Abstract: A power tool includes a housing defining a grip portion, a motor having a motor drive shaft, a drive assembly coupled to the motor drive shaft and driven by the motor, an output assembly coupled to the drive assembly and having an output member that receives torque from the drive assembly, causing the output member to rotate about an axis, and a transducer assembly disposed between the grip portion and the output assembly to measure the amount of torque applied through the output member, when the motor is deactivated, in response to the power tool being manually rotated about the axis.

Abstract: There is provided a screw tightening apparatus that fastens, with a screw, two objects to be fastened including a first member provided with a first screw hole and a second member provided with a second screw hole for screwing, and the screw tightening apparatus includes: a distance measuring device that measures a relative position between the first member and the second member in a vertical direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second screw hole; a screw tightening part that holds the screw inserted into the first screw hole and screws the screw into the second screw hole for screwing; a moving mechanism that moves the screw tightening part along the vertical direction; and a hardware processor that controls the screw tightening part and the moving mechanism according to a measured value of the distance measuring device.

Abstract: A torque control method and apparatus for bolt tightening within predetermined rounds are provided. The method includes the following steps: connecting a torque control apparatus between an air supply system and a torque tool; generating a plurality of flow sets by the torque control apparatus according to the maximum air consumption of the torque tool under loading; obtaining the highest and lowest working air pressures and the corresponding maximum and minimum torque values according to each flow set, thereby constructing a relation curve between a plurality of working air pressure values and torque values; and obtaining the maximum controlling range under a working air pressure condition that the torque tool can be normally operated according to a relation curve between a plurality of working air pressures and torque values.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a blade changing apparatus for changing a cutting blade mounted on a spindle of a first cutting unit and changing a cutting blade mounted on a spindle of a second cutting unit. The blade changing apparatus includes a nut mounting and demounting unit for mounting and demounting a nut in each of the first and second cutting units and a blade mounting and demounting unit for mounting and demounting the cutting blade in each of the first and second cutting units. The nut mounting and demounting unit includes a rotating shaft, a first nut rotating portion fixed to one end of the rotating shaft, a second nut rotating portion fixed to the other end of the rotating shaft, a motor, and a power transmitting unit connected to the motor and the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for tightening or loosening fasteners pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and manually driven are disclosed, and in one example includes: a receiving member, rotatably supported in the apparatus for tightening or loosening, for receiving the fastener; a device for effecting rotation of the receiving member to tighten or loosen the fastener; and an apparatus which transfers a reaction force during tightening or loosening of the fasteners. The apparatus which transfers a reaction force includes: a first force-transmitting element rotatably attachable about a turning force axis of the device for effecting rotation; and a second force-transmitting element either rotatably attachable about, extensibly and retractably attachable along, or rotatably attachable about and extensibly and retractably attachable along at least a portion of the first element.

Abstract: A fastening device for ski boots. The device has a control means, an adjustment means and a strap assembly. The control means is operatable by a user and drives the adjustment means, which is coupled to the strap assembly. The adjustment means includes a gear set and a threaded rod, which allows for a very fine adjustment of the strap assembly and as a result a very fine adjustment of the fit of the boot on a skier's foot. Magnets may also be provided in the control means in a manner that allows the control means to maintain its position.

Abstract: A torsion assembly includes a torsion tool and at least one wireless displayer for simultaneously receiving and displaying the torsion datum from the torsion tool. The torsion tool includes a seat disposed therein and a display module detachably received in the seat. The wireless displayer includes a base and a body rotatably mounted on the base. The base can be put on a desktop or adhered on a machine by a magnet. The body can wirelessly receive and shown the torsion datum from the first wireless transceiver that is disposed in the seat on the torsion tool.

Abstract: A tongs system and method for making and breaking threaded joints of a string of tubing for an oil well involves, in some examples, the use of a set of tongs with a two-speed transmission and a hydraulic system selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode. During an initial tightening period, the tongs system operates in high-gear and high-pressure for maximum speed. During a subsequent final tightening period, the tongs system operates in low-gear and low-pressure to controllably tighten the joint to a predetermined target torque. In some examples, to allow the transmission to shift speed without jamming gears, the tongs system pauses for an instant between the initial and final tightening periods. In some examples, the tongs system is interlocked with a hoist and/or other tube-holding and handling equipment.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for a power operated tool for the generation of a screw pretensioning force, with a pump unit (2), a valve unit (3) arranged on the pump unit with a pressure-restricting pressure valve (4) and a control unit (2) for activating the pump unit. In order to provide a drive unit that eliminates the risk of an incorrect setting of the setting parameter, it is provided that a processing unit (5) with an output unit and a data capturing unit (6) connected and/or integrated with the processing unit are provided, wherein the processing unit is designed for the output of the value to be set on the pressure valve based on the screw connection process parameters determined with the data capturing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for operating a hydraulic torque wrench or similar, comprising a piston-cylinder unit (18) that can be controlled at a predetermined pressure by a pump (11). Said arrangement is characterised in that the piston-cylinder unit (18) can be controlled by the pump (11) by means of a proportional valve (12) which acts both as a reversing unit between the forward and return travel and as a pressure control valve.

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.

Abstract: A pneumatic impulse wrench for tightening screw joints includes a housing with a pressure air inlet passage, an exhaust air outlet passage, a rotation motor, a hydraulic impulse generator, and is connected to a stationary programmable control unit. The impulse wrench also includes a torque indicating mechanism connected to the control unit for feeding back electric signals responsive to the output torque of the wrench, an electromagnetically activated inlet valve arranged in the air inlet passage, and an electromagnetically activated exhaust valve which controls the exhaust air flow from the motor. The exhaust valve is a proportional valve activated by a linearly operated electromagnetic actuator and arranged to continuously adapt the exhaust air flow and, hence, the motor power to the characteristics of the actual screw joint being tightened in response to feed back signals from the torque indicating mechanism and in accordance with a programmed tightening strategy.

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.

Abstract: A screw prestressing device having a piston and a draw pin structured and arranged to be disconnectably coupled to an element and movable, via the piston, to apply a defined prestressing force in the element.

Abstract: A pneumatic driver for driving a fastener including an air inlet connectable to an air supply and a pneumatically driven motor driveable by air supply about a tool axis. The driver further including a bit holder, a torque control, and a push rod in mechanical communication with the torque control such that the pin is axially positionable between an off position, a drive position and a torque blocked position. The rod moving to the drive position in response to axial pressure being applied to the bit holder and driver further including an inlet air chamber and a signal pressure chamber fluidly connecting the air inlet and the motor. The driver further including a port between the inlet and signal chambers and a second port between the pressure chamber and the motor and the rod extending through the pressure chamber into the inlet chamber and including a first seal for selectively sealing the first port and a second seal for selectively sealing the second port.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a hydraulic power wrench with a pivotable lever pivoted by a piston-cylinder unit and a ratchet arrangement for stepwise rotation of a ratchet bushing by advancing and return strokes, parameters such as nominal torque or pre-load or screw parameters are entered into an electronic input unit. Nominal pressure corresponding to the parameters is determined by an electronic evaluation unit and generated by the pump. The piston-cylinder unit is pressure-loaded for performing a pre-stroke until the nominal pressure is reached followed immediately by a return stroke. A time interval from beginning of pressure loading until reaching nominal pressure or until reaching an initial pressure after pressure relief is measured. Pressure loading and measuring are repeated. The measured time intervals are compared. Pressure loading cycles are stopped when at least the last measured time interval is shorter than at least the penultimate measured time interval.

Abstract: A pneumatic power wrench comprises a housing (10) with a pressure air supply passage (16), a motor (13) and an adjustable pressure responsive shut-off valve (17) located in the air supply passage (16) and including a valve element (21) and a bias spring (25) supported in one direction by the valve element (21) and in the opposite direction by a movable spring support (26), and a manually operated torque setting mechanism (31,32) for setting the spring support (26) in various positions, thereby varying the pre-tension of the spring (25) a swell as output torque level of the motor (13), wherein the setting mechanism (31,32) comprises an adjustment unit (32) which is rotatively journalled in the housing (10) and carrying two or more adjustable stop elements (31) arranged to be selectively brought into engagement with the spring support (26) and individually set at different positions corresponding to desired different output torque levels of the wrench.

Abstract: A method for measuring applied torque of a oilfield tubular torque wrench, the oilfield torque wrench being operable to torque a tubular about an axis of rotation and the oilfield torque wrench including a lower tong including a recess through which the axis of rotation passes during operation; an upper tong including a recess, the upper tong being mounted above the lower tong with the recess of the upper tong positioned above the recess of the lower tong so that the axis of rotation passes therethrough; pipe gripping dies in the recesses of the upper tong and the lower tong; a swivel bearing between the upper tong and the lower tong permitting the upper tong and the lower tong to swivel relative to each other while the recesses remain positioned with the axis of rotation passing therethrough; a drive system connected between the upper tong and the lower tong, the drive system being operable to generate a force vector to drive the upper tong and lower tong to swivel on the swivel bearing, the method comprisin

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.

Abstract: A method for automatically cycling a torque wrench. The method includes providing a hydraulic torque wrench. Providing an actuating device on the hydraulic torque wrench. Providing a switching device on the hydraulic torque wrench. Adapting the switching device to be activated by the actuating device when a piston of the torque wrench is at the end of a stroke. The embodiments of the method allow a user to ensure that a proper torque on a threaded fastener is achieved. This ensures that the pressure achieved within the system is a result of a proper torque applied to a threaded fastener being achieved, and not a result of the piston at the end of its stroke.

Abstract: A pneumatic power wrench comprises a housing (10) with a pressure air supply passage (16), a motor (13) and an adjustable pressure responsive shut-off valve (17) located in the air supply passage (16) and including a valve element (21) and a bias spring (25) supported in one direction by the valve element (21) and in the opposite direction by a movable spring support (26), and a manually operated torque setting mechanism (31,32) for setting the spring support (26) in various positions, thereby varying the pre-tension of the spring (25) a swell as output torque level of the motor (13), wherein the setting mechanism (31,32) comprises an adjustment unit (32) which is rotatively journalled in the housing (10) and carrying two or more adjustable stop elements (31) arranged to be selectively brought into engagement with the spring support (26) and individually set at different positions corresponding to desired different output torque levels of the wrench.

Abstract: An improved system for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a primary wrench for engaging the head of the bolt and rotating the bolt during the high-torque phase of removal or installation; a low-torque motor engaged with the wrench for rotating the bolt during the low-torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motor during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrench during the high-torque phase; and valving means for instantly sensing the high-torque and low-torque phases, in order to drive the hydraulic wrench or the motor depending on the torque required.

Abstract: An automatic stop machine for a screw striking machine includes a driver bit, an air pressure cylinder having a piston, and an air motor driving the piston and rotationally driving the driver bit. The automatic stop machine comprises an open/close valve, a contact arm, and an air passage. The open/close valve is disposed in an air supply passage to the air motor. The contact arm freely slidable along a nose portion of the screw striking machine, projects from the leading end of the nose portion, and stops the air motor by closing the open/close valve when the contact arm is pushed into a main body of the screw striking machine and is moved upwardly as the screw is screwed. The air passage in which pressurized air passes from a space defined by a back surface of the piston in the piston when the piston reaches the vicinity of bottom dead point.

Abstract: A screwing device provided with a transmission of measuring signals has improved securing of screwing tool. Its rotary drive shaft is connected to the screwing tool in a rotationally locking manner via a polygonal coupling. The screwing tool is fastened axially by two connecting bodies which are arranged in bores and engage in a positively locking manner into an annular groove arranged in the rotary drive shaft in the region of the polygonal coupling. The connecting bodies are retained in their connection position by a securing element.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool having a radio frequency transmitting monitor as part of a system for monitoring operation of the pneumatic tool is disclosed. A pneumatic pressure valve including a sensor that generates a signal in response to sensing a predetermined condition occurring in the cycle of the pneumatic tool. The sensor provides an input to a transmitter integrated circuit that generates a radio frequency signal. A remote radio frequency receiver receives the signal and upon receipt of the radio frequency signal a processor manifests receipt of the signal and records or generates an output indicating that the predetermined condition has occurred.

Abstract: A system for detecting targets and for positioning at least one work module over a particular target to perform a task thereon. The system includes a movable machine having a main frame, a drive mechanism for propelling the machine across a base surface, a sensor associated with the machine for detecting locations of at least one target positioned on said base surface, and an encoder assembly associated with the machine for obtaining motion data. The motion data includes at least one of the displacement and velocity of the machine across the base surface. Also included is a control unit for receiving the target locations from the sensor, for receiving the motion data from the encoder assembly, for determining a target distance for the drive mechanism to propel the machine such that the work module is generally aligned with a particular target in a target area, and for creating a destination signal indicating when the work module is operationally aligned with the target area.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulically operated tool apparatus installs and removes bolts of track shoes for assembling and disassembling endless track assemblies. In the assembly procedure, a wrench of the tool apparatus engages the head portion of a track shoe bolt and rotates the bolt in a clockwise direction at a relatively high speed to thread a nut onto the bolt and secure the track shoe to the track chain. The tool apparatus senses the torque and at a pre-set level, a transmission of the apparatus automatically shifts to rotate the wrench at a relatively low speed. At this point, the tool apparatus starts measuring the angle of rotation, and at a pre-determined angle of about 120.degree., the wrench stops rotating. The rotation of the bolt an additional 120.degree. after the pre-torque level is reached applies the desired torque value to the bolted joint. In the disassembly procedure, the wrench engages the head portion of the bolt and applies a large down pressure to the bolt.

Abstract: An impact wrench with a torque controlling faculty including an air motor for generating a primary torque, an oil pressure pulse generating unit for converting the primary torque into a pulsatory secondary torque, a main spindle to which the pulsatory secondary torque is applied, a transducer for detecting the pulsatory secondary torque and a shut-off valve which is closed to stop a supply of a compressed air to the air motor when the secondary torque exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The main spindle is made of material having the magnetic strictive effect and the distortion of the main spindle is detected by a pair of coils arranged in opposition to the main spindle. The coils are connected into a bridge circuit together with resistors and an exciting current having a sinusoidal waveform is supplied to a first set of diagonal points of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: A valve construction for dual valve automatic and manual shut-off screwdrivers and the like wherein construction of the valve features both valve elements in a central axial bore having a unique valve block which is held in place by a screw in a transverse bore, the unique construction permits operation of the manual valve by a pin in the cross bore, aligns the stem of the manual valve, and permits ready access to the stem and valve of the automatic shut-off device as well as assembly of all of the components through access in a single longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A screw tightening power tool, comprising a rotation motor, a power supply (27) connected to the motor, an output shaft (13), a torque responsive release clutch (14) including a driving half (16) and a driven half (17) and coupling the motor to the output shaft (13), an activating rod (26) coupled to the power supply (27), a latch means (24) associated with one of the clutch halves (16) and cooperating with the activating rod (26), and a cam (30) associated with the other of the clutch halves (17) and operatively connected to the latch (24) for making the latch shift from an activating rod (26) supporting position to an activating rod (26) releasing position as the transferred torque has reached the actual preset release torque level of the clutch. The cam (30) comprises a spindle (30) which is rotatively supported relative to the driven clutch half (17) for a limited rotational movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A torque impulse delivering power tool having an automatic power shut-off (28) and comprises a drive unit (15) including a rotor (16), a power supply (24) connected to the drive unit (15), a power controller (23) included in the power supply (24), an output shaft (20), and a hydraulic impulse clutch (19) coupling intermittently the drive unit (15) to the output shaft (20), which impulse clutch (19) comprises a drive member (18) drivingly connected to the drive unit rotor (16). A retardation responsive trip device (28) includes an inertia influenced activation member (29) which is mounted on a pivot pin (30) on the drive member (18) for movement about an axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the drive member (18) and which is arranged to activate a latch (40-44) by which the power controller (23) is shiftable from an open position to a closed position as a certain retardation magnitude is reached in the drive member (18).

Abstract: A rotary vane air motor tool includes an adjustable torque sensing clutch which disengages the tool bit from the air motor and simultaneously closes a normally open valve to the air motor upon reaching a threshold value. A lever or toggle actuated normally closed valve is operable to initiate operation of the tool. The normally closed valve includes an exhaust or bypass passage to permit resetting of the normally open valve.

Abstract: The power-operated tool, preferably a screw driving implement, includes a switching clutch which transfers the torque from the drive shaft to the output shaft. Upon reaching the given reactive maximum torque, the switching mechanism is activated to turn off the drive. The clutch components are still engaged, so that one torque is transferred to the screw after the unit is turned off. This allows for unsupervised motion upon the output shaft. One should be able to interrupt the torque transfer to the output shaft completely and to return the switching clutch to its original position with certainty and ease. The switching mechanism maintains the valve body of the on-off valve in the open position, with the clutch component of the separating clutch separated by at least one buffer.

Abstract: A hydraulic shoe bolt wrench used to mount and remove shoe bolts which secure shoes to a track chain. The apparatus comprises a vertical cylinder stood upright on a frame moving on a work table, a main frame secured to a piston rod of the vertical cylinder, a wrench socket driving shaft vertically projected below the main frame, a low speed high torque motor and a reduction gear provided on the driving shaft. Pressure oil is supplied to the high speed low torque motor and high pressure oil is supplied to the low speed high torque motor. Switching of the high speed low torque motor to the low speed high torque motor is carried out by a pressure switch disposed in a low pressure hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: The torque and angular displacement transducers in a controlled wrench apparatus are relocated to reduce the problems encountered therewith from the harsh physical environment experienced by such transducers in conventional designs. In one preferred embodiment, both the torque and angular displacement transducers are located at remote locations from the movable elements of the wrench mechanism and are each housed in a conventional hydraulic fitting to be more readily replaceable for maintenance purposes, as compared to the transducers of conventional designs.

Abstract: An end effector device is mounted on the arm of a robot for movement through a predetermined motion relative to control axes of the robot under control of a robot controller which also controls a driver of the device to apply at least one variable programmed drive force to a first part relative to a second part at a work station. Preferably, the driver includes a screwdriver which is driven by an electric motor which, in turn, is controlled to apply a variable programmed torque at a variable programmed speed to a screw. The screwdriver and its electric motor are mounted on a slide for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to a base of the device. An air cylinder is coupled to the slide and is controlled to linearly move the slide so that the screwdriver applies a variable programmed axial force to the screw. The driver has a drive compartment formed therein which is maintained under a negative pressure for receiving and retaining the screw.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tightening rotatable fastener elements including a source of pressurized fluid, a first rotatable actuator having a rotatable output shaft operable in response to fluid flow through the first actuator, first control to allow the first actuator shaft to operate to a first fluid pressure established by the pressure of the source of pressurized fluid, switching device operable in response to the attainment of the first fluid pressure, to supply pressurized fluid to a second rotating actuator device connected to operate the output shaft through a portion of a rotation in response to the attainment of the first pressure to secure the fastener to a selected torque.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a power screwdriver with torque limiter, with a drive unit and a secondary transmission, with an output shaft for the attachment of a keyed bit. According to the invention the drive unit is a pneumatic motor (2) with a compressed-air intake (13) and a compressed-air outlet (14), whereby the differential pressure between the compressed-air intake (13) and the compressed-air outlet (14) (measuring circuits 19 and 20) is taken as the measure of the torque produced by the power screwdriver (1). The differential pressure is measured in a differential pressure measuring device (21) and the measure signal is transmitted to a control unit (23). The control unit (23) contains a comparator unit which compares the measured differential pressure signal with a set value of differential pressure (adjusting potentiometer 24) and transmits a switching signal to a switch unit (solenoid valve 19) to switch off the power screwdriver when the compared values become equal.

Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool.

Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool. A toggle-type trigger controls inlet fluid for forward and reverse operation of the tool.

Abstract: The torque and angular displacement transducers in a yield threshold controlled wrench apparatus are relocated to reduce the problems encountered therewith from the harsh physical environment experienced by such transducers in conventional designs. In one preferred embodiment, both the torque and angular displacement transducers are located at completely remote locations from the movable elements of the wrench mechanism and are each housed in a conventional hydraulic fitting to be more readily replaceable for maintenance purposes, as compared to the transducers of conventional designs.

Abstract: The invention provides a low pressure shut off device contained within a pneumatic tool that senses the air pressure of an air stream supplied to a pneumatic motor and shuts off the air flow when the pressure falls below a predetermined level set to maintain consistent performance of the tool and to avoid damage to the tool or to the workpiece. The invention includes a throttle valve, a throttle piston that moves to open and close the valve, and a device for sensing the air pressure of the supply stream, holding the throttle valve open when the pressure is sufficient and closing it when the supply pressure is insufficient. The invention may also be used in combination with an air control system within a pneumatic tool such that the sensing device shuts off the flow of air to the air control system as well as the motor when the air control system pressure is insufficient.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic machine is provided including an incorporated electronic circuit for controlling and monitoring the operation, which circuit is fed with current delivered by an electric generator rotated by the driving pneumatic air, the electric generator having means for delivering signals representative of at least one operating parameter of the machine usable by the incorporated electronic control and monitoring circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the torque delivered to pipe connections by power tongs by utilizing the reaction torque to cause a proportional fluid by-pass to be bled from the drive motor fluid power supply to slow the motor as torque increases, and to stop the motor at some preselected torque quantity. The torque is maintained as long as the operator provides fluid power to the motor circuit to overcome brief torque resistances due to such as pipe wobble.

Abstract: A torque wrench for making and breaking connections between sections of drill pipe. The torque wrench has upper and lower wrench assemblies, each having a gate, a latch, and a clamp. Clamping cylinders apply clamping pressure to the clamps. Torque cylinders apply torque pressure to the upper wrench assembly, to cause rotation of the upper wrench assembly relative to the lower wrench assembly. When the torque pressure is adjusted, a valve causes the clamping pressure applied to the clamping cylinders to automatically vary linearly with the torque pressure.

Abstract: A control system for power tongs comprises two tongs torque limiters, one of which limits tongs torque to a very low (hand-tight) level; the other limits torque at full make-up to, for example, 2000 ft.-lbs. The hand-tight torque limiter is manually or automatically disabled after the hand-tight level is reached. The system enables the operator to verify that the threads are properly engaged before applying full torque to the connection. The tongs have a very high reduction ratio, so that torque rises very slowly and can be more accurately controlled. The high torque limiter includes a normally closed shunt valve in series with an adjustable choke, the latter of which enables one to maintain a substantial, adjustable, residual torque on the pipe even after the shunt valve opens.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a threaded fastener is automatically attached to an article. The apparatus positions the threaded fastener in contact with the article and applies a torque thereon. A signal is generated indicating the torque level. The signal is compared to preset limits. Different preset torque limits are set for tapping threads in a hole in the article and securing the fastener thereto.

Abstract: A power drive screwdriver that is constructed to automatically stop when a predetermined torque is reached. The screwdriver includes a housing having a pneumatically driven motor therein and an output shaft that is linked to the screwdriver bit through a releasable clutch. A control valve is positioned in the housing to control air flow to the motor. The position of the valve is controlled by a rod that extends through the shaft. A transverse slot extends through the shaft intersecting the bore therein and the transverse slot contains a pair of balls that are retained within the slot by a sleeve encircling the exterior of the shaft. Further, a reset member engages the screwdriver bit and also engages the balls to displace the balls in the slot in a direction to open the valve. When the predetermined torque is encountered, the sleeve moves upwardly, permitting the balls to separate and thereby letting the valve rod move to permit the valve to close.

Abstract: A control system for power tongs comprises two tongs torque limiters, one of which limits tongs torque to a very low (hand-tight) level; the other limits torque at full makeup to, for example, 2000 ft. lb. The hand-tight torque limiter is manually or automatically disabled after the hand-tight level is reached. The system enables the operator to verify that the threads are properly engaged before applying full torque to the connection. The tongs have a very high reduction ratio, so that torque rises very slowly and can be more accurately controlled.