Abstract: A rotary impact tool of the type for applying a torque force and having an input, output and spring-accelerated inertia members and journaled on each other for rotative movement relative to each other and a cam connected for conjoined rotation with the input member and for actuating juxtaposed pawls carried by the inertia member into and out impact engagement with circumferentially spaced teeth on the output member for driving the latter, the cam being so shaped and positioned relative to the input inertia and output members to coact with the pawls so as to provide impact engagement of the pawls with the spaced teeth of the output member in both directions of rotation. In another aspect of the invention, the cam is capable of angular adjustment relative to the input and inertia members to predetermined positions to achieve impact driving forces of different magnitude or to apply impact driving force in one direction or the opposite direction of rotation.

Abstract: The manually actuated impact tool for rotatively driving a fastener has a spring in a handle for storage of energy, a rotatable tool head and an inertia member surrounding the tool head and connected to the handle via driving connections. A cam associated with the handle is provided to coact with the driving connections to disengage the driving connections when the tool head rotation is resisted by a predetermined force and the handle is rotated relative to the tool head and to allow re-engagement of the driving connections in another operative condition. A push rod is provided to coact with the handle and inertia member to actuate the spring for storage of energy upon resistance of the tool head to rotation and to rotate the inertia member under the force of the stored energy of the spring and effect conversion of the kinetic energy of the inertia member to impact force on the tool head upon re-engagement of the driving connections.

Abstract: The unitary spring clutch and actuator assembly has a spring clutch subassembly comprising a shaft for supporting two axially spaced input and output drums which are surrounded by a helically wound spring, one end of which is connected to a control sleeve or collar surrounding the spring. The collar has a stop element which coacts with the actuator subassembly to control rotation of the collar and hence engagement or disengagement of the spring from the input and output drums. The actuator subassembly includes a fixed frame for supporting an electro-magnetic control device which is adapted to engage and disengage from the stop element. The spring clutch and actuator subassemblies are secured together at one end portion of the shaft, which projects through an opening in the frame, and by a retaining member constructed and arranged to engage the tubular shaft and frame. A bearing is interposed between the shaft and frame to facilitate rotation of the shaft relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: The adjustment means is for permitting field adjustment of wrap-down angle or engagement time for the spring of a normally disengaged, electro-magnetic spring clutch which comprises a helical spring which surrounds first and second drums and is in interference fit with the first drum and connected to a rotatable armature, the armature being rotationally arrested upon energization of an electro-magnetic coil to effect contraction of the helical spring into interference fit with the second drum. The adjustment means comprises a pin and slot lost motion interconnection between the armature and the first drum which functions to allow rotative movement of the first drum relative to the armature when the rotation of the armature is arrested to effect an engaged operative condition.

Abstract: The gear train speed changing transmission for transmitting rotation from an input member to an output member comprises planet gears carried at the distal end portion of the input member for planetary rotation and connected together for conjoined rotation about their respective axes, at least one of the planet gears being in mesh with a reaction gear and at least one planet gear being in mesh with a gear carried by the output member. The transmission also includes a coil spring brake means disposed to coact with the reaction gear to selectively prevent or permit rotation of the gear.In a more limited aspect of the invention the transmission has two or more gear trains interconnecting the input member with the output member and wherein each train includes a reaction gear and a brake means for selecting which gear train rotary transmission is to be effected.

Abstract: The normally engaged spring clutch assembly has a helical spring in interference fit with driving and driven clutch drums to transmit rotation from one clutch drum to the other. A control sleeve surrounds and is in close spaced relation to the spring. Each of the opposite end portions of the spring are engageable with the sleeve so that, in the engaged condition of operation, the sleeve rotates with the spring and, in the disengaged condition of operation when rotation of the control sleeve is arrested, the spring is caused to release its grip on a clutch drum. The disengagement of the spring clutch assembly is achieved whichever clutch drum is the driving clutch drum.In another embodiment, the spring is so formed that, upon disengagement by arresting rotation of the control sleeve, a portion of the spring engages the control sleeve to stop the overrun of the driven clutch drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support means for an actuating arm which is pivotally movable into and out of engagement with a stop element of a spring control element of a spring clutch. The support means includes a frame having a suitable opening for slidably receiving the actuating arm and a retaining member resiliently gripping the frame to retain the actuating arm in the opening in the frame.