Responsive To Torque On Work Patents (Class 81/467)
  • Patent number: 7469753
    Abstract: A power tool including a drive assembly including a first clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly transfers a drive force from a motor shaft to a spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly prevents the transfer of the drive force. The first clutch assembly can be movable toward the disengaged configuration when a torque exerted on the spindle exceeds a torque limit. The drive assembly can also include a second clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly transmits the drive force from the motor shaft to the spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly prevents the transmission of the drive force. The second clutch assembly can be movable toward the engaged configuration when the tool element engages a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Klemm, Curtis J. Ladish
  • Publication number: 20080314207
    Abstract: Provide an angle nut runner capable of accurately measuring a genuine tightening force. In the angle nut runner having an output shaft 2 pivotally supported approximately perpendicular to the rotating shaft 1 of the drive source, a strain measuring mechanism 3 for measuring a strain generated in the output shaft 2 is disposed on the output shaft 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Koji Tatsuno
  • Patent number: 7467576
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for use with a torque limiting driver. The clutch assembly comprises two relatively roatable clutch plates, a driving plate and a camming plate, that face one another, with a plurality of rolling members housed between the two members. When the rolling members are in the override position, the recesses form individual housings for the rolling members that include a gap located between the rolling members and a respective curvilinear base area of the drive plate. The clutch assembly is secured to a drive shaft by a pin, which is supported by a pair of wheels located on opposing sides of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20080295654
    Abstract: A torque-indicating wrench includes a hollow handle, a head, strain gauge and a threaded bolt. The hollow handle includes an aperture defined therein and a screw hole defined therein opposite to the countersink hole. The head includes a reduced portion. A strain gauge includes a receptacle for receiving the reduced portion of the head and an insert inserted in the hollow handle and formed with an aperture. A threaded bolt is driven in the screw hole through the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Yi-Min WU
  • Publication number: 20080295656
    Abstract: A tension spanner includes a holding portion having an axial receiving hole at one end thereof. An outer periphery of the holding portion is formed with a plurality of textures for being held steadily. An upper periphery of the holding portion has a plurality of numbers for indicating the position in alignment. A handle has an inner rod and an outer tube. One end of the inner rod is installed with an axial rolling ball. The outer tube has a receiving space. The inner rod in the outer tube can swing slight in the receiving space of the outer tube. An outer side of the outer tube is formed with a scale. An inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, an elastic body and a supporting post are respectively received in the receiving space of the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080295655
    Abstract: A tension spanner comprises a holding portion having an axial receiving hole at one end thereof; an outer periphery of the holding portion being formed with a plurality of textures for being held steadily; an upper periphery of the holding portion having a plurality of numbers for indicating the position in alignment; and a handle having an inner rod and an outer tube; one end of the inner rod being installed with an axial rolling ball; the outer tube having a receiving space; the inner rod in the outer tube can swing slightly in the receiving space of the outer tube; an outer side of the outer tube being formed with a scale; and an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, an elastic body and a supporting post are received in the receiving space of the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080289461
    Abstract: The piston 32 and cylinder 30 of a torque wrench 18 are provided with pressurised fluid from a source 12 through an advance port 16, or from a pump 42 through a return port 38. The source 12 includes a large piston 26 driven from the pump 42 during the advance stroke, and a small piston 22 driving fluid to the advance port 46, or receiving fluid returned from the port 16, during the return stroke. Accordingly, the pistons 22 and 32 form a closed system for fluid moving between the cylinder 24 and the cylinder 30. The pistons 22, 26 are connected by a shaft 68 so that relatively low pressure applied to the piston 26 results in high pressure fluid delivered to the advance port 16. Consequently, a low pressure pump 42 can be used to provide high pressure drive via the source 12, or a low pressure return stroke via the return port 38.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Anson
  • Publication number: 20080271579
    Abstract: An electronic hand tool comprises a handle installed with an electronic device for deriving a tension of the tool as the tool is used to drive an object and displaying the derived tension value; the handle being installed with an operating portion; the operating portion including a button which slightly protrudes from a surface of the handle; and an upper surface of the button being an inclined surface. The button has at least one function of controlling the actuation the electronic device, calibration of the tension value, and adjusting the range of the tension, and determining the displaying unit of the tension value. The inclined surface may be a cambered concave surface. One end of the driving portion is a ratchet head and another end of the driving portion is an opened end; and the ratchet head and opened end are installed at two ends of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080271580
    Abstract: The subject of this disclosure concerns a screwing equipment comprising at least one rotary member (1), (21); (22), (3) mounted in a tool body (1)) and capable of producing at least one vibrational frequency representing a wear condition of said rotary member(s). The subject of this disclosure is characterized in that it comprises means for measure (5) said vibrational frequencies designed to communicate (1) with means for processing (52) said measurement enabling same to be compared to at least one reference frequency in order to determine said wear condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Etablissements Georges Renault
    Inventors: Vincent Marie, Nicolas Le Du, Benoit Allenou, Arnaud Gilibert, Laurent Pineau
  • Patent number: 7444906
    Abstract: A device for marking or identifying a female recess tool for clamping a mobile element (such as a nut), characterized in that it is adapted to be completely inserted in the female recess and maintained therein by frictional forces. It is then easy to identify, for example, features peculiar to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Facom
    Inventor: Stéphane Denis Thirouin
  • Publication number: 20080264219
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle and a function head is connected to an end of the handle. A recessed area is defined in a side of the handle and a display screen and operation buttons are received in the recessed area. A cover is engaged with the recessed area so as to removably cover the display screen and/or the operation buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: CHIH-CHING HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20080250902
    Abstract: A rotation unit for a torque tong for making and/or breaking threaded connections between pipes and/or spinning pipes during screwing and/or unscrewing of pipes, primarily pipes used in petroleum production. The unit includes a fixed part and a rotary part arranged to grip a pipe to be rotated. The rotary part includes at least one movable gripping jaw arranged to be moved into engagement with the pipe. The rotary part includes toothing arranged to engage at least one chain, which chain is operatively connected to an actuator in order to move the chain and so impart rotary movement to the rotary part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Per Slettedal, Terje Egeland
  • Patent number: 7430945
    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: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Steven S. Landowski
  • Patent number: 7430944
    Abstract: A wing nut installation clutch drive device and method of installing and removing a hurricane shutter. An elastomeric body includes a bore extending longitudinally therethrough for tightly frictionally receiving a drive shaft, a portion of the length of which is tightly frictionally engaged in the bore wherein a rotational force applied by a drive motor engaged with an exposed portion of the drive shaft is translated to the body. A cavity is formed into a distal end of the body adapted to biasingly engage over a wing nut including the hub and wing members thereof whereby the rotational force is applied to install and tighten the wing nut or to loosen and remove the wing nut from threaded engagement with a threaded shaft of each of a plurality of bolts used to retain the shutter without damaging or over tightening the wing nut. An anti-slip improved bolt head of the bolt is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Terry G. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080229886
    Abstract: An driver extension wrench having a pair of elongate housing members with openings at opposing ends of the housing members, with a plurality of interior posts at a predetermine spacing. The openings have sockets with exterior gear teeth. Gears are mounted on each of the posts and cooperate with each other and the sockets so that rotational force applied to the first opening is transmitted through the gears to the second opening to be applied to a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry Rowell
  • Publication number: 20080216620
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle and a function head is connected to an end of the handle. A recessed area is defined in a side of the handle and a display screen and operation buttons are received in the recessed area. A cover is engaged with the recessed area so as to removably cover the display screen and/or the operation buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: CHIH-CHING HSIEH
  • Patent number: 7422075
    Abstract: An overload clutch assembly for a power tool having two torque settings through which rotary drive is transmitted to a spindle. The overload clutch assembly is capable of being between switched between the two torque settings by at least one actuator. The clutch assembly comprises a carrier rotationally mounted on a output clutch spindle; a first clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a first level; and a second clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a second level higher than the first; and characterised in that, when the overload clutch is in the higher torque setting, the torque is transferred from the carrier to the output clutch spindle via the second clutch plate only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Publication number: 20080178713
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward a fastener tightening system. The system has a tightening tool configured to apply a torque to a fastener. Additionally, the system has a fastener data storage device located on the fastener and configured to store data related to the associated fastener. The system further has at least one component data storage device located on a component receiving the fastener to store data related to a tightening process. A data sensor is also included and is configured to sense data stored on the fastener data storage device and the at least one component data storage device. The system also has a controller configured to regulate operation of the tightening tool based on the sensed data and the sensed parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Earl Long, Jeffrey P. Nash, Nanda Kishore Venkata Sukhavasi, John Roley
  • Patent number: 7389700
    Abstract: An adjustable, torque-limiting driver for a tool having a radially extending handle that houses a cam member and a pair of plungers. The plungers are biased against the housing and provide variable resistance for the cam member. The arrangement of the cam member and the plungers reduces the wear on the various parts of the driver and extends the life of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20080141790
    Abstract: An operating device for testing torque wrenches is formed with a carrier for fixing a torque wrench to be tested. A transducer is coupled to the head portion of the torque wrench. A grip holder is provided for fixing the grip of the torque wrench. A deflecting mechanism is adapted for the generation of a torque on the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Rainer Schwafertz
  • Patent number: 7383756
    Abstract: A torque screwdriver structure that has a positioning bar, a fixing ring, fixing balls, a sliding tube, a spring and a torque adjusting tuber providing strong mechanism between clutch and torque-adjusting button and being easy in use and simple in assembly when manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Kuo-Tien Liu
  • Publication number: 20080087145
    Abstract: A tool operable for connecting a male F-type coaxial cable connector includes a tubular wrench portion and a hollow grasping portion. The tubular wrench portion comprises a first end, a second end, a hollow body portion located between the first and second ends and a plurality of arc portions located at the first end. The hollow body portion has a first slot extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the arc portions have an outer surface for installing the C-shaped fastening ring thereon to generate torsion and an inner surface formed with a shaped portion to engage with the shaped outer surface of the connector ring. The arc portions are outwardly extended by the torsion when the predetermined torsion is enough to deform the arc portions of the tubular wrench portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy L. Youtsey
  • Patent number: 7347129
    Abstract: A tool including a tubular wrench portion and a hollow grasping portion. The tubular wrench portion has a first end, a second end, a hollow body portion located between the first and second ends and a plurality of arc portions located at the first end. The hollow body portion has a first slot extending from the first end to the second end. The arc portions have an outer surface for installing the C-shaped fastening ring thereon to generate torsion and an inner surface formed with a shaped portion to engage with a shaped outer surface of a connector ring. The arc portions are outwardly extended by the torsion when a predetermined torsion is enough to deform the arc portions of the tubular wrench portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Phoenix Communications Technologies International
    Inventor: Timothy L. Youtsey
  • Patent number: 7343824
    Abstract: An adjustable, torque-limiting driver for a tool having a radially extending handle that houses a cam member and a pair of plungers. The plungers are biased against the housing and provide variable resistance for the cam member. The arrangement of the cam member and the plungers reduces the wear on the various parts of the driver and extends the life of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7334509
    Abstract: A method for assembling a torque-limiting driver, and the resulting drive. The method comprises the steps of providing a handle having a housing, drive assembly, and a testing assembly. The drive assembly is assembled, inserted into the testing assembly and calibrated. The drive assembly is then removed and inserted into the housing of the handle and secured to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7334647
    Abstract: An overload clutch assembly for a power tool having two torque settings through which rotary drive is transmitted to a spindle. The overload clutch assembly is capable of being between switched between the two torque settings by at least one actuator. The clutch assembly comprises a carrier rotationally mounted on a output clutch spindle; a first clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a first level; and a second clutch plate operational for transmitting torque below a second level higher than the first; and characterised in that, when the overload clutch is in the higher torque setting, the torque is transferred from the carrier to the output clutch spindle via the second clutch plate only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Hahn
  • Patent number: 7331263
    Abstract: The present application is directed to screwdrivers and methods of use for applying a controlled amount of torque to a fastener. In one embodiment, the screwdriver includes a shaft constructed of a material that is deformable upon the application of an excessive amount of torque. The deformation may cause the screwdriver to disengage from the fastener. In one embodiment, the tip of the shaft that engages the fastener is constructed of a material that deforms when an excessive amount of torque is applied to the fastener. The deformation causes the tip to disengage from the fastener. The deformation prevents the screwdriver from applying an amount of torque above a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Erickson, Wilder Companioni
  • Publication number: 20080016990
    Abstract: In an apparatus that includes a head, spindle, and a handle, the handle is rotatably fastened to the head by the spindle. The handle and head mate at an interface. The apparatus further includes a head axial bore offset from the spindle and configured to occupy a portion of the head and a handle axial bore offset from the spindle and configured to occupy a portion of the handle, the handle axial bore being configured to receive a torque limiting insert, wherein in response to the head being at a first rotational conformation relative to the handle, the head axial bore and handle axial bore is disposed in cooperative alignment to allow the torque limiting insert to transect the interface and enter the head axial bore. The head and the handle are rotationally coupled via the torque limiting insert. The head and the handle are rotationally uncoupled in response to a shear force being applied across the interface that exceeds a shear limit for the torque limiting insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: James A. Rinner
  • Publication number: 20080006130
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle and a function head is connected to an end of the handle. A recessed area is defined in a side of the handle and a display screen and operation buttons are received in the recessed area. A cover is engaged with the recessed area so as to removably cover the display screen and/or the operation buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080000333
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a screw fastening machine for reliably switching and changing a driving force transmitting path with the seating on a work as a reference. According to the screw fastening machine in which a first pulley is connected to a first driving means for applying high speed low torque drive to a drive shaft, a second pulley is fixed in an integrally rotatable manner to a transmission shaft for connecting the drive shaft, and an endless belt is interposed between the pulleys to obtain a configuration for high speed low torque drive, a second driving means for low speed high torque drive is arranged on an extension of the transmission shaft, and the second driving means performs the drive until a final fastening torque is reached when a screw component is seated on the work and the stall state is achieved, the final fastening torque is always reliably obtained and the work time is reduced without waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Tasuku Seno
  • Patent number: 7311025
    Abstract: Powered drivers and methods are disclosed, the drivers including a head housing a motor driven drive transfer assembly for operating a rotatable socket engageable at a threaded connector. A reaction unit having a fitting engagement attached to rail guides is movably maintained through the head. A biasing unit is maintained at the head and is operatively associated with the rail guides of the reaction unit to bias the fitting engagement of the reaction unit toward the rotatable socket during tightening rotation of the engaged threaded connector. A probe and switch are associated with different ones of the reaction unit and the head, and are brought into operative association at selected relative locations of the reaction unit and the head during connector rotation to cause motor cessation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: American Power Tool Company
    Inventor: David Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7281459
    Abstract: A torque regulating assembly includes a first tubular shell having at least one groove disposed along the longitudinal axis of the first tubular shell and a second tubular shell having at least one aperture, wherein the first tubular shell is screwed into the second tubular shell with threads, making the aperture corresponding to the groove. A torque regulating ring having at least one screw hole is put around the second tubular shell. A screwing element is screwed into the screw hole, and the front tip of the screwing element passes through the aperture and moves toward the groove, so that a position of the second tubular shell relative to the first tubular shell is fixed. Then a maximum torque value transmitted by a torque transmitting mechanism disposed inside the first tubular shell and the second tubular shell is regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Guo-Wei Zhang, Rui Zhang, Dong Liang
  • Patent number: 7281457
    Abstract: A wrench includes a casing having a compartment, a rod rotatably received in the casing and having an end for coupling with a drive member for driving a fastener, an adjusting member mounted in the rod, and an elastic element for retaining the rod mounted between the adjusting member and the casing. When a rotational force applied to the casing is smaller than an engaging force between the casing and the elastic element, the rod turns together with the casing for tightening the fastener. When the rotational force applied to the casing is greater than the engaging force between the casing and the elastic element, the casing slides relative to the rod without turning the fastener. The adjusting member is adjustable in position relative to the casing to thereby change the engaging force between the casing and the elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7275467
    Abstract: A torque adjustable wrench includes an adjusting rod extending from an end of the shank of the wrench and a first toothed surface are longitudinally defined in an outer periphery thereof. A longitudinal positioning groove is defined in the adjusting rod to form a blank area of the first toothed surface. An end cap is connected to the grip which is rotatably connected to the shank and includes second toothed surface which is engaged with the first toothed surface. A positioning member is connected to the end cap and includes a positioning tongue which can be removably engaged with the longitudinal positioning groove. When the torque is set, the grip is pulled to remove the positioning tongue from the longitudinal positioning groove and the user may operate the wrench. The use can trace the original setting by inserting the positioning tongue into the longitudinal positioning groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Chang Chuan Lee
  • Patent number: 7272999
    Abstract: A torque-limiting driver includes a housing, a shaft carried by the housing for rotation relative thereto and having a workpiece-engaging tip projecting from the housing, a torque-limiting mechanism coupled between the housing and the shaft and responsive to rotation of the housing in a predetermined direction to rotate the shaft at torques below a predetermined torque and accommodating rotation of the housing relative to the shaft at said predetermined torque and above, a torque-determining structure disposed in the housing and movable relative to the torque-limiting mechanism for adjusting the predetermined torque, and the housing including a stop portion engageable with the torque-determining structure for preventing torque-adjusting movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Cutler, Charles P. Davis, Tony Zlatko Kurtovic, legal representative, Jay J. Kurtovic, deceased
  • Patent number: 7270036
    Abstract: This invention relates to a torque ratchet wrench that comprises a wrench body with a handle at one end and a wrench head at the other end, a driving head would be used for connecting with work pieces, a control device being installed inside the wrench head for using to activate the driving head to run with turning of the wrench in one direction and to void the driving head to run with turning of the wrench in the other direction, a mark plate being implemented on the wrench body with notched torque scales, and an indicator being fixed on the wrench head at one end and extending to above the mark plate at the other end. When the wrench body is driving the driving head rotating, the torque value applied on the wrench driving the work piece can be measured from reading the pointing of the indicator to the notched torque scale on the mark plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 7243580
    Abstract: A driver has components that are easily disassembled for cleaning and/or sterilization. Once disassembled, the limited number of components allows for easy reassembly. The driver utilizes a cam that rides on spring fingers for determining the level of producible torque that the driver can produce. The cam and spring fingers are contained in a housing. Particularly, the spring fingers are part of a finger housing that is key lockable with the housing when assembled for movement as one unit. The cam is integral with a driver shaft and is received within the finger housing. The cam and driver shaft are limitedly rotatable with respect to the finger housing. The level of producible torque may be changed by providing cams and/or spring fingers of various dimensions. The driver is torque-limiting in one direction (tightening) and essentially non torque-limiting in the opposite direction (loosening). The various components are also large enough to be easily handled reducing the chance of lost components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmund W. Frazee
  • Patent number: 7243581
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for use with a torque limiting driver. The clutch assembly comprises two relatively rotatable clutch plates, a driving plate and a camming plate, that face one another, with a plurality of rolling members housed between the two members. The driving clutch member has a face comprising a plurality of radially spaced flat areas and a plurality of recesses interposed between the flat areas, with the recesses comprising a curvilinear base area. The second camming clutch member has a face comprising a plurality of radially spaced flat areas and a plurality of opposing downwardly sloped planar surfaces interposed between said flat areas, with the planar surfaces forming an angle. The rolling members are movable from an engaged position with the clutch members to an override position. When the rolling members are in the override position, the recesses form individual housings for the rolling members that include a gap located between the rolling members and a respective curvilinear base area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7222559
    Abstract: A screwdriver comprises a torque setting mechanism including a torque adjustment ring, an actuation rod threadedly secured to the upper torque adjustment ring and a lower torque adjustment nut, a spring biased sleeve with the actuation rod passed, and a clutch ring snugly put on two opposing intermediate flats of the actuation rod and having an upper surface engaged the torque adjustment ring and a lower surface formed with recesses engaged with steel balls on an upper surface of a support ring in the sleeve. Turning a rotatable handle will turn the sleeve. The clutch ring will disengage with the steel balls if the torque exceeds a set value. Thus, the torque exerted on the handle will not transmit to a shank secured to the actuation rod so as to prevent a screw from being over-driven by the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chun Fu Wang
  • Patent number: 7219583
    Abstract: A pneumatic screwdriver having an adjustable clockwise torque and a maximum counterclockwise torque includes a transmission seat having at least one steel ball hole and a through hole. The steel ball hole installs a steel ball and has a clockwise rotating area and a counterclockwise rotating area. With a first leaning portion perpendicular to the clockwise rotating area, the steel ball is separated from the steel ball groove easily, so that the transmission seat, steel ball, and steel ball groove slide with each other, and the compressing strength of the torque spring is adjusted to change the clockwise torque. With a second leaning portion disposed with an inclination on the counterclockwise rotating area, the steel ball is stopped from being separated from the steel ball groove, thus the steel ball cannot slide with the transmission seat, and a maximum torque can be outputted directly when the screwdriver is turned counterclockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Sunmatch Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung-Pao Chen
  • Patent number: 7188556
    Abstract: A hand tool rotatable about an axis and having a handle and a bit in alignment along the axis. A plurality of inserts are available for individual placement between the handle and the bit for controlling torque transmitted by the tool. The insert can provide for limited or unlimited torque, in accord with the construction of the individual insert. The insert is replaceable relative to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pilling Weck Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Rinner
  • Patent number: 7185570
    Abstract: A spanner with an enhancing device for positioning electronic devices installed therein; a spanner having a holding portion; at least one end of the holding portion having a driving portion; each of the connection of the driving portion and the holding portion having a strain gauge; a receiving space before formed in the holding portion; an enhancing rib being installed in the receiving space; each of an upper side and lower side of the receiving space of the holding portion having an electric device; the two electric devices being placed at two sides of the enhancing rib; the electric devices being connected to the respective strain gauges for measuring changes of resistances of the of the strain gauges as forces are applied to the strain gauges so as to calculate the twisting forces and display the values of the twisting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7174818
    Abstract: A cam assembly for a click-type torque wrench includes an elongated plunger body having opposed ends and having a deep cavity formed axially in one end and terminating at an end face disposed with intermediate the ends, the end face having a cam seat formed therein and extending laterally theracross and having opposed sloping side cam surfaces. A sleeve may be disposed about the cam plunger for sliding engagement within a tubular lever arm of the torque wrench. The cam seat cooperates with an end of the wrench pivot arm for trapping therebetween the wrench trip block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Cutler, William D. Riehle
  • Patent number: 7159494
    Abstract: A torque wrench for preventing transmission of torque in excess of a threshold level to avoid damage to replaceable scaler tips and hand pieces of ultrasonic dental instruments. The torque wrench has a housing with a core seated therein, with a cam mechanism or spring engagement between the core and the housing, such that the core may remain stationary when the housing is rotated passed the threshold level of torque. The core has an axial bore to receive a connecting shaft of a scaler tip, such that a working end and a functional shank of the scaler tip are received in a chamber of the housing, with the housing acting as an isolation cage for the scaler tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad A. Jamnia, Patricia H. Parker, William L. Bollig, Chadd Berkun, Marjavis J. Matthis
  • Patent number: 7137323
    Abstract: A replaceable and rotatable tool with a function of measuring twisting forces comprises a tool body; a driving portion formed at one end of the tool body; the driving portion including a pivotal unit and an engaging unit; one end of the pivotal unit being secured to the tool body and another end thereof being pivotally installed with one end of the engaging unit so that the engaging unit being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; another end of the engaging unit being formed with an opening for movably installing various driving head. The pivotal unit is formed with at least one inclined surface for controlling the slope of the engaging unit with respect to the axis of the handle. The angle of the engaging unit with respect to the axis of the handle is retained within a range of 15 degrees in each of two rotating directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7117772
    Abstract: A wrench includes a shank having a drive head, a handle slidably mounted on the shank, and a resistance member mounted between the shank and the handle to provide a resistance to damp movement of the handle. Thus, when a force is applied on the handle to rotate the shank about the drive head, the force produces an axial component force which drives the handle to move relative to the shank, so that the resistance member is compressed, and the handle is moved on the shank to a determined position. In addition, the shank is provided with an indication portion to indicate a safety parameter of motion of the handle during movement of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Chuck Chang
  • Patent number: 7107883
    Abstract: The invention relates to a screw-driving tool for implant screws having an elongate handle (2) and having a bar-shaped tool which is anchored in the elongate handle (2). An elastic, hollow spiral (10) is provided for the transmission of a predetermined torque, with a bar (3) being guided through the spiral (10) and being fixedly connected to the rotatable side of the spiral and indicating a rotational angle or a torque respectively at the opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventor: Simon Casutt
  • Patent number: 7104161
    Abstract: A combination of tools for use in adjusting the valves in an internal combustion engine, and particularly the movement of the valve contacting end of a rocker arm in a motorcycle engine, comprises a socket, a hollow rod sized to fit in the opening in the top of the socket and a screw driver sized to fit through an upper opening in the rod so that the valve adjustment screw can be adjusted while the locking nut thereon is easily unlocked using the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Peter De Waal
  • Patent number: 7100476
    Abstract: A manually-operated, adjustable dental implant torque wrench employs a screw holding sheath for placing a dental screw in a mouth of a patient. A handle offset to avoid opposite teeth to the work area is provided with a bevel gear and pinion set to translate the turning motion from a straight turning shaft in the handle to a perpendicular screw turning head. An assortment of replaceable snap-fit screw turning heads fits the various types of dental screws. An easy turn T-shaped handle with a pivotable turning knob is controlled by a torque limiting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Steven H. Feit
  • Patent number: 7100482
    Abstract: An electrically powered, hand-held screw driver (2) has a housing (4), a depth stop (6) arranged on this housing (4), a drive motor (20), an axially displaceable tool spindle (8) operatively coupled with a tool holder (11), and a torque coupling (16) arranged between the drive motor (20) and tool spindle (8) and which has a motor-side coupling part (22) and a tool-side coupling part (24) connected to the tool spindle (8) so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it. The two coupling parts (22, 24) can be made to engage with one another and the tool spindle (8) is biased away from the motor-side coupling part (22) by means of a coupling spring (34). The tool-side coupling part (24) has axial movement play (a) relative to the tool spindle (8) and is mechanically coupled with a movement transmitter that is separate from the coupling spring (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anton Neumaier