Abstract: An impact tool includes a controller configured to control power being delivered to the and operable in one of: (a) a normal mode where the controller allows power to be delivered to the motor so that the impact mechanism transitions from operation in the rotary mode to operation in the impacting mode when an output torque exceeds a normal transition torque; and (b) a control mode where the controller controls power being delivered to the motor so that the impact mechanism transitions from operation in the rotary mode to operation in the impacting mode when an output torque exceeds a control transition torque that is greater than the normal transition torque.

Abstract: A torque meter shaft that includes a hollow tube, a ring with ring tabs, the ring enveloping the hollow tube, a shaft with shaft tabs and a deformable section, the shaft disposed within the hollow tube such that the ring tabs and the shaft tabs correspond forming an inter-locking non-contact fit, and a first spline coupling and a second spline coupling. The first spline coupling communicates with an engine such that torque from the engine is transferred to the deformable section and elastically deforms when torque is applied to the first spline coupling and the shaft tabs change radial position relative to the position of the ring tabs such that relative change in torque can be measured, and when torque results in creating a shaft deformation that passes the material yield point, the ring tabs and shaft tabs contact each other, and the ring tabs are pushed back into a new position that compensates for the shaft deformation allowing the engine to maintain its full power capacity.

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.

Abstract: An electromechanical wrench has a housing that has a working end and a gripping end, with a driver positioned at the working end, and a handle positioned at the gripping end. The wrench further includes a click wrench emulator mechanism provided at the handle. A method of using an electromechanical wrench to secure a fastener using angular measurement without the need for establishing a zero reference point, and allowing for ratcheting, is also provided. A method of counting the number of fasteners secured by an electromechanical wrench during a wrenching job is further provided.

Abstract: A tightening method yielding a precise control of the resulting clamping force, in which the tightening operation is performed in two steps, and the stress level is always kept within the limits of the elastic portion of the stress×strain curve. The method employs a single or multi-spindle power wrench controlled by a computer, provided with measuring means for the precise sensing of applied torque and turn angle in real time. The method comprises in a preferred embodiment a first and a second tightening operations, the data collected during the first operation being inputted to the computer which calculates the amount of torque to be applied to the fastener in the second and final tightening operation according to an algorithm which also comprises checking steps to ascertain that the results fall within the preset values, tolerances and scatter limits.

Abstract: Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a rate of change of torque experienced by a magnetized member in response to a change in torque experienced by the member are described. Such sensors include at least one sense element capable of detecting a change in a magnetic parameter of a magnetized region of the member positioned proximate to the sense element in response to a change in torque applied to the member. Devices for detecting and/or measuring rates of changes in or of torque that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.

Abstract: A method of estimating load inertia for a motor is provided that can estimate the load inertia even when a cogging torque of the motor is large or resonance occurs in the mechanical system of the load. Vibration is detected in an acceleration feedback signal. An estimated inertia gain Kn is multiplied by a coefficient ? of zero (0) or more but less than one (1) when the detected vibration is equal to or more than a predetermined level, or the estimated inertia gain Kn is multiplied by a coefficient ? of one (1) when the detected vibration is less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A drive unit for a machine, in particular a machine-tool, robot and the like, is described. The drive unit has several components, and each component has at least one associated component-specific function, and a uniform communication module that forms an interface with the other components. The interfaces of the various components can be connected by logical point-to-point connections or via a bus. Each component is designated with a particular type, and the communication between the components uses a type-specific communication protocol. A least one of the components is a hierarchically superior component.

Abstract: In a method for determining whether a wheel is locked or not, it is determined whether an output value of a steering torque sensor for detecting steering torque is either equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value; when the output value is either equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined whether the output value has continued to be either equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value for more than a predetermined length of time and, when it is determined that the output value of the steering torque sensor has continued to be either equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value for more than the predetermined length of time, then it is determined that the wheel is locked.

Abstract: In a method for determining whether a wheel is locked or not, it is determined whether an output value of a steering torque sensor for detecting steering torque is either equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value; when the output value is either equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined whether the output value has continued to be either equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value for more than a predetermined length of time and, when it is determined that the output value of the steering torque sensor has continued to be either equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value for more than the predetermined length of time, then it is determined that the wheel is locked.

Abstract: A drive unit for a machine, in particular a machine-tool, robot and the like, is described. The drive unit has several components, and each component has at least one associated component-specific function, and a uniform communication module that forms an interface with the other components. The interfaces of the various components can be connected by logical point-to-point connections or via a bus. Each component is designated with a particular type, and the communication between the components uses a type-specific communication protocol. A least one of the components is a hierarchically superior component.

Abstract: An acceleration signal generating portion 11 inputs a machine velocity vm of a drive machine 32 and outputs an acceleration signal af of low frequency. Also, a pseudo torque signal generating portion 12 inputs a torque command &tgr;r, removes the noise, and outputs a pseudo torque signal &tgr;f of low frequency. Also, a torque error signal calculating portion 14 subtracts a product of the acceleration signal af and a previous mechanical constant estimated value Je(k−1) calculated in a multiplication circuit 13 from the pseudo torque signal &tgr;f of low frequency, and outputs a torque error signal &tgr;err as a disturbance torque estimated value &tgr;d0. Also, a mechanical constant estimation gain portion 16 estimates the mechanical constant by inputting a torque error derivative signal d&tgr;err that is generated by torque error derivative signal generating portion 15 by inputting a torque error signal &tgr;err.

Abstract: A torque measurement of hydraulic installers for earth anchors, designed to sense hydraulic pressure and translate it into a torque output, through the use of transducers, regulator, and usually battery operated. By measuring the differential in supply pressure and return pressure transducers calibrating the same, thus furnishing a torque read-out, in foot pounds, of the amount of torque being applied by the installer when driving an earth anchor into the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is adapted to provide a method for determining the torque of a driveshaft. In the preferred embodiment a drivetrain includes a front and a rear drivetrain. The drivetrain is also connected to an engine, torque converter, front and rear axle and a transmission. In one embodiment, the ability to determine the transmission output torque for an earth moving machine includes determining an output torque of the converter and a gear reduction of the engine, and then responsively determining the front and rear driveshaft torque in response to the converter output torque and the engine gear reduction. The driveshaft torque calculations may be performed while the earth moving machine is operating. The resulting front and rear driveshaft torque calculations may be used to determine an axle damage index, or axle life calculations.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosis of an exhaust turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, at least one value which characterizes the load on the exhaust turbocharger is determined and compared with a reference value, an event signal being generated in the event of the reference value being exceeded. A wear characteristic number which characterizes the alternating load on the exhaust turbocharger is formed by addition of load signals, in each case one change signal being generated whenever the charger speed of the exhaust turbocharger exceeds a maximum.