Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member and a biasing member. The biasing member urges the locking member into engagement with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. A selector switch is secured to the device over the gear mechanism and is operable to move the locking member into and out of engagement with the planetary gears against the bias of the biasing member to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired.

Abstract: A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member and a biasing member. The biasing member urges the locking member into engagement with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. A selector switch is secured to the device over the gear mechanism and is operable to move the locking member into and out of engagement with the planetary gears against the bias of the biasing member to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired.

Abstract: A tool is provided for driving fasteners that includes a torque limiting mechanism therein. The torque limiting mechanism includes a first frictional engagement member disposed on the drive shaft for the tool that is engaged by one or more second frictional engagement members disposed on one or more sides of the first frictional member. The second frictional engagement members are biased into engagement with the first member by biasing members disposed within the handle that can be adjusted in order to provide more or less of a biasing force to control the frictional engagement of the second member with the first member and thereby control the torque limiting function of the torque limiting mechanism. In addition, a drive shaft is also engaged with a ratcheting mechanism that enables the tool to drive a fastener into a suitable substrate in only a single direction.

Abstract: A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.

Abstract: A torque-limiting mechanism is provided for use in a variety of torque-applying tools. The mechanism includes a handle defining a housing in which are disposed a slip gear and a fixed gear. The fixed gear is attached to the housing while the slip gear is attached to drive body extending outwardly from the housing and engageable with an item to be turned utilizing the tool. The slip gear and the fixed gear are connected by teeth disposed on each gear and by ball bearings disposed within recesses located on each gear that are pressed into the recesses by a force exerted on the gears by a number of spring members disposed between an enclosed end of the housing and the fixed gear. The amount of force exerted by the springs on the gears can be varied as necessary, thereby allowing the amount of torque required to enable the slip gear to move with respect to the fixed gear to be set where desired.

Abstract: A tool is provided for driving fasteners that includes a torque limiting mechanism therein. The torque limiting mechanism includes a first frictional engagement member disposed on the drive shaft for the tool that is engaged by one or more second frictional engagement members disposed on one or more sides of the first frictional member. The second frictional engagement members are biased into engagement with the first member by biasing members disposed within the handle that can be adjusted in order to provide more or less of a biasing force to control the frictional engagement of the second member with the first member and thereby control the torque limiting function of the torque limiting mechanism. In addition, a drive shaft is also engaged with a ratcheting mechanism that enables the tool to drive a fastener into a suitable substrate in only a single direction.

Abstract: A ratcheting mechanism for a hand-held tool is provided. The mechanism includes a housing having a central opening and a pair of slots disposed on opposite sides of the opening. Each slot has an arcuate or circular end portion opposite the central opening which circumscribes an arc of greater than 180° in order to pivotally retain a generally circular stem of a pawl therein. Due to the presence of a pair of biasing members within the housing, each pawl is biased inwardly towards the central opening and into engagement with teeth located on the exterior of a gear rotatably disposed within the central opening. A cap rotatably connected to the housing over the pawls and the central opening is able to selectively disengage one of the pawls to allow the rotation of the gear within the central opening in a specified direction.

Abstract: A ratcheting mechanism for a hand-held tool is provided. The mechanism includes a housing having a central opening and a pair of slots disposed on opposite sides of the opening. Each slot has an arcuate or circular end portion opposite the central opening which circumscribes an arc of greater than 180° in order to pivotally retain a generally circular stem of a pawl therein. Due to the presence of a pair of biasing members within the housing, each pawl is biased inwardly towards the central opening and into engagement with teeth located on the exterior of a gear rotatably disposed within the central opening. A cap rotatably connected to the housing over the pawls and the central opening is able to selectively disengage one of the pawls to allow the rotation of the gear within the central opening in a specified direction.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved ratcheting mechanism for a tool that includes a number of bearings disposed within the mechanism that maintain the alignment of a gear forming a part of the mechanism with the remainder of the parts of the mechanism. The bearings are disposed within a housing for the mechanism and serve to align and allow the free rotation of a shaft connected to the gear. The bearings, by maintaining the alignment of the shaft and gear with the remainder of the mechanism, prevent the gear from experiencing any lateral or axial displacement with respect to the remainder of the mechanism. Further, the various components of the mechanism are effectively sealed to the housing in order to provide a fluid tight mechanism for use in a variety of different applications.