With Torque Indicator Patents (Class 173/180)
  • Patent number: 11904451
    Abstract: An electric power tool includes a motor, an output shaft, a drive force transmission configured to reduce drive speed of the motor and transmit drive force of the motor to the output shaft; a trigger that can be pulled by a user; a rotation speed changing circuitry configured to change a rotation speed of the output shaft that corresponds to a maximum pulled amount of the trigger to a limited rotation speed that is lower than a maximum rotation speed of the output shaft in a non-limited rotation speed mode; and a rotation speed control circuitry configured to control a rotation speed of the motor in correspondence with a pulled amount of the trigger to obtain the rotation speed of the output shaft that is changed by the rotation speed changing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiaki Sawano, Masaaki Okada, Hidekazu Yuasa
  • Patent number: 11613942
    Abstract: A method for building a dual-member drill string comprising an inner drill string and an outer drill string. Inner pipe sections are connected using non-threaded connections, while outer pipe sections are connected using threaded connections. A new inner pipe section is rotated in a first direction until the inner pipe section applies torque to the existing inner pipe string. If the magnitude of the torque applied to the inner pipe string exceeds a pre-determined threshold value, the inner pipe section is automatically rotated in an opposite second direction. The inner pipe section rotates between opposite directions, once torque is sensed in each direction, until the inner pipe section is coupled to the inner pipe string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, Jr., Aleksander S. Wolfe, Kyle D. James
  • Patent number: 9470589
    Abstract: A device for detecting a mechanical state of a machine element rotates about an axis, such as a shaft is formed with an actuator disposed on the machine element so as to be axially movable, an arrangement for converting a torsion of the machine element into an axial displacement of the actuator and a sensor disposed so as to be stationary relative to the machine element for detecting the axial displacement of the actuator. A mark is assigned to the actuator for detection by the sensor in order to detect the axial displacement of the actuator. A speed (n) of the machine element can be determined from the number of marks that are detected per unit of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Ellermann, Goetz Daehne
  • Patent number: 9233458
    Abstract: An installation method for an expansion anchor is carried out by repeatedly exerting rotary-percussive strikes onto the shank (2) of the expansion anchor (1) by an impact screwdriver. The repeat rate (Ntarget) of the rotary-percussive strikes is selected as a function of the tightening torque prescribed for expanding the expansion sleeve (3) of the expansion anchor (1). The impact screwdriver stops generating rotary-percussive strikes when the detected mean rotational speed (d) of the shank falls below a threshold value (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Peer Schmidt, Joerg Appl, Serhey Khandozhko
  • Patent number: 8931576
    Abstract: A power tool has a motor, a power supply unit, a trigger unit, a control unit, and a motor load detection unit. The power supply unit supplies power to the motor. The trigger unit causes the power supply unit to start applying a voltage to the motor. The control unit controls the power supply unit to increase the voltage to the motor at a constant increasing rate. The motor load detection unit detects a motor load. The control unit changes the constant increasing rate in accordance with the motor load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazutaka Iwata
  • Publication number: 20140034347
    Abstract: A power tool has an electric motor driving a spindle and a rotary encoder for setting a torque limit. A control circuit is operatively connected to the rotary encoder for interrupting power supply to the motor when the torque limit has been reached. An actuator sleeve mounted to rotate about the spindle, and a detent holds the sleeve in a plurality of angular positions corresponding to positions of the contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited
    Inventors: Chin Hung LAM, Tsz Kin WONG
  • Patent number: 8636079
    Abstract: A method of operating a rotary tool driven by a brushless motor including a DC brushless motor for rotationally driving a rotary bit, a torque setting clutch mechanism, a drive switch for drive-controlling a drive control circuit of the brushless motor, and a control means to rotationally drive the brushless motor by an operation of the drive switch and wherein the method includes a first step for stop-controlling of the drive control circuit, a second step for rotating forward or in reverse the brushless motor through the control and a third step for control-operating a semiconductor of an inverter circuit provided in the drive control circuit to short-circuit the magnetizing windings of the brushless motor, thus braking the rotor of the brushless motor and stopping the brushless motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Totsu
  • Patent number: 8601275
    Abstract: A communication system for transmitting and receiving communication data together with signature data attached thereto for verifying the communication data. A transmission-side in-vehicle device of the system generates the signature data for each unit of communication data consisting of M×N (M>=N>=2) pieces of communication data, and repeatedly transmits M pieces of divided signature data in N rounds, attached to M×N corresponding pieces of communication data. A reception-side in-vehicle device of the system reconstitutes the unit of communication data from M×N pieces of received communication data, reconstitutes the signature data from M pieces of received divided signature data, and then verifies the reconstituted unit of communication data with the reconstituted signature data. This can prevent data missing of the signature data due to communication errors to thereby reliably verify the communication data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michinaga Nagura
  • Patent number: 8601274
    Abstract: A communication system for transmitting and receiving communication data together with signature data attached thereto for verifying the communication data. A transmission-side in-vehicle device of the system generates the signature data for each unit of communication data consisting of M pieces of communication data, and transmits the M pieces of divided signature data, attached to M corresponding pieces of communication data. A reception-side in-vehicle device of the system reconstitutes each unit of communication data from M pieces of received communication data, reconstitutes the signature data from M pieces of received divided signature data, and verifies the reconstituted unit of communication data with the reconstituted signature data. This can prevent significant increase in data amount of additional data in each communication frame for verifying the communication data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michinaga Nagura
  • Patent number: 8505649
    Abstract: A power (1) tool including a driven member (15) that is operable to grip and drive at least one working element (4), drive means (25) operable to drive the driven member, the power tool being operable in either a working mode in which the driven member is driven to enable the working element to perform work, or an adjustment mode in which the driven member is adjusted to grip or release the working element, torque control means (7) controlling the torque produced by the drive means, the torque control means being operable to render the drive means inoperable when the torque exceeds a pre-determined level, the torque control means having an adjustment setting (17) which must be selected to enable the power tool to operate in an adjustment mode whereby the adjustment setting corresponds to a relatively low level of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Demain Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: David Leigh Scrimshaw, Benjamin Luke Van der Linde, Paul Francis Connor
  • Publication number: 20130133912
    Abstract: A rotary impact tool comprises: a motor that is a rotation driving source; an impact generation device for generating a pulse impact by rotation of the motor and applying a rotational torque to an output shaft by the impact; a torque sensor for measuring the torque applied to the output shaft; and a control means for halting the motor when the torque measured by the torque sensor has reached a target torque having been set. The control means is configured to change an increased torque value for one impact according to the target torque having been set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsumasa Mizuno, Toshiharu Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8429413
    Abstract: A method for processing security communication protocol compliant signed receipts at a mobile communication device linked to a host system is provided. The host system receives an email message linked to a digital signature, and a signed receipt. The host system redirects the signed receipt to the mobile communication device. The host system determines if the email message is available at the mobile communication device, and if not, the host system retrieves the email message and redirects the email message to the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device can then verify the signed receipt based on the email message. Optionally, rather than the email message, the host system retrieves and/or recalculates data elements associated with the email message and required to verify the signed receipt, and redirects these data elements to the mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Brown, Neil Adams, Michael S. Brown, Luis Estable
  • Patent number: 8406697
    Abstract: A wireless communications system includes a tool having a first wireless communications unit and a transceiver having a second wireless communications unit to receive a signal transmitted from the first wireless communications unit. Further, the transceiver has a setting unit for setting wireless communications parameters for wireless communications between the first and the second wireless communications unit, and the tool has a tool control unit for setting in the wireless communications unit the wireless communications parameters set by the setting unit and transmitted to the tool by wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Power Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Arimura, Hiroyuki Kaizo
  • Patent number: 8387719
    Abstract: A mechanical assembly for a power tool, and a power tool incorporating the mechanical assembly are provided. The mechanical assembly includes (i) a first member having a first axis and a first engagement portion inclined relative to the first axis, (ii) a second member having a second axis and a second engagement portion inclined relative to the second axis, wherein the first and second engagement portions engage each other by movement of the first and second members relative to each other in the direction of at least one of the axes; and wherein the first member is a ring gear and the second member is a central gear and the first and second engagement portions engage and disengage each other by movement of the second member within a space defined within the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Demain Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Leigh Scrimshaw, Benjamin Luke Van der Linde, Paul Francis Connor, Paul Miller
  • Patent number: 8353363
    Abstract: The invention is based on a device for handheld power tool for detecting a torque, having at least one sensor unit. It is proposed that the sensor unit is intended for detecting a deformation parameter. The sensor unit has at least one sensor element that is embodied as a strain gauge. A gearbox is provided which has a bearing location for receiving a deformation element of the sensor unit. An electronic unit evaluates detected data from the at least one sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Hirt, Ursula Faber
  • Patent number: 8302702
    Abstract: A torque sensing unit for a power tool arranged to generate a torque responsive signal by sensing the reaction torque transferred from a ring gear of a planetary reduction gearing to the tool housing. The torque sensing unit includes an annular torque transferring element disposed perpendicularly to the geometric axis of the ring gear and being formed with a first pair of external engagement portions for connecting the torque transferring element to the housing, a second pair of external engagement portions for connecting the torque transferring element to the ring gear, and at least one pair of weak elastically deformable zones located between the engagement portions and provided with sensors for delivering signals in response to the transferred reaction torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventors: Christer Gunnar Hansson, Erik Vilhelm Persson
  • Patent number: 8136607
    Abstract: A device has a torque-limiting unit of a power drill, wherein torque-limiting unit is intended to limit a screwdriving moment in a screwdriving function; and a power drill is provided with the new torque-limiting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Frauhammer, Gerhard Meixner, Heinz Schnerring
  • Patent number: 7828074
    Abstract: A hammer drill includes a motor; a spindle rotatingly driven by the motor and holding an output bit; a motion conversion member for converting rotational movement of the motor to reciprocating movement; a striker reciprocatingly driven by the motion conversion member for applying an axial striking force to the output bit; a striking-motion-releasing mechanism for releasing the striking force applying action exercised by the striker; and a tightening-torque adjusting clutch for interrupting the transfer of the rotational force to the output bit by increasing a load torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsubakimoto, Koichi Hashimoto, Hisashi Oda, Hidekazu Yuasa, Kunihiko Tatsu
  • Publication number: 20090241744
    Abstract: A tightening tool for tightening a fastener is disclosed which comprises a motor and a main shaft that engages with the fastener. A clutch is disposed between the motor and the main shaft so that the clutch rotates the main shaft by transmitting torque from the motor to the main shaft when a load acting on the main shaft is less than a predetermined value. The clutch shuts off torque transmission from the motor to the main shaft when the load acting on the main shaft reaches or exceeds the predetermined value. When in use, the current flowing to the motor and rotation angle of the main shaft of the motor are detected. The detected current and rotation angle are used to determine whether the tightening torque of the fastener is normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: YUTAKA MATSUNAGA
  • Patent number: 7578357
    Abstract: A power tool generally includes a housing and a motor assembly connected to a transmission assembly. The motor assembly and the transmission assembly are secured against rotation in the housing. A plurality of protrusions extends from a component of the transmission assembly. The power tool further includes an output spindle and a spindle lock assembly that connects the output spindle to the transmission assembly. The spindle lock assembly includes an anvil, an outer ring member and a plurality of roller members. The roller members and the protrusions are disposed between the anvil and the outer ring member. An indicator member extends from the outer ring member. A compliant member connects the outer ring member to an interior portion of the housing. A scale is connected to an exterior portion of the housing, wherein the indicator member moves relative to the scale to indicate a value of torque at the output spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schell
  • Patent number: 7467669
    Abstract: A method and a power tool system are provided for performing screw joint tightening using a pneumatic torque impulse power tool that is controlled by a control unit. A torque magnitude and a torque growth are calculated based on signals delivered by an angle sensor, and pressurized air is supplied to the power tool via a flow regulating valve which is successively adjustable between zero and full power flow. The flow regulating valve is controlled by the control unit to deliver a reduced power air flow to the power tool before and during a first delivered impulse, and then to deliver full power flow until a certain torque magnitude or a percentage of a target torque level is reached, whereafter the air supply flow is again reduced until the target torque level is reached, and when the target torque level is reached the air flow is shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventors: John Robert Christian Friberg, Knut Christian Schoeps, Torbjörn Rafael Sjöblom, Erland Karlberg
  • Patent number: 7464612
    Abstract: A make-up assembly and process provides a true power-tight connection between a first and second tubular segment. Each of the segments has an externally threaded male member at one end and an internally threaded female member at the other end. The male member of the first segment is inserted into the female member of the second segment. A primary torque component is applied to the first segment to engage the external threads of the first segment with the internal threads of the second segment and to advance the male member of the first segment into the female member of the second segment. The value of the primary torque component is monitored. An impulse energy component is then superimposed on the primary torque component when a predetermined onset threshold has been reached. Application of one or both of the primary and impulse energy components is discontinued when a predetermined maximum threshold has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene J. Manella, Gregory K. Otten
  • Patent number: 7395874
    Abstract: A slaving and blocking device for transmitting a torque from a driving part to a driven part and for stopping the driven part at a torque engaging the driven part has a slaving unit fixable on the driving part fixed against relative rotation and having slaving claws that are offset from one another in a circumferential direction, a roller star wheel located in the slaving unit and connectable to the driven part fixed against relative rotation, clamping bodies located in freewheeling fashion between the slaving claws and points of a star of the roller star wheel, a stationary clamping ring located concentrically to the slaving means and the roller star wheel and having an inner annular face forming a counterpart clamping face for the clamping bodies, and radially displaceable centrifugal force elements located in the roller star wheel such that above a predetermined rpm the force elements clamp the roller star wheel firmly to the slaving means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Olivier Zeiter
  • Patent number: 7228899
    Abstract: This invention is generally directed towards a system designed to assist the rig operator by alerting him/her that the air pressure is too low to be using the drum clutch, to provide a log for studies on rig operation technique, and to provide a training tool for rig operators. If the pressure on the clutch bladder is above a predetermined range, the clutch is allowed to engage. If the signal is below the range, the clutch is assumed to have not been engaged. If the signal is within the range, the clutch is not allowed to engage and the rig operator is notified of the problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic M. Newman, Kevin Northcutt
  • Patent number: 7146715
    Abstract: Apparatus for installing a rivet nut or the like having an intentionally threaded shaft wherein the apparatus includes a hydraulically geared power tool having an inner hydraulic fluid containing a chamber and a screw adapted to engage the threaded shaft of the nut wherein the power tool rotates the screw when actuated. A fluid outlet is coupled to the chamber and is coupled to a gauge controlled power supply, the power supply being fluidly coupled to the power tool whereby the power supply includes torque predetermining device for determining when a predetermined torque is placed on the screw, this stopping rotation thereof and resuming rotation in an opposite direction to withdraw the screw from the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: AVK Industrial Products
    Inventor: Ramon Cruz Villanueva
  • Patent number: 7086483
    Abstract: An electric tool having the capability of achieving a high working efficiency is provided. This tool comprises an output shaft rotated by reversible motor, a rotational-direction switch for switching a rotational direction of the output shaft in either forward or reverse direction, first memory for storing a plurality of operation modes of the output shaft with respect to one of the forward and reverse directions, operation-mode switch for selecting one from the operation modes, second memory for temporarily storing an operation mode selected by the operation-mode switch in a use of the electric tool at the one of the forward and reverse directions; and a controller for automatically setting the electric tool in the operation mode stored in the second memory in the next use of the electric tool at the one of the forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Arimura, Hiroshi Miyazaki, Masatoshi Ito, Yukihiko Okamura, Kenji Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6871153
    Abstract: This dynamic calibration qualifier relates to a tool monitor and assembly qualifier that verifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properly installed into an assembly. The device monitors an analog signature created by the tool and has the ability to dynamically calibrate itself while the tool is running. In the preferred embodiment, the stored variable is a clutch offset identified during a calibration phase. In a pulse tool, the programmed microprocessor is configured to identify and store the peak pressure of the first three pulses which are averaged together. The clutch offset is added to the average pulse value from which the clutch threshold is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: C.E. Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Lysaght
  • Patent number: 6848516
    Abstract: An impact tool having a control system for turning off a motor at a preselected torque level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
    Inventor: David A. Giardino
  • Patent number: 6763573
    Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: LMS-Walt, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Walt, II, Samuel A. Walt
  • Patent number: 6655471
    Abstract: An impact tool control method and apparatus and an impact tool using the same. Pulses of torque applied to a fastener by the impact tool are measured. The duration and magnitude of the torque pulse are subtracted from a torque signal and the resulting difference is integrated over time to obtain a fastener angular velocity signal. The angular velocity signal is integrated over time to obtain a displacement signal which can be converted to a torque signal. The impact tool can be controlled based on the value of the torque signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Magna-Lastic Device, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Cripe, Christopher Jones
  • Patent number: 6581696
    Abstract: An impact tool having a control system for turning off a motor at a preselected torque level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
    Inventor: David A. Giardino
  • Patent number: 6539603
    Abstract: A method for self-programming a computerized power nutrunner control system for tightening a number of similar screw joints to a desired final torque level (MF) is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) tightening initially at a low speed one of the screw joints up to the final torque level (MF), while detecting and analyzing one or more screw joint characteristics, (ii) adjusting successively during a number of succeeding tightening processes one or more nutrunner operating parameters with respect to the detected and analyzed screw joint characteristics, and (iii) locking the self-programming after the nutrunner operating parameters have been adjusted to accomplish a safe tightening of respective following ones of the screw joints to the final torque level (MF) at a satisfactory short time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Christer Sten-Sture Bülow
  • Patent number: 6523442
    Abstract: A torque tool assembly having an elongated unitary, cylindrical main housing and including a drive motor subassembly and a gear train subassembly coaxially supported and operatively connected in the cylindrical housing and held in operative engagement by a resilient spring structure while being mechanically, removably locked together in the main housing whereby loosening and/or mis-aligning of the operative connection between the drive motor subassembly and gear train subassembly from vibration and other loads is substantially precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: AcraDyne Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Lehnert, Paul A. Podsobinski
  • Patent number: 6378623
    Abstract: A torque control type impact wrench includes a first storage section for storing an ideal upper limit of the pulsed torque for screwing a male screw into a female screw, as a first storage value, a second storage section for storing a driving speed at which a driving section drives a torque producing section as a second storage value, and a control section for causing the driving section to drive the torque producing section at the second storage value and stopping the driving section when the pulsed torque exceeds the first storage value, wherein the control section causes the second storage section to store a value, which is larger than the second storage value, as a new second storage value when the pulsed torque does not reach the first storage value within a given time period after the driving section starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Kawarai
  • Patent number: 6371218
    Abstract: An impact-driven rotating device includes an output shaft, a hammer for rotating the output shaft by imparting an impact to the output shaft, a rotation driver for rotating the hammer, an impact detector for detecting the impact imparted by the hammer, a rotation angle detector for detecting a rotation angle of the output shaft, a rotation speed detector for detecting a rotation speed of the output shaft from the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detector, an energy calculator for calculating energy imparted to the output shaft from the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detector, a between-impacts rotation angle calculator for calculating a rotation angle of the output shaft rotated from when the impact detector detected the impact to when the impact detector detects an subsequent impact from the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detector, a tightening torque calculator for calculating a tightening torque by dividing the energy calculated by the energy calculator by the rot
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Amano, Tomohiro Hosokawa, Minoru Yoshida, Hidenori Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20020020538
    Abstract: An impact tool having a control system for turning off a motor at a preselected torque level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
    Inventor: David A. Giardino
  • Patent number: 6311786
    Abstract: A process to more accurately determine torque output of power impact tools using impulse. Also disclosed are processes for controlling power impact tools, in particular a mechanical impact wrench, by determining the impulse of the tool impacts and deriving torque values therefrom. A mechanical impact wrench having an electronic control is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
    Inventors: David A. Giardino, Stephen M. DeMarco
  • Publication number: 20010010267
    Abstract: A torque control type impact wrench includes a first storage section for storing an ideal upper limit of the pulsed torque for screwing a male screw into a female screw, as a first storage value, a second storage section for storing a driving speed at which a driving section drives a torque producing section as a second storage value, and a control section for causing the driving section to drive the torque producing section at the second storage value and stopping the driving section when the pulsed torque exceeds the first storage value, wherein the control section causes the second storage section to store a value, which is larger than the second storage value, as a new second storage value when the pulsed torque does not reach the first storage value within a given time period after the driving section starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Nitto Kohki Co. , Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Kawarai
  • Patent number: 6212763
    Abstract: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Frederic M. Newman
  • Patent number: 6047455
    Abstract: A method for simultaneous tightening of two or more screw joints to a desired pretension condition by means of a nut running tool having two or more output spindles each having an adjustable output torque, wherein each one of the output spindles is individually operated according to at least one primary tightening parameter from among torque, angular position, time, clampload, and screw joint elongation. An instantaneous value of the at least one primary tightening parameter is continuously detected for each one of the output spindles, and the instantaneous tightening parameter value for each one of said output spindles is continuously compared with a corresponding instantaneous tightening parameter value of each other one of the output spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Christer Hansson
  • Patent number: 6044918
    Abstract: A percussion blow added manually operable drilling tool, such as a hammerdrill, has a housing (2) containing an electric motor for rotating a tool bit chuck (9) about its axis, a control device (C) for controlling the rpm of the chuck (9) operated by the electric motor (3) which is activated by a switch (5) located on the exterior of the housing (2), and a percussion blow mechanism for periodically applying axially directed blows to a bit (10) secured in the chuck (9). The electric motor (3) is coupled to a device (12) for measuring the reaction torque. The control device (C) is connected to an evaluation unit (E) which is connected to the device (12) for measuring the reaction torque so that the rpm of the chuck can be regulated from maintaining the measured reaction torque at a maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Otto Noser, Alexander Hoop, Ulrich Bourgund, Hanspeter Schad, Stefan Miescher, Edwin Schweizer
  • Patent number: 5937370
    Abstract: This counting apparatus is a tool monitor and assembly qualifier that verifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properly installed into an assembly. When used in conjunction with a pressure tool, proper fastener torque and count can be verified. The device monitors internal tool pressures and has the ability to "learn" the pressure characteristics of the tool during the assembly process. This assembly qualifier is a device that monitors either the pressure of an air tool, the current of an electrical tool or the torque of a mechanical wrench to determine if the tool shut off at a target torque. The qualifier also determines if some unknown means shuts off the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: C.E. Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Lysaght
  • Patent number: 5893420
    Abstract: A cable connector for assembly and mounting on a front section of a housing of a power wrench is arranged to connect at least one operation parameter sensor of the power tool to a multi-core cable. The cable connector includes a multi-contact cable connector plug carried on the multi-core cable, and a one-piece mounting member which is made of an elastically resilient material and which is secured to the front section of the housing and supports a multi-contact jack. The multi-contact cable connector plug includes a coupling sleeve formed with an internal thread, and the mounting member includes an open ring portion to be mounted around the front section of the housing and a tubular coupling portion extending laterally from the ring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Knut Christian Schoeps
  • Patent number: 5715894
    Abstract: An impact screw-tightening apparatus is comprised of a main body and a controller. The main body includes a motor outputting pulsed drive output, a main shaft driven by the drive and connected to a screw to be tightened, and a torque detector detecting a change of torque applied to the main shaft. The controller includes a calculating section and a control section. The calculating section obtains frequency of impacts generated from a time that a bearing surface of the screw is in contact with a tightened object, on the basis of the signal from the torque detector. The control section cuts off a motive power source of the drive at a time that the frequency of the impacts becomes a predetermined value. Therefore, even if impact operation is executed prior to the contact of the bearing surface, the tightening force is accurately calculated by a rapid and brief calculation and control logic, and the dispersion of the tightening force at the cut-off time is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Maruyama, Tatsumi Nabekura
  • Patent number: 5535867
    Abstract: A torque regulating coupling for use with an impact wrench drive and socket, the coupling for connecting an impact wrench drive to the a wrench socket used to tighten threaded fasteners so that the maximum torque applied to the fastener can be limited to a predetermined value. The coupling featuring a slider, movably mounted within in a coupling body which is adapted to be connected to the wrench drive. Additionally, the coupling includes a multi-element, torque transmission member axially disposed within the coupling body and arranged to be connected to a wrench socket for engaging the fastener. Still further the coupling includes a an adjustment mechanism that has a sleeve and position pin in one form and sleeve and gear train in another for locating the slider along the length of the transmission member to regulate the maximum amount of torque delivered from the wrench drive to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Albert V. Coccaro, Paul C. Scifo
  • Patent number: 5366026
    Abstract: In an impact type clamping apparatus including a motor unit for generating a pulsatory driving torque, a main spindle driven by said pulsatory driving torque to rotate a fastening member, a detecting unit for detecting a pulsatory torque applied to the main spindle, a calculating circuit for calculating a clamping force in accordance with a peak value of the pulsatory torque, and a control unit for stopping the operation of said motor unit when the calculated clamping force exceeds a desired clamping force, said clamping force is calculated not only from the peak value of the pulsatory torque but also from an increasing coefficient which represents a relationship between the peak value of the pulsatory torque and an increment of the clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Maruyama, Teruo Fukumura, Toru Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 5181575
    Abstract: An impact wrench with a torque controlling faculty including an air motor for generating a primary torque, an oil pressure pulse generating unit for converting the primary torque into a pulsatory secondary torque, a main spindle to which the pulsatory secondary torque is applied, a transducer for detecting the pulsatory secondary torque and a shut-off valve which is closed to stop a supply of a compressed air to the air motor when the secondary torque exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The main spindle is made of material having the magnetic strictive effect and the distortion of the main spindle is detected by a pair of coils arranged in opposition to the main spindle. The coils are connected into a bridge circuit together with resistors and an exciting current having a sinusoidal waveform is supplied to a first set of diagonal points of the bridge circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignees: Nissan Morot Co., Ltd., Uryu Siesaku, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Maruyama, Teruo Fukumura, Sadatsugu Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 5154242
    Abstract: A power tool includes a DC motor for tightening a fastener through three consecutive stages. In the first stage, the motor is rotated at a high speed to tighten the fastener to a pre-seated condition which is acknowledged by the tool. Then, the motor is temporarily stopped and restarted at a low speed for tightening the fastener to its seated condition to complete the second stage. At the third stage, a control is made to gradually increase a field current in a feedback manner by constantly monitoring the field current flowing through the motor up to a predetermined current limit determined as directly related to an intended tightening torque at which the fastener is tightened past the seat condition. After the field current reaches the current limit, the motor is stopped to complete the tightening cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Soshin, Shinichi Okamoto
  • Patent number: H1821
    Abstract: A method of operating a driver and an associated number of work tools includes the step of securing a first work tool to the driver. The first work tool has a first identification device attached thereto. The method also includes the step of determining a first identification value associated with the first identification device and generating a first identification signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of operating the driver so as to produce a first mechanical output based on the first identification signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of removing the first work tool from the driver and securing a second work tool to the driver. The second work tool has a second identification device attached thereto. The method also includes the step of determining a second identification value associated with the second identification device and generating a second identification signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Incorporated
    Inventor: Brian J. Kosinski