Patents by Inventor Thomas B. Petruzzi

Thomas B. Petruzzi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5746298
    Abstract: A miniature, adjustable torque limiting screwdriver includes an elongated hollow handle internally threaded at one end. A torque-limiting mechanism is disposed within the handle and includes a rigid shaft having a hex inner end and a plurality of flexible resilient fingers engageable with the hex. An adjusting collar encircles and engages the fingers and is threadedly engaged with the handle for axial movement to adjust the force with which the fingers grip the hex end of the shaft. The outer end of the shaft sockets a driver shank. When the handle is rotated it rotates the shank up to a predetermined torque, at which point the flexible and resilient torque members slip with respect to the drive surface portions of the shaft to prevent further torque application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bert Krivec, Thomas B. Petruzzi, John A. Braun