Abstract: A rotary tool, such as an impact wrench, operable in a forward mode and a reverse mode. The rotary tool includes a housing having a forward end and supporting a motor. The motor has a motor shaft extending axially through the housing and defining an axis. The rotary tool also include a frame supported in the housing and being rotatable relative to the housing about the axis, an output shaft supported in the forward end of the housing and rotatable about the axis, and a hammer pivotably coupled to the frame and defining a central aperture. The hammer has a first jaw and a second jaw extending into the central aperture. The first jaw and the second jaw are non-symmetrical.

Abstract: A rotary tool, such as an impact wrench, includes a housing having a forward end and supporting a motor. The motor has a motor shaft extending axially through the housing and defining an axis. The rotary tool further includes a frame coupled to the motor shaft and rotatable relative to the housing about the axis in response to rotation of the motor shaft. The frame defines an interior space. The rotary tool also includes a piston supported by the frame and moveable axially in the interior space and an output shaft supported in the forward end of the housing and rotatable about the axis. The output shaft has a plurality of cams. The piston is engageable with the plurality of cams to intermittently hammer the output shaft.

Abstract: A drive system having a housing and including a frame supported in the housing and defining an axis. The frame is rotatable about the axis and defines an interior space. A piston supported by the frame is moveable axially in the interior space and is rotatable about the axis. The piston divides the interior space and defines first and second chambers and a plurality of channels communicating between the first and second chambers. An inertial valve is coupled to the piston and is moveable between a first orientation, in which a valve stop is spaced a distance from at least one of the plurality of channels to permit lubricant flow along the at least one of the plurality of channels, and a second orientation, in which the valve stop engages the at least one of the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy and repeatability of torque applied by discrete energy tools subjected to a wide variety of joint conditions. The method includes relating air pressure to output torque and compensating for temperature and aging variations. Additionally, the method may include a process for detecting previously tightened fasteners.

Abstract: A particle separator and a pneumatic tool incorporating the same for separating particles from a fluid passed therethrough. The particle separator includes an inlet passageway having an upstream end and a downstream end and an inlet which is in fluid communication with the downstream end of the inlet passageway. A separation passageway is connected to the downstream end of the inlet passageway and connected via a substantially "U"-shaped passageway to a chamber. The inlet passageway, separation passageway, and substantially "U"-shaped passageway are connected in fluid communication to provide a flow path to the chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber of the particle includes a removable plug. In another embodiment, the chamber is vented to provide a bleed-path from the separator passageway to and out of the chamber. Preferably, the bleed-path comprises a labyrinth seal which in a preferred embodiment includes a plug having threads disposed within the chamber.