Abstract: A crankshaft having a crank pin with a continually variable offset that is based on a rotational operating speed of a tool in order to provide high torque during high loading situations and higher speed as loading decreases. The crankshaft includes a crankshaft base that interfaces with a drive mechanism of the tool, a crank pin slider with a crank pin that interfaces with an output of the tool, and a bias member that biases the crank pin slider with respect to the crankshaft base. As a rotational speed of the crankshaft increases, inertial effects on the crank pin slider cause the crank pin slider to move against the bias of the bias member to a larger offset position to allow the output speed of the tool to increase. This allows a power ratchet type tool to operate at a variable torque and speed based on torque load.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at one or more processors, a content description and a matrix code. The content description includes data describing one or more computer-readable files. The matrix code is encoded with a link to the one or more files. The method includes the one or more processors determining a condition indicative of a first computing device being unable to display the file with at least a minimum quality level. The determination is based, at least in part, on the content description. The method includes the processor outputting the matrix code to a first display operatively coupled to the one or more processors. Outputting the matrix code occurs in response to determining the condition indicative of the first computing device being unable to display the one or more files with at least the minimum quality level. Furthermore, the method includes displaying, on the first display, the matrix code.

Abstract: A reinforcing frame structure that bolts or otherwise couples in place of a battery assembly of a vehicle, such as an electrically powered vehicle, and provides sufficient longitudinal, transverse, and torsional rigidity to the vehicle when the battery assembly is removed from the vehicle. The reinforcing frame structure can be releasably attached to the vehicle after the battery assembly is removed. This allows the vehicle to be taken off a lift and moved while minimizing potential damage to the vehicle while the battery assembly is removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tool comprising a drive square with a splined portion, which may index and lock into a corresponding splined bore mounted on a drive handle. This arrangement allows the user to index and lock the square-to-handle orientation with an extended array of positions. The user is able to alternate the direction of torque applied without operation of a direction lockout lever, risk of unwanted rotation, and with a greater range of square orientations than conventional tools.

Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to a tool storage unit with an integrated power strip. In some embodiments, the power strip is movable with a compartment of the tool storage unit. In other embodiments, the power strip is stationary. The compartment is adapted to provide access to the power strip when the compartment is open.

Abstract: An example method includes determining identifying information for a vehicle to be serviced. The method further includes receiving at least one symptom identifier for the vehicle. The method further includes sending a request over a communication network to a remote server for a PID filter list for the vehicle, the request comprising the identifying information for the vehicle and the at least one symptom identifier for the vehicle. The method additionally includes receiving a response to the request over the communication network from the remote server, the response comprising the PID filter list for the vehicle. The method further includes determining, based on the PID filter list for the vehicle, a symptom-based subset of PIDs for the vehicle from a set of available PIDs. The method additionally includes displaying, on a display interface, the symptom-based subset of PIDs for the vehicle.

Abstract: A low profile integrated display that is integrated into a neck housing of a tool, such as a powered ratchet or powered torque wrench. A portion or section of the neck housing is removed to provide clearance for and receive a display assembly that includes a printed circuit board (PCB), display screen, lens, and buttons. A support/barrier is also placed between the PCB and a drive shaft of the tool to separate, support, and protect the PCB from the drive shaft of the tool. This allows the display assembly to be integrated into the neck housing of a tool, instead of a handle of the tool, which provides for a smaller profile of the tool compared to prior art tools, and reduces the risk of damage to the display assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a power supply rail. The method includes adjusting a power supply rail for circuit component(s) to a first setting. The method includes determining voltage sample(s) by sampling an input voltage corresponding to an input signal. The method also includes determining whether the voltage sample(s) breach a first or second voltage threshold. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the power supply rail to a second setting if a predetermined quantity of the voltage sample(s) breach the first voltage threshold, wherein a magnitude of the second setting equals or is greater than a magnitude of the first setting; and adjusting the power supply rail to a third setting if the voltage sample(s) are captured during at least a threshold amount of time and do not breach the second voltage threshold. The magnitude of the first setting is greater than a magnitude of the third setting.

Abstract: A low profile integrated display that is integrated into a neck housing of a tool, such as a powered ratchet or powered torque wrench. A portion or section of the neck housing is removed to provide clearance for and receive a display assembly that includes a printed circuit board (PCB), display screen, lens, and buttons. A support/barrier is also placed between the PCB and a drive shaft of the tool to separate, support, and protect the PCB from the drive shaft of the tool. This allows the display assembly to be integrated into the neck housing of a tool, instead of a handle of the tool, which provides for a smaller profile of the tool compared to prior art tools, and reduces the risk of damage to the display assembly.

Abstract: A storage unit, such as, for example, a toolbox or cabinet, having a power strip with power terminals adapted to operably couple to and provide electricity to a connected device. The storage unit further including an interrogation module adapted to interrogate or monitor electric supply information about electricity supplied to the connected devices via the power terminals, a computation module operably coupled to the interrogation module, and adapted to receive electric supply data signals from the interrogation module to determine a status of the connected device by comparing the electric supply data signals and usage characteristics of the connected device, and a communication module adapted to receive status data signals from the computation module and communicate the status data signals to a remote computing device.

Abstract: An adaptor for a press. The adaptor includes a body adapted to removably couple to the press cylinder or carriage of the press and an extension shaft having first and second opposing ends. The first end is removably coupled to the body, and the second end is adapted to couple to a drive adaptor.

Abstract: A motorized tool with a direct drive mechanism and a locking mechanism that allows the tool to be used to apply a manual load or torque. The tool includes a drive lug adapted to be driven in first and second rotational directions via a gear assembly, a motor adapted to drive the gear assembly to thereby the drive lug for the application of motorized torque, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to allow application of manual torque by the drive lug.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination screw and rivet fastener that couples a cover plate to a ratchet head. The fastener is inserted into the ratchet head and then screwed into a hole of the cover plate. Thereafter, the tip of the fastener opposite the fastener head is deformed in a rivet operation.

Abstract: A system comprises a dongle and a diagnostic tool. The dongle includes a vehicle communication transceiver (VCT), a first wireless transceiver, and a vehicle connector. The diagnostic tool includes a processor, a proximity sensing component, an output device, and a second wireless transceiver. The proximity sensing component outputs an output signal. The processor receives the output signal and make a determination that indicates whether the output signal indicates an object is in spatial proximity to the proximity sensing component. The processor outputs using the output device a notification based on the determination. The VCT performs a vehicle communication directly with a vehicle while the vehicle connector is connected to an on-board diagnostic connector (OBDC) of the vehicle. The first and second wireless transceivers communicates with each other to trigger a vehicle communication from the dongle to the vehicle while the vehicle connector is connected to the OBDC.

Abstract: An anvil brake mechanism of an impact mechanism for an impact tool. In general, the impact mechanism is disposed within a housing of the impact tool and includes a gear carrier, a hammer, an anvil, and an anvil brake mechanism. The anvil brake mechanism may restrict the anvil from rotating backwards or oscillating after the hammer impacts the anvil. This may increase the efficiency of the impact from the hammer to the anvil as well as reduce wear on the anvil.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a displayable page with a display card is described. A computer server receives data indicating a vehicle symptom and searches a computer-readable database to determine a most-likely cause of the vehicle symptom, a most-probable component associated with the most-likely cause, a component-type identifier associated with the most-probable component, a subset of information categories from among a set of information categories associated with at least one component-type identifier, and data to populate the display card. The server generates the displayable page including the display card and the data to populate in the display card. The server transmits the displayable page to a display device for displaying the displayable page on a display screen. The server receives data indicating selection of an action trigger in the display card occurred and responsively provides the display device with data to update the display card or another displayable page.

Abstract: A tool having a housing with a motor housing portion having a motor disposed therein. A groove is formed in the motor housing portion and is disposed proximate an output axis of the tool. The groove is adapted to receive an index finger of a user, and a trigger adapted to operate the motor is adapted to be operated by a middle finger of the user.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a vehicle scan tool, a request for automated vehicle scan tool initialization, the request comprising a function identifier for a vehicle scan tool function and a vehicle identifier for a vehicle, where the vehicle scan tool is configured to display at least one navigable menu. The method additionally includes determining a current operating state of the vehicle scan tool. Based on the current operating state of the vehicle scan tool, the method further includes making a determination to initialize the vehicle scan tool according to the request for automated vehicle scan tool initialization. In response to making the determination, the method also includes using the function identifier and the vehicle identifier to initialize the vehicle scan tool to perform the vehicle scan tool function on the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as an electronic torque screwdriver, with a multiple axis gyroscope (such as a 3-axis gyroscope or other type of gyroscope) and torque sensor that allows for simultaneous or sequential measurement of torque and angle around the axis of the tool. Targets for torque and angle measurements may be used to create algorithms to detect breakaway torque, residual torque, or to perform error proofing to ensure unique fasteners are tightened.

Abstract: Vehicle alignment systems and methods are disclosed which operate based on a calculation of “drive direction,” or the direction in which a vehicle is moving. Since a vehicle can be assumed to be a rigid body, each wheel has the same drive direction. Consequently, an alignment parameter of one wheel can be compared to the same parameter of another wheel by equating their drive direction, eliminating the need for the aligner to “see” both sides of the vehicle at the same time. Embodiments include a system having one or more cameras on a fixture carrying a calibration element for an ADAS system, and one or more targets placed on the vehicle to measure the drive direction of the vehicle. The drive direction is assumed to be parallel to the vehicle thrust line and can be used as the line for orientation of the fixture to the vehicle.