Abstract: A renal therapy system is disclosed. In an example, the renal therapy system includes a home renal therapy machine that stores, to a log file, dates of when renal therapies were performed and a type of each renal therapy that was performed. The system also includes a server that receives the log file from the home renal therapy machine. The server compares the dates and types of performed renal therapies stored in the log file to a device program that specifies dates for performing renal therapies and the types of renal therapies to be performed. The server displays a flag in a user interface of a clinician computer when there is a deviation from the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems an impact wrench having dynamically tuned drive components, such as an anvil/socket combination, and related methodology for dynamically tuning the drive components in view of inertia displacement, as well as stiffness between coupled components, and with regard to impact timing associated with clearance gaps between the component parts.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of impact tools with impact mechanisms rigidly coupled to electric motors are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, an impact tool may comprise an impact mechanism, an electric motor, and a control circuit. The impact mechanism may comprise a hammer and an anvil, the hammer being configured to rotate about a first axis and to periodically impact the anvil to drive rotation of the anvil about the first axis. The electric motor may comprise a rotor that is rigidly coupled to the impact mechanism, the electric motor being configured to drive rotation of the hammer about the first axis. The control circuit may be configured to supply a current to the electric motor and to prevent the current from exceeding a threshold in response to the hammer impacting the anvil.

Abstract: A power tool comprises an adjustable auxiliary handle assembly that facilities safe use of the tool by the operator when handling heavy duty handheld machinery. The adjustable auxiliary handle assembly comprises a strap, a handle base, an over-center linkage assembly, a locking lever, a locking lever and an adjustable knob. The strap is easily released and able to rotate and be locked in a different position convenient and comfortable to the operator. The auxiliary handle assembly is adjustable and can be operated with one hand (e.g., one-handed operation). The over-center linkage assembly holds the auxiliary handle position in place while allowing the power tool to be used in high-torque/high load applications.

Abstract: A power tool comprises an adjustable auxiliary handle assembly that facilities safe use of the tool by the operator when handling heavy duty handheld machinery. The adjustable auxiliary handle assembly comprises a strap, a handle base, an over-center linkage assembly, a locking lever, a locking lever and an adjustable knob. The strap is easily released and able to rotate and be locked in a different position convenient and comfortable to the operator. The auxiliary handle assembly is adjustable and can be operated with one hand (e.g., one-handed operation). The over-center linkage assembly holds the auxiliary handle position in place while allowing the power tool to be used in high-torque/high load applications.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of impact tools with impact mechanisms rigidly coupled to electric motors are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, an impact tool may comprise an impact mechanism, an electric motor, and a control circuit. The impact mechanism may comprise a hammer and an anvil, the hammer being configured to rotate about a first axis and to periodically impact the anvil to drive rotation of the anvil about the first axis. The electric motor may comprise a rotor that is rigidly coupled to the impact mechanism, the electric motor being configured to drive rotation of the hammer about the first axis, The control circuit may be configured to supply a current to the electric motor and to prevent the current from exceeding a threshold in response to the hammer impacting the anvil.

Abstract: A power tool and method of determining torque is provided. The method of determining torque uses the energy output by the drive mechanism and the angle of rotation of the output shaft to estimate torque. The energy is determined by subtracting efficiency losses (or gains) from a nominal energy of the drive mechanism in order to improve the torque estimation.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of impact tools with impact mechanisms rigidly coupled to electric motors are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, an impact tool may comprise an impact mechanism, an electric motor, and a control circuit. The impact mechanism may comprise a hammer and an anvil, the hammer being configured to rotate about a first axis and to periodically impact the anvil to drive rotation of the anvil about the first axis. The electric motor may comprise a rotor that is rigidly coupled to the impact mechanism, the electric motor being configured to drive rotation of the hammer about the first axis. The control circuit may be configured to supply a current to the electric motor and to prevent the current from exceeding a threshold in response to the hammer impacting the anvil.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems an impact wrench having dynamically tuned drive components, such as an anvil/socket combination, and related methodology for dynamically tuning the drive components in view of inertia displacement, as well as stiffness between coupled components, and with regard to impact timing associated with clearance gaps between the component parts.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of impact tools with impact mechanisms rigidly coupled to electric motors are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, an impact tool may comprise an impact mechanism, an electric motor, and a control circuit. The impact mechanism may comprise a hammer and an anvil, the hammer being configured to rotate about a first axis and to periodically impact the anvil to drive rotation of the anvil about the first axis. The electric motor may comprise a rotor that is rigidly coupled to the impact mechanism, the electric motor being configured to drive rotation of the hammer about the first axis. The control circuit may be configured to supply a current to the electric motor and to prevent the current from exceeding a threshold in response to the hammer impacting the anvil.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems an impact wrench having dynamically tuned drive components, such as an anvil/socket combination, and related methodology for dynamically tuning the drive components in view of inertia displacement, as well as stiffness between coupled components, and with regard to impact timing associated with clearance gaps between the component parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems an impact wrench having dynamically tuned drive components, such as an anvil/socket combination, and related methodology for dynamically tuning the drive components in view of inertia displacement, as well as stiffness between coupled components, and with regard to impact timing associated with clearance gaps between the component parts.

Abstract: A starter for moving a movable portion of an engine to start the engine includes a gear housing, a gear assembly within the gear housing, an output member at a first end of the gear assembly adapted to operably couple to the movable portion of the engine, a motor housing, and a rotor rotatably mounted within the motor housing. The rotor has a shaft portion and a vane portion that are an integral, unitary piece. The shaft portion has splines for mating with the gear assembly. The splines prevent relative rotational movement between the rotor and the gear assembly and permit relative axial movement. The rotor is formed from aluminum and at least a portion of the rotor includes an anodized coating.

Abstract: A starter for moving a movable portion of an engine to start the engine includes a gear housing, a gear assembly within the gear housing, an output member at a first end of the gear assembly adapted to operably couple to the movable portion of the engine, a motor housing, and a rotor rotatably mounted within the motor housing. The rotor has a shaft portion and a vane portion that are an integral, unitary piece. The shaft portion has splines for mating with the gear assembly. The splines prevent relative rotational movement between the rotor and the gear assembly and permit relative axial movement. The rotor is formed from aluminum and at least a portion of the rotor includes an anodized coating.

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, 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 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 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 rotational energy storage device or spring which includes a roller-cam assembly having a shaft, a ring rotatably disposed about the shaft, and at least one roller disposed between shaft and ring. The roller is configured such that, upon rotating the ring relative to the shaft, the roller interferes with the ring and the shaft to convert and effect storage of mechanical energy created by the relative rotation of the ring and the shaft. Preferably a plurality of spaced rollers are positioned between ring and shaft. A cam geometry which is symmetrical or asymmetrical is provided on the shaft, the ring, the roller, and combinations thereof. A rotational energy storage device having a back-up ring with alternating thin and thick cross-sectional areas is further provided which is indexed to provide regions of low and high stiffness regions against each roller.

Abstract: The invention is an improved rotary impact tool that uses a motor driven mechanism well known in the art as the Maurer mechanism comprising a hammer anvil frame and pins to cause impact loads applied through a rotary output shaft. The improvement is an improved striking surface geometry formed on the impact delivering jaw surface forming an involute profile generated from a base circle having an axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the output shaft.