reached and subsequently the return stroke is started, wherein the end position is a position of the piston before the piston abuts against an end stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: WAGNER VERMÖGENSVERWALTUNGS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Günter Neiss, Bernd Linsel, Günter Andres, Andreas Zimmer
  • Patent number: 9395257
    Abstract: Real-time clock circuitry integrated in an electronic torque tool facilitates time-stamping of torque data acquired by the electronic torque tool. The time stamped torque data may be displayed on a display integrated in the electronic torque tool or may be communicated to an external device. The real-time clock circuitry may be adjusted based on information received from an external device or may be manually input to a keypad of the electronic torque tool. A calibration timer integrated in the electronic torque tool monitors time between calibrations of the tool and notifies a user upon expiration of a calibration interval. A secondary power source is coupled to the real-time clock circuitry to maintain power to the real-time clock circuitry during battery replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Jie Li, Jerry A. King, Chris Lawton, Nathan J. Lee, Andrew R. Lobo
  • Patent number: 9320558
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for the quality control of screwed-in joints, where the system has: a dynamometric wrench having a lever body provided, at one end, with a handle and, at the opposite end, with a coupling head having a sensor for detecting the torque applied to the threaded tightening element and a sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the lever body, a first interface and a processing unit wherein the processing unit is capable of detecting, torque and a corresponding rotation angle of the lever body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO BLM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimiliano Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 9283663
    Abstract: An electronic torque tool includes a main body; at least one display unit disposed on the main body for displaying torque values, and several pushbuttons disposed on the main body for a user to set values to the torque tool. The electronic torque tool has resettable torque warning values, which are discontinuous values with an interval therebetween. Thanks to the interval between the discontinuous resettable torque warning values, the torque warning value of the torque tool is lower than the required tightening force. In this case, it can be avoided that a threaded member is over-tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9281770
    Abstract: Cordless power tools include a pistol housing having an upper portion that merges into a downwardly extending handle, a DC motor residing in the upper portion of the housing, the DC motor having a rotor that drives an output shaft; a torque transducer on board the tool in communication with the output shaft; and a dynamic motor control circuit residing in the housing in communication with the motor and torque transducer. The dynamic motor control circuit includes a Kelvin resistor in communication with the motor for measuring motor current and digital hall switches in communication with the motor for measuring motor speed. The motor current can vary by at least 100 A during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Wood, William M. Ball, Jr., Christopher John Taylor
  • Patent number: 9132536
    Abstract: A torque-limiting device may include a shaft extending axially through upper and lower shanks and a spring to connect to a nut. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities. The shaft may include a lumen extending there through, and through which a variety of devices and materials may be delivered to a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson
  • Patent number: 9022135
    Abstract: A torque applying system includes a torque applying tool having a motor and rotating output spindle, a torque sensor that measures an instantaneous torque exerted by the output spindle during a fastening cycle, and a controller operatively connected to the tool to control the tool's rotational speed during the fastening cycle. The controller is programmed to control the tool's rotational speed to be [(?F??C)/t]/r, wherein t is a time constant of speed control, ?F is a target final torque for the fastening cycle, and r is a torque rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Zuher Naim Khalaf, William Lloyd Naumann
  • Publication number: 20150114138
    Abstract: A tightening device is able to check that a fastening member has been fastened to a desired set torque or greater after being tightened, without loosening the fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: TONE CO., LTD., FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: KATSUHIRO FUJIMOTO, TOSHIHIKO KUSHIDA, TATSUO HIRAI, YUKIO TORIGAI, TATSUO NAKAHATA, MANABU SAITO, MASAO WATANABE
  • Patent number: 8991518
    Abstract: A portable power wrench is controlled by an operation control unit and comprises a housing (10;50) with a rotation motor, a gear casing (15;55) including a gearing (18;56,57) and a drive spindle (19;60} and being releasably and/or rotatably connected to the housing via a swivel or multi-position connection, an operation parameter sensing device (22,23;68) is associated with the drive spindle (19,60). The sensing device (22,23;68) communicates with the operation control unit via a first signal transferring device (28;82) which is disposed between the drive spindle (19;60) and the gear casing (15;55), and a second signal transferring device (31;84) is disposed between the gear casing (15;55) and the housing (10;50), wherein the second signal transferring device (31;84) communicates with the operation control unit. At least the first signal transferring device (28;82) between the drive spindle (19;60) and the gear casing (15;55) comprises a contact free transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Industrial Technique Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Karl Johan Lars Elsmark
  • Patent number: 8918292
    Abstract: An angle measuring device or system can include a wrench and a digital angle meter. The wrench can include a head for engaging a fastening device, a central axis about which the wrench or bracket rotates during use, and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the central axis. The digital angle meter can be attached to the wrench or bracket and include a housing, a processor, and at least one gyrometer. The at least one gyrometer including a first axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis for determining the rotational orientation of the wrench or bracket relative to a reference position. A sensor of the digital angle meter allows for an automated and accurate calculation of a total angle of rotation of the nut or bolt about the central axis using a ratcheting wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James Wener
  • Patent number: 8893364
    Abstract: A method for setting a wheel hub assembly having a spacer therein, mounted on an axle, shaft or spindle or includes a cap a shaft is disclosed. The method is used on a wheel hub assembly having a spacer and bearings therein mounted on the axle, shaft or spindle. A retaining nut on the wheel hub assembly is tightened to the manufacture's specified torque for a particular wheel hub assembly for securing said assembly together. The wheel hub of the hub assembly is rotated when the nut is torqued to set the bearings. The retaining nut is loosened after rotating and the endplay within the wheel hub assembly is measured using an endplay measuring tool. The torque on the retaining nut is then adjusted to obtain a desired endplay measurement for the wheel hub assembly. The resultant torque on the nut at the desired endplay measurement is different from the manufacturer specified torque for the wheel hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8844382
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to mount on the shaft. The legs contain torque sockets and torque limiters which are threadably engaged and tightened onto lugs of the wheel hub assembly without exceeding a preselected torque. The torque sockets allow the frame and system to be used on hub assemblies having wheels thereon without removal of the wheels from the hub assemblies or lug nuts from the lugs supporting the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8844381
    Abstract: A torque wrench comprises a handle, a wrench head having a ratcheting workpiece engaging portion, and a tensor beam defining a longitudinal axis and having a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A first strain gauge is coupled to one side of the tensor beam, and a second strain gauge is coupled to another side orthogonal to the one side. A processor coupled to the first and second strain gauges converts an output signal from one of the strain gauges into an equivalent torque value. The tensor beam is intermediate the handle and the wrench head and is rotatably coupled to the wrench head and is rotatable, with respect to the tensor beam, between a first position in which the processor processes an output signal from the first strain gauge and a second position in which the processor processes an output signal from the second strain gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Awad Aly Gharib
  • Patent number: 8800387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of evaluating the play between two threaded components, a first component comprising an internal thread, and a second component comprising an external thread that corresponds to the internal thread of the first component, the components are engaged with each other the method comprising the steps of: applying a torque from a motor to said components such that a first side of the internal thread is in contact with an opposing first side of the external thread wherein the two components are mutually rotated, which mutual rotation yields a mutual translation movement of the two threaded components; fixing the components with respect to each other, such that no mutual translation movement is allowed, whereas mutual rotation is still allowed; withholding the applied torque to one of said components, until a second side of the internal thread is in contact with an opposing second side of the external thread, monitoring the applied torque during the above steps by determining the pow
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: TIAP AB
    Inventor: Kjell Pernestål
  • Publication number: 20140069211
    Abstract: A torque tool for measuring and/or applying a torque, consists of a shaft-like housing with a handle at one end, wherein a measuring device is provided in the housing for detecting the torque. A connecting member is provided at the other end of the housing which transmits the torque to a work piece. A digital display indicates the applied torque or a preset torque. The display is formed as an electronic OLED display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Eduard Wille GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Eduard Wille GmbH & Co. KG
  • Patent number: 8650003
    Abstract: A process for validating the fault detection of a device under test includes carrying out a series of basic tests of the device under test. Each basic test leads to a positive or negative result indicating normal or abnormal functioning of the device under test. The process also includes, after each realization of a basic test, updating an event counter (CRT) and updating a result counter (FCRT). Validation is performed depending on test result once the event counter has reached a first maximal value (CTRmax) or once the realization counter has reached a second maximal value (FCTRmax). The process can be performed by a diagnostic device. The process and device can monitor the electric or functional performance of more or less complex systems installed in an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Joseph Regnard De Lagny, Abdelmalik Belaid
  • Patent number: 8615972
    Abstract: The present invention provides a torque measuring station, comprising a cap-engaging assembly for engaging a cap that has been secured onto a container, a torque measuring assembly for obtaining a measurement indicative of the torque exerted on the cap by the cap engaging assembly and a processing entity in communication with the torque measuring assembly. The processing entity is operative for receiving the measurement indicative of the torque, and for causing the container to be handled, once released from said cap-engaging assembly, on the basis of the measurement indicative of the torque applied to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Capmatic Ltd.
    Inventors: Loris Bassani, Daniel Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 8590402
    Abstract: The assembly comprises: 1) a socket subassembly having an unitary elongated body, including at one extremity a first engaging cavity, at an opposite extremity, a second engaging cavity: and incorporating an externally open, annular channel provided between the extremities of the socket subassembly: 2) a strain transducer subassembly, for measuring torsional strains on the socket subassembly, mounted in the externally open annular channel: 3) a circular cover attached to the socket subassembly for enclosing the externally open, annular channel: and 4) an electronic subassembly for converting the torsional strains on the socket subassembly to standard torque values and for determining tightening angular displacements by means of a sensor: the electronic subassembly being interconnected to the strain transducer subassembly and mounted on the circular cover to face the strain transducer subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Dan Provost, Drew Cheesman, Shayne Harder, Aaron Johnson
  • Patent number: 8567261
    Abstract: A device for checking the seal-tightness of closure caps on medical hollow bodies has a drive, a retaining element for the hollow body, and a retaining device for the closure cap. The retaining device is pivotably supported relative to the retaining element. The device further includes a sensor for the relative rotation of the retaining device with respect to the retaining element. A torque may be applied to the closure cap by the drive, the retaining element, and the retaining device. A hollow body and a closure cap are gripped by the retaining device and the retaining element from the same side, as viewed along the longitudinal axis of a hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg
    Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Manfred Simader, Günter Kavallar
  • Patent number: 8534140
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a structure attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the structure and is configured to measure movement of the structure to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8474330
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to mount on the shaft. The legs contain torque sockets and torque limiters which are threadably engaged and tightened onto lugs of the wheel hub assembly without exceeding a preselected torque. The torque sockets allow the frame and system to be used on hub assemblies having wheels thereon without removal of the wheels from the hub assemblies or lug nuts from the lugs supporting the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: John E Rode
  • Publication number: 20130160566
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a structure attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the structure and is configured to measure movement of the structure to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: John E. RODE
  • Publication number: 20130145864
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a follower configured to extend through an opening in a cover connected to a wheel hub. The cover covers the wheel hub such that the cover inhibits access to an end of a shaft of the wheel hub assembly, and the follower is configured to contact the end through the opening. The follower is received in a holder engageable with the cover such that the follower is movable relative to the cover and the holder to allow the follower to extend from the holder to contact the end of the shaft. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the follower and is configured to measure movement of the follower to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8443703
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque wrench with wireless transmission function, including at least one wrench body having an end to which a tool head is coupled for coupling with a tool piece, such as wrench socket, for application of torque, at least one toque-strain bar, which is coupled to the tool head of the wrench body, at least one torque sensor, which is mounted to the toque-strain bar to detect the value of the torque transmitted to the toque-strain bar, at least one angular position sensor, which is set inside the wrench body to detect a horizontal angle of the body and the tool head, at least one detection and processing circuit, which is arranged in the wrench body and connected to the torque sensor and the angular position sensor to convert detected torque and angle into digital torque and angle data for displaying or issuing an alarm and to transmit the torque and angle data in a bi-directional wireless manner, and at least one control receiver, which receives the torque and angle data from the detection and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Lifestyle Products Corp.
    Inventor: Chiang Kao Chen
  • Patent number: 8397589
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: John Earl Rode
  • Patent number: 8327741
    Abstract: A torque wrench includes a wrench body, a torque sensor, an angle sensor, a gravity sensor and a processor. The wrench body can provide a torque to a workpiece. The torque sensor can sense whether the torque is greater than a predetermined torque value. The angle sensor can obtain a rotational angle value by measuring the rotation of the wrench body after the torque is greater than the predetermined torque value. The gravity sensor can sense the tilt angle of the wrench body. The processor is programmed to correct the rotational angle value according to the tilt angle of the wrench body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8234936
    Abstract: A torque wrench having ease of operation compatible with improved accuracy of measurement. The torque wrench includes a tightening portion, a housing having a front side cover part and a back side grip part and a shaft-like strain body that is contained inside the housing. First distortion sensors and second distortion sensors are arranged on the strain body at spaced points in the axial direction of the strain body for measuring an amount of distortion of the strain body. A microprocessor chip has functions including computation of a tightening torque which is corrected for errors due to changes in a point of effort where a tightening force is applied by a user. The correction is based on the detection result of the first distortion sensors and the second distortion sensors. An output portion outputs the corrected tightening torque measurement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignees: Hosiden Corporation, Kyoto Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Nakata, Tadashi Hanai, Kouji Fujita, Masahiko Umekawa, Hiroshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8159111
    Abstract: A driving device includes a motor, a clutch gear, a first rotating portion, a second rotating portion, a piezoelectric assembly, and a controlling unit. The motor includes a rotating shaft. The clutch gear is fixed to the rotating shaft. The first rotating portion sleeved on the rotating shaft includes a first end meshing with the clutch gear and a second end opposite to the first end. The second rotating portion is engaged with the second end. The piezoelectric assembly is sandwiched between the second end and the second rotating portion. The controlling unit is electrically connected to the motor and the piezoelectric assembly. The controlling unit is configured for storing a predetermined voltage, and determining whether a voltage output by the piezoelectric assembly equals to or exceeds the predetermined voltage. A protection method for the driving device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song-Ling Yang
  • Publication number: 20120079892
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: John E. RODE
  • Publication number: 20120079893
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a follower configured to extend through an opening in a cover connected to a wheel hub. The cover covers the wheel hub such that the cover inhibits access to an end of a shaft of the wheel hub assembly, and the follower is configured to contact the end through the opening. The follower is received in a holder engageable with the cover such that the follower is movable relative to the cover and the holder to allow the follower to extend from the holder to contact the end of the shaft. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the follower and is configured to measure movement of the follower to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: John E. RODE
  • Patent number: 8091438
    Abstract: A torsion tool includes a body having an operating head formed thereon for driving a workpiece and a power set disposed therein. A control assembly is installed into the body and includes a seat received therein. The seat includes a microcontroller disposed therein and a sensor electrically connected to the microcontroller, wherein the sensor is disposed in the body for sensing the change of the operating torsion. A transceiver and a switch are respectively electrically connected to the microcontroller. A first conducting set is disposed in the seat. A display module is detachably received in the seat for showing torsion value. The display module includes a second conducting set electrically connected to the microcontroller of the display module, wherein the second conducting set is selectively electrically connected to the first conducting set for directly receiving the signal from the microcontroller of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Taken Etorque Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuang-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 8056426
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a hydraulic power wrench with a pivotable lever pivoted by a piston-cylinder unit and a ratchet arrangement for stepwise rotation of a ratchet bushing by advancing and return strokes, parameters such as nominal torque or pre-load or screw parameters are entered into an electronic input unit. Nominal pressure corresponding to the parameters is determined by an electronic evaluation unit and generated by the pump. The piston-cylinder unit is pressure-loaded for performing a pre-stroke until the nominal pressure is reached followed immediately by a return stroke. A time interval from beginning of pressure loading until reaching nominal pressure or until reaching an initial pressure after pressure relief is measured. Pressure loading and measuring are repeated. The measured time intervals are compared. Pressure loading cycles are stopped when at least the last measured time interval is shorter than at least the penultimate measured time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Patent number: 8011254
    Abstract: An apparatus correctly measures motion characteristics a head gimbal assembly exhibits when turned in a radial direction of a hard disk. The apparatus includes an assembly support to fixedly support the head gimbal assembly on a center axis that corresponds to a rotation axis around which the head gimbal assembly is turned in actual use, a disk drive to rotatably support the hard disk and turn around a turn axis that is concentric with the center axis on which the head gimbal assembly is fixedly supported, and a turn unit to turn the disk drive around the turn axis, thereby creating a relative turn of the head gimbal assembly with respect to the hard disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Tada
  • Patent number: 8006573
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes a setting gage configured to be received on a shaft and configured to engage a nut on the shaft. The gage includes an inner portion and an outer portion rotatable relative to each other. The inner portion includes an outer perimeter contacting an inner perimeter of the outer portion. The inner portion has an inner opening having an inner circumference mirroring a shape of the shaft and shaped to inhibit movement between the inner portion and the shaft when the shaft is received in the inner opening. The outer portion has an outer circumference comprising at least one radially projecting member configured to engage the nut to inhibit movement between the outer portion and the nut when the gage engages the nut. The inner portion includes a start position indicator on the outer perimeter and a stop position indicator on the outer perimeter. The start position indicator includes a start position for a marker of the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: John E. Rode