Abstract: In a variable torque rate test joint, screw-threaded first and second elements are rotated relative to one another by a tool under test. At least one spring beam is cantilevered over a pivot point to exert an axial force between the first and second elements and the torque rate of the test joint can be varied by moving the pivot point to change the axial force. The first element may be a shaft that is fixed during testing and the second element is a nut rotatably mounted on the shaft, whereby the element rotated by the tool has a minimal moment of inertia. Whichever of the first and second elements is held stationary during the test may be mounted in a hub that is locked during the test but can be rotated at the end of the test to reset the test joint. Measurements may be made of the torque and the rotation angle to derive an actual torque rate of the joint, which allows correction of errors by moving the pivot point.

Abstract: A torque transducer comprises strain measuring means on a torque deformable shaft and slipring means for transmitting the torque signals from the rotating shaft to stationary brush means. The slipring means are annular disc of carbon material, such as sintered graphite and the brush means are individual strips of flexible metal passing under tension partially around the respective sliprings. The electrical contact between the strain sensing means and the carbon disc is by means of printed circuit boards each of which has an annular or substantially annular portion with its conductive coating in face-to-face contact with a face of a respective carbon disc. The carbon disc and printed circuit boards being in axial compression on the shaft.

Abstract: An angular motion detector, of particular relevance in breakaway point detection, includes a flywheel rotatably mounted on a spindle. The flywheel is provided with one or more indicia, which are detectable by a sensor situated on the object whose angular motion is to be analyzed. The sensor is connected to a microprocessor. In use the flywheel is rotated manually about the spindle so that the regular detection of the indicia by the sensor causes a train of pulses to be sent to the microprocessor. Angular movement of the object, and consequently of the sensor, causes a disruption of the pulse train which can be analyzed to provide information relating to the time of first movement and the magnitude of the angle moved.

Abstract: A torque transducer has a torque transformable shaft 2 with strain guages 10, 12 electrically connected to sliprings 58 separated by spacers 60. A torque related signal is transmittable via the sliprings to a brush arrangement 22 having flexible strips 24 pulled by tension from springs 26 against the periphery of the sliprings 58, with the strips 24 tracked between the spacers 60 onto the sliprings 58.

Abstract: A torque transducing system for an impact tool such as an impact wrench incorporates a housing, bearings in the housing, a rotatable shaft journalled in the bearings, the shaft having a torque receiving input end and an output end supplying torque for a workpiece, a torque transducing gauge on the shaft intermediate the input and the output end for providing a first signal responsive to torque, circuitry on the rotatable shaft for modulating the first signal to a second signal, structure on the shaft for supplying current to the gauge and modulating circuitry and additional structure for transmitting the second signal, further structure on the housing for receiving the transmitted second signal, and circuitry for converting the second received signal to provide an output indicative of torque.