Responsive To Torque On Work Patents (Class 81/467)
  • Patent number: 8327741
    Abstract: A torque wrench includes a wrench body, a torque sensor, an angle sensor, a gravity sensor and a processor. The wrench body can provide a torque to a workpiece. The torque sensor can sense whether the torque is greater than a predetermined torque value. The angle sensor can obtain a rotational angle value by measuring the rotation of the wrench body after the torque is greater than the predetermined torque value. The gravity sensor can sense the tilt angle of the wrench body. The processor is programmed to correct the rotational angle value according to the tilt angle of the wrench body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20120255403
    Abstract: A torque limiting engine rotation tool for rotating a crankshaft of an engine, where the engine rotation tool is configured to be operated with a socket wrench or non-impacting tool and is configured to engage an accessory drive pulley bolt or any other bolt that causes the crankshaft to rotate, includes a socket body. The socket body has a driving portion coupled to a bolt-torquing portion with a shear pin. A receiving recess is defined by the driving portion and is configured to receive the socket wrench or non-impacting tool. A female socket recess is defined by the bolt-torquing portion and is configured to engage the bolt. The amount of torque applied by the socket wrench or non-impacting tool to the bolt is limited by the shear strength of the shear pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Ehlers, Karl Reith
  • Patent number: 8276487
    Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric John Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, John Eric Lovins
  • Publication number: 20120227977
    Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Francis Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Francis, Nicholas Francis, William P. Bernard, Oswald J. Bernard, Lan Hiscox, Brian Compton, Arthur Jones
  • Patent number: 8230767
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool for an insulation material plug that anchored with a fastener in the substrate has a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft. The first drive shaft has a shank extending along a longitudinal axis having a first rotary carrier for the fastener at a first end and that has a second rotary carrier second end. The second drive shaft has a hollow shank with a third carrier means for the insulation material plug at a first end. A coupler is provided that can be disengaged by axial pressure and arranged at a distance from the first end. The coupler has locking elements that engage into recesses in order to transfer a torque from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft. Grooves guide the locking elements are adjacent to a recess and, extend helically along the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Frommelt, Michael Sproewitz
  • Publication number: 20120174718
    Abstract: A wrench and wrench kit whereby a single connected unit is releasably attached and allows a user to access separate wrench handles from the detachment and further where said wrench handles are provided as a kit wherein attached handles have identical size wrench heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Ami James
  • Patent number: 8210275
    Abstract: Power tools are taught that may include, for example, a detector for detecting impact sounds generated, e.g. by a hammer strikes an anvil or by oil pulse from an oil unit. The detector may include a receiver (30) adapted to selectively convert sound within a narrow frequency range into electric signals. Preferably, the impact sounds fall within the narrow frequency range of the receiver (30). A processor 38 may be utilized to control the motor (22) 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 or in the alternative, various structures can be used to set various operating conditions, including dials 34, sound sensors 30, keypads and remote control devices 250. Further, structures for performing maintenance condition status checks are taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Masahiro Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20120111160
    Abstract: An isolative torque-exerting apparatus includes a wrench, a torque unit located in the wrench, and an isolative unit provided on the wrench. The isolative unit includes a hatch defined therein and a cover for covering the hatch. The torque unit can be tuned by a tool inserted through the hatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jih Chun WU
  • Publication number: 20120111159
    Abstract: An isolative torque-exerting apparatus includes a wrench, a torque unit substantially located in the wrench, and an isolative unit provided on the wrench. The isolative unit includes a first isolative element for covering a portion of the wrench and a second isolative element for covering the remaining portion of the wrench. The first or second isolative element includes at least one cutout defined therein while the second or first isolative element includes a key located in the cutout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jih Chun WU
  • Patent number: 8166852
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench has a handle, a transmitting device, a torque adjusting device and a ratchet head. The transmitting device is connected to the handle and has a barrel, a transmitting seat and a transmitting shaft. The barrel is connected to the handle and has two threaded segments and multiple elongated holes. The transmitting shaft is rotatably mounted in the barrel and has a driving disk and an eccentric rod. The torque adjusting device is connected to the transmitting device and has a casing, a limiting assembly and a spring. The casing is connected to the barrel. The limiting assembly is mounted around the transmitting shaft and has two pressing rings and a push bearing. The spring is mounted around the transmitting shaft and presses against the pressing rings to push the holding pins abutting with the holding recess. The ratchet head is connected to the transmitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Ming-Ta Cheng
  • Patent number: 8157018
    Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Francis Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Francis, Nicholas Francis, William P. Bernard, Oswald J. Bernard, Lan Hiscox, Brian Compton, Arthur Jones
  • Patent number: 8146463
    Abstract: A screw driver capable of avoiding co-rotation of an end bit and a motor in case of sharp shooting the end bit with a groove in a head of a screw. A co-rotation preventing mechanism is engageable with an end bit mounting portion when the end bit mounting portion is at a frontward position to prevent the end bit mounting portion from being rotated in the forward direction and to allow the end bit mounting portion to rotate in the reverse direction. The preventing mechanism is disengageable from the end bit mounting portion when the end bit mounting portion is at the rearward position to allow the end bit mounting portion to rotate in both forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichirou Satou, Hideki Yamada, Tsukasa Suzuura
  • Patent number: 8141463
    Abstract: A hand tool for adjusting torsion includes a cap. A spindle assembly is fixed to the cap. A tubular adjusting seat is sleeved on the spindle assembly. The adjusting seat has a sliding groove axially spirally defined in an outer periphery thereof. At least one ball is slidably received in the sliding groove and being movable along the sliding groove. A first handle is sleeved on the adjusting seat. The first handle has a torsion spring received therein, a first teethed seat connected to the torsion spring, and a second teethed seat engaged with the first teethed seat. A sliding sleeve is sleeved on the first handle. The sliding sleeve has at least one reset slot annularly defined in an inner periphery thereof for corresponding to the at least one fixing hole. A second handle is abutted against the second teethed seat. A driving rod assembly is fixed to the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jin-Tsai Lai
  • Patent number: 8136431
    Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric John Wengreen
  • Publication number: 20120055295
    Abstract: A torque wrench including an elongated beam having a first end and a second end, a drive post attached to the first end of the elongated beam, a handle attached to the second end of the elongated beam so that force applied to the handle transfers torque to the work piece, a scale attached to the second end of the elongated beam, and a laser source disposed on the first end of the elongated beam, the laser source being configured to direct a laser beam toward the second end of the elongated beam such that the laser beam strikes the scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Michael G. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20120048072
    Abstract: A digital torque wrench includes a position sensor assembly which measures the movement of a load beam with respect to an indicator beam to determine the torque being applied to a working element by the torque wrench. The position sensor assembly includes a first position sensor portion having multiple rotatable pinion gears coupled to a potentiometer, and includes a second position sensor portion having a rack gear that engages one of the pinion gears of the first position sensor portion. The first and second position sensor portions are attached to different ones of the load beam and the indicator beam so that at least one of the pinion gears rotates along the rack gear in response to force (torque) being applied through the load beam to the working element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: BROWN LINE METAL WORKS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Rainone, Daniel Baxter, Thao D. Hovanky
  • Patent number: 8109183
    Abstract: An impact resistant tool or tool bit holder has an active end for driving a fastener and a shanking end for securing to a power tool. The active end includes a body with a bore to receive the shank and a pocket to receive a damping mechanism. The shank includes an end to engage the bore in the body, and a pocket to receive the damping mechanism. The shank is received in the bore in the body for limited rotation with respect to the body. A damping mechanism is positioned in the pockets to provide damping between the body and the shank during torque loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Aland Santamarina, Michael P. Peters, Abhijeet Joshi, David N. Johnson, Hans Peter Paulus, Matthias Mertmann, Francesco Butera, Luca Fumagalli
  • Patent number: 8096211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital power torque wrench of indirect transmission, which is composed of an eccentric driving module, a sensing module, a ratchet module and a control module. The eccentric driving module is used for transmitting power to the sensing module and the ratchet module for driving the ratchet module rotate accordingly and thus transferring the momentum of the rotating to fasten a workpiece, such as a bolt or nut. The sensing module is capable of detecting the deformation of the ratchet module as it is rotating against an increasing resistance during the fastening process, and converting the detected deformation into a signal to be received by the control module. The control module is capable of quantifying the signal for converting the same into a numerical signal representing a torque detected by the sensing module and then sending the numerical signal to a display device for displaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chih-Hua Cho, Wei-Min Chen, Wan-Lung Lee, Hsin-Hung Lee
  • Publication number: 20120000328
    Abstract: A torque-setting device includes a shank, a handle provided on the shank, a driving unit attached to the shank, a strain gauge connected to the driving unit, a spring abutted against the strain gauge, a pusher abutted against the spring, an axle engaged with the pusher, a restraining element connected to the axle, a C-clip provided on the restraining element, and a knob. The knob is operable to rotate the axle relative to the pusher, thus moving the pusher relative to the spring to set a value of torque. The knob is movable between a position where teeth thereof are in grooves of the handle to avoid rotation of the axle and another position where the tooth are out of the grooves to allow rotation of the knob and the axle. The C-clip is located against an annular rib formed on an internal face of the knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Xuan-Ren Chen
  • Publication number: 20110303054
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for controlled fastening, comprises a body (11) coupled to which is one of different removable inserts (17, 17?, 17?). The insert comprises a transponder (18) which sends setting signals to the apparatus when it is mounted on the apparatus. The apparatus in turn comprises transmission means for programming into the transponder (18) information which shall be inserted into the signals which shall subsequently be sent by the transponder to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Atlas Copco BLM S.r.L.
    Inventor: Massimiliano Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 8065940
    Abstract: A torque application device according to the present invention comprises a collar for engaging a fastener, a grip coupled to the collar such that a predetermined maximum torque can be applied to the collar to tighten the fastener, and a slip mechanism to prevent the likelihood that the maximum torque is exceeded. The device may further include an indicator (such as a visual, audible and/or tactile indicator) to indicate that the predetermined maximum torque has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Wilson, Timothy Lee Youtsey
  • Publication number: 20110283844
    Abstract: A torque-adjusting machine includes a securing fixture, a torque-detecting mechanism, a driving device and an adjusting mechanism. The securing fixture is capable of retaining a first bracket of a hinge. The driving device is capable of retaining a second bracket of the hinge. The torque-detecting mechanism is connected to the securing fixture and capable of detecting torque of the hinge through rotating the first bracket of the hinge relative to the second bracket of the hinge. The adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting pole. The adjusting pole is capable of moving from a first position, where the adjusting pole is capable of engaging with the hinge and adjusting the torque of the hinge by rotation, to a second position, where the adjusting pole is capable of being disengaged from the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TENG-TSUNG HUANG, GUO-JUN YU, YONG-BING HU, ZHAN SHANG
  • Publication number: 20110271801
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wrench. The wrench includes a body, a torque sensor, a stick and an actuator. The body includes a cavity therein. The torque sensor is used to sense a torque applied by the body. The stick is located in the cavity of the body. The actuator is applied to move the stick to hit the body when the torque is greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Chih-Ching HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8051751
    Abstract: A lockable torque-limiting driver includes a body and a sleeve received in a sleeve chamber of the body and secured therein by recesses inside the body. The sleeve is provided with projecting edges on the outer wall to be respectively fitted in the recesses of the body, plural recessed grooves at the inner wall for fixing an upper cam, and female threads at the inner wall to be screwed with the male threads of a torque-limiting member, further disposed with plural positioning serrations at topside and a center chamber inside. The upper cam and a lower cam respectively have one-way serrations to be mutually engaged. The torque-limiting member is fixed with positioning projections to be actuated to move on the positioning serrations of the sleeve and give out sounds by which a user can know a torque limiting extent desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hern Juei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Huang
  • Patent number: 8042434
    Abstract: A safety torque intensifying tool has a housing, a torque intensifying unit providing at least two modes of operation including a first mode in which the tool operates with a high speed and a low torque and a second mode in which the tool operates with a low speed and a high torque, a grip to be held by a tool operator, an additional element acting as a handle for better gripping in the first mode in which the tool operates with the high speed and low torque and also as a reaction arm to abut against a stationary object to stop the housing from turning in the second mode when the tool operates with the low speed and the high torque, and a switching unit for switching the tool between the first and second modes and configured so that when the operator does not act on the switching unit the tool is in the second mode of operation with the low speed and the high torque, and when the switching unit is switched by the operator while the additional element acts as a handle, the tool is switched to the first mode of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 8037790
    Abstract: A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8033201
    Abstract: A signaling torque driver that includes a casing assembly with a grip portion, a click arm with a fastener-engaging portion that projects from said casing assembly at one end and operably coupled to a torque-limiting means housed within said casing assembly at the other, torque-adjusting means within said casing assembly and coupled to said torque-limiting means for adjusting the torque-limiting means to a desired torque value, audible signaling means operably coupled with said torque-limiting means and/or visual signaling means operably coupled with said torque-limiting means such that an audible and visual indicator is activated to signal that the desired torque has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Brain James Cutler
  • Patent number: 8020626
    Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Dale Francis, Nicholas Francis, William P. Bernard, Oswald J. Bernard, Lan Hiscox, Brian Compton, Arthur Jones
  • Publication number: 20110203425
    Abstract: A torque-regulated, manual drive, hydraulic wrench for tightening and loosening which doesn't require any outer element for operating, whether hydraulic pumps with respective supply hoses, control gauges, or hydraulic centers. The torque selection/regulation is performed by a circular slide rule mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio Cami RIESTRA
  • Publication number: 20110203424
    Abstract: Different embodiments of hydraulic nut are described comprising a pressure system with screws that may be displaced to an end detent, and once the travel of the screw has finished, there is no possibility of a further forward movement thereof, so there cannot be a hydraulic fluid leakage. The hydraulic wrench of the present invention may be used in a preventive way, since the nut may indicate a decrease or increase in the preset stress to which it must operate, or it may indicate that the stress at which it must be installed has been reached. For example, the nut may comprise a visual alarm device, an acoustic alarm device or it may issue a warning signal through phototransistors or radiofrequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio Cami RIESTRA
  • Publication number: 20110185861
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench includes a body (10) having a driving portion (12; 15; 16; 17) and a shank (11) interconnected to the driving portion (12; 15; 16; 17). The shank (11) includes a first pivotal portion (112) spaced from the driving portion (12; 15; 16; 17) along a longitudinal axis (A). An object can be driven by the driving portion (12; 15; 16; 17) to rotate about a rotating axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A). A torque sensor (32) is mounted to a detecting portion (111) of the shank (11) intermediate the first pivotal portion (112) and the driving portion (12; 15; 16; 17). A handle (20) includes a second pivotal portion (212) pivotably connected to the first pivotal portion (112). A torque display device (30) is mounted to the handle (20) and electrically connected to the torque sensor (32). The torque sensor (32) detects torque applied from the driving portion (12; 15; 16; 17) to the object and sends a signal indicative of the torque to the torque display device (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7975578
    Abstract: A tool includes a first and a second socket wrench pivotally turnably connected to two ends of a link. Each of the first and second socket wrenches includes a wrench portion and a circular end portion having an axial slot extended through them. The wrench portion of the first socket wrench is internally formed of a hexagonally shaped portion for fitting around a hexagonally-shaped outer surface of a connecting ring of a male F connector to tighten or loosen the connecting ring to or from a female F connector, and the wrench portion of the second socket wrench is internally formed of a constant-torque shaped portion for fitting around the hexagonally-shaped outer surface of the connecting ring to prevent the tool from applying an excessive torque on the connecting ring when turning the same. The tool can be used without being hindered by bent or closely arranged cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Youtsey
  • Publication number: 20110132155
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench (10) comprises a hand grip body (11) equipped with a user interface (12), electronics (13) for controlling the wrench, a grasping area (18) and power supply batteries. The hand grip body projects out at the front with a mechanical connecting element (14) which ends at one extreme with a clamping head (16), whereas at the rear end it is equipped with a removable battery element (19) which is connected to the hand grip body through a connector group (20) for electric and mechanical connection. When the battery element (19) is removed, a connector (20a) is uncovered at the rear end of the hand grip body (11) for the connection of the wrench to a matching connector (20c) of an electric cable (21) for connecting to an external unit (22) for supplying power to the wrench and controlling it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Atlas Copco BLM S.r.l.
    Inventor: Angelo Chiapuzzi
  • Publication number: 20110118631
    Abstract: A head portion includes an engaging portion capable of engaging with an engagement portion, a slit formed by cutting a part of a peripheral wall surface of the engaging portion, a protuberance which protrudes inward from the peripheral wall surface of the engaging portion, the protuberance including a slope the height of projection of which gradually increases along the circumference of the peripheral wall and which is oriented in a direction of rotation in a rotating operation, and a stop surface extending in radial directions of the engaging portion. The head portion includes an elastically deformable portion configured to cause at least one of two opposite side portions of the slit to be elastically deformed so that the slit is widened until a preset value is reached by the torque applied from the engaging portion to the engagement portion with the protuberance in mesh with an interlocking portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Takeshi ONAGA
  • Patent number: 7942084
    Abstract: A powered driver and methods are disclosed, the driver including a head having a gapped jaw and housing a motor driven drive transfer assembly for operating a rotatable split socket engageable at a threaded connector. A reaction unit is movably maintained through the head, and a probe is associated with the reaction unit. The methods of this invention include setting a selected rotational limitation at the driver relating to fitting characteristics, operating the driver to cause relative rotation of a connector nut located in the socket and connector body engaged by the reaction unit. One of a plurality of operational modes for driver operations is selected and relative movement of the head and reaction unit are monitored during driver operation. The driver is controlled so that driver operation ceases when a selected combination of events related to operational mode selected and at least one of rotational limitation setting, monitored relative movement or driver operation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: American Power Tool Company
    Inventors: David Wilson, Jr., Brent A. Sigmon
  • Publication number: 20110100169
    Abstract: An annular shear valve protection member is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of a circumferentially extending portion of a cutting portion of a shaft member which is positioned radially outwards of shear valves and in the same axial position as the shear valves. Maintenance work such as replacement of shear valves of a torque limiter is performed by switching as required the state of the shear valve protection member 7 between a tightly attached state in which the shear valve protection member is not allowed to move relatively to the outer circumferential surface of the circumferentially extending portion and a tight attachment cancelled state in which the shear valve protection member is allowed to move circumferentially relative to the outer circumferential surface of the circumferentially extending portion by changing the diameter of the shear valve protection member by an operating portion of the shear valve protection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Nobuo Komeyama, Akihide Nagayama
  • Patent number: 7913594
    Abstract: A tool is provided for driving fasteners that includes a torque limiting mechanism therein. The torque limiting mechanism includes a first frictional engagement member disposed on the drive shaft for the tool that is engaged by one or more second frictional engagement members disposed on one or more sides of the first frictional member. The second frictional engagement members are biased into engagement with the first member by biasing members disposed within the handle that can be adjusted in order to provide more or less of a biasing force to control the frictional engagement of the second member with the first member and thereby control the torque limiting function of the torque limiting mechanism. In addition, a drive shaft is also engaged with a ratcheting mechanism that enables the tool to drive a fastener into a suitable substrate in only a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Steven S. Landowski
  • Publication number: 20110061498
    Abstract: An extendable multi-tool comprising an extendable pole and a head unit selectively detachably coupled together. The head unit comprises a grasping mechanism configured to engage a light bulb, a control switch and a rotation mechanism. The control switch configured to cause the grasping mechanism to become secured to a light bulb, and to cause the rotation mechanism to automatically detect when a light bulb is secured to the grasping mechanism and then rotate the grasping unit and the secured light bulb in a first direction based on the position of the control switch. The tool further comprises an arm unit for positioning the grasping mechanism in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the grasping mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz
  • Publication number: 20110036215
    Abstract: A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Michael T. Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20110036214
    Abstract: Torque adjusting drive systems and packaged torque adjusting drive systems are disclosed herein. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to systems and torque adjusting drivers for specific firearm-related work tasks. In one embodiment, a torque adjusting drive system includes a torque adjusting driver. The driver includes a shaft assembly having a fastener coupling portion and a handle. The driver also includes a torque adjusting mechanism for setting a user-selected torque value and a torque value indicator mounted on the driver for displaying at least the user-selected torque value. In addition to the driver, the system also includes a plurality of fastener interfacing attachments configured to couple to the fastener coupling portion and for driving one or more target fasteners. The system further includes a torque guide having a plurality of representative indicia of the target fasteners, wherein the torque guide communicates recommended torque value settings for the target fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Potterfield
  • Patent number: 7866237
    Abstract: The invention deals with the field of screwing heads for small trigger-type pumps or triggers and namely for applying, on vessels, triggers equipped with a threaded securing ring nut (2). This screwing head (1) is rotated around a vertical axis through a permanent magnet-type clutch and comprises four rollers (5) which tighten the toothed ring nut (2) when screwing it; said rollers (5) are supported by vertical arms (4) whose axes are arranged at 90° one from the other on a circumference with its center on the rotation axis of the screwing head. The vertical arms (4) and the four rollers (5) are simultaneously carried along a radial direction towards said ring nut through an oscillating movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Rejves S.r.l.
    Inventor: Renzo Vesentini
  • Publication number: 20100294094
    Abstract: A torque application device according to the present invention comprises a collar for engaging a fastener, a grip coupled to the collar such that a predetermined maximum torque can be applied to the collar to tighten the fastener, and a slip mechanism to prevent the likelihood that the maximum torque is exceeded. The device may further include an indicator (such as a visual, audible and/or tactile indicator) to indicate that the predetermined maximum torque has been applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Brandon Wilson, Timothy Lee Youtsey
  • Patent number: 7837501
    Abstract: A jumper sleeve for connecting and disconnecting a male F connector to and from a female F connector includes a wrench portion and a grip portion. The wrench portion has a leading end, a trailing end, and a hollow main body located between the leading end and the trailing end. The main body of the wrench portion internally has a hexagonally shaped portion corresponding to a shaped outer surface of a rotatable connecting ring of the male F connector. The grip portion has a rear end and a front end connected to the trailing end of the wrench portion, and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced externally convex sections, each of which has a radially inward key formed near the rear end thereof. The jumper sleeve provides greater mechanical advantage to produce sufficient torsion force, enabling easy installation and removal of the male F connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Communications Technologies International
    Inventor: Timothy L. Youtsey
  • Publication number: 20100275743
    Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a handle, drive shaft member, and a torque wrench tool interface. The handle is coupled to the drive shaft member. The torque wrench tool end is coupled to the drive shaft member. The torque wrench tool end includes a plurality of prongs configured to engage an external tool end of a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Lovins, Kathleen P. Macke, Randy S. Roles
  • Publication number: 20100275742
    Abstract: A torque-setting device includes a handle with grooves defined in an internal side, a driving unit attached to the handle, a strain gauge connected to the driving unit, a strain spring abutted against the strain gauge, a nut abutted against the strain spring, an axle and a knob. The axle includes a thread. The thread is engaged with the nut. The knob includes a tooth on an external side. The knob is operable to rotate the axle relative to the nut, thus moving the nut relative to the strain spring to set a value of torque. The knob is movable between a first position where the tooth is inserted in one of the grooves to retain the value of torque and a second position where the tooth is removed from the grooves to allow the rotation of the knob and therefore the rotation of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: XUAN-REN CHEN
  • Patent number: 7823486
    Abstract: A cordless motor assisted torque wrench. In an example embodiment, the torque wrench includes an elongated housing adapted to enclose an elongated battery pack, a drive head pivotably connected to a first end of the elongated housing at a pivot connection, an electronic torque setting device operable to receive a desired torque setting from a user, a torque sensing device for sensing a level of torque applied by the wrench to a workpiece, a motor disposed within the head, and a torque limiter configured to limit the torque applied by the wrench to a workpiece based on the desired torque setting and the level of torque sensed by the torque sensing device. The elongated housing preferably includes a first segment and a second segment slidably coupled to form a telescopic elongated housing that is configurable into at least two lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Robert W. Wise
  • Patent number: 7810416
    Abstract: A lockable torque-limiting driver that includes, a body, a sleeve, a shaft carried by the body for rotation relative thereto and having a fastener-engaging tip at one end that projects from the body, a torque-limiting mechanism coupled to the shaft and housed within said body, a torque-adjusting mechanism within the body and coupled to the torque-limiting mechanism for adjusting the torque-limiting mechanism to a desired torque value, a torque-locking mechanism operably coupled with the torque-adjusting mechanism and the body or the sleeve for preventing movement of the torque-determining means and locking the settable torque-limiting driver at the desired torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: California Torque Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James Cutler, Charles Parkin Davis
  • Publication number: 20100251861
    Abstract: A torque-limiting fastener driver for driving a bone fastener into bone includes a handle supporting a driver shaft. The driver shaft includes limited components which are designed to provide feedback to a user regarding the applied torsional force. In addition, the driver shaft is designed to controllably fail before any potential uncontrolled failure of the distal driving tip. This prevents application of too much torque and controlled design of the shape and size of the failed components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Sixto, JR., Juergen A. Kortenbach, Javier E. Castaneda, Eduardo A. Ampuero, Alfredo Castaneda, Joel G. Marquart
  • Patent number: 7806026
    Abstract: A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20100243285
    Abstract: A torque adjusting structure for an air tool includes an accommodating device and a torque device. The accommodating device has a head part and a body part. The head part is formed with a hollow groove. The bottom of the groove is provided with abase on which a connecting element is provided for the nozzle of the air tool to connect. The base is formed with an air inlet connecting the connecting element and the external space. The torque device has an acting part and an adjusting part. The torque device connects to the body part of the accommodating device rising one end of its acting part. The other end of the acting part connects to the adjusting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Ching HSIEH