Rotatable, Coaxial, Clutching Components Patents (Class 81/473)
  • Patent number: 6345436
    Abstract: A valve adjusting and injector preload tool is provided for an internal combustion engine having a valve opening member with a male threaded member operatively and adjustably contacting the valve. The tool includes a first member engagable with the threaded member for rotating the threaded member towards or away from the valve. There is a knob for rotating the first member in a first rotational direction so the male threaded member moves towards the valve and for rotating the first member in a second rotational direction so the male threaded member moves away from the valve. There is a clutch for stopping movement of the first member, as the male threaded member moves towards the valve, when the male threaded member operatively contacts the valve and takes up play between the valve opening member and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest Richardson Codrington
  • Patent number: 6176162
    Abstract: A screwdriver is disclosed, comprising a removable depth stop which selectably either, when equipped with the depth stop, allows noiseless shutoff or, with the depth stop removed, allows torque-dependent shutoff, without any chattering occurring when the machine continues to run. To this end, an adjustable torque-dependent release clutch is combined with an entrainment clutch of known type, which is additionally preceded by a disconnect clutch, a locking means being provided in order to hold a throwout ring, which forms one of the two elements of the disconnect clutch, in a predetermined position under load. In this way, noiseless operation is ensured after release, both when working with the depth stop and in the case of torque-dependent shutoff, with the depth stop removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Ludwig, Wolfgang Schreiber
  • Patent number: 6155147
    Abstract: An improved torque limiting screwdriver including a shaft extending from a first end of the screwdriver body, the shaft including a first plurality of indicia thereon, and an adjustment cap arranged to be located at a second end of the screwdriver body. The adjustment cap rotatable to selectively engage a selected detent located on the bottom of the adjustment cap. A lock pin arranged to engage one of the detents to retain the adjustment cap in its select position, maintaining an accurate specific torque value for the torque limiting screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ryeson Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen E. Dzieman
  • Patent number: 6131489
    Abstract: A reversible wrench, which includes a box body, an adapter mounted within the box body and supported on an inside annular flange in the box body, the adapter having a bottom coupling extended out the box body for holding a tool and a top ratchet, a driving block fastened to the box body on the inside above the adapter and stopped from rotary motion relative to the box body, the driving block having a bottom ratchet, which is forced into engagement with the ratchet at the adapter for enabling the adapter to be rotated with the driving block when the reversible wrench is attached to the workpiece and forced downwards, and a spring member connected between the adapter and the driving block to push the driving block apart from the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Chun Yang
  • Patent number: 6128984
    Abstract: A micro-torque limiting production tool and subassembly comprises a hollow cylindrically shaped housing in which a combination bit retainer clutch mechanism is supported. The combination bit retainer-clutch mechanism includes a pair of cylindrical drive and driven clutch disks of a plastic composite composed of teflon fluorocarbon and acetal resin, each having a bulbous region and a region supported front to back relative to each other to define a primary braking surface of area .pi.(D5/2).sup.2 where D5 is the diameter of the bulbous region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Chett D. Haupt
  • Patent number: 6076439
    Abstract: An improved torque limiting screwdriver including a shaft extending from a first end of the screwdriver body, the shaft including a first indicia thereon, and an adjustment cap arranged to be located at a second end of the screwdriver body. The adjustment cap rotatable to selectively engage a selected detent located on the bottom of the adjustment cap. The selective rotation of the adjustment cap is aligned with indicia on a selected detent, indexing of both the indicia on the shaft and the indicia on the adjustment cap, providing an accurate specific torque value for the torque limiting screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Ryeson Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen E. Dzieman
  • Patent number: 6076438
    Abstract: A power nutrunner includes a planetary reduction gearing (12) and a torque limiting release clutch (13) disposed between a ring gear (25) of the reduction gearing (12) and the tool housing (11), wherein the ring gear (25) is tubular in shape and has an outer annular shoulder (41) at its one end carrying cam teeth (42) for cooperation with a spring biased thrust element (45) via balls (43) and cam surfaces (44). The thrust element (45) encircles the ring gear (25) and is biased by a pretensioned spring (53) which is backed by an adjustable support (52) including a rotatable screw element (70) connected to the housing (11) and provided with gear teeth (74) to be engaged by a setting tool (80) inserted through a front opening (79) in the housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Erik Roland Rahm
  • Patent number: 6062114
    Abstract: A power nutrunner has two consecutive planetary reduction gearings (12) and a torque limiting release clutch (13) disposed between a common ring gear (25) of the reduction gearings (12) and the tool housing (11). The ring gear (25) is tubular in shape and has an outer annular shoulder (41) at its one end carrying cam teeth (42) for cooperation with a spring biased thrust element (45) via balls (43) and cam surfaces (44). The thrust element (45) encircles the ring gear (25) and is rotationally locked relative to the housing (11) via a ball spline connection (47-49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Erik Roland Rahm
  • Patent number: 6053080
    Abstract: A device for tightening a bolt or a nut has a tightening socket which is releasable from biting engagement with the bolt or nut by disengaging a clutch in a rotation transmission system after completion of tightening, and which is made readily removable from the bolt or nut. The device is characterized in that it comprises power transmission means for coupling a socket drive motor to the socket for power transmission, the clutch incorporated in the power transmission means for selectively effecting or interrupting power transmission from the motor to the socket by a sliding movement, and clutch control means for selectively moving the clutch to an engaged position or a disengaged position. The clutch is moved to the disengaged position by the clutch control means after the motor is deenergized, whereby residual torque delivered by the motor to the bolt or the nut is removed to preclude biting engagement of the socket with the bolt or nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Maeda Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunobu Kaneyama, Daijiro Yano, Shinji Fukuhara, Shozo Matsumura, Kenji Sato, Yoshiyuki Umemoto
  • Patent number: 5970824
    Abstract: A wrench utilizing high inertial torque energy incorporates a flywheel that is rotated by a drive motor. The wrench is activated by a symmetrical clutch to deliver the rotational energy stored in the flywheel to an output drive. Torque reaction is isolated in the flywheel and clutch mechanism and not transmitted to the housing of the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Titan Tool Company
    Inventors: Owen R. Thompson, Edward J. Weber, Jerry L. Rounds
  • Patent number: 5950509
    Abstract: A coupler for coupling a fastener to a power tool includes a barrel, and a head and a follower rotatably engaged in the barrel and each having one or more projections for engaging with each other and for allowing the follower to be driven by the head. The follower may engage with the fastener to be threaded. The head includes a shaft extended outward of the barrel for coupling to the power tool. A limit member is secured to the shaft for limiting a relative movement of the head to the follower and for allowing the follower to be disengaged from the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Chien Lin Doong
  • Patent number: 5870938
    Abstract: A compound miter saw has a unique locking system for locking the bevel angle support housing to the table assembly once the desired bevel angle has been set. The locking system includes a cam and a handle each with an angular cam surface. When the two cam surfaces are aligned, the support housing is free to pivot around a supporting shaft. When the handle is rotated on the shaft, the two cam surfaces are moved to a non-aligned position. This non-alignment of cam surfaces causes axial movement of the cam along the shaft which in turn forces the support housing against the table assembly to lock the support housing in the desired bevel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Brunson, William R. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 5738469
    Abstract: A torque adjustment control mechanism connected between the motor housing base and chuck of a hand drill and controlled to adjust its output torque, including a connecting barrel connected to the motor housing base, a coupling member mounted within the connecting barrel and coupled to the motor housing base, a holder base fixedly secured to the connecting barrel, and adjustment cap threaded onto the front neck of the holder base to hold an index ring on the inside, and a plurality of holding down spring devices mounted in respective longitudinal through holes on the holder base and stopped between the coupling member and the index ring, wherein the output torque of the hand drill is adjusted by changing the holding down pressure of the holding down spring devices by turning the adjustment cap forwards or backwards relative to the holder base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Regitar Power Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Ming Hsu
  • Patent number: 5735183
    Abstract: A power screw driver includes a clutch mechanism composed of a coiled clutch spring so designed as to entangle a drive shaft member and an output shaft member to connect them together, thereby enabling the drive and output shaft members to rotate in unison. By the use of the coiled clutch spring, the clutch engaging operation is achieved smoothly and silently without accompanying impact blow or shock, thereby securing reliable transmission of a torque from the drive shaft member to the output shaft member. The coiled clutch spring may be activated only when the drive shaft member is rotating in the forward direction, in which instance a one-way clutch is used to undertake transmission of the torque when the drive shaft member is rotating in the reverse direction. As an alternative, a single clutch spring may be used to undertake transmission of the torque in the forward and reverse rotational directions. Alternatively, two coiled clutch springs each provided for one rotational direction may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Sasaki, Mitsuo Ogura, Yuuichi Satou
  • Patent number: 5655421
    Abstract: A micro-torque limiting production tool comprises a hollow cylindrically shaped handle in which a combination bit retainer clutch mechanism is supported. The combination bit retainer-clutch mechanism includes a pair of cylindrical clutch plates of a plastic composite composed of teflon fluorocarbon and acetal resin, having bulbous regions of diameter D1 in axially broad contact with each other within the central cavity of the handle to define a primary braking surface of area .pi.(D1/2).sup.2. Reduced regions of the clutch plates face in opposite directions, from a shoulder region to a remote end segment, the remote end segment of one of the reduced regions, extending through a secondary braking plate also of a plastic composite as described above, to define a secondary annular braking surface equal to .pi.[(D1-D2)/2].sup.2 (where D1 and D2 are exterior and interior diameters of such plate).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Chett D. Haupt
  • Patent number: 5576501
    Abstract: A torque-controlling ratchet connector structure including a main body, a torque mechanism exerting a torque onto a screwdriver bit for rotating the same, a pressure adjustment mechanism for adjusting the torque, a first and a second ratchet wheels selectively clockwise or counterclockwise rotatable and a connector adapted to connect with various screwdriver bits. The torque mechanism includes a toothed disk rotatable along with the main body. By means of the pressing of a pressing plate and a spring of the pressure adjustment mechanism, the first and second ratchet wheels and a washer are forced, making steel balls exert pressure onto the toothed disk so as to rotarily drive a rotary shaft fitted in the hexagonal holes of the ratchet wheels and the washer. The rotary shaft in turn rotates the connector to drive the screwdriver bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Patent number: 5372206
    Abstract: A tightening tool includes a drive member rotatably driven by a motor. An intermediate member is interposed between the drive member and a spindle and rotatable with the drive member. A claw clutch is formed between the spindle and the intermediate member and is engageable when the spindle is moved axially through abutment of a bit on a work. A connecting mechanism is interposed between the intermediate member and the drive member for permitting rotation of the intermediate member relative to the drive member within a predetermined range. A biasing member normally keeps the rotational position of the intermediate member relative to the drive member. The rotation of the drive member is transmitted to the intermediate member after the drive member is rotated relative to the intermediate member by a predetermined angle when the claw clutch is engaged by movement of the spindle through abutment of the bit on the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sasaki, Yoshinori Shibata, Masaki Kondo
  • Patent number: 5356350
    Abstract: A motor-driven machine with variable torque setting feature, especially a screwing machine with a torque-controlled switching-off feature, has a shaft which is driven by a motor via a transmission for driving a tool, and a setting ring for presetting a torque at which the shaft is to be disconnected from the transmission and/or the motor will be switched off. In order to enable approximately identical torque curves to be achieved for hard and for soft screwing applications, a clutch with a variable tripping torque is provided whose tripping torque can be adjusted via an indexing ring, which latter can be adjusted together with the setting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schreiber
  • Patent number: 5346022
    Abstract: An air impact tool has an air motor driving a rotary impact mechanism which has a drive shaft which is coupled to a coaxial load shaft through a torque-limiting clutch mechanism which includes a rigid torque member coupled to one of the shafts and having a peripheral drive surface with drive surface portions, and a yieldable torque member coupled to the other shaft. A plurality of flexible and resilient arms on the yieldable torque member are equiangularly spaced apart around the axis of rotation parallel thereto and are cantilevered from a support yoke, the distal ends of the arms being respectively engaged with the drive surface portions of the torque receiving member. A retaining cylinder encircles the arms and holds them against the drive surface, the retaining cylinder being threadedly engaged with an adjusting member which is rotatable but axially fixed to effect axial movement of the retaining cylinder to vary the retaining force on the torque transmitting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Bert Krivec
  • Patent number: 5179617
    Abstract: To connect optical fibre cables to a terminal, the cable is provided with an end fitting by which it can be connected to the terminal. The end fitting includes a nut which makes the connection with the terminal. A connection device is fitted over the cable and has a head which fits over the nut, a flexible sheath and a grip portion connected to the head by the sheath so that the head is rotated when the grip portion is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Anthony J. Stockman
  • Patent number: 5156221
    Abstract: An electrical hand-held device, such as a screwdriver or the like, includes an output shaft, a drive motor for driving the same, an actuating coupling for connecting the output shaft with the drive motor, a distance sensor for sensing a coupling position, and a speed controller which, in response to a signal generated by the distance sensor, controls operation of the drive motor. The controller causes the drive motor to accelerate to a high speed and maintain this speed during the screwing process when a rearward pressure is applied to the output shaft and the coupling is in its clutching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: CEKA Elektrowerkzeuge AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Armin Breitenmoser
  • Patent number: 5134909
    Abstract: A power driven screwdriver includes a driving mechanism interposed between the drive motor and the spindle. The driving mechanism includes a first member rotatably mounted within the housing and a second member movably mounted to the first member and driven by the driver motor. A cam mechanism is interposed between the first member and the second member and is operable for transmitting rotation of the second member to the first member and for permitting the second member to move between a first position and a second position. The second member is movable from a first position to the second position as torque transmitted from the second member to the first member increases. A frictional clutch mechanism is interposed between the spindle and the first member for transmitting rotation of the first member to the spindle. A claw clutch mechanism is interposed between the spindle and the second member and is operable to be engaged when the second member is positioned at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5076120
    Abstract: An electric wrench includes a motor, an electromagnetically controlled clutch comprising electromagnet members and temporary-magnetizable members, a centrifugal control switch to de-energize the electromagnet members when the drive shaft connected to the motor spins at a predetermined rate of rotation and to energize the electromagnet members when the drive shaft spins slower than the predetermined rate of rotation, and a centrifugal swinging device for actuating the centrifugal controlled switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Pi-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 5060733
    Abstract: A power-driven screwing tool comprising an electric drive motor, an adjustable depth stop, a drive shaft receiving the screwing tool and adapted for being displaced relative to the depth stop. Between the drive motor and the drive shaft, a first clutch (jaw clutch) transmits the driving torque by form-locking engagement, while a second clutch responds to the predetermined screwing depth and acts to release the form-locking engagement of the first clutch by comprising a transverse pin being engaged or disengaged by a guide pocket whose bottom surface extends at a certain inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Kress-elektrik GmbH & Co., Elektromotorenfabrik
    Inventor: Willy Kress
  • Patent number: 5044234
    Abstract: An electrical screwdriver capable of powering off automatically when a screw is tightened which may be operated either by a manually controlled switch or by a contact-artuation switch while the twisting force required in tightening a screw may be adjusted. When the screwdriver is pushed forward, a main shaft thereof will receive a resistance and pushes a wound end of a steel wire passing through each parts thereof and causes the other end of the wire to touch a first contact switch controlling a motor contained in the handle of the screwdriver, and thereby causes the main shaft to rotate. When the screw is tightened, the rotation head of the screwdriver will push the clutch forward and causes two spring plates in the handle to recover their downward inclined position and separate from a second contact switch controlling the supply of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Chuan-Yi Cheng
  • Patent number: 5014793
    Abstract: A portable electric power tool having a DC motor for driving tool bit is controlled according to speed and torque by employing a zero displacement switch means which is coupled to the tool and operative to provide an output voltage porportional to the pressure applied to the switch means via the hand of the user. The zero displacement switch interfaces with a piezoresistive array which produces a voltage output proportional to the pressure applied to the zero displacement switch. The voltage output of the array is applied to control circuit means which are coupled to the motor and which controls the speed of the motor according to the pressure applied to the switch. There is further included motor control circuitry which operates to monitor the current through the DC motor to control the speed of the motor according to the torque imparted upon the tool bit being accommodated by the portable electric tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Germanton, Menahem Lehr
  • Patent number: 5004054
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electric drill with speed and torque control and in particular to one which utilizes a single adjuster ring to control output speed and torque. When the adjuster ring is turned, the transmission axle will engage with another gear thereby changing the output speed. Further, in the meantime, the force exerted on the driven gear will be changed to adjust the output torque. The clutch and the driven gear are engaged by means of steel balls received in the recesses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Regitar Power Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dony Sheen
  • Patent number: 4913242
    Abstract: Shock caused to a clutch mechanism of an electric screw driver is minimized by bearing members, adjacent to upper and lower clutch members, which are provided with bearing distal ends which contact one another when one of the clutch members moves toward the other clutch member by means of the biasing force of an adjustment coil spring. The bearing distal ends prevents the clutch members from impacting with one another. Resilient convex discs which bulge in opposite directions are provided adjacent to one of the bearing member to absorb shock caused to the bearing members. Limitedly movable engaging members are provided in the clutch members to minimize localized wear of the engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Top Driver Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Juey-Yuan Lo
  • Patent number: 4901610
    Abstract: An ajustable torque controlling mechanism has a drive shaft for driving connection with a member to be driven and a torque releasable clutch connected with the shaft and including a wear resistant torque sensitive ball detent release device and a compression spring rate adjusting arangement including radial arms on the clutch co-acting with generally ellipsoidal control edges carried by the housing surrounding the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Precision Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Larson, Talmage O. Green
  • Patent number: 4898249
    Abstract: A rotary electric tool in which a differential gear mechanism is mounted within a gear case fixed to a housing for example; projections are formed on the outer peripheral surface of an internal gear of a final planetary gear mechanism in the differential gear mechanism, the said projections being brought into engagement with a projection-formed surface of a torque adjusting cam; the internal gear and the torque adjusting cam can be changed in relative position axially by reaction force of the internal gear; and the rotation of an output shaft is changed over between high and low speed conditions according to an axial displacement of the internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Olympic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshitaka Ohmori
  • Patent number: 4883130
    Abstract: The fastener driving tool of an automatic assembly machine is rotated by a two speed transmission which acts in conjunction with two torque-responsive clutches. Initially, the transmission rotates the driving tool at a high speed to effect fast driving of the fastener. After torque of predetermined magnitude has been applied to the fastener, one of the clutches torques out and, at that time, the transmission rotates the driving tool at a greatly reduced speed by way of the other clutch so that the fastener is rotated slowly during final tightening. When final tightening torque of predetermined magnitude is applied to the fastener, the second clutch torques out to stop rotation of the driving tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Dixon Automatic Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul H. Dixon
  • Patent number: 4844177
    Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool. A toggle-type trigger controls inlet fluid for forward and reverse operation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Robinson, Robert A. Willoughby, Phil D. Thorp
  • Patent number: 4833952
    Abstract: A power-operated tool is fitted with a drive, whose driving shaft can, by means of a connecting coupling whose actuation depends on the reaction torque, be coupled with a driven shaft. The connecting coupling first interrupts transfer of the torque to the driven shaft, so that, in spite of the running drive, no torque can be transferred to the driving shaft. Immediately afterwards, the drive is disconnected. As a result of this sequence of disconnections, the motor, which continues running, can no longer have any influence on the work in progress so that the fastener being tightened does not reach the point of plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Stein, Eugen Mattheiss
  • Patent number: 4823885
    Abstract: A power driven rotary tool includes a housing and an electric motor mounted within the housing. A transmission shaft is rotatably supported by the housing, and a drive gear is idly supported by the transmission shaft and is operatively connected to the electric motor. A clutch is provided being engageable with the drive gear, and is rotatably and axially movably supported by the transmission shaft. A slider is axially movably fitted on the transmission shaft, and a spring is operatively connected to the slider for urging the clutch toward the drive gear. A manually-rotatable selector ring is provided and is attached to the housing. The slector ring includes a cam face curved along the peripheral edge thereof and having a plurality of steps formed in a direction axially of the transmission shaft so as to displace the slider by stages in the axial direction for adjusting the amount of compression of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Makita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michio Okumura
  • Patent number: 4761989
    Abstract: A hand operable calibration device for calibrating or re-calibrating a spring type torque tester, the device having first and second partially overlapping members with bearings therebetween to permit relative rotation between the first and second members. The first and second members are provided, respectively, with first and second annular permanent magnets which are spaced apart and which overlap one another to create a magnetic drag of reproducible magnitude against the relative rotation between the first and second members. One of the members is grasped by the jaws of the torque tester that is being calibrated or re-calibrated, a torque is applied to the other member to overcome the magnetic drag against the relative rotation between the members and the level of torque needed to cause relative rotation between the first and second members is compared to the torque reading indicated by the torque tester at the time such relative rotation begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Thomas M. McDevitt
  • Patent number: 4756216
    Abstract: A turn-on and turn-off control apparatus for electric screw-drivers including: a disk seat member with a plurality of tabs and blocks for making connections therewith; an arresting mechanism retractably disposed in the blocks, a positioning device fixed on the tabs in opposite direction; a turn-on switch matched with a first follower member and a second follower member connected to the positioning device; a turn-off switch matched with a braking follower member movably arranged on one side of the positioning device; and a linking-up device movably connected between the positioning device and a clutch and driving mechanism of an electric screw-driver, which is installed in a body structure together with the turn-on and turn-off control apparatus; thereby, turn-on and turn-off of the electric screw-driver can be effectively performed in screw tightening and loosing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Top Driver Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Juey Y. Lo
  • Patent number: 4712456
    Abstract: An electric screwdriver with an improved automatic turn-off device has a novel clutch mechanism with a upper clutch member and a lower clutch member, a switch device for controlling the driving means according to the tightness of a screw or nut on a workpiece and a switch device supporting means with a force absorbing spring, wherein said upper clutch member has two bottom substantial triangular cam protrusions, each of which has two arcs with different curvature and the lower clutch member has a flange portion with two holes and ball members whereby they are arranged and assembled in a simple mechanism for the user to use conveniently and effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Top Driver Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lo J. Yuan
  • Patent number: 4655103
    Abstract: A clutch for power screwdrivers. It has a transmission, an adjustable bit stop, and a drive shaft. It also has a cogwheel with cams on one face and a clutch disk with catches on one face mounted on the drive shaft. The object is a low-noise, wear-resistant clutch. The drive shaft is in one piece. An intermediate disk with catches on one face and cams on the other face is positioned between the cogwheel and the clutch disk. A spring mechanism is positioned between the cogwheel and the intermediate disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: C. &. E. Fein GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schreiber, Manfred Ludwig, Ewald Hald
  • Patent number: 4631992
    Abstract: A power drive screwdriver that is constructed to automatically stop when a predetermined torque is reached. The screwdriver includes a housing having a pneumatically driven motor therein and an output shaft that is linked to the screwdriver bit through a releasable clutch. A control valve is positioned in the housing to control air flow to the motor. The position of the valve is controlled by a rod that extends through the shaft. A transverse slot extends through the shaft intersecting the bore therein and the transverse slot contains a pair of balls that are retained within the slot by a sleeve encircling the exterior of the shaft. Further, a reset member engages the screwdriver bit and also engages the balls to displace the balls in the slot in a direction to open the valve. When the predetermined torque is encountered, the sleeve moves upwardly, permitting the balls to separate and thereby letting the valve rod move to permit the valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Eckman
  • Patent number: 4552042
    Abstract: A shaft tightening apparatus wherein the shaft can be tightened a multitude of times to the same level of torque. The tightening apparatus comprises an exterior housing which when manually pivoted will similarly pivot within an internally located spindle. This spindle is fixedly mounted to the shaft. Upon a certain level of torque being obtained, the housing will completely pivot relative to the spindle with a further tightening force not being obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Dale A. Beymer
  • Patent number: 4500065
    Abstract: A releasable tool mount is provided for protecting tools carried by a manipulator from damage by excessive forces acting upon the tools irrespective of the direction of the force. The tool mount comprises a tool mounting plate, a housing for receiving the plate, support pins peripherally disposed upon the plate, receptacle placed within the housing for receiving the support pins and preload devices for exerting forces along the long axis of the support pins to maintain their engagement with the receptacle. Relative forces between the housing and the plate, sufficient to overcome the preload force, effect dislodgment of the pins from their associated receptacles. Fluidic sensing means are provided for detecting dislodgement of any pin from its receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Hennekes, David E. Suica, Robert F. Beckman
  • Patent number: 4328871
    Abstract: A power tool speed and torque control mechanism is disclosed. An improved clutch assembly is provided for power tools of the type having a high speed/low torque mode for rapidly engaging a threaded fastener and a low speed/high torque mode for tightening the fastener. The clutch assembly includes a wrap spring clutch having two springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Gluskin
  • Patent number: 4290516
    Abstract: A torque limiter with a rotatable housing having a series of dowels arranged annularly about an interior surface thereof and a sleeve having a pair of arms with a roller at the tip of each arm. The rollers are mounted to engage pairs of adjacent dowels selectively for transmitting torque from the housing to the sleeve. A lock-out mechanism disengages the rollers and dowels when a preset torque limit setting is exceeded by torsional resistance of the sleeve relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: Foster-Miller Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. West, Randy Berry
  • Patent number: RE35617
    Abstract: An air impact tool has an air motor driving a rotary impact mechanism which has a drive shaft which is coupled to a coaxial load shaft through a torque-limiting clutch mechanism which includes a rigid torque member coupled to one of the shafts and having a peripheral drive surface with drive surface portions, and a yieldable torque member coupled to the other shaft. A plurality of flexible and resilient arms on the yieldable torque member are equiangularly spaced apart around the axis of rotation parallel thereto and are cantilevered from a support yoke, the distal ends of the arms being respectively engaged with the drive surface portions of the torque receiving member. A retaining cylinder encircles the arms and holds them against the drive surface, the retaining cylinder being threadedly engaged with an adjusting member which is rotatable but axially fixed to effect axial movement of the retaining cylinder to vary the retaining force on the torque transmitting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert Krivec