Automatic Control Of Power Operated Means Patents (Class 173/2)
  • Patent number: 7540334
    Abstract: An electrically powered hand tool is disclosed. The tool includes a motor, a power source, a work element and a controller. Various alternative features, embodiments and operative configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Publication number: 20090120657
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for controlling a power tool having a rotary shaft. The method includes: disposing an inertial mass in a housing of the power tool, such that the inertial mass is freely rotatable about an axis of rotation which is axially aligned with the rotary shaft; monitoring rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass during operation of the power tool; and activating a protective operation based on the rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Daniel Puzio, Robert Bradus
  • Publication number: 20090065225
    Abstract: A power tool can include a housing and a motor assembly in the housing. The motor assembly can include an output member and a motor for translating the output member. A kickback sensor can sample successive periods of current through the motor and produce an output in response thereto. An anti-kickback control device can remove energy from the output member in response to the output of the kickback sensor. A switch can have a first setting and a second setting. The first setting can correspond to a first operating condition of the anti-kickback control device. The second setting can correspond to a second operating condition of the anti-kickback control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Forster, Kyle J. Wheaton
  • Publication number: 20090055028
    Abstract: Pneumatic tightening tools can be used for high speed assembly of critical bolts to precise loads by dynamically controlling the output power of the pneumatic tool during a tightening cycle using an electronically controlled air pressure regulator to reduce the tightening rate, or the load increase per impact for impact or impulse tools, to enable the tool to be stopped precisely at a specified stopping load or torque. For prevailing torque fasteners, the output power of the pneumatic tool is dynamically controlled to minimize the speed of rotation during rundown, to minimize the heating effects associated with such torque fasteners, and to then increase the power from the tool, as required, to provide the torque to reach the specified stopping load or torque. The maximum air pressure supplied to the pneumatic tool can be limited, depending on the expected torque required to tighten the fastener to the specified load or torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Ian E. Kibblewhite, Donald E. Kotas
  • Patent number: 7487845
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for controlling a power tool having a rotary shaft. The method includes: disposing an inertial mass in a housing of the power tool, such that the inertial mass is freely rotatable about an axis of rotation which is axially aligned with the rotary shaft; monitoring rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass during operation of the power tool; and activating a protective operation based on the rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Daniel Puzio, Robert Bradus
  • Patent number: 7487844
    Abstract: A power tool includes solid-state motor control. The tool includes a solid state variable speed control signal generator for generating a variable speed control signal, a microcontroller for generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal corresponding to the variable speed control signal, a driver circuit for generating H-bridge driving signals corresponding to the PWM signal, and an H-bridge circuit for selectively coupling a motor to a power source in accordance with the H-bridge driving signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John DeCicco, David Pozgay, Illya Kovarik
  • Publication number: 20090028652
    Abstract: An electric drill having a function for preventing drilling of unexpected oblique hole. Further, in the electric drill, when the direction of drilling is displaced in drilling work using the electric drill, it is sensed automatically to stop the drilling. The electric drill (1) performs drilling in the direction perpendicular a workpiece (7) and has a tilt sensor (10) mounted on a tilt sensor mounting surface (8) defined in parallel to the ground surface. When the rotation axis (C) of the drill positioned perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece is tilted to an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the tilt sensor (10) senses the tilt to shutoff a drive current of the electric drill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7481627
    Abstract: An air compressor utilizing an electronic control system. A pneumatically controlled regulator is provided for controlling output pressure for an air compressor. Digital gauges are provided on the air compressor to replace conventional mechanical gauges. A variable speed motor is used, which in turn varies the speed of the pump. Tools are provided for an air compressor that are capable of transmitting a signal to the air compressor indicating a desired pressure and/or motor speed at which the air compressor is to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: MAT Industries LLC
    Inventor: Kurt Beckman
  • Patent number: 7464769
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electric screwdriver device having a function for determining that a correct tightening operation has been carried out when the tightening operation has taken a time longer than a reference time predetermined for the tightening operation, characterized in comprising a novel feature for determining the reference time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakazawa, Hideki Fujita
  • Publication number: 20080251268
    Abstract: An abrupt fall in a current value immediately after an abrupt rise at the time when an starting switch is turned ON is detected, when the current value rises due to starting of nut fastening and then the current value abruptly falls, it is determined that an inward flange of a washer is sheared, and when the current value reaches a value corresponding to a primary fastening torque, the motor is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: TOSHIHIKO KUSHIDA
  • Patent number: 7424920
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting and responding to impact loosening of thread joints at rock drilling, in which vibrations from a drill string (1) are sensed at the same time as a rock drilling machine (2) movable along a feed beam (6) exerts the drill string (1) to impacts without feeding the drill string (1) against a ground (3), the sensed vibrations are supplied to an analysis tool (4), the sensed vibrations are compared with known vibration patterns by the analysis tool, and a signal is sent to a control system (5) for controlling the rock drilling machine (2) for stopping an impact device of the rock drilling machine when the analysis tool detects that the sensed vibrations correspond to a known vibration pattern indicating that the thread joints have been loosened by impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Karin Bergstrand, Katarina Carlsson, Björn Lindgren
  • Publication number: 20080202786
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for controlling a power tool having a rotary shaft. The method includes: disposing an inertial mass in a housing of the power tool, such that the inertial mass is freely rotatable about an axis of rotation which is axially aligned with the rotary shaft; monitoring rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass during operation of the power tool; and activating a protective operation based on the rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Carrier, Daniel Puzio, Robert Bradus
  • Publication number: 20080196910
    Abstract: A power hand drill or other power tool includes at least one of a detachable non-contact voltage sensing device and a detachable subsurface object locator for detecting the presence of an object beneath a surface being probed with the locator. The drill has a housing with a flat accessory mounting surface including coupling elements for coupling the sensing module to the drill. The accessory device includes a mating coupling element to engage with the coupling element in the drill housing. The non-contact voltage sensing circuitry includes sensing circuitry contained within a housing with an antenna that is positioned opposite a tool head of the power tool, and an indicator mounted to the module for indicating the presence of a voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick J. Radle, Daryl C. Brockman, David L. Wiesemann, George R. Steber, Thomas M. Luebke
  • Publication number: 20080185984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power tool having a change-speed gear device comprising a plurality of gears (1, 2) for adjusting on demand power stages of a drive, wherein an overload protection can be coupled to the gears (1, 2). According to the invention, the device comprises at least one gear (3) in which the overload protection function can be forcibly deactivated. The invention also relates to an overload protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Simm, Cornelis Van Der Schans, Markus Weber
  • Patent number: 7404449
    Abstract: A pile driving control apparatus for a pile driving system includes a hydraulic control system that controls a throttle of a pile driving hammer, and thereby controls an impact velocity of the hammer with a pile. A controller provides a control signal to the hydraulic control system. Based on the control signal, the hydraulic control system controls an impact velocity of the hammer during a subsequent hammer stroke. The controller may determine one or more control parameters such as sound pressure at a sound control location during a hammer stroke, vibration at a vibration control location during a hammer stroke, an impact force imparted to the pile during a hammer stroke, and/or actual pile capacity of the pile, and provide to the hydraulic control system a control signal based on the determined control parameter(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Bermingham Construction Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Donald Bermingham, Mark Triska, Michael Justason, David Hoover, Stefano Gabaldo, Peter Middendorp, William Codd
  • Patent number: 7395871
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for controlling a power tool having a rotary shaft. The method includes: disposing an inertial mass in a housing of the power tool, such that the inertial mass is freely rotatable about an axis of rotation which is axially aligned with the rotary shaft; monitoring rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass during operation of the power tool; and activating a protective operation based on the rotational motion of the power tool in relation to the inertial mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David A Carrier, Daniel Puzio, Robert Bradus
  • Publication number: 20080135268
    Abstract: In order to prevent the grip portion of a power tool from heating up, a brake resistor in which a regenerative current generated by a motor flows is disposed in a tail portion of the handle. The brake resistor is composed of two resistor elements connected in parallel with each other. The two resistor elements are mounted on different surfaces of a circuit board to effectively utilize an interior space of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Naoki TADOKORO, Takuya Teranishi
  • Publication number: 20080122404
    Abstract: A cordless power tool system includes a power tool including with a motor disposed in the tool housing, and a variable speed circuit for controlling the speed of the motor. A power tool battery pack is electrically connectable to the power tool. The battery pack has an electric/electronic component connectable to the variable speed circuit. The variable speed circuit and/or the power tool are disabled if the variable speed circuit fails to detect the electric/electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Daniele C. Brotto
  • Patent number: 7369916
    Abstract: A power tool control system connected with a drill press provides a system for determining operational settings for the drill press and/or structural factors of a workpiece to be operated upon by the drill press. For instance, the power tool control system may establish a visual indication of the axis of operation of the drill press upon a workpiece and/or determine the thickness, structural composition, and/or moisture content of a workpiece. The determined axis of operation and/or structural factor is utilized to determine the operational settings of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Etter, P. Brent Boyd, Craig A. Carroll, Brent Stafford, Jeffrey A. Wessel
  • Patent number: 7334648
    Abstract: A impact power tool includes a motor rotating a drive shaft, an output shaft holding a tool bit, and a hammer coupled to the drive shaft. The hammer is rotatable together with the drive shaft and is engageable with an anvil fixed to the output shaft so as to give a rotary impact to the output shaft. The tool includes a speed commander generating a target speed intended by a user, and a speed detector for detection of a speed of the drive shaft. A speed controller generates a control signal for driving the motor by referring to the target speed and the detected speed. The speed controller provides a detection time frame, and to adopt a predefined pseudo-detection speed as a substitute for the detected speed when no speed detection is available within the detection time frame. Accordingly, even if no speed detection continues, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Arimura
  • Patent number: 7331406
    Abstract: An improved hand-held fastener driving tool is provided with an adjustable torque limiting control. The tool is portable, and is electrically powered using either a battery pack or a power cord as a power source. The tool drives collated fasteners (e.g., screws) into solid objects. The motor current is measured to determine the amount of torque being applied to a screw by the motor and mechanical drive components. As the screw bottoms out, the motor torque increases to a point where it exceeds the user-adjusted torque limiting control. The motor is automatically turned off at that point, thereby preventing the screw from being stripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: DuraSpin Products LLC
    Inventors: Mathias Wottreng, Jr., Gary Michael Bohart
  • Patent number: 7328752
    Abstract: An electrically powered hand tool is disclosed. The tool includes a motor, a power source, a work element and a controller. Various alternative features, embodiments and operative configurations are disclosed. The electrically powered hand tool may be a drill/driver configured to interrupt the rotation of the work element responsive to detection of a torque that exceeds a predetermined torque threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Patent number: 7318485
    Abstract: The invention discloses a power tool for screwing or drilling having a motor for driving a drive shaft, a controller for controlling the power tool, a motor switch for switching the motor on and off, switch for reversing the power tool between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, and vice versa, and a timer that permits reversal of the power tool between clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation, and vice versa, within a predefined period of time between actuation of the switch for clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation and for operation of the motor switch to start the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Greese, Thomas Scholl
  • Patent number: 7306046
    Abstract: A hand power tool has an electric motor, which is located in a housing and by way of which a tool insert located in a tool retainer is drivable in rotation, a guard device with which an uncontrollable blockage of the tool insert is detectable via a sensor unit and with which the housing is blockable in its motion; the guard device includes a mechanical unlocking unit that is manually actuatable by a user's action force, and gear is actuatable via an on/off switch for actuating the unlocking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Meixner, Markus Leupert
  • Publication number: 20070261868
    Abstract: In a torque-limiting device, a first end engages a fastener, a second end receives an applied torque, and a magnetic torque limiter transmits the applied torque from the second end to the first end to rotate the first end in conjunction with the second end when the applied torque is less than a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventor: James R. Gross
  • Patent number: 7267182
    Abstract: The rock drilling rig comprises a first control unit (8) arranged on a carrier (1) and a second control unit (9) arranged to a rock drilling apparatus (4). The first control unit (8) and the second control unit (9) communicate with each other by means of a first data communications link (10). The rock drilling apparatus (4) has one or more sensors (11, 12, 15), the measuring results of which are processed in the second control unit (9) and only then transmitted to the first control unit (8) that controls actuators regulating the operation of the rock drilling apparatus (4). Correspondingly, the rock breaking machine, such as a breaking hammer, comprises one or more sensors (11, 12, 15) and a control unit (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Tamrock Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Saha
  • Patent number: 7261586
    Abstract: An electric hand power tool has a housing, a drive motor, a power cord extending to an outside from the housing and supplying energy to the drive motor, wherein the power cord has an exit region with a cord sleeve that tubularly clasps the power cord and is provided with a structure for receiving a data storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Cramer
  • Publication number: 20070169952
    Abstract: An instrument for dispatching screws is disclosed. The instrument includes a hollow body, a storage tube for keeping screws, a stopping mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The hollow body defines an opening on a bottom end thereof. The storage tube defines two holes on a sidewall and is housed in the hollow body. The stopping mechanism is mounted on the bottom end and blocks the opening. The driving mechanism is housed in the hollow body. The driving mechanism is movable to enter into the holes for pushing the screw out through the stopping mechanism. The instrument can used to put screws in production line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Fang Wong, Yi-Long Wang, Xiao-Bo Zhang
  • Patent number: 7234536
    Abstract: A power screwdriver is disclosed having a drive which is coupled via a clutch, disengaging as a function of torque, to a tool drive shaft for driving a tool. The screwdriver comprises an electronic control unit for controlling the drive, and a sensor which is coupled to the electronic control unit in order to switch off the drive when the clutch responds. The electronic control unit is designed for activating the drive with a certain output, preferably with a reduced output, for a limited time after switch-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Scholl, Oliver Greese
  • Patent number: 7231989
    Abstract: A method and a control system for controlling rock drilling. A control unit of a rock drilling apparatus is provided with one or more control modes, each determining the drilling variables to be measured, their threshold values and the operating principles according to which the operating parameters of drilling are controlled to achieve a desired control criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Tamrock Oy
    Inventors: Pekka Salminen, Heikki Saha
  • Patent number: 7216723
    Abstract: A pulse torque generator utilizing a magnetic coupling, and an electric power tool provided with the pulse torque generator. The pulse torque generator includes an input shaft extending in its axial direction and having a hollow section providing a hollow space, and an output shaft rotatably provided in the hollow space. A magnetic fluid is encapsulated in a hollow space between the input shaft and output shaft. A magnetic field generating unit is disposed, and magnetic segments are provided in the input shaft. A magnetic fluid provides a magnetic fluid bridge bridging between the input shaft and the output shaft each time the magnetic segment is brought into confrontation with the magnetic field generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinki Ohtsu, Chikai Yoshimizu
  • Patent number: 7210541
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable speed tool useful for use with securing or removing industrial fasteners. The tool also includes a means to torque the fastener to a certain precise torque. The tool can be used with an associated controller that provides control commands to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Microtorq LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Miller
  • Patent number: 7204322
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a vibration reducing technique caused by air pressure fluctuations within a power tool. According to the present invention, a representative power tool may comprise a driving motor, a driver and a tool bit. The driving motor drives the driver to cyclically reciprocate. The tool bit is linearly driven by utilizing the pressure of air within the power tool. The air may be compressed by the reciprocating movement of the driver. The power tool changes the rotational speed of the driving motor in the cycle of the reciprocating movement of the driver so that vibration caused in the power tool can be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsunori Sakai
  • Patent number: 7204320
    Abstract: A system for active dynamic balancing of a rotating tool driven by a motor having a shaft supported by a first and second bearing on opposing sides of the motor includes an acceleration sensing assembly configured to sense radial accelerations on the shaft producing an acceleration signal indicative of the radial accelerations. A correcting mass assembly is configured to rotate with the shaft and to move at least one mass radially to the shaft responsive to a correcting signal. A controller is configured to receive the acceleration signal generating a correcting signal by means of a closed loop iterative algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Frederic P. Berg
  • Patent number: 7182147
    Abstract: A system, and a method of using a system, for controlled tool operation. The method includes providing a tool used in a force application such as a such torque application. The tool communicates with a controller which can communicate with the tool, and to a display in communication with the tool and the controller. The controller can be programmed with operational information about a tool operation. Information related to the operational information is displayed to a user during use. Service information including at least information about an amount of force applied during use is recorded and stored in the controller. Also disclosed is a computerized system for controlled tool operation which sends operational instructions to the tool before use and retrieves service information from the tool after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Cutler, David Duvan, Gary Keefe, Denny Atkinson, David R. Costantino
  • Patent number: 7168502
    Abstract: An electric power tool has a motor-driven circular tool that can be clamped by means of a clamping device. A mechanical braking device (2) serves to brake the tool. A safety element (4) prevents improper handling of the electric power tool. In a safety position, the safety element (4) prevents the motor from being turned on and activates the braking device (2). In a release position, the safety element (4) allows the motor to be turned on and the braking device (12) is released. An additional locking mechanism prevents that a clamping lever, needed to actuate the clamping device, can be actuated in the clamped state in the safety position. In the release position of the safety element, the locking mechanism is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7156188
    Abstract: A pile driver comprises a hammer for impacting a pile, a velocity sensor for measuring the velocity at impact, and a control system for adjusting the hammer stroke in accordance with the readings from the velocity sensor so that the optimal impact energy is imparted to the head of the pile. Optionally, the system further comprises a pile driving analyzer (including at least one strain gauge and/or an accelerometer) mounted on the side of the pile itself to determine whether the impact loading on the pile is below the maximum allowable stress. If the pile driving analyzer senses an overload of stress on the pile, the control system will reduce the velocity of the subsequent hammer stroke so that it no longer exceeds the maximum allowable stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Bermingham Construction Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Bermingham, Mark Triska, Michael Justason, Grant Bearss, David Hoover, Stefano Gabaldo, Tim Rosenberger
  • Patent number: 7121358
    Abstract: An electrically powered hand tool is disclosed. The tool includes a motor, a power source, a work element and a controller. Various alternative features, embodiments and operative configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Patent number: 7114576
    Abstract: The rock drill apparatus (1) comprises a rock drill machine (6) provided with a percussion device (4), a feed device (9) and a tool (7), the tool (7) end comprising a bit (8) for breaking rock. The tool (7) is arranged to transmit impact energy generated by the percussion device (4) as a compression stress wave to the bit. The feed device (9) is arranged to thrust the tool (7) and the bit (8) against the rock to be drilled, whereby on drilling at least part of the compression stress wave generated by the percussion device (4) to the tool (7) reflects from the rock to be drilled back to the tool (7) as tensile stress, and impact energy of the percussion device (4) is adjusted on the basis of the level of tensile stress (?v) reflecting from the rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sandvik Tamrock Oy
    Inventor: Markku Keskiniva
  • Patent number: 7104342
    Abstract: A system for active dynamic balancing of a rotating tool driven by a motor having a shaft supported by a first and second bearing on opposing sides of the motor includes an acceleration sensing assembly configured to sense radial accelerations on the shaft producing an acceleration signal indicative of the radial accelerations. A correcting mass assembly is configured to rotate with the shaft and to move at least one mass radially to the shaft responsive to a correcting signal. A controller is configured to receive the acceleration signal generating a correcting signal by means of a closed loop iterative algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Frederic P. Berg
  • Patent number: 7093668
    Abstract: An electrically powered hand tool is disclosed. The tool includes a motor, a power source, a work element and a controller. Various alternative features, embodiments and operative configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Patent number: 7090030
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable speed tool useful for use with securing or removing industrial fasteners. The tool also includes a means to torque the fastener to a certain precise torque. The tool can be used with an associated controller that provides control commands to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Microtorq L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jerry Edward Miller
  • Patent number: 7090031
    Abstract: An intelligent tightening spindle comprises a drive output; a housing adapted to detachably mount to a moving platform of a multi-tool processing station, with the housing substantially enclosing: at least one electric drive motor having an associated servo amplifier; a gear unit operatively connecting the drive motor to the drive output; a spindle measurement transducer operative to monitor at least one of the drive motor, the gear unit, and the drive output; and a measurement data processing unit in communication with the spindle measurement transducer. An output signal port may have signals applied thereto representing measurement data that has been processed by the measurement data processing unit. The measurement transducer and/or the data processing unit may be removably coupled to the spindle via one or more electrical connectors. One or more of the tightening spindles may be used to form a multi-tool processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Power Tools GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ulrich Kaminski
  • 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: 7055620
    Abstract: The invention is based on a hand power tool having an electric motor (12) located in a housing (10), via which an insertable tool (16) situated in a tool mount (14) is capable of being driven in a rotating manner, and having a safety device (18) with which a characteristic value for an occurrence of uncontrolled blockage of the insertable tool (16) can be detected via a sensor unit (20), and the movement of the housing (10) can be decelerated. It is proposed that the safety device (18) is formed at least partially by a motor control unit (22), via which the electric motor (12) can be actively decelerated when an occurrence of uncontrolled blockage of the insertable tool (16) is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Nadig, Oliver Zirn, Ludwig Thome
  • Patent number: 7036703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held working tool, such as a setting device used for driving fastening elements such as nails, bolts, pins and the like into a surface, or an at least partially percussive hand-held tool having a housing part (11) and a working mechanism such as a setting or striking mechanism arranged inside the housing of the device and having at least one sensing device (17) for sensing acceleration forces occurring during a setting or striking pulse as well as a handle. For improving this type of hand-held working tool (10) an interface (30) for data communication and data output is arranged on the hand-held working tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mario Grazioli, Joachim Keck
  • Patent number: 7036605
    Abstract: A detector is disclosed that detects impact sounds, e.g., a hammer striking an anvil or oil pulses from an oil unit. The detector may comprise a receiver that selectively converts sound within a narrow frequency range into electric signals. Preferably, the impact sounds fall within the narrow frequency range of the receiver. A processor may be utilized to control the motor in order to stop the rotation of the hammer when a pre-determined number of impact sounds has been detected by the detector. In addition, the operating conditions can be set by a number of methods, including dials, sound sensors, keypads and remote control devices. Further, means for performing maintenance condition status checks are taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Masahiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7013984
    Abstract: A tool for a powered machine, having vibration damping member. A method of providing a tool having a vibration damping member arrangement, applicable to different tools, is described. Estimated antinode positions along the tool in use are determined and a vibration damping member arrangement is located to cover at least one selected antinode position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Standall Tools Limited
    Inventors: Glyn Rodney Atkinson, Brian Quartermain
  • Patent number: 7011165
    Abstract: An electric hand tool apparatus (1) for driving a drill-like tool, which carries out an at least partial rotational movement, has within a housing (2), an electric motor (4) without or free of collector and slip ring, the rpm of which can be controlled by motor control electronics (3), wherein an rpm-dependent clutch (5) for transferring the torque is disposed in a force transfer path from the electric motor (4) to a transmission (6). Optionally, to prevent an excessively high twisting of the housing (2), a sensor (7) is evaluated and the rpm of the electric motor (4) is reduced in order to sever the transfer of force by the rpm-dependent clutch (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ferdinand Kristen, Hans-Werner Bongers-Ambrosius
  • Patent number: 6981557
    Abstract: A control process for an at least partially axially hammering and rotating electric hand-held machine tool (1) in which an electromagnetic clutch (4) arranged in the flow of force between an electric motor (2) and a tool receptacle (3) is controllably connected to computing device (5) connected to sensors (6a, 6b, 6c), wherein the clutch (4) is repeatedly alternately opened and closed in at least one process step controlled by the computing device (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Boeni, Roland Schaer, Harald Schmitzer, Ricardo Teixeira, Christoph Wuersch